Editor’s Note: original publication date November 2, 2019; see Update 06/14/2020 below post.
Grant To Us A Sufficient Understanding Of The Signs Of The Times
High King of heaven, Lord of the years and sovereign over time and history, grant to us such an overpowering knowledge of who you are that our trust in you may be unshakable.
Grant to us too a sufficient understanding of the signs of the times in which we live that we may know how to serve your purposes in our generation and more truly be your people in our world today.
To that end, O Lord, revive us again and draw us closer to yourself and to each other.
Where there is false contentment with our present conditions, sow in us a holy restlessness.
Where there is discouragement, grant us fresh hearts.
Where there is despair, be our hope again.
For your sake empower us to be your salt and light in the world, and thus your force for the true human flourishing of your shalom.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
*Prayer quoted from Os Guinness, Renaissance: The Power of the Gospel However Dark the Times, Kindle Edition, 30.
UPDATE 06/14/2020
Editor’s note: original publication date November 2, 2019. A prayer asking God for discernment amidst the overwhelming relativism in the U.S.
The classic concept of relativism is “the belief that different things are true, right, etc., for different people or at different times.”
Merriam-Webster’s online (accessed 6/14/2020) offers the following definitions:
- a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing
- a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
Both definitions align with the classic concept, somewhat. In the past, this theory has been used to denounce religion, specifically Christianity. Slogans such as “truth is relative” is an example of yet another unprincipled leftist construct to counter the Christian claim to truth. And, in our pluralistic society, previously, everyone went on their merry way.
However, just since November 2, 2019, note how the mainstream media, leftist owned websites, domestic terrorists, rioters, looters, the bastion of filth known as Hollywood, etc., would have us believe that “ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them” and if you, also, do not agree and bow to them, then you are a [fill in the leftist politically expedient blank].
At this time in America’s history, we need wisdom and discernment so that we may understand the signs of the times. We must hold to God’s truth and to God’s truth about us, to be able to withstand in the evil day (Ephesians 6:13).
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:13-14a
No signs require as much discernment as the conflicting signs of relativism.
On the battlefield of the mind, we have home team advantage.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
