2 Chronicles 20:15, 17b, 21-22
“He said: ‘Listen…Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s…Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’…Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’  As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men…who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”

Acts 16:25-26
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.”

Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Defender God, you are the great champion of truth and righteousness.

Though we are surrounded, you fight the battle on our behalf when you are welcomed in by our praises.

Touch our fearful hearts, causing us to look not at our swords but at our songs; may they ring true with the sound of grateful rejoicing.  Advance your kingdom in your strength and not in ours, O Lord.

This we ask, requesting all in the name of Jesus, who challenged the enemy of our souls and secured eternal victory on our behalf.  Praise his name forever!

Listen to ‘How Gentle God’s Commands‘ by Ordinary Time