Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Constant
That is the word that I would like to describe my prayer life with you. What word is that? I would like to be constant in prayer with you. What do you mean by that? I want to live in a constant dialogue of prayer with you. I want to be talking to you constantly. I want to be listening to you constantly. That is a very good desire.
I know that you would like me to be joyful. I know that you would like me to rejoice in the hope that I have in you. Yes, that’s true. I think there is only one way for me to be joyful and rejoicing in the hope I have in you. How is that? If I want to be full of joy and rejoicing in you I will need to keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. This is a broken world. This world is filled with trials. I will face pain and suffering and difficulty in this life. This world will do its very best to discourage and defeat me. If I keep my heart and mind and life focused on the difficulties of this life I will not be filled with joy. I will not be able to rejoice in the hope I have in you. No, you will not. Only as I keep my heart and mind and life focused on you will I be joyful and rejoicing in the hope I have in you. That’s true. So, I need you to do a work in me. What kind of work do you want me to do in you? I want you to help me to be constant in prayer. I want you to strengthen my ability to live and walk in a daily, moment by moment dialogue of prayer with you. I want to be able to hear your voice. I want you to hear my voice. I want to be able to pray prayers that you will hear and answer. I want to pray prayers that are according to your purposes. I want to pray prayers that are part of your plan. Only you can make me able to be constant in prayer. Only you can teach and train me to live and walk with you in a dialogue of prayer. Will you do this for me? Will you teach me to be constant in prayer? Yes, I will.
I know that you want me to be patient in tribulation. Yes, I do. I have not been patient. I am not a patient person. I have been especially impatient in tribulation. I’ve noticed. Do you have any idea how you might be able to be patient in tribulation? Yes, I do. As you teach me to be constant in prayer I will not only become joyful and rejoicing in the hope I have in you, I will also become patient in tribulation. As you teach me to be constant in prayer you will be accomplishing both these purposes in me. Yes, I will. I welcome you to begin your work in me now. That is very good.
Lord, I do want to live my life in a constant dialogue of prayer with you. I will draw near to you. I know you will draw near to me. Guide the thoughts of my mind and prayers of my heart. Help me to rejoice in hope and be patient in tribulation as I follow you. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship study guide click here:
Be – Romans 12-12 – Constant In Prayer – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide
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