Scripture to Read: Romans 15:5–6
As God led Paul to write the book of Romans, God had Paul pray for the believers in Rome, but this is also a prayer for us because God’s Word is everlasting. God led Paul to pray, in Romans 15:5–6, “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is so much beauty in this prayer. God reminds us that He is the one who gives us the perseverance and encouragement we need for this life we live. Perseverance is that “no quit” attitude no matter what our circumstances might be. Through God’s perseverance, we can face any test or trial that comes our way. We can have victory through His perseverance and be strengthened beyond measure. God’s encouragement builds us up so that we do not lose heart in doing good (Galatians 6:9). Living for our Lord is the best life ever, but there are times when we can get discouraged amid the fiery trials. God’s encouragement is what we are given so that we finish well in the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1–2). God also had Paul ask that the believers ”be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.” Being unified is so important to our Lord that He prayed more (in John 17) for the unity of all believers (John 17:11, 21–26) than anything else.
Challenge & Application
· God gives us His perseverance so we can have victory no matter what we face; so, how have you experienced God's perseverance?
· God also gives us His encouragement, so how have you experienced the encouragement of our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!