Nov 26 – Day 330. Lay aside every weight. Hebrews 12.1

“Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Prayer works. Set aside every burden and approach your prayers with patience. “Considering the multitude of witnesses who surround us, both those who have gone before and those who encourage us from the sidelines, let us consciously put aside every burden we carry and the sins that so easily entangle us. With determination and endurance, let us engage in the race that life presents to us, running with patience and resilience as we strive towards our goals.”

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! welcome you to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is November 26, the 330 day of the year—a perfect moment to reflect on the growth that lies ahead of you.

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic, located in Salem, NJ. It’s a joy to connect with each of you as we come together in prayer. I am rejoicing today because the Lord is good.

Today, our scripture is taken from Hebrews 12:1. It reads: “Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” 

Today, the Lord is with us and reminding us of the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. He is encouraging and urging us to shed burdens that hinder our spiritual growth and to approach life with steadfast determination. 

Today, as we pray, let’s reflect on what weights we need to cast off and how we can run our race with renewed vigor and purpose in our hearts.

Let’s pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Our Great and wonderful God. Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, approaching your throne of grace with assurance and trust. 

Thank you for this moment of prayer, for the stillness in which we can draw near to you, and for the precious gift of prayer, knowing that when we call upon you, you will answer us.

Lord, thank you for reminding us that. “Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” 

We thank you for the generations of faithful ones who have gone before us, those who lived and endured by faith. Their lives testify to your goodness and remind us that we are never running this race alone. 

Father, help us to see that same strength and courage available to us today, through your spirit, through your promises, and through the power, we can have a great day.

Lord, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we confess that the weights of this world often burden us. Worries, fears, distractions, and temptations cling so easily. But today, we lay them at your feet. 

We surrender the sins that entangle us, the doubts that discourage us, and the habits that pull us away from you. 

Father, wash us clean. Cleanse us of all unrighteousness and renew in us a steadfast spirit that longs for you above all else.

Lord, teach us to run with patience. Life can feel like a long, winding race, filled with unexpected turns and exhausting hills. But you have promised that your grace is sufficient, you have the power to do the impossible in our lives, and your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Remind us that we are not running meaninglessly, we are running toward you.

Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, the author and finisher of our faith.  Help us to keep moving forward, step by step, with faith, hold on, and don’t let go.

Father, when we feel like giving up and when discouragement settles in, lift our heads to see the joy set before us. 

When the burdens feel too heavy, remind us that you are our burden-bearer, and that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. 

Let us not rely on our own strength, but on your strength, so we can run with endurance the race you have placed before us.

Lord, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Give us the discernment to turn away from sin and from anything that does not please you. 

May our choices of words and actions reflect a life that is pleasing to you. 

Teach us to walk in holiness, not out of fear, but out of love, because you are the one who really loved us. May every day be an opportunity to grow closer to you, to seek your presence, to hear your voice, and to follow your leading.

Father, we pray, not only for ourselves but for those who are struggling on their own. 

For those weary in faith, give them strength. 

For those grieving, give them comfort. 

For those lost in confusion, give them us clarity and peace. 

Lord, surround all of us with your love, and remind us that we are not alone.

Father, thank you for being faithful. Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Thank you for reminding us, even when we stumble, your hand is there to steady us. 

Lord, help us to finish this race strong, not in our own power, but in your power, the power of the Spirit who lives within us. May we live each day that brings you glory and joy.

Father, in closing, we place our trust in you, our hopes, our struggles, our victories, and our dreams into your hands. 

Lord, watch over us, and let your will be done in us.

We pray all in the precious and powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Everyone. Keep on praying, keep on trusting God. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow. Bye-bye.