I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1

Patient Lord,

It is so difficult for us to wait. We live in an age of instant gratification, which makes it all the harder to wait when we are called upon to do so. We also live in a society that is constantly on the go, so we do not like to slow down. Waiting and not seeing instant results require patience and perseverance, and those are difficult virtues for us to cultivate. We snap at our children when they misbehave, wondering why they can’t just grow up already, and then we berate ourselves for our lack of patience. We allow our tempers to get the better of us, then feel guilty for not being more patient. We strive to learn a new skill or establish a new habit, but get irritated when it takes longer than we’d like it to. We wonder why You don’t answer our prayers the way we want to and in our own timing. Whatever form it takes, most of us would have to admit that we struggle to be patient. Remind us in our busy world to “be still and know that [You] are God” (Psalm 46:10). Grant us patience with those around us and with ourselves. Give us a new mindset to see frustrating situations as opportunities to practice the art of patience. Grant us perseverance in prayer, knowing that “the Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward [us], not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Help us to trust in You, that You are working for our eternal good, and allow us to be patient as we wait for You to work in our lives according to Your will and in Your perfect timing.

Please help me to be more patient regarding…

In Your name I pray. Amen.

For a full explanation of this challenge, see the post 12-Minute Prayer Challenge. If you are just joining us, feel free to continue on with us from the current day, or if you prefer, you can go back and start at Day 1.