Opening Reflection
Sundays usually begin with a song. I could name plenty off the top of my head, and I’m sure you could too. Many of you are heading to church today or already have — songs still ringing in your heart.
Looking Back
But freedom to worship hasn’t always been protected. There was a time when prayer — and even Bible reading — were part of the school day. In the early 1960s, that was taken away. Those decisions marked the beginning of a slow shift in our country, where faith was pushed further and further out of public life.
Today’s Reality
Now, decades later, the news reports that Christian persecution in the U.S. has risen by 800 percent. What started with the removal of prayer and Scripture has only grown bolder.
Faith Anchor
That’s why we can’t afford to be casual about our faith. Prayer is key. God’s Word steadies us. Waiting until you’re behind bars to finally open a Bible is not the answer. We need to be rooted now, while we still can.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 NKJV)
Devotional Thought
Strength doesn’t suddenly appear in crisis. It’s built day by day, moment by moment, as we choose to pray, to read, to stay close to the Lord. The time to prepare your heart is not when the storm breaks, but while the sun is still shining.
Prayer for the Week
Lord, give us hearts that hunger for Your Word today. Help us not to wait for crisis to call on You, but to walk with You daily. Strengthen us to stand firm in the face of trials. Amen.
Journal Prompt
If prayer and Scripture were taken out of your daily life tomorrow, would your faith stand steady? What steps can you take this week to deepen your walk with Christ?
