EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2020
Day 5: Praying for Fruit of Patience
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:22-25 ESV
As we "Pray for Good" and ask God to work in specific ways in our own and others' lives, let us pray for patience. "Patience is a virtue," it was said a long time ago, but it has perhaps become a lost virtue. Is patience something you value? It is something God values, and being a person marked with patience is a sign of God's work on your life and heart.
Patience becomes part of our character and approach when the Spirit convicts us of two things: 1) there is much in God's world over which we have no control, and 2) what, when, and how we receive things are not up to us to determine. Ultimately, we must recognize that the world does not revolve around us. So, as we keep God at the center of the universe and of our lives, we come to trust in His control and plan and in His provision and timing. Patience is about trusting God, so of course this comes from the Spirit's work in us!
So, do you need patience? Think of particular things frustrating you in your life, or in the world at large - you're hoping God will work and waiting for Him to do certain things. But be still and just know the God who is Lord over all these things (Psalm 46:10). And meanwhile, occupy yourself with what God has given you in this moment. Do you know others that need patience? Pray for them, too. Remember to write down the names of those for whom you prayed. Encourage them and send them a message saying you prayed for them today. As we do this, God will work powerfully through our group, bringing us closer together and closer to Him.
This is day 5 as we "Pray for Good." Patiently trust in God each day!
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