Dec 14 – Day 348. God is not slack

“Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Prayer works. God is not slack concerning His promises but is longsuffering. The Lord is not slow or negligent in fulfilling His promises, as some might perceive. Instead, He shows great patience and forbearance toward us, revealing His deep desire for everyone to turn away from wrongdoing. His ultimate wish is that none should face destruction but rather that all individuals have the opportunity to seek forgiveness and come to a place of genuine repentance.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another inspiring episode of the EBC Prayer Podcast. Today is December 14, the 348th day of the year, and God wants us to be delighted and celebrate this day. so we are going to delight as we pray today.

Remember, I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. 

Our scripture will be taken from 2 Peter 3:9. And it reads “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 

Today, as we pray, let's focus on God’s patience and his desire for us all to return to him. He is reminding us that his promises are true and that he is always with us, and he is urging us toward spiritual improvement and spiritual growth. 

Let’s prepare our hearts and seek his guidance in our lives as we pray.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior.

Father, thank you for another moment to bow before your throne of grace. Thank you for the opportunity to be still in your holy presence. We acknowledge that it is in you that cause us to live, move, and have our being. Every moment is sustained by your mercy, every day is carried by your love, and every blessing flows from your generous giving.

Father, we come humbly before you, not because of our own righteousness, but because of your righteousness. You are a righteous God who is showering upon us your righteousness. You are showering through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. It is through Jesus' precious blood that we are forgiven and welcomed into your family. Father, we stand amazed at your grace that never runs out, your mercies that are new every morning, and your faithfulness that reaches to the heavens.

You are reminding us that you are not slack concerning your promises, as some consider slackness, but you are patient toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Lord, how grateful we are for your patience. So many times, we stumble, we wander, we resist, and yet you are waiting with open arms, desiring that we turn back to you. 

Father, your timing is always perfect. Even when we do not understand, even when it feels slow to us, you are moving in ways far beyond our sight. You are weaving together your plan for the redemption of this world.

Lord, we bring before you our family members, our friends, our neighbors, and even strangers across the globe who are still searching for meaning, for peace, for truth. Father, let them come to know that all they are seeking is found in you alone. Stir our hearts, O God, and help us to recognize our need for salvation. Break through hardened hearts with the gentleness of your Spirit, and open our eyes to the beauty of your cross. We pray that we not only hear the gospel, but that we will be spiritually broken by the reality of your love.

Lord, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and vessels of your glory. Use us, Father, as lights in a dark world. Help us to reflect the character of Christ in the way we speak, in the way we serve, in the way we forgive, and in the way we love.

Lord, at times we grow weary. At times, our faith wavers as we wait for your fulfillment. The world can seem overwhelming. We see and hear of wars, suffering, injustice, division, and the weight of sin pressing heavily all around us. But you are reminding us to lift our eyes, for our redemption draws near. Father, give us strength to walk in hope. Help us to face each day with assurance that you are in control and that your return is sure.

Father,  you are not slack concerning your promise, as some men count slackness; but you are reminding us that you are longsuffering to us-ward, for it is not your will that any of us should perish, but that all of us should come to repentance. So help us to repent of everything that we have done wrong, everything that we have said wrong.

Lord, help us to endure in our personal challenges. Strengthen those who feel weak. Comfort those who are grieving. Provide for those in need. Heal the sick, Lord, according to your will, and restore peace to those who are anxious. Wrap your arms of love around each and every one of us, especially those who feel alone, and remind us that we are never alone and will never be forsaken by you.

Lord, forgive us where we have fallen short. Cleanse us from hidden faults, renew our spirits, and align our desires with your will. Teach us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Teach us to love others, Lord, as you have loved us, for Christ's love us with a love that is patient, kind, and enduring. Help us not only be hearers of your word, but help us to be doers as well. Help us to live by faith in a way that brings glory and honor to your holy name.

Father, we are praying for the church around the world. Strengthen every Pastor, every Leader, and every Believer. You see everyone who is faithfully serving you, even those who are serving you in difficult challenges. Protect us each and every one of us day. Especially, those who are persecuted for their faith in you. Let our testimony shine brightly and draw others closer to you. 

Lord, keep our hearts watchful and ready each day. Do not let us become complacent or distracted by the things of this world. Instead, awake in a deeper hunger for holiness, a deeper devotion for prayer, and a deeper longing to see you.

Father, you are faithful, you are merciful, and you are virtuous. Even when our eyes cannot see, we trust that you are working all things together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose. We anchor our souls in truth, for you hear us, and you love us. 

Lord, we look forward with great anticipation to the day when we will see you. Until that day, keep us faithful, keep us humble, and help us to surrender daily to you.

In the precious, mighty, and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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