Monday - The Letter of James (James 5:7-8)

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This week we're reflecting on the call to patience and endurance as we

wait for the coming of the Lord.

As we begin our time together, let's pause and reflect on the one we're about to spend time with,

the maker of all things, the one who knows all things, the Lord of heaven and earth.

Let's take a few deep breaths and quiet ourselves before him.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.

How unsearchable His judgments and His paths beyond tracing out.

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been His counselor?

Who has ever given to God that God should repay them?

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom. 11:33-36)

Lord, we submit ourselves to you.

We humble ourselves before you today.

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

A scripture reading from James 5:7-8,

"Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn

and spring rains.

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

A prayer of confession:

Lord, we confess how impatient and forgetful we are.

Forgive us for the ways that we resist you when life is hard.

You have promised to come, but we are weary of waiting.

We have doubted that you will ever send the rain, and we have taken our eyes off of you and your purposes.

Forgive us for losing heart and not standing firm.

Forgive us for how we've compromised when things are hard.

Lord, you tell us to let perseverance finish its work so that we lack nothing, but we've been

running and hiding from difficulty.

At times we feel forsaken, empty, and forgotten.

Lord, have mercy.

Forgive us for not trusting your goodness and care.

Today we choose to establish our hearts. We trust that you're at work even when we can't see what

you're doing.

We know that you're coming back to make all things new.

Today we make the good confession. You are the Potter, and you are forming something good.

You are the Gardener, and you're removing all the weeds in barren places so that we'll be whole and

fruitful.

You are the coming King, and even when we don't understand, we know that in the end,

it will all be worth it.

We look to you for life.

A prayer of intercession:

Lord, help us to embrace this life-changing perspective in the midst of our difficulties.

You're doing a good work. Nothing will be wasted. You're coming again.

Help us to be single-minded and not blown and tossed by the wind,

to establish our hearts, to stand firm, because we know you're coming back.

You will reward all who do not give up.

Give us a vision of the preciousness of the harvest that's coming.

And Lord, send the rain.

Father, we pray for those who are walking through trials today.

Strengthen those who are weary.

Would you bring comfort to those who are grieving in this season?

For those who can't think clearly because of so much fog, bring clarity through your Word and

Spirit.

For those who need healing, we bring them before you.

We particularly pray for the persecuted church around the world, those who are being mistreated,

taken advantage of, who've lost family or been dishonored and mistreated in their communities

because of their faith in Jesus.

Lord, we remember them.

We ask that you would protect them and uphold them. Give them strength and endurance.

Abba, help us to be a family that walks alongside our brothers and sisters in their suffering.

Strengthen us as a body to remain steadfast in faith and love. to continue to serve one another,

to proclaim and share the good news of Jesus as we await your return.

We want to finish well, Lord. Give us grace and vision.

Let's listen to the passage again.

"Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn

and spring rains.

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

This week our memory verse is James 5:8. It's the call to be patient and stand firm because the

Lord's coming is near. Let's commit to embrace this call for steadfastness together as believers in

Christ. Let's say the verse out loud if possible.

James 5:8

"You too, be patient and stand firm

because the Lord's coming is near."

A closing prayer:

Lord, we commit our hearts to you.

Lord, strengthen our hearts in the hope of your coming.

We say yes to not giving up or giving in, to waiting on you.

to being faithful in the ordinary times and steadfast in the difficult times.

You are coming again.

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

In your name we pray,

Amen.