IN THY STRENGTH, O LORD … THOU HAST GIVEN HIM HIS HEART’S DESIRES [friday Blues 1-011]

 

17 October 2025  /  friday Blues 1-011

 

IN THY STRENGTH, O LORD … THOU HAST GIVEN HIM HIS HEART’S DESIRES

by Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje (KSJI)

+234 80 34 72 59 05   /   druzoadirieje2015@gmail.com

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Reflections on the spirituality and meaning of the Prayer of the Knights of St. John

 

“In Thy strength, O Lord, the just man rejoices; and in Thy salvation how greatly shall he exult! Thou hast given him his heart’s desires.” — Psalm 21:1–2

 

This profound verse, drawn from the Psalms, forms the spiritual foundation of the Prayer of the Knights of St. John the Baptist, inspiring courage, humility, and devotion among the members of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI). It reminds every Knight that strength, victory, and fulfillment come not through human effort alone, but through the divine power and providence of Almighty God.

 

The phrase “In Thy strength, O Lord” captures the essence of Christian knighthood — dependence on God’s might rather than on worldly power. The Knights of St. John are called to be defenders of faith, justice, and charity, standing firm in truth and service. Yet, like the biblical King David, they recognize that every triumph in life or service is made possible by the sustaining strength of the Lord. This divine empowerment enables the Knight to conquer inner weakness, overcome temptation, and uphold the moral and spiritual ideals of their Order and the Church.

 

The continuation, “Thou hast given him his heart’s desires,” speaks of the intimate relationship between God and the faithful servant. It does not merely refer to earthly wishes or material success, but to the deep spiritual longing of a righteous heart — the desire to serve God faithfully, to love one’s neighbour, and to fulfill one’s mission with integrity and humility. When the Knight’s heart aligns with God’s will, his desires are purified, and God grants them because they reflect divine purpose.

 

In the Prayer of the Knights of St. John the Baptist, this verse is both a thanksgiving and a pledge. It acknowledges that all blessings — strength, courage, leadership, fraternity, wealth, power, position, authority, and peace — flow from God. At the same time, it commits the Knight to use these blessings in service to others. The Knight becomes a channel of God’s strength, extending it to the weak, the poor, and the oppressed.

 

This prayer also reflects the model of St. John the Baptist, patron Saint of our Order. John lived a life of humility, truth, and sacrifice, preparing the way for the Lord. Like him, every Knight is called to bear witness to Christ in a world that often rejects divine truth. Through prayer, discipline, and charity, the Knight strives to echo John’s fearless proclamation: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

Thus, “In Thy strength, O Lord…” becomes both a daily prayer and a way of life — a reminder that every act of service, every victory over sin, every advancement in the lives of Knights and Ladies of St. John the Baptist, every advancement of the Order’s mission, rests on divine grace. And when God grants the Knight “his heart’s desires,” it is not a gift of pride or privilege, but a fulfillment of a holy calling: to serve God and humanity faithfully, courageously, and selflessly.

 

CONCLUSION AND SUPPLICATION

O Lord, our Strength and our Salvation, grant that we, Your Knights of St. John the Baptist, as members and families of the KSJI, may always find joy in serving You. Strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and make our desires one with Your divine will. Help us to walk in humility, truth, and courage, defending the faith and uplifting the poor and the weak. May Your strength be our shield, and Your grace our reward. As You have given us the desires of our hearts, grant that we may use them always to glorify You, build Your Kingdom, and promote humanity’s common good. Amen!

 

St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

 

 

Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a distinguished and multidimensional communicator whose work as a writer, columnist, blogger, reviewer, editor, and author bridges the intersections of global health, sustainable development, human rights, climate justice, and governance. He is the Chief of Protocols of the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International, and has attained the Noble (highest) degree of the Order. He has been honoured as ‘Ezinna’ CMO of St. John of the Cross Parish, Amaruru, Orlu Diocese, Imo State; and ‘Ezinna’ CWO of St. Martin Parish, Lugbe Abuja. He holds a number of chieftaincy titles including ‘High Chief Ugwumba I of Amaruru clan’, and ‘Ahaejiejemba Ndigbo Lagos State’.