Strength to Resist, Grace to Stand
O LORD,
The world is artful to entrap,
Approaches and fascinates guise,
Extends many a gilded bait,
presents many a charming face.
Let my faith scan every painted bauble,
and escape every bewitched snare, in a victory that overcomes all things.
In my duties give me firmness, energy, zeal, devotion to thy cause,
courage in thy name, love as a working grace,
and all commensurate with my trust.
Let faith stride forth in giant power,
and love respond with energy in every act.
—Valley of Vision
This prayer from Valley of Vision acknowledges what many of us know all too well—the world is full of enticing distractions, subtle traps, and glittering substitutes for real joy. Temptation rarely comes with warning signs; it often arrives dressed in beauty and charm, seeking to draw our hearts away from the deeper, truer life God offers. The prayer asks for eyes of faith to see through the illusion, and the strength to resist not by willpower alone, but through victory that comes from God. But resistance isn’t the end goal—faith must also lead to action. The prayer moves from escape to engagement: asking for firmness, energy, devotion, courage, and love to live fully for God. This is a prayer for transformed living, for bold faith and active grace in every task and trial. Whether you’re facing temptation, fatigue, or discouragement today, let this become your prayer. Ask God to help you walk with clear-eyed faith and wholehearted love—escaping the snares of the world and stepping boldly into His purposes. Make this your heart’s cry today. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics