Praying for Endurance

What a gift to pray for our friends to not lose heart! Is this not one of our primary roles as those who get a front row seat to what God is doing in their lives? 2 Corinthians 4:14-18 is a road map to longevity for those who choose the life of faith.

We can love those around us running their race of faith with one prayer: to endure. We can pray that God would give them the courage, physical ability, and mental agility to keep going, never looking back nor giving up but only keeping their eyes on Jesus. Each day, we get to be one of many cheering them on every step of the way.

Think about someone who might be encouraged with a spiritual pep talk. Remind them that what God has for them is greater than the things we see in front of us now. Ask them how they are being renewed from the inside out. Be the friend that prompts them to keep time for margin and rest amid their obedience. Renewal from the inside out is crucial for the endurance required to keep going as we run our race to completion.

TRY THIS PRAYER:

God, what a joy to cheer Your people on in what You have asked them to do! Give us eyes to see the friend who is weary and ready to tap out. Give us the words they need to hear to keep going with great fervor and joy. Today I ask that You increase the endurance of _______________ (insert friend’s name) in every place where there is fatigue. Breathe fresh wind into their sails, bringing renewal from the inside out. Put it in their spirit to make space for margin, rest, and Sabbath so they may run with great endurance the race You’ve set before them. Guard the joy of their process by increasing their inner strength as outwardly their physical strength is depleted from obedience, leaving them more and more dependent on You for their spiritual longevity. Show them the fruit of their endurance, and let it increase their commitment to You.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

Encourage a friend (or several!) by saving the graphic with the verse below and sending it as a text to whomever God brings to mind, letting them know you’re praying for them today.