Welcome to Daily Prayer.

This week, we're beginning a 12-week journey through the letter of James, the brother of Jesus. James begins by giving us perspective on how to approach our trials and difficulties. We're to consider it joy because we know that it is developing something in us that will not be wasted. God has promised a reward to the ones who remain steadfast until the end. 

As we begin our time together, let's quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.

Draw Near:

Lord, we draw near to you today. You tell us that we can draw near to you, and you will draw near to us. We want to experience your nearness today. Lord, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Lord, we cast all of our cares on you today. 

A Prayer for Wisdom:

Lord, we humble ourselves before you. 

Strengthen us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.

A Scripture Reading from James 1:1-4:

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, 

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Lord, I join with James in saying that I am your servant, and I desire to do your will. 

Father, I am your servant. Jesus, I am your servant. You are in charge of my life.

A Prayer of Confession and Trust: 

Lord, forgive us for the ways we resist you when life is hard. Trials have made me feel lack, but you are working something in us so that we lack nothing. 

You tell us to let perseverance finish its work, but I've been running and hiding from difficulty. Lord, forgive me for not trusting in your goodness and wisdom. Today, we choose to trust you. We trust that you are at work even when we cannot see what you're doing. Today, we make the good confession: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. You are the potter, and you're forming something good in us.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Lord, your Word tells us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22) Lord, help us to embrace this life changing perspective on our difficulties. You tell us to choose joy. 

Lord, give us grace to say yes to your perspective today. Father, we pray for those who are walking through trials today. Would you strengthen those who are weary? Father, comfort those who are grieving. Lord, provide for those who are struggling, and hope to those who feel discouraged. And Abba, help us to be a family that walks alongside our brothers and sisters in their suffering. Oh Lord, give us the Spirit of wisdom to see things like you do.

A Moment of Reflection: 

Lord, is there any situation I'm currently facing where you want my perspective to shift?

As we listen to the passage again, let's listen for a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit may want to highlight from today's verses.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

We choose joy today. 

Scripture Memory Verse from James:

And now our weekly passage to memorize and consider.

I want to invite you to repeat this passage out loud, if possible.

James 1:5

“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.”

A Closing Prayer:

Lord, give us wisdom. Do your work in us. Help us not to lose heart, but to trust that you're at work and the best is yet to come. 

In the name of Jesus, 

Amen.

*Scripture reading by Clara West. Scripture memory verse by Amelie Joy Adcock