The Kyiv Chamber Choir, sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?

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Today’s reading is from the Book of Revelation.

Apoc 12:7-12

And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming,

‘Now have come the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God

and the authority of his Messiah,

for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down,

who accuses them day and night before our God.

But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony,

for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.

Rejoice then, you heavens

and those who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea,

for the devil has come down to you

with great wrath,

because he knows that his time is short!’

Good against evil, angels versus demons, hell throwing itself against the power of heaven. This passage has all the drama of a Hollywood blockbuster! As you begin your prayer today, it might feel as if it’s a million miles from where you are. What’s your first reaction to being presented with this story?

The battle has hardly begun when we jump to its outcome. God is about to win a decisive victory and will never be challenged again. Living as we do in a world where good and bad are thoroughly mixed, how do you react to this promise?

Hearing the passage again, notice where and how human beings are brought into this cosmic drama.

One appropriate reaction to all this, the passage suggests, is rejoicing. We are invited to join the rejoicing of the whole universe at the assurance of God’s victory. What’s your response to this invitation? Speak to God about whatever has most struck you in the last few minutes.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.