Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55–56
Lord Jesus, this scene from Stephen’s life underscores your tender, tenacious, triumphant commitment to care for us in every season of life—even when circumstances seem to contradict your mercy and might.
As stones pelted his body, Stephen saw you standing at the Father’s right hand. You delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel’s 3 friends) from Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. You delivered Stephen through his “fiery” ordeal into your eternal, glorious presence. You are always present, always good, always sovereign—ALWAYS.
We begin our prayer today praying for the persecuted church, and for those serving you in hostile, dangerous environments. We especially think of your beloved Bride in Ukraine and Russia. Protect them from all evil and harm, or bring them to yourself through the horrors we are observing. Jesus, whatever your sovereign will is, make yourself palpably near, real, and dear to your people. And bring 10,000 times 10,000 others to salvation through the devil’s foolish attempt to destroy your church and the witness of the Gospel.
Because the Gospel is true, our circumstances, “accidents,” or diseases labeled “terminal” are really “transitional.” For we have already passed from death to life, and from judgment for our sin to favor with our God. Hallelujah, so many times over. So Very Amen.
