June 24 – Day 175. Pray for strength

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Haggai 2:4, and it reads: “Be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” 

The Lord wants us to be strong and stay focused on his courageous plan. He is urging all us to embrace strength and determination. So we can work with purpose and commitment, for he is with us in all endeavors. 

As we pray, let us ask the Lord for more strength to do what he wants us to accomplish. For his presence will guide and sustain us, bringing us reassurance and strength as we face the challenges of life.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with our hearts full of gratitude, thanking you for this precious gift of prayer. You are the Almighty God, who has the power to shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land. 

Father, thank you for reminding us that we need to be strong and work, for you, the Lord, is with us. 

Father, you are acutely aware of the burdens we often shoulder, the challenges we face, the fears that creep into our hearts, the doubts that linger, and the disappointments that sometimes leave us feeling vulnerable and weary. This is why you are reminding us not to stumble, not to give up, but to stand firm in our faith. This is why you are reminding us to be strong, not through our own limited strength, but by your mighty power, for you, the Lord of hosts, are by our side.

Lord, too often, we lean on our own understanding and rely solely on our abilities. We try to build, to strive, and to achieve success, sometimes neglecting to acknowledge that you are the ultimate source of strength, wisdom, and victory in our lives. Forgive us for the moments when we have overlooked your presence. Renew our awareness and remind us that we are never truly alone; in every task, in our moments of worship, in our times of waiting, you are beside us.

Father, you delivered this powerful message to Zerubbabel, to Joshua the high priest, and to the people who were courageously rebuilding the temple, despite the opposition and uncertainty that surrounded them. You urged them to be strong and to keep forging ahead, because you were with them through every trial. In the same spirit, you speak to us in our own moments of rebuilding, whether we are building in our families, whether in our spiritual journeys, whether in our vocational journeys, or whether within our communities.

Lord, wrap us in your everlasting arms. Ignite within us the understanding that our efforts are never in vain. Even when progress seems slow and the fruits of our labor remain hidden, you are faithful to reveal results in due time. Help us to work with open hands, laboring not for our own glory but for your greater purpose. Teach us to recognize the profound significance that lies in our acts of faithfulness, no matter how small they may appear.

Lord, thank you for this powerful reminder that true strength is not defined by the absence of struggle but rather by the presence of your Spirit within us during our times of weakness. When we feel weak, we are indeed strong because your power is perfected in us. Equip us to rise once more, to build, to serve, to love, to forgive, and to continue moving forward, armed with the knowledge that you are our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Father, in closing, help us to be strong. Do not lose heart. For you, the Lord of hosts, the God who commands the heavens and the earth, dwells among us in our lives. Guide us to work diligently in the assignments you have entrusted to us, to believe wholeheartedly that what you have promised, you will undoubtedly bring to pass, and to rest in the comforting assurance that you are with us, guiding us at every step of this journey.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray...Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.