Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4
There are many who do not have fond memories of History class, filled with its battles, dates, and names of people long dead. However, when you consider individual stories of those who lived in past times and locations, history can be fascinating. In the Bible, stories of real people such as Moses, Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul, Peter, Mary, and Anna come alive. The teachings become more relatable as you consider that those humans who had encounters with God were people just like you. Today’s verse states the Scriptures were meant to encourage, instruct, and provide hope for future generations.
The apostle James says that even the great prophet Elijah had a nature like all humans and God answered his prayers in a powerful way. Likewise, God answers prayers of faith today. Jesus said, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Mustard trees start from tiny seeds and can grow tall with wide-spreading branches.
When desiring to grow in prayer, as most prayer team readers do, it is helpful to examine the lives of those who prayed before you. You can learn a lot about prayer from these men and women of God. As you pray for the United States, keep these lessons in mind, and be thankful that, just as Daniel prayed for his nation, God hears you pray for yours. Pray that the United States, its governing officials and citizens, will turn to the Lord and follow after His ways.
Today’s Verse: Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 5:13-18
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
