“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)
Father,
These traits and triumphant characteristics in 2 Peter overwhelm, and if I’m honest, discourage me! Try as I might I mess them up every day. I fail, repeatedly, at establishing these traits consistently in my life! “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.,” states 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV) I want this for my life, Father! Realign me, daily, on my quest to have a heart more like Christ’s. For 2 Peter 1:9 reminds, “But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” (NIV) Let the powerful truth of Christ’s sacrifice for my forgiveness daily drive me to surrender my will and submit my efforts in exchange for the power of Your Holy Spirit living in me as a believer in Jesus Christ as my Savior. As I pray, bring these truths to light in my life, one next right thing at a time.
Your faithful patience amazes me!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
10. A Prayer of Gratitude to Our Promise Keeper.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Father,
I know that You hear me, and are patient with me. Your compassion is unfailing, and You have never failed to keep a single promise. As I pray, today, illuminate those promises to me. Let the Truth of Your Word trump doubt and shove truth to the front of my mind. Help me to fix my thoughts on You, long after I close my Bible and walk into this day. Remind me of Your perfect timing, because as You are inexplicably patient, I am anything but! Soothe my struggles with the reminder of who You are, and cut through the lies that threaten to distort my thoughts with the sword of Your Truth. This day, may I reflect the light of my Savior, and the love of my Father, God. Increase my trust in Your ability to hear and answer every prayer, in Your perfect timing, provision, and with Your great mercy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as an author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,” is available on amazon.com. She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University, but stepped out of the business world to raise her two daughters. Besides a budding writing career, she leads in Bible Study, Women’s and Youth Ministry. Living in Northern Ohio, she’s been wife to Jim for twelve years, and is mom to two tween daughters. Meg enjoys running and photography. A native Clevelander, she’s a huge Brown’s fan… no matter what.