A Prayer in Praise of God’s Goodness
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. (Rom. 15:5)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Rom. 15:13)
May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Rom. 15:33)
Gracious Father, your Word never ceases to astonish, nourish, and cause my heart to flourish. Today I’m reveling in the fact that you delight to be known, and I’m rejoicing in who you reveal yourself to be. In this one chapter alone (Rom. 15) out of nearly 1,200 in the Bible, you come to me this very day as . . .
The God of endurance and encouragement. O Father, you know how much I need both of these grace gifts. I’m tired and worn out, and on top of that, I haven’t been sleeping well at all lately. Why can’t our crises be spread out a little more evenly in life? I may be exaggerating out of exhaustion, but it seems like I’ve had an inordinate number of broken people asking of me more than I have to give. Please grant me strength, Father, and encourage my fainting heart.
The God of hope. It’s an increasingly complex world, Father. It feels more uncertain and fragile than ever. Fill my heart with a vision of your finished story. Quicken my senses with the sounds of the new heaven and new earth, the smells of that garden city, the beauty of what it’s going to be like when Jesus finishes making all things new. May this living and sure hope give me courage to serve you sacrificially, with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, Father, I want to overflow with hope, not just be a slow drip.
The God of peace. Father, you are the consummate peacemaker—reconciling enemies and restoring broken things. I only have peace with you because you have made your peace with me through the work of Jesus. May this profound assurance free me today to live as a conduit of your shalom-making love and power. To know that you are with me and for me will be enough.
I pray in Jesus’ matchless name.
Amen.