This post is Day 19 in a series of studies about “A Living Sacrifice”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

A Living Sacrifice – Day 19

Do we really understand that prayer is simple conversation with Father God? We can talk to Him as we would a loving earthly parent. We do not have to have a particular stance or attitude. He is longing to be in conversation with us, to provide for our every need.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

The Thought

Another day on these same words because there is so much behind them!

Sadly many believers are not full of hope or patient in affliction. All of us get fed up with sickness and faded hopes even if we are faithful in prayer.

But prayer seems to me to be the key to understanding much of this. Do we really understand that prayer is simple conversation with Father God? We can talk to Him as we would a loving earthly parent. We do not have to have a particular stance or attitude. Nor do we have to start with repentance any more than we would if we were talking to a good friend. Of course God might remind us of something that needs repenting of, but it is not essential before we speak about anything else. He knows our faults and loves us anyway. He is longing to be in conversation with you and me, and to provide for our every need.

We do not have to read prayers written by others, although they can be helpful.

The second part of the verse today “Patient in affliction” reminds me of the phrase “the Lord gives strength to the weary” which comes from the last few verses of Isaiah 40. Long term afflictions can make us very weary, as can unanswered prayers. But the Lord “does all things well” (Mark 7:37) and is teaching each of us patience wherever we may be on that narrow road towards Him.

Action

Read Isaiah 40:28-31 and claim God’s promises for yourself. Talk to Him about any problems you are going through. He is always listening.

Pray for some of the people you know who don’t yet know the Lord, that Jesus would help them. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer”.