Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12.

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 73: The horn of salvation. Psalm 18:2-3: The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. And, Luke 1:69-71: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant – as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old – salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us.

There is something powerful binding us to all who have come before. God’s love for us and our love for Him. And we can think we are so far removed from ancient times, but we are people living in our own time just as they did who lived in theirs, and just as all will who come after us. We marvel at the faith and courage of those who came before; but like the frog in the proverbial water growing hotter without the frog being aware, we too are living in water we are so accustomed to we cannot see the changing temperature. This amazing story we are all a part of is still ongoing. What times are we living in? The very times that have challenged humanity through all time. Do we believe God as He reveals Himself or do we go our own away choosing to worship ourselves as though we are all-knowing, and in that hubris turn away from our Creator and His help? Do we long for the kingdom of God and for God Himself who is love and truth and Spirit, or do we trust in flawed systems we build? Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14. There is an upward call of God in Christ Jesus, and He is the One who lays hold of us. And we begin to see how connected we are to all who came before who loved God. Streams of living water bind us to Him and to one another and our focus becomes loving and trusting God for all that is needed for all of us.

***YOUR NAME BE PRAISED O God, early in the morning do I cry out to You; help me to pray and to think only of You. I cannot pray alone. In me there is darkness, but with You there is light. I am lonely, but You leave me not. I am feeble in heart, but You leave me not. I am restless, but with You there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience. Your ways are past understanding, but You know the way for me. O heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for the peace of the night. I praise and thank You for this new day. I praise and thank You for all Your goodness and faithfulness throughout my life. You have granted me many blessings; now let me accept tribulation from Your hand. You will not lay on me more than I can bear. You make all things work together for good for Your children. LORD Jesus Christ, You were poor and in misery, a captive and forsaken as I am. You know all men’s distress; You abide with me when all others have deserted me; You do not forget me but seek me. You will that I should know You and turn to You. LORD, I hear Your call and follow You; help me. Chiefly I remember all those imprisoned for their faith. LORD have mercy, restore them to liberty, and enable me to so live now that I may answer before You and before the world. LORD, whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Prayers from Prison (University of Michigan, 1977), 7. Adapted.***