Holy Spirit, draw us into a close, intimate relationship with You and Your Word above all else, so that we would not be easily fooled by the subtle lies of the enemy. Keep us from underestimating the cunningness of the enemy. Open our eyes to clearly see that his easiest and oldest trap is to twist Your Word. Keep us from engaging in discussions that make us question Your clear and concise instructions.
Father God, make it abundantly clear to us that the reason You have placed us in community is to keep us from being isolated and becoming vulnerable to sin. Remind us that “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Remind us above all that You have already given us the privilege of being Your image bearers, and therefore the temptation to “become just like God” and steal Your glory is only a farce.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our eternal and everlasting covering. Open our eyes to our own vulnerability to sin and show us that our work to be our own covering was, is, and will always be inadequate. We pray that the earthly leaders whom You place as coverings over our lives here on earth would lead us in Your ways alone and keep us from falling or questioning You.
If we all fail, Lord Jesus, help us to run towards You and Your grace, rather than away from You. Show us that the tendency to hide in fear and shame is a direct and immediate consequence of sin in our lives. Remind us that it not only strains our relationship with You, but also strains our relationships with each other in the communities where You have placed us.
Holy Spirit, do not let us miss the fact that a sacrifice had to be made to provide a covering for Adam and Eve and a price was paid with blood in the garden of Eden. Open our eyes so that we can see that our Lord Jesus was a much better Adam in the garden of Gethsemane where He overcame temptation to become the firstborn of a new and glorious creation and an eternal and everlasting covering once and for all for all our sin.
Father God, help us to see that even Your punishment and Your discipline have more mercy and grace in them than any freedom we might imagine hidden away from Your presence and Your voice. You are just and loving with Your children, not cruel! May we remember that a bruised heel is better than a crushed head. May we never forget that an eternal life of righteousness with You is better than an eternal life on earth trapped in our own folly.
Father, Son, and Spirit, keep us and all that is ours away from the effect and curse of the fall. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, now and forever, Amen!
