Prayer to Run the Race Well - Prayer for Perseverance

One of the few guarantees of life is that it will be hard, there will be difficulties, and things will go wrong. For Christians, there is also the guarantee there will be persecution, hardship, and spiritual warfare on top. Metaphors for life used in the Bible include a race, a storm, and a harsh wind.

One of the traits and spiritual fruits that God gives to humanity to endure the trials and tribulations of this life is perseverance, which is defined by the dictionary as “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. In theology, it is continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.”

Both definitions apply to the way this word is used in the Bible. The Christian life requires steadiness, purpose, and consistency. The trials, tribulations, and temptations of living in a fallen world require it, but in the end, there is eternity with the living God. Perseverance can be a difficult strength to call upon, which is why people are encouraged to ask the Holy Spirit for it, rather than relying on their own strength.

When times get tough, or something you have been working hard for is not happening as quickly as you think it should, it can be hard to keep pushing forward. Here is a powerful prayer for perseverance.

Prayer:

Holy Father,

Thank You for giving me a life that I can use to glorify You, and serve others. Lord, I know this life will be full of opportunities for me to fail, fall down, and refuse to get back up and finish running the race well, as Your servant Paul encouraged us to do.

My flesh is weak, and there are many earthly reasons to just live for myself. Lord, I ask You to keep me strong. Help me to persevere and finish the race. Even when things seem like they’re going well, help me to not grow complacent. When things are hard, empower me not to grow weary. Let me praise You in all circumstances, that I may keep my eyes fixed on You, and persevere.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.