Weekly Heart Check (Hope)

Welcome to Daily Prayer in our weekly Heart Check. This week, we have remembered that hope is grounded in knowing God. We have exposed the schemes that attack our identity, love, faith, and hope.

We have looked toward the joy of eternity, considered the fruit of perseverance, and asked God to help us finish well. Today is an opportunity to slow down and allow the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts.

A scripture reading from Romans 15:13:

"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."

Biblical hope is settled on the confidence that God is faithful, that Jesus is victorious. Eternity is secure and our lives remain in His hands. Let us end this week in prayer, anchoring our hearts and minds on the eternal hope we have in Christ Jesus.

A prayer of confession:

I confess that I often feel secure when my health is good, my finances are stable, my family is doing well, and my plans are working.

When those things change, fear quickly rises within me.

Forgive me for expecting people, possessions, success, or control to provide what only You can give.

Let's take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of misplaced trust.

Lord, search my heart and reveal where I have placed my hope in temporary things.

A prayer of trust:

Jesus, I trust You with the battles taking place within my heart.

When shame attacks my identity, I trust what You say about me.

When bitterness threatens my love, I trust You with justice.

When heaviness weakens my faith, I trust Your presence.

When grief threatens my hope, I trust that death and loss will not have the final word.

I trust You with the parts of my story I do not understand and the prayers that remain unanswered.

You have carried me before, and You will carry me again.

I choose to believe that Your grace is sufficient, and Your faithfulness will continue.

A prayer of hope:

God of hope, fill me again with joy and peace as I trust in You. Renew hope in every place where discouragement has settled. Help me believe that You are still working. Let hope overflow from my life into my home, my relationships, and every person I encounter. May others be encouraged by the hope I carry in my spirit.

Take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to instill a greater measure of hope.

A closing prayer:

During these last few moments, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with fresh confidence in God's character and promises.

Finish by praying: "God of hope, fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You."

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

*prayers written by Brad Bowen and recorded by Kate and Drew Krenkle