July 5 – Day 186. Pray with exceeding gladness

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Matthew 5:12, and it reads: “Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” 

The Lord wants us to embrace the joy found in our prayers, for the treasures that await us in heaven far exceed our wildest dreams and deepest desires. Let us take a moment to reflect on the remarkable stories of those who have paved the way before us, those who faced persecution and endured suffering and still remained determined in their beliefs. 

As we pray, let the legacies of the prophets before us inspire our own paths as we strive to uphold our beliefs, no matter the trials we may encounter. For the Lord is reminding us that our lives when we do right serve as powerful testaments of resistance and faith, explaining our journey towards the eternal life that awaits us. Even in the darkest moments, we can find strength and hope.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Glorious Savior. Father, we come before you with our hearts overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for allowing us to draw near your presence and for the reminder that although you are holy and exalted above all, you have graciously made a way for us to reach you. Prayer is not just our lifeline; it is our greatest privilege, a sacred opportunity to not only communicate with you but also pause to listen, to feel the embrace of your unconditional love wrap around us like a warm blanket.

Lord, instill in us the spirit to “rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is our reward in heaven; for so persecuted the prophets which were before us.” Father, you see every moment of our lives, including our struggles, our heartaches, and the trials that weigh heavily upon us. We are never forgotten and never abandoned. Just as your faithful prophets endured hardship in your name, standing firm in their faith for the sake of your glory, we are encouraged to understand that our own challenges serve a greater, eternal purpose. Lord, help us to embrace joy in the knowledge that the rewards awaiting us in heaven surpass anything our minds can grasp on this earth.

Father, remind us that our struggles are momentary. The pain, the difficulties, and the burdens we carry now are but brief shadows when weighed with the overwhelming weight of eternal glory that awaits us. Allow our hearts to find solace in knowing that no suffering is wasted in your capable hands. You are in the process of shaping us, refining our character, and preparing us for something far greater than we can imagine. Lord, teach us to lift our eyes above our immediate circumstances, to focus not on the visible struggles but on the unseen realities of eternal life, unending joy, and perfect peace.

Lord, grant us strength and perseverance to remain steadfast even when the storms of life rage around us. When doubts threaten to seep into our minds, remind us of your unfailing truth. When fear looms large and threatens to consume our very being, surround us with your perfect love that casts out all fears. In moments of weariness, refresh us with your living waters and quench our souls' deepest thirst. May we forever remember that you walk alongside us, carrying us in moments when we feel unable to stand on our own.

Father, let our lives radiate hope to those who surround us. This world is desperate for hope, and we know that true, lasting hope can only be discovered in you. Let us shine as beacons of light amidst the darkness, not through our own strength but through the divine power of your spirit. May our words be instruments of encouragement, our actions genuine reflections of your love, and our presence a pathway leading others to you.

Lord, day by day, you shelter us under the protective shadow of your wings. You keep us secure from dangers both visible and invisible. Help us to cling to hope with unwavering faith. Trials will certainly come, yet let our faith remain anchored firmly in you. Teach us to trust you when we cannot discern the outcome, to lift our voices in praise, even while waiting for your promises to unfold, and to rest assured that your plans are ultimately good, your timing flawless, and your promises unbreakable. The rewards in heaven will be countless, far beyond what we could ever dream.

Father, we close this prayer with hearts filled with reverence and respect, humility and praise, faith and expectation. May our lives glorify you until the day we stand joyfully before you.

In Jesus Christ’s holy name, we pray…Amen.

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