Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction

Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12 says: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” Paul wrote it to the believers in Rome, in a list of what sincere love looks like in daily life.

Lord, make me joyful in hope, even while I wait. Make me patient in affliction, even when this hard season drags on. And keep me persistent in prayer, coming back to You again and again when I am tired of asking. I cannot do any of this by trying harder. Hold me up by Your Spirit, and keep my heart turned toward You. Amen.

Romans 12:12 says: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” Paul wrote it to the believers in Rome, in a list of what sincere love looks like in daily life.

The Scripture

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12

Prayer points from Romans 12:12

Thank God for the hope you have in Him.
Name the affliction you are carrying right now.
Ask Him for patience that does not give up.
Bring Him again the prayer you are tired of praying.
Ask Him for joy that does not depend on how things are going.
Pray for a fellow believer who is in need.

About this verse

Romans 12 is where Paul’s letter turns to everyday life. On account of God’s mercy, he urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Then comes a run of short commands, beginning with love must be sincere. Verse 12 packs three of them into one line: be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. The three belong together. Hope looks ahead to what God has promised, patience holds on through the trouble of today, and prayer keeps us leaning on God the whole time. The verses around it say to keep your spiritual fervor, to share with the saints who are in need, and to practice hospitality. It is a prayer for anyone in a long, hard season who wants to keep going with God.

When to pray this prayer

When a hard season has gone on longer than you expected
When you are tired of praying for the same thing
When joy feels far away
When you are caring for someone through a long illness
When you need strength to keep going one more day

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