May 9, 2025

PRAY FOR STRENGTH, PATIENCE, AND JOY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light. For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”

 Colossians 1:11–14 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

After praying for the believers to be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, Paul now prays for them to be strengthened—not by their own efforts, but by God’s glorious power.

The Greek word Paul uses here for “strengthened” (dynamoumenoi) suggests an ongoing process. It means we are continually being empowered—not just once, but day by day. This strength comes from God’s “glorious power” (dynamei), which speaks of divine energy that enables us to overcome resistance—spiritual vitality that doesn’t fade.

And what’s the result of that strength?

Endurance and patience.

• Endurance helps us press on through hardship without giving up.

• Patience helps us respond with calmness, even when things (or people) test us.

Without endurance, we become discouraged. Without patience, we become angry or bitter. But with God’s power, we can remain steadfast and gracious in every season.

Paul also prays that they would be filled with joy, and that joy would lead to thankfulness.

Joy is not based on circumstances—it’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5). The more we walk in the Spirit, the more joy we will experience. Joy is powerful. It’s attractive. It shows the world that we have something deeper than momentary happiness—we have Christ.

Then Paul closes with a reminder of who we are:

We are people who live in the light. God has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of Jesus, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. We don’t need to live in shame or secrecy. The cross didn’t just offer forgiveness—the cross broke sin’s power over our lives.

So today, let’s pray for strength to endure, patience to respond well, and joy to fill our hearts. Let’s choose to live in the light, walking in freedom and truth.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I ask for Your strength today. Empower me with endurance and patience. Fill me with joy that overflows in gratitude. Thank You for rescuing me, forgiving me, and setting me free. Help me to live openly in the light, reflecting Your goodness.

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