Dec 15 – Day 349. Pray and Grow in Grace. 2 Peter 3.18

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Keep on praying. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. However, let us continue to develop and thrive in the grace that has been bestowed upon us, and deepen our understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through this growth that we can truly appreciate His teachings and the love He embodies. To Him, may we offer our sincere praise and glory, both in this moment and for all eternity. Amen.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another enriching episode of EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is December 15, the 349th day of the year.

I am your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. It is a joy to gather with you in this sacred moment as we gather in prayer.

Today, our scripture will be taken from 2 Peter 3:18, and it reads: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” 

The Lord wants us to grow spiritually stronger, which involves a continual journey of learning and understanding our relationship with him. 

So today, as we delve into prayer, let's open our hearts and deepen our faith. 

Let’s pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Gracious and Loving God. Father, we come before you today with our hearts full of gratitude, reverence, and humility. Father, thank you for the wonderful gift of prayer. In every moment, whether in joy or sorrow, in strength or weakness, we can draw near to you, and you will hear us. 

Lord, what a blessing it is to know that the God who created the heavens is listening to us during our prayer. Thank you, Lord, for your presence and your unfailing love.

Father, help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Draw us deeper into your grace and into the knowledge of knowing who you are. Lord, sometimes our understanding of your love is limited, controlled by our human perspective. But Father, we want to know you more deeply, we want to grasp the height, the depth, the width, and the breadth of the love you have for us in Christ Jesus. Help us, Lord, not to settle for a surface-level faith, but to be rooted and grounded in prayer and our time with you, firmly planted in the soil of your word, so that our lives can bring glory to you both now and forever.

Lord, your grace is not only what saves us, it is what sustains us every day. It is your grace that softens our hearts, that transforms us from the inside out, and empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to you. Lord, without your grace, we would stumble and fall. Without your mercy, we would be lost. But through your love, you forgive our sins, and you renew our spirits. So, Father, help us never to take your grace for granted, but to let it shape us into who you desire us to become.

Lord, teach us to embody graciousness in all our actions, especially toward our families, our friends, and our neighbors. Give us the compassion of Christ, who, even while suffering on the cross, prayed for the forgiveness of those who persecuted him. Help us to extend patience even when there is frustration, kindness where there is bitterness, forgiveness where there is hurt, and love where there is division. May the words we speak, the attitudes we carry, and the performances we perform reflect your grace.

Father, thank you for reminding us that it is not by our own strength that we can do great things. Somedays, our hearts wander, somedays, our flesh is weak, and somedays, our own power falters. But through you, we are given power to live righteously. Through you, we have the courage to forgive, the courage to endure perseverance, and the strength to keep pressing forward in faith. 

So, mold us, Lord. Shape our character in the likeness of you, our Lord, Savior Jesus Christ. Strip away pride, selfish desire, fear, and replace them with humility, generosity, and trustworthiness.

Father, give us a deeper understanding of you. Not only facts about you, but also an intimate relationship with you. Help us to recognize your voice, to distinguish your motivation, and to open our hearts and minds according to your will. Lord, let your words take root in our hearts. Let it not only be ink on a page, but a living truth that penetrates our hearts, renews our minds, and directs our paths. So, in moments of trial or temptation, we can be anchored in your promises.

Lord, so we can grow in grace and in your knowledge. To you be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Lord, fortify our faith. For storms will come, trials will arise, and difficulties will test us. But when those times come, our faith in you can be strengthened. Like a tree whose roots go deep, may we stand firm. Help us to remember that you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. And help us to know that you are working all things together for our good, for you called us according to your purpose.

Father, you see everyone all around the whole. You know all of us by name and number. Lord, many are praying and seeking prayer because they are hurting or burdened by life's issues. Help us to be vessels of your light and love. Let our lives point others to the hope that is found in you. Even those who are praying can be affected, and those seeking help can still feel alone.

Lord, use us as instruments of peace in a world filled with conflict. Use us as bearers of comfort to those who are grieving, and as voices of truth in a world searching for answers. Fill us with compassion that does not turn away from the broken but reaches out with care and tenderness.

Father, let everything we do bring glory, honor, and praise to your holy name. Whether in the quietness of our homes, the busyness of our work, the fellowship of our churches, or the challenges of our daily lives, let our thoughts, words, and deeds glorify you. 

In closing, Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and promises that never fail. We rest in the assurance that you are with us always, even to the end of the age.

Father, teach us to walk humbly with you, to act justly, and to love mercy. So, our lives can be a continual song of praise to your holy name. To you be glory, both now and forever. 

In the name of our precious Lord and Savior, 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.