A Prayer About Defending The Faith

When I encounter skeptics

ETERNAL FATHER,

My usual way of acting in an argument is to prove the other person wrong, hitting hard with facts and logic. I want to win, probably because I’m so competitive but also, I’ll have to admit, because it bolsters my self-esteem and confidence. But at such times I’m really only thinking of myself and not about the issue or the other individual. I’m especially vulnerable to this approach when someone says something outrageous about the Christian faith. And so I attack, hitting hard. That approach tends to win the debate but lose the person. And one place where I don’t want that to happen is in someone’s relationship with you, for that has eternal consequences. You have told me to be ready to explain my faith, Lord, and to do it in a gentle and respectful way. So please help me hold my tongue and respectfully listen to the other person’s position. Then give me the words to say in those moments and the right attitude in saying them. And help my life match my words; I want to be a positive representative of Christ.

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16