“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
We now come to the last portion of this verse of Paul’s writing. Could this actually be the verse that lays out, in very simple terms, how we all can have the joy of Jesus in our hearts – always?
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 NIV
Jesus, “being in very nature God” felt it important, daily, to remain faithful in prayer. He picked times very early in the morning, in the dark, away from all others, to commune with the Father each day. Jesus always sets the example! Paul recognizes this important aspect of our daily walk, and lays it out, together with these other key attributes of our Lord and Savior, patience in affliction, and hope.
David writes too many prayers (Psalms) to quote them all, but as a man after Gods very own heart, he provides evidence of just how important this is. He says:
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human!” 2 Samuel 7:18-19 NIV
This was David’s prayer when the Lord was raining down favor, prior to his fall with Bathsheba. But note a different prayer when dealing with his sin:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” Psalm 51:1-4 NIV
David reached out to the Lord in very good times, and very dark times. Something we can all identify with, I am sure.
Paul writes in Philippians:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
How important then is prayer? Paul says – “Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
Jesus prays for us all, and gives us complete insight into what this is all about when he prays, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17: 24 NIV
John 17, the Lord’s Prayer, is all about hope, patience, and prayer.
Again, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus sets the greatest example always. Praise be to Him and the Father always!
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.