Freed from Soul-Sucking Parasites

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer of Hope

     Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

     Gracious Father, hopeless whining, faithless complaining and maudlin murmuring have all met their match in the gospel. To stay alive to every good thing you’ve done for us in Jesus is to be freed from these soul-sucking parasites. Fill our hearts today with the power of hope. Let us see Jesus big and loving that we might live to the praise of your glory and grace.
     We praise you that we’ve already been justified though the faith you’ve given us—declared righteous in your sight, once and for all. Instead of standing condemned for our sins, we now stand firm in your grace, for you’ve made peace with us through the work of Jesus. We now live with unobstructed access to all the grace we need, in life and in death.
     We no longer boast in ourselves, for there was never really anything to boast in. We now boast, exult, rejoice and revel in the hope of your glory. We are thrilled to know that all of history is bound up with your inviolate commitment to bring much glory to yourself by bringing many sons and daughters to glory—to experience and enjoy your perfections forever. What an outrageously generous God you are!
     Father, the gospel is so good and powerful, we’re also learning how to boast in our sufferings—the painful realities of living in a fallen world; the hard providences for which you promise sufficient grace; and the veiled mysteries only heaven will resolve. Indeed, in and through suffering, you’re making us like Jesus and are producing even more hope in our hearts. We believe, help our unbelief.
     The glorious hope you’ve given us in Jesus will neither shame us or disappoint us. You’re not into false advertising, or bait and switch. For you shamed Jesus in our place upon the cross, and through his resurrection you’ve poured your love into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. O Father, keep pouring your love in and keep filling us with your Spirit, until the Day of consummate hope—the day when Jesus returns to finish making all things new. So very Amen, we pray with great gratitude, in Jesus’ name and for your glory.