Thursday - The Letter of James (suffering/character/hope in Romans 5)

Welcome to Daily Prayer.

We've been looking at the wise perspective on trials. Today, we're looking at what the Apostle Paul says about trials in Romans 5. He shows how God uses our current difficulties to shape our character and anchor us in a Spirit-inspired hope and love that will not put us to shame.

As we begin our time together, let's take a few deep breaths and fix our gaze on the Lord.

Father,

We draw near to you today.

You see the whole story of our lives.

Oh Lord, help us not lose heart.

Give us an eternal perspective.

"Teach us, oh Lord, to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90)

Lord, we humble ourselves before you.

Inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your word.

A Scripture Reading from Romans 5:1–5:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

A Prayer of Adoration:

Lord, I praise you for giving us access to your glory and grace. We have peace with you forever. Jesus, you have done for us what we could never do for ourselves. We stand in your grace. We make our boast in the hope of the glory of God. You have given us your Spirit and filled us with your love, and for that, we adore you.

A Prayer of Confession and Trust:

Lord, forgive us for allowing temporary circumstances to determine how we think about you. Forgive me for not taking seriously the wisdom of your word. You teach us to count it as joy, to rejoice, to glory in our suffering. Lord, I definitely have not been rejoicing or celebrating in the midst of difficulty.

Renew my mind to trust your wisdom and to value what you value. Give me vision to see things like you do. Blessed be the name of the Lord. You treasure us embracing faith, hope, and love. You value the good work of character you're shaping in us.

Lord, I'm provoked by the example of Abraham in Romans 4. "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:20-21).

We don't want to waver, Lord. We trust in your power and faithfulness to do what you promise.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Father, we pray for those feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. Uphold them, Lord. For those who are suffering, give endurance. Give a vision of what is to come. No eye has seen, no ear has heard what you have prepared for those that love you. Give them a glimpse, Lord.

For those who are discouraged, remind them that you're near.

Holy Spirit, I'm asking that you would pour love into the hearts of all those who are weary and empty.

A Moment of Reflection:

Holy Spirit, I don't want to be offended by difficulty. Would you show me if I'm holding on to any disappointment or any offense that's keeping me from rejoicing in what you've promised, or keeping me from being filled with love and hope in this season?

Lord, we release these offenses and burdens to you.

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

"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Our Weekly Passage to Memorize and Consider:

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:

Give us wisdom today, Lord. We take our stand in your grace. Help us never lose heart. We know you are at work. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

*Scripture reading by Kristin Adcock. Scripture memory Amelie Joy Adcock and Clara West