Forward with the Shield of Faith

Heavenly Father,

I lay before you all that I am: my faith, which yearns for you, and my unbelief, which needs your help.

Today, I ask you above all for my faith. I pray that it may not falter when it is tested. I know that you know me better than I know myself, and you know all my weaknesses and doubts.

Just as you once prayed for Peter, I know that even today you pray for me to the Father. This thought gives me immeasurable comfort and strength. You hold me in your hands.

“But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)

Lord, help me to build my life upon you. I desire my foundation to be so solid that the storms of doubt, worry, and fear cannot shake or destroy me.

I know that days will come when everything around me will rage, when it will seem as though all is about to crumble. Help me, in those times, to stand firm, anchored in you.

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25)

And that rock, that one true foundation, is you, Jesus Christ. I do not wish to build on the sand of my own achievements, my own strength, the opinions of others, or my current feelings. All of this is transient.

You alone endure forever. You are the only certainty in this uncertain world.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Father, equip me for the spiritual battle that awaits me today. I know that the devil whispers lies to me, tempts me toward despair and fear, and sows seeds of doubt about your goodness.

Place in my hands the weapon with which I can resist him. May my faith be my shield against all his attacks.

“Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

But Lord, I wish to be honest before you. At times, this shield feels so heavy. At times, my faith is so small and fragile, riddled with holes.

There are moments when I want to believe with all my heart, yet a part of me still doubts. In my helplessness, I cry out to you, like the father in the Gospel who yearned for his son to be healed.

“Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”” (Mark 9:24)

Thank you for understanding my weakness and not condemning my unbelief. Thank you that my strength comes not from myself, but from you alone.

When I am weak, you are strong. Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Therefore, I will not rely on myself, but on you.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Lord, I ask you, strengthen me today with your power. May my faith, though it be small, yet fortified in you, become a light and a support to my brothers and sisters who may be in darkness this day.

Help me to live in such a way that I may fulfill your request, and through my own experience of your grace, strengthen the faith of others.