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Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.
~ Phil. 3:1

A reminder to rejoice and a warning, go together. It is a safeguard for us to rejoice. And it is essential that we watch out for those who would seek to take away the source of our rejoicing – through false religion. In prayers let us remember to rejoice in the Lord, and also to be faithful in ensuring that no false teacher can take away our joy in Him.

Petition: Please join with us in praying for:

1. Belgium – where there have been 45,325 cases, with 27,991 cases still active.
   Belgium has seen the world’s highest proportion of deaths per population, at 597 per million people and a total of 6,917 who have passed away. Please pray for the families and friends who will be mourning such tragic loss. And pray for their government and health officials.
2. Northern Territory – now has 28 cases (up 0 from a week ago) with 0 deaths. The NT has announced that it intends to return to the ‘new’ normal by June. Australia has a whole this has gone up to 6,703 (up 16 in a day). There have been 80 deaths (up 2). 5,372 people have recovered (up 236). 129 are in hospital (43 in ICU).
3. Military veterans. Yesterday was ANZAC day – a special day for Australians but especially veterans and their families. Pray for those who still live with the scars of war.
4. Churches would normally be at the centre of ANZAC remembrance today. Pray for those who have had to minister in such different and difficult circumstances.
5. For all of us who struggle with the prevalence and existence of violence and evil in this world.
   We long for the day when the Prince of Peace shall reign in peace.

A Prayer of Repentance: O LORD, we confess that we are far too prone to glorify violence or far too quick to forget the tremendous suffering and sacrifice of those who died for the freedoms that we now enjoy. Help us to be ever mindful and grateful for what we have received, Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving: O LORD, thank You that we live in a free country – where we are free to worship You without fear of being punished. Thank You that we live in a democratic country, where as citizens we are involved in the life of our society. We pray that You would preserve our freedoms, and that we would use them wisely and thankfully. May we use our freedom to worship, to worship in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Daily devotions by David Robertson via Christians United — COVID19 Call to Prayer.