Lord, increase our faith!

 
The shootings in Aurora, Colorado, offer a dark reminder that the salvation of the world is still a work in progress. In our faith we are saved through the victory of God in Christ over the forces of death. But as Ephesians reminds us, the devil is still on the loose: "You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient." (Ephesians 2:1-2)

Rather than giving up on God, now is a time when we need to pray to God to increase our faith (Luke 17:5). We draw in these hours on Martin Luther's timeless words -- written, as it happens, for children to instruct them in the faith:

Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
And bring to naught all he has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,
For you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church that we
may sing your praise eternally.

O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.

 [Image: a mulberry tree; see Luke 17:6]

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