Exodus 1:12b, 22a
“…so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites…Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile…’”

Matthew 2:16
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”

1 Peter 5:7-9
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you…Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”

Mighty God, your kingdom has domain over all the powers and princes of this world.

In oppression you rescue us.  Though we are persecuted by the faithless and troubled from within, you raised up a deliverer who lifts the burden from our sin-weary souls.

In our sorrow and anxiety, remind us that we are people belonging to a different realm and you are bringing us home. Let us not be defeated by the short-lived power of the evil one.

We bring this request to you believing that the name of Christ has authority, for he took all our cares upon himself and claimed victory over the enemy’s furious threats.

Listen to ‘Canticle of the Turning’ by Emmaus Way