The Bible says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affection, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Paul in the book of Romans is saying no matter what we face in this life we should be hopeful and patient knowing that the LORD our God is working everything for our good. (Romans 8:28)
Romans 12:12 is also saying that we are can only become joyful, hopeful, and patient when we trust in the LORD God and when we are faithful in prayer. If we are faithful in our prayer life, we are placing our problems before God’s throne of grace and courts of heaven. And we know that the LORD our God is working always in our behalf behind the scenes. Therefore, we should come before the LORD our God making a joyful noise in thanksgiving for His life sustaining mercy and grace. Faithfulness in prayer will strengthen you and continuously build up your joy, hope, and patience. Remember, to be faithful in prayer and rejoice in the LORD always!
Scripture Verses for Meditation
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meaning while praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:2-3)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for tis is the will of God in Christ Jesus of you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-8)
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
“Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalm 37:7)
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)
“Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.” (Psalm 27:11)
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“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
“The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here?’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John: 10:10)
“Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you rece3ive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)
“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful of this end all perseverance and supplications for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18) Further Scripture Verses: Philippians 4:4; James 5:16; Romans 12:2; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 55:22.
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, You are above all things, know all, and see all. Yet You hear me when I pray as if I am the only one in your creation. My family and friends need you today as they make decisions at their place of employment and within their families around the world. Father, please show them that You are closer than their family members on earth. Be near them when they pray to You trusting and having faith in You to take care of their every need on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for hearing me and listening to my pleas. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture Verses are taken from the NKJV of the Holy Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Scriptural Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org.