praying effectively: Rejoice (1Peter 1:3-9)

(1 Peter 1:3-9)  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we believe in the Lord (1:8)

- that we love the Lord (1:8)

- that we give blessings, praise, glory and honor to the Lord for all that He has done for us, all that He is doing for us, and all that He is going to do for us (1:3-9)

- that we greatly rejoice in all that the Lord has done for us, is doing for us, and is going to do for us (1:6)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You!!!  For all that You have done for us!  All that You are doing for us!  And all that You are going to do for us! 

Help our belief in You keep growing deeper and stronger!  Help Your love grow in us, so that it will overflow and spill out to all of those around us.  May Your love and the good news spread like wildfire across the world!  May Your name be blessed and glorified in every nation with steadfast and sincere hearts of joy!  Amen.