“And after being prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and his dinner guests” Matthew 14:8-9).
One never knows what prompts are in the background. You need not fear them; but be aware of them. There are often the wicked who have another thing in mind than what You might anticipate. Live in such a way that you avoid being cornered by wickedness. If it happens, turn back to the place where You are not trapped by those who seek things that are not pleasing to the Lord.
Guide me, Lord, by Your word so that I understand the circumstances around me. Help me to be aware and intentional in all that I do. Help me to understand fully what it means to love my neighbor. When I am confronted with a sinful choice, help me to live in love such that I would graciously refuse that which is evil. Grant me strength but, I pray, first awareness, to avoid such circumstances.
Lead me, Holy Spirit, in the way I need to go so that I stay on the narrow path of salvation. Guide me in Your goodness to live in that goodness all the moments of my day. Show me the pits that are before me so that I do not fall into them. Help me to help others when they have fallen into a pit so that I may live out the command of loving my neighbor as myself. Teach me to be gracious and kind as You are gracious and kind. Amen
