Matthew 16; 2 Timothy 2; Romans 8; Matthew 16

Father, by your grace and scripture, I discern the signs of the times. I am aware of false teachers and those who would deceive me with lies, worldly fears, and false doctrine.

I have studied your word, and I have communed with you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You, Holy Spirit, have witnessed to my spirit the way, the truth, and the life that is in Christ Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I know you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You have built your body, the church, upon you as the solid and sure and eternal foundation.

You raised up and saved and converted men into dedicated Apostles who built upon you as the Rock of foundation and them as smaller rocks laid up on you.

You gave them grace to set up standards of practice for worship and membership, and sacraments of your church, so that your body, the church, would remain on earth and succeed despite all the powers of hell.