A Prayer About Bringing Encouragement
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
Dear Lord Jesus, as I meditate my way through this “let-us-patch” of gospel admonitions today, a couple of things stand out with fresh power. On one hand, I’m convicted about the importance of holding onto the hope you have won for me-a living hope, an anchor of hope, a glorious hope. My hope is certain, but I certainly need to “hold it,” like I hold a treasured fly rod or one of my cameras… holding to enjoy, not holding out of fear of losing it.
It’s also so good to remember that I’m not called to “hope against hope” or to hope in hope, but to hope in you. For you have made promises you alone can keep, and you are not a man that you should lie. You are faithful and you are loving, and that’s all I need to know. I praise you today, that no matter what is going on in the big world or in my personal circumstances, not hoping is not an option.
Secondly, Jesus, this Scripture convicts me about the importance of being a lot more intentional and regular in bringing encouragement to my friends, family members, and those you put in my way. As the great Day of your return approaches-the Day when all hoping-in-part will give way to the fullness of hope-help me to speak your words of life and hope and healing to those who need them the most. Help me to bring your hands of mercy and grace to bear in very tangible and timely ways.
Very specifically, Jesus, put names and faces before me who need the encouragement you alone can bring-but encouragement you are pleased to bring through me. God the Holy Spirit, lead my praying for the discouraged, but also show me how I might be your answer to my own prayers. I don’t want to live so fast that I miss the opportunity to care in this moment. May the glory of that Day bring the grace of encouraging to this day. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name.