Wednesday - The Letter of James (James 5:10-11)

Welcome to Daily Prayer. We're coming to the end of our study of the letter of James. And this week

we're looking at the call to patience and perseverance.

As we begin our time together, let's take a few deep breaths and quiet our hearts before the Lord.

Lord, we draw near to you.

You are our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in trouble.

We give all our worries and cares to you.

"Preserve us with your mighty power. that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity.

And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen."

we humble ourselves before you today.

Lord, inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.

A Scripture reading from James 5:10-11

"As an example of suffering and patience, brothers. Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast.

Prayers of gratitude:

Lord, we thank you for the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us.

For the prophets who spoke your Word and did your will. We are surrounded by stories of people who maintained faith in the midst of great suffering and loss.

Thank you for the men and women who have fought the good fight, who have finished the race and kept

the faith.

Lord, thank you for the promise of the crown of life that you've made to all who love you and do not quit.

We thank you for how you've sustained us thus far in our journey.

Thank you for what you're forming in us.

Thank you for your promise to never leave us or forsake us.

A prayer of confession:

Lord, we repent for being half-hearted, and double-minded.

We have allowed ourselves to be weighed down by the cares of this life and the desire for other

things.

We confess that we've not thrown off everything that hinders.

We've carried with us many things that we look to for comfort and security, and they have kept us from drawing close to you in our difficulties.

We have not focused our attention on you or on those who remain steadfast under trial.

We acknowledge that we've been weakened by our distracted eyes.

Prayer of intercession:

Holy Spirit, inspire us with the stories of your sustaining grace,

with the men and women of faith and courage.

Direct our gaze to the eternal things, to cherish your promises and the stories found in the Bible

that give us hope.

Lord, give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you.

Give us vision to see things like you do.

Protect us from the attacks of the evil one.

Father, watch over those who are working and weeping today.

For those suffering and those in seasons of testing,

uphold them and deliver them, we pray.

Inspire us to show up for one another. For our words and actions to lift up our families and honor

your Name.

Let's listen to the passage again:

"As an example of suffering and patience, brothers. Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the

Lord.

Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast."

And now the verse from James 5:8 that we're memorizing together as a community:

James 5:8,

"You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near."

A closing blessing from Romans 15:4-6:

"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.

I have decided to follow Jesus