Live Connected: Transformed LoveSample

It’s About Prayer

Our attitudes can light our way or divert our paths on our spiritual journey. As we study the next crown jewel, I want to underscore the twin pillars of what should be our disposition: enthusiasm and endurance. These two attributes heavily influence the quality of our service to God and our spiritual growth.

Romans 12:11–12 provides valuable guidance: “Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer; share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.” These verses challenge us to serve God with both ardor and steadfastness and to stay unwavering even in the face of trials.

Philippians 2:5 instructs us to adopt the same attitude as Christ Jesus, underlining the importance of a servant’s heart in our spiritual journey. Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and in emulating Him, we learn to endure with patience, particularly in prayer. Life is strewn with obstacles and hardships; our endurance and patience in prayer can guide us through these challenges.

When I want to encourage others who are going through difficult times, I weave this reminder into the notes I write to them, marked by Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This message of resilience in affliction and faithfulness in prayer serves as an encouraging touchstone, whether we find ourselves in a period of joy or trial. It may not fix the situation, but it definitely recenters our hearts on Him who is fixing and using the situation.

I pastor a church in Houston and there was a time when over sixty churches in our city held prayer meetings. Alongside them, we united in prayer, demonstrating a potent sense of community resilience, despite the evil going on in our city. Such prayer with other believers is a form of revival - stirring our hearts and invigorating our faith.

Our devotion to prayer should not be transient but persistent, hopeful, and persevering even in trials. By drawing on the twin wells of enthusiasm and endurance, we can serve with a heart that is patient in affliction and fervent in prayer. This isn’t always the easiest thing, but with God’s grace and strength, He helps us to draw from these wells that He provided. How would you define your devotion to prayer? Start today. Start right now. Start serving God with enthusiasm and endurance. With persistence in our prayers, let’s anticipate God’s transformative work in and through us.