“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, constant in prayer.” Rom. 12:12
Lord Jesus, there’s so much goodness in the “3’s” filling the Bible. First and foremost, there’s you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit—our glorious Triune God. Then there’s the three offices you perfectly fulfill—Prophet, Priest, and King. That’s just for starters.
For we also have Paul’s “faith, hope, and love” (I Cor. 13:13), Jude’s “called, loved, and kept” (Jude 1:1), and John’s “grace, mercy, and peace” 2 John 1:3). Today we want to pray yet another Gospel-saturated triad deep into our hearts and the rhythm of our lives. Free us, help us, grace us, Jesus.
Joyful in Hope: Jesus, thank you for a future beyond our capacity to imagine or ask—”an inheritance kept for us that won’t perish spoil for fade” (1Pet.1:4). If we could smell the grass of the new heaven and new earth, and catch a glimpse of the “perfect everything” we’ll enjoy forever, our joy would be greater and our fear less, and we love towards the Day of all things new.
Patient in Affliction: Since everything broken, sinful, and evil has an expiration date, patience isn’t a risk but our calling. Jesus, thank you. You’re working in all things for our good. Nothing can separate us from your love. And you’re coming back as our Bridegroom—to dazzle us with your beauty and make us like yourself. Hallelujah!
Constant in Prayer: Jesus, we can pray without ceasing because you love us without wavering and rule over all things without exception. Prayer isn’t us finagling “Yes’s” from our Father, but discovering you are the “Yes!” to every promise he has made (2 Cor.1:20). We are blessed and loved beyond all calculation and capacity to absorb! So Very Amen.