Dangerous Prayers
Dangerous prayers are those which release control over the situation and invite answers from God that may take us down paths we did not anticipate, want, or even appreciate. The only thing that makes these prayers dangerous, however, is our own sense of what is right and good. So, in reality, there is nothing dangerous about handing the reigns to God, who only works good for us… the best for us. In fact, the only danger is to not offer these prayers.
April 25, 2021 – “Give Me Patience” – Confirmation Sunday?
The prayer for patience seems in conflict with many of our other prayers, e.g. “Help me get this job… now.” “Lord, I’m ready to be done with this pain… today.” Patience, however, is the attitude of the heart that sees a bigger picture than the present, God’s good and saving purposes in all things. Patience allows the clock to tick on God’s timing as his plan unfolds. Patience releases control from the mortal human who only sees in part, to the immortal God who sees all things. Learning patience, however, can be uncomfortable, because it is only strengthened as it is tested.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Psalm 37:7-9 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
James 5:7-8 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Genesis 29:20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
