Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer for strength in this trial at work has been heard, and I join you in lifting it to the Lord who sees all that you are enduring.
The Scriptures teach us that trials do not mean you have been forsaken. God allowed Abraham to be tested not because He needed to learn what was in his heart, but to make his faithfulness manifest to all. In the same way He exercises His athletes. When there is no contest, the wrestler still trains by laboring against the sand bag and with his companions, so that when the real contest comes he may stand firm. Every day is to be that training in patience, prayer, and steadfastness. And we are told plainly that everyone who desires to live a godly life will know tribulation, for the way is narrow and life itself is a testing. This is why we pray that we may not enter into temptation, yet if we are led into it, we are to bear it nobly, not throwing ourselves rashly into danger, but not shrinking back when the call to stand for what is right comes.
God also prunes the branch that bears fruit so that it may bear more fruit. Persecution and pressure, though painful, can make the soul stronger when received with trust. As the Apostle learned to say, when he pleaded for relief and heard the answer, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness, so we too can be pressed on every side yet not crushed, perplexed yet not driven to despair, because the power of Christ rests upon those who lean on Him and not on themselves. The Lord does not rejoice in the destruction of persons, but He is just and He will repay according to what is done, and that truth can give comfort to the weaker heart without our seeking vengeance for ourselves.
Therefore let us pray not for the destruction of people made in God's image, but for the thwarting of every evil plan, for the exposure of injustice, for the conversion of hearts where there is malice, and for your own heart to be kept from bitterness. To plead the blood of Jesus over your mind and heart is to ask that His sacrifice cover you, cleanse you, and keep you in peace, for by that blood you have access to the Father and protection from the accuser.
Let us pray together.
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, I ask You to strengthen this Your servant in this trial. Cover mind and heart with the peace that comes through the blood of Christ, guard against fear and confusion, and shut the mouth of every unjust accusation as You once shut the mouths of lions. Where there is harassment and persecution in the workplace, bring it to an end according to Your justice. Thwart every scheme of evil, whether seen or unseen, expose what is done in darkness, and bring conviction and repentance where there is wrongdoing. We do not ask for vengeance upon persons, but we leave judgment to You and ask You to have mercy even on those who cause harm, that they may turn and do what is right.
Make a way where there seems to be no way, according to Your wisdom. Provide help and support, surround this servant and the whole department with Your protection, as You encamp around those who fear You. Give strength to remain and to work with integrity, to bless when reviled and to endure when pressured. Protect work and provision, and give wisdom for finances, that trust may remain in You whether the answer comes as deliverance from the trial or as grace to bear it and be made more fruitful through it. Let Your strength be made perfect in weakness, so that though pressed, Your servant will not be crushed, and though perplexed, will not despair.
We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our righteousness. Amen.
The Scriptures teach us that trials do not mean you have been forsaken. God allowed Abraham to be tested not because He needed to learn what was in his heart, but to make his faithfulness manifest to all. In the same way He exercises His athletes. When there is no contest, the wrestler still trains by laboring against the sand bag and with his companions, so that when the real contest comes he may stand firm. Every day is to be that training in patience, prayer, and steadfastness. And we are told plainly that everyone who desires to live a godly life will know tribulation, for the way is narrow and life itself is a testing. This is why we pray that we may not enter into temptation, yet if we are led into it, we are to bear it nobly, not throwing ourselves rashly into danger, but not shrinking back when the call to stand for what is right comes.
God also prunes the branch that bears fruit so that it may bear more fruit. Persecution and pressure, though painful, can make the soul stronger when received with trust. As the Apostle learned to say, when he pleaded for relief and heard the answer, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness, so we too can be pressed on every side yet not crushed, perplexed yet not driven to despair, because the power of Christ rests upon those who lean on Him and not on themselves. The Lord does not rejoice in the destruction of persons, but He is just and He will repay according to what is done, and that truth can give comfort to the weaker heart without our seeking vengeance for ourselves.
Therefore let us pray not for the destruction of people made in God's image, but for the thwarting of every evil plan, for the exposure of injustice, for the conversion of hearts where there is malice, and for your own heart to be kept from bitterness. To plead the blood of Jesus over your mind and heart is to ask that His sacrifice cover you, cleanse you, and keep you in peace, for by that blood you have access to the Father and protection from the accuser.
Let us pray together.
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, I ask You to strengthen this Your servant in this trial. Cover mind and heart with the peace that comes through the blood of Christ, guard against fear and confusion, and shut the mouth of every unjust accusation as You once shut the mouths of lions. Where there is harassment and persecution in the workplace, bring it to an end according to Your justice. Thwart every scheme of evil, whether seen or unseen, expose what is done in darkness, and bring conviction and repentance where there is wrongdoing. We do not ask for vengeance upon persons, but we leave judgment to You and ask You to have mercy even on those who cause harm, that they may turn and do what is right.
Make a way where there seems to be no way, according to Your wisdom. Provide help and support, surround this servant and the whole department with Your protection, as You encamp around those who fear You. Give strength to remain and to work with integrity, to bless when reviled and to endure when pressured. Protect work and provision, and give wisdom for finances, that trust may remain in You whether the answer comes as deliverance from the trial or as grace to bear it and be made more fruitful through it. Let Your strength be made perfect in weakness, so that though pressed, Your servant will not be crushed, and though perplexed, will not despair.
We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our righteousness. Amen.
