Holy God, your truth challenges us to see the reality of who we are in our sinfulness. Our thoughts are not your thoughts, nor our ways your ways. We adapt too easily to the broad way of the world rather than the narrow way of Christ. Because we fail to keep clear the difference between being loyal citizens of an earthly nation and citizens of your realm, we easily lose the perspective of Jesus, go along with the world, and worship at the wrong throne! You call us to be salt and leaven, to speak and live the gospel we confess. Empower us and encourage us to take our place among the believers and join in ministry in our church and beyond. Forgive, O God, our failure, to be your courageous, truth-telling and truth-living prophets. May this be our prayer this week. Amen.