I trust Almighty God that through the power of Your Spirit I will not become callous toward death. Though it is often spoken of and too closely experienced, familiarity lacks the power to completely anesthetize me to its misalignment with Your original design. May the wings of my spirit flutter and keep me awake even though I would prefer to sleep through the suffering in this world. You said there would be war and rumors of war. Even from a distance, my heart regards death as weighty evidence of the enemy influence in this world. Sober me with thoughts of its approach and give me opportunities to encourage those who face it sooner than I will. Let us keep in mind the things of eternity when temporal affairs make little sense and weigh heavy on the heart. Only Your Word can prepare us for the inevitable moment when that final door opens. Give Your people the eyes to see the light on the other side, Lord Jesus. Show Your servant ways to be ready even as the ungodly world scarcely expects the end. In the fear of God, I anticipate the glory that eclipses the shadow of death. Under the blessed assurance in Psalm 23:4 and the authority of Christ Jesus, I bow in contemplative prayer.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
    Your rod and Your staff,
    they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, ESV