“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you harmony…” (Rom. 15:5). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Rom. 15:13). “May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Rom. 15:33)
Gracious Father, thank you deconstructing all the outright lies, foolish notions, and partial truths we have about you. You do so by revealing who you really are through your Word. From Genesis though Revelation you declare yourself to be the God of all grace (1Pet.5:10) and in Romans 15 you “unpack” that title for us a little bit, calling us to know you as…
“The God of endurance and encouragement.” We need an ample supply of both, Abba. You know us by name, geography, and circumstance so you know our individual struggles and needs. Grant us grace perfectly shaped for each of us. May the music of the Gospel bring the harmony of heaven into our hearts and into our relationships.
“The God of hope.” In our world of fragility, hostility, and uncertainty, give us hope-fueling assurance of these 4 things:
(1) Jesus’ empty tomb, occupied throne, and active, joyful reign.
(2) Jesus’ fear-expelling, heart-exhilarating, idol-toppling beauty.
(3) Our name written with the ink of grace in the Lamb’s book of life.
(4) The perfections of our coming life in the new heaven and new earth.
“The God of peace.” Abba, may your peace rule in our hearts—not just be an occasional visitor, window dressing, or background music. Sabotage our worries. Give us heart-centering peace and joy. May we vex less, worship more, and love well all the way Home. So Very Amen.
