Day 17 – Faithful in Prayer

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

– Romans 12:12 (NIV)

What does it mean to be faithful in prayer? Prayer is simply speaking with God. It’s an opportunity to reverently come before our holy God, seeking His wisdom and guidance and entering into fellowship with Him. It’s in these moments that we grow closer to our Heavenly Father, deepening our trust in His plans and promises.

In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus gives us a powerful example of what it means to remain faithful in prayer, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, pouring out His heart to the Father. “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (v. 39, NLT). Though the weight of His mission bore heavily on Him, Jesus persisted in prayer, returning to the Father again and again. His faithfulness in prayer led Him to fulfill God’s will and secure salvation for us all.

Faithful prayer requires perseverance, especially when we face uncertainty or hardship. Like Jesus, we may not immediately see the results of our prayers, but we are called to trust God through the process. Romans 12:12 reminds us to be “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This doesn’t mean our journey will always be easy, but it assures us that God is with us every step of the way.

Prayer is not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Whether we speak freely from our hearts, recite Scripture, or use memorized prayers, God hears us. Jesus Himself taught us how to pray in Luke 11:1-4 (The Lord’s Prayer), showing us that prayer is about both surrendering to God’s will and relying on Him for daily provision. Faithfulness in prayer strengthens our relationship with God, aligning our hearts with His purposes and reminding us of His unfailing love.

Habits of a Faithful Prayer Life

To grow in your commitment to prayer, consider these practical steps:

1. Set aside time: Devote a specific time and place to pray each day.
2. Communicate with God: Talk and listen to God, seeking His presence and direction.
3. Pray with praise and thanksgiving: Express gratitude and worship, even in difficult seasons.
4. Continue to pray: Persevere in prayer, trusting God’s timing and waiting for His answers.
5. Journal: Record your prayers and celebrate how God answers them, reflecting on His faithfulness.

During our time in awe and reflection of Jesus’ journey to the cross, let His example in Gethsemane inspire us to remain steadfast in prayer. His perseverance led to the victory of the cross, and through His faithfulness, we have hope and salvation. May we, too, approach God with humble hearts, trusting Him to work in and through our prayers.

Amen.

You can access all of the Reflection and Awe: Lent’s Purpose series here.

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