Reading Mark 5 this morning reminded me of this prayer from the “Valley of Vision,” one that I find so fitting to pray for myself and others when hardships come.
O, Lord, I bless you that the issue of battle between yourself and Satan has never been uncertain, and will end in victory! Calvary broke the dragon’s head, and I contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his subtlety and strength has already been overcome. When I feel the serpent at my heel may I remember him whose heel was bruised, but who, when bruised, broke the devil’s head. My soul with inward joy extols the mighty conqueror. Heal me of any wounds received in the great conflict; if I have gathered defilement, if my faith has suffered damage, if my hope is less than bright, if my love is not fervent, if some creature-comfort occupies my heart, if my soul sinks under the pressure of the fight. O God, whose every promise is balm, every touch life, draw near to your weary warrior again, refresh me, that I may rise again to wage the strife, and never tire until my enemy is trodden down. Give me such fellowship with you that I may defy Satan, unbelief, the flesh, the world, with delight that comes not from a creature and which a creature cannot mar. Give me a draught of the eternal fountain that lies in your immutable, everlasting love and decree. Then shall my hand never weaken, my feet never stumble, my sword never rest, my shield never rust, my helmet never shatter, my breastplate never fall, as my strength rests in the power of your might.
Amen.