As my local church has begun meeting again—with masks, social distance, and limited numbers—I saw a friend this past Sunday who I hadn’t talked to since lockdowns began. She’s a pastor’s wife, well-grounded in scripture, a homeschooling mom of four, and a nurse. And yet she commented, “I’m really confused about who and what to believe right now. I don’t know what to think; I’m not sure what to do.”

I imagine her words ring true for so many of us. This has been a long season where doubt and confusion are rampant, and it doesn’t seem like that will change with the New Year—at least not immediately. Of course, there are lots of completely natural reasons for it. These are, after all, “unprecedented times.” But I truly believe that there is also a spiritual battle happening. The Bible is clear that Satan is the father of lies and one of his favorite weapons against us is deception; at the same time, we know Jesus desires discernment and truth for His followers. 

These verses jump to mind:

“To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life…’” John 14:6

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

And here’s one you may be less familiar with, spoken prophetically at a time when God was about to bring judgement on Israel:

“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,

    look around and consider,

    search through her squares.

If you can find but one person

    who deals honestly and seeks the truth,

    I will forgive this city.”

Jeremiah 5:1

Apparently, God does not take this issue lightly. There has never been a moment in history when truth was not important for the people of God. And yet this feels like an especially critical time for us to pray for truth and discernment. As we start this new year, let’s carve out a few minutes to come before God asking that 2021 will be a year of truth.

Pray for Covid—that believers will have discernment from God regarding how to stay healthy, provide for their families, and show God’s love to their communities. Where there is conflicting information or false claims about the virus, pray that God would make the truth plain and remove all deception. Pray for health workers and researchers to have understanding and great discernment as they work.

Pray about politics—that those in authority will speak the truth and will not practice any type of deception—from taking bribes to self-protection to saving-face. Pray that any falsehood would be brought to light and shown for what it is. Pray for God to protect and bless those leaders who do stand on the side of truth. Pray for believers in every country to place their faith and hope in Christ alone, not a political party or leader.

Pray for the Church around the world. Right now, many people are spiritually hungry and open to the gospel in a way they hadn’t been before. But cults and false prophets take advantage of that openness too. Pray that God would protect the minds of His people so they would not be tricked or seduced. Pray that those who recognize their need for God would also have the opportunity to understand the true gospel. Pray that the body of Christ would have discernment from the Holy Spirit to know God’s will in every area of life so that they can be a witness to their communities as they speak and live out truth. 

Thanks for praying with us! For a more complete guide to praying for truth (and a pretty thing you can print and stick in your Bible), download our January prayer mailing.