“Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also’. Yes, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts…and to pray before the Lord.” [Zechariah 8:21-22] Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. [Lamentations 2:19; Lamentation 3:24,26]
Holy Spirit I come for wisdom from You in the knowledge and application of the spiritual fruit of longsuffering. I already understand that longsuffering is patience to keep my anger in check, and the willingness to bear injuries thrown at me by others. I openly admit that I am not very good at longsuffering when it comes to keeping my anger in check, I come to You pleading for help in this area of my life. I am not one that cares to much about what others think of me so I may need to be more sensitive to how I work around others. Help my words to be tempered to show grace and mercy to those around me so they can see You in my life.
Holy Spirit help me to remember that this life, and my relationship with You and with others is not a sprint but a journey. I will face many obstacles, temptations, frustrations, pain and storms as I walk this journey. Help me to rely on the times I have peace and joy in my life to help me to endure the long times of suffering that I will be required to bear so that I can reach my home. Let my longsuffering never turn to bitterness, pity or hopelessness. Help me to bring my burdens to You so that they can become lighter.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 5:6-11