Friday - The Letter of James (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Welcome to Daily Prayer.

We've been looking at the wise perspective on trials in James. Today, we look at what the Apostle Peter says about trials. He shows how we may have to suffer trials and grief in this life, but the end result is a proven faith that results in praise, honor, and glory, and the joy of our salvation.

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

Father,

You are the God of all grace. You have called us your own. You've called us to your eternal glory through Christ.

You tell us that after we've suffered a little while, you will restore us and make us strong, firm, and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).

Do your work in us, Lord.

We humble ourselves before you and embrace you as our hope.

Holy Spirit, inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of the Word.

A Scripture Reading from 1 Peter 1:3–9:

"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hopethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

A Prayer of Adoration:

Father, I praise you for your great mercy. You have caused me to be born again into a living hope. Jesus, your resurrection life is my hope. I don't have to make a place for myself or protect myself. You are the great Preserver. Father, you're the great Potter doing a work in me.

A Prayer of Confession and Trust:

Lord, I very rarely consider the promises, the wonderful reality of what you have done for me. This has kept me from the full joy and confidence that you intend me to walk in.

Lord, forgive me for not holding fast to what you have said. I have not demonstrated your worth to others the way that it should be demonstrated because I've been double-minded. Forgive me for my grumbling and complaining, my fear, and impatience.

Lord, you know how often I try to control what I cannot control. I surrender these things to you today.

And today, we make the good confession: "Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again."

Jesus, I trust that you're producing something in me that is more valuable than gold. I trust that you're good and that my grief will not be wasted.

Jesus, I love you. I believe in you. Even in the midst of this refining fire, I say YES to you.

Oh Lord, tenderize my heart and renew my mind to rejoice in you.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Father, I pray that among your people, we would be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Help us to see the beauty of your salvation, even as we're undergoing trials.

Lord, save us to the uttermost. Give us faith eyes and a hungry heart for you.

Help us to be on the lookout for what you're wanting to cultivate in us.

And we particularly pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted and enduring difficulty for the sake of the Gospel.

Lord, grant them the joy of experiencing you and knowing you deeply.

A Moment of Reflection:

Lord, I do not want the trials in my life to be wasted. I want your name to be honored and I want others to be encouraged. How do you want me to respond to the current difficulties I'm facing today?

Have your way in us, Lord.

Let's listen to the passage again with a desire for wisdom:

"6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

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:

Lord, we turn our eyes to you today. Thank you for how you are at work. Continue your good work in us, Lord.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Scripture Reading by Kristin Adcock. Scripture memory verse by Amelie Joy Adcock