Psalm 46:1–5: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

Loving Savior in Heaven, we live in a world filled with fears—fears of terrorism, of war, of environmental crisis, of disease and death, or moral and cultural breakdown. Some of these fears are in response to genuine and major threats; others are in response to false or exaggerated threats.

I pray for Your people, those who know You to be the omniscient Designer, the Omnipotent Creator, and the faithful Sustainer of this world, the God who works all things according to the counsel of His own will, that they will not be captive to such fears, but will recognize You as their mighty fortress, their unshakeable rock of defense, and their good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

Give us confidence, I pray, that will enable us to carry on in service to You regardless of dangers, knowing that Your promise holds true to be with us to the end of the age, and that Your Father has given You all authority in Heaven and on Earth. So motivate and empower Your people, especially those called to be evangelists, pastors, and teachers, but all the rest of us as well, to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all things that You have commanded them. Amen.