Hope through Prayer

“…rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer…”
Romans 12:12

These three actions in this list of exhortations seem to go together. In the midst of tribulation, I can rejoice because of great hope. That great hope is put into action when I devote myself to prayer being “…anxious for nothing, but through prayer and supplication make your requests know to God and the peace that passes understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” I pray because I hope in the One who promises to hear my prayers and act upon them. Here is a promise that brings me great hope:

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall see:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord and meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy:
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”
Psalm 27:4-6

It is through prayer that we enter into His presence (His tabernacle – the place where God dwells). This prayer brings protection, comfort, refuge, hope, courage, and strength to go forth. This prayer of hope will bring shouts and songs of praise to God Almighty!

How is your prayer life? Are you throwing requests up to a Santa Claus God? Or are you entering into His presence with praise and hope and fervent devotion expecting Him to be your rock and to get you through your troubles with joy? I am convicted to pray more and worry less. I choose hope.