Dec 17 – Day 351. We Are the Sons of God. 1 John 3.2

“Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Keep on praying. You are a beloved child of God. Prayer has the power to make a difference and create a positive impact in your life. Now, as believers, we are the children of God, and while it may not yet be fully revealed what our ultimate state will be, we have a profound assurance. When He manifests Himself in all His glory, we will be transformed to be like Him; we will truly see Him as He is, in His radiant essence. This promise offers us hope and encourages us to live with the understanding that our identity as His children shapes our present and future.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is December 17, marking the 351st day of the year, and I find joy in celebrating with you another day.

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. It is truly a blessing to share this time with you as we come together in prayer.

Today, our scripture is taken from 1 John 3:2, which reads, “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 

This verse is reminding us of our identity as children of God and the glorious promise of transformation that lies ahead. As we navigate our daily lives, it’s essential to hold onto the hope that through faith, we will one day be made new in God's presence. 

Let's lift our hearts in prayer and reflect on what it means to be a part of God’s family and the incredible future He has prepared for us.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, our God, and our Savior.
 Father, we humbly come before your throne of grace with grateful hearts, filled with thanksgiving for life and the mercy that you are so generously pouring upon us. 

Father, your word is reminding us, “Now are we the sons of you, God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, when you shall appear, we shall be like you; for we shall see you as you are.”

Lord, what a marvelous joy it is to know that we are already counted among your children, not by our merit, but by your unending love and the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Though our complete transformation has not yet been revealed, you are giving us the blessed assurance that when our Savior returns, we shall be made like you, fully clothed in glory, holiness, and eternal life. 

Father, this promise gives us hope. Please keep our eyes lifted toward heaven, no matter the weight of this present world.

Lord, there are moments when uncertainty troubles us, when the burdens of this world press heavily, and when the darkness around us tempts us to lose sight of your light. Yet, even in these trying times, you are reminding us to hold fast to your promises. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever; that your word will never return void; for you are faithful and true. 

Father, help us to cling to your truth, trust that even what we cannot see is already being worked out for our good and for your glory.

Lord, as we await the day of your appearance, strengthen our faith. Teach us to live in the light of your love. When fear tries to steal our peace, let your perfect love cast out that fear. When doubt tries to take root, help us to trust in you completely. When weariness overtakes us, remind us that in you we will find rest.

Father, help us to increasingly bear the fruits of righteousness. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our actions clothed in compassion, and our hearts shaped by humility. Help us to love you, as you have loved us, sacrificially and without condition. Let patience, kindness, and gentleness flow from us as evidence that your Spirit is at work within us. 

Lord, search our hearts and remove everything that is not of you. Let forgiveness replace bitterness, let peace triumph over strife, and let faith rise higher than our fears.

Lord, you are our perfect example and our Savior. Shape us into your image each day. Teach us to serve you with joy, to walk in obedience with reverence, and to endure, knowing that beyond the suffering of this life lies the eternal crown you have in store for us. 

Father, help us not to be weary in doing good, but to persevere, knowing that in due season we will reap if we faint not.

Lord, remember everyone around the world. Those who are sick stretch forth your healing hand to touch those in need. Strengthen those who are lonely, Comfort those who are brokenhearted, and draw those who are weary near to your presence. May we always feel the deep assurance of your presence. For you are Emmanuel, you are God with us, and you will never leave nor forsake us.

Lord, while we look forward with longing to that glorious day when faith shall become sight, help us not to live only with our eyes on eternity, but to live faithfully in the present moment. Let us be your hands and feet in this world, shining as lights in the midst of darkness, pointing others to the hope of salvation found only in you, Christ Jesus.

Lord, our hearts eagerly anticipate the day when you shall appear. Oh, what a day that will be when every tear shall be wiped away, when every sorrow will be turned to joy, when every broken thing will be made whole, and when we shall behold you face to face in all of your glory! Until that day comes, help us to be watchful, prayerful, and faithful. Let us be like wise servants awaiting their Master, ready and willing, with lamps trimmed and burning brightly.

Father, give us wisdom to discern truth in a world full of confusion, courage to stand firm when pressures surround us, and steadfastness to remain committed even when trials come. Keep our hearts from drifting, our minds from wandering, and our spirits from growing cold. Let your word dwell richly within us, so that we may be guided by your truth in every decision, every step, and every season of life.

Lord, we surrender ourselves once again into your loving hands. Take our weaknesses and make them strong. Take our worries and replace them with trust. Take our brokenness and weave it into something beautiful for your glory. Let our lives be a living testimony that points others to salvation.

Father, may our hope rest not in the fleeting promises of this world, but in the eternal promises secured by Christ’s death and resurrection. May our joy not be rooted in circumstances, but in the unshakable reality of your love. May our peace not depend on the absence of trials, but on the presence of the One who has already overcome the world.

Lord, thank you for hearing our prayer, thank you for walking with us daily, and thank you for promising us a future beyond anything we can imagine. Lord, with your love and honor, we give you all the glory.

In the mighty, precious, and matchless name of our 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.