Friday July 28, 2023

Today is Friday, July 28 and we are studying what the Bible says about perseverance.

I come to this time of prayer and intentionally slow down. I breathe deeply, release the tension of the day and invite God to speak to me in the stillness of this quiet space.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful for your promises that remind me I am not alone on this pilgrim journey, but you walk with me. Hold my hand. Lead me, guide me, encourage me and strengthen my steps. Amen.

As a new day dawns, I worship God and praise him with the words of Psalm 104.

May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works— he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 104:31-33

Pause and Pray

As we continue on our Christian pilgrimage it is a good time to pause and consider where we have been and where we are going. How has this pilgrim journey through the Psalms of Ascent shaped me? Do I need to gain perseverance to complete my journey? The Bible tells us to look for instruction in God’s Holy Word. The purpose of scripture is to provide those in a situation where perseverance is needed with the exact encouragement that will enable them to hold fast and gain hope. This understanding is especially evident in Paul’s letter to the Romans.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

Paul explains that everything in the Bible was written to teach me. Reading the scriptures will encourage me, give me endurance on my Christian walk and provide me hope. I cannot attain these things on my own. According to Paul, they are a gift of God. God gives endurance and encouragement. Paul concludes his statement with a prayer. This prayer is for me as well as the early Christian followers. May God give me endurance and encouragement. May God give me the same attitude toward others that Christ had.

Ask: How have I gained perseverance and encouragement through the gift of God? How has God used my Christian community to give me these gifts?

Pause and Pray

Holy and blessed Lord, thank you for the Bible. I am grateful that I find your words sitting on my shelf and at the swipe of my fingers waiting to be read and enjoyed. Instruct me in the way I should go and grant me the endurance and encouragement you promise so that I find hope on this pilgrim journey. Remind me of the blessings of Christian community. Thank you for the brothers and sisters with whom I share the faith. I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God’s Word is full of instruction to lead a holy and happy life on earth and find eternal salvation in heaven. I have the opportunity every day to learn from God and find wisdom for my daily choices and concerns. I consider what God might be saying to me through today’s scripture passage. Maybe I am lacking in endurance, encouragement or hope and God wants to provide a fresh supply. Perhaps my attitude is not aligned with Christ and God wants to correct my thinking. Maybe I am to join with others to praise and glorify the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I invite you into the recesses of my soul. Show me the places where I give up too soon. Reveal the times when I tend to lose heart. Usher in your endurance and encouragement and teach me what it means to persevere in faith and love. I offer this day to you and ask you to be my teacher and guide. Amen.

So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. Colossians 1:10-11

I leave this time of prayer inspired by the Word of God, I go to love and serve others in word and deed.

Amen