Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of
witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us
down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with
endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on
Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy
awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in
the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured
from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. (Hebrews 12:1-3
NLT)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the race set before us,
thank you for the endurance we have been given to finish our race. Thank you
that although troubles will come, we know that it is nothing compared to the
cross that Jesus endured for us all. We ask
for forgiveness of our sins, sins against you and each other – sins where we gave up before the race was over; sins from too
little faith and not enough perseverance.
We pray for our nation, we pray that the people would join
together in glorifying you and your Son; that the truth would be sought out and
found. We pray for the leaders of our country to remember justice and
integrity, to speak only the truth and to follow your will. We pray for the lost
to find salvation in your Son Jesus and we pray for the wandering to return to
you and your ways. We pray for a revival among your church, that each person
would endure the trials set before them and that their testimonies would be used to glorify you. We thank you
for your continued hand of favor and blessings upon our country and we pray for every knee to bow and every tongue to confess the name of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In your son Jesus’ name we pray ~ AMEN!
