No Expiration on Joyful Confident Expectation: Hope that Endures

A full week has gone by since we united in prayer across America, gathering in parks and prisons, hospitals and houses, in stadiums and sanctuaries, planes and porches, in every state, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to “Pour Out to the God of Hope and be Filled!” The glory stories are rolling in and we would love to hear your glory story of where you gathered to pray and how, even now, the Lord is answering your prayers.

I am concerned that the last part of that sentence stopped you from contacting us as you have not seen or experienced the complete answer or maybe any sign of any answer to your prayers.

Friends, do not despair, resolve to watch and walk in joyful confident expectation as you press on believing, abounding in hope and enduring the earthly storms with the peace that surpasses all understanding. These are the moments where you pray and STAND; standing in the presence and promises of the God of hope “between the ask and answer.” These words grabbed my heart as Juan and Melodee DeVevo from Casting Crowns sang their new song STAND written by Kerry Hasenbalg on our National Day of Prayer Broadcast.

 Did you get a chance to watch our National Day of Prayer Broadcast that united us in prayer and shared the gospel around the world? If not, or if you would like to watch it again, we have great news! You can watch the entire broadcast on our website. 

We are grateful that many of our media partners have also kept the National Day of Prayer Broadcast in their “On Demand” library to be viewed whenever their viewers or listeners would like to pour out some more, in prayer. 

Prayer is one of the greatest expressions of love. I am strengthened to know that God put people in my life to endure in prayer for me as well as prompting me to persevere in prayer for others. Perhaps your mom or grandmother prayed fervently for you, you there is a teacher, coach or neighbor who is still praying for you. As Mother’s Day approaches this weekend, thank them for their enduring prayers and love last week or even throughout your life. 

I am especially comforted to know that our prayers endure and not expire. Your prayers do not fade through the weeks and years but are continually before the Lord in the golden bowls in heaven being filled with our prayers. (Revelation 5:8) Knowing this, we should pause and thank God in the process of answering our prayers knowing He is faithful. We should celebrate progress, even if it seems on earth that things are getting worse because it means there is a battle going on in the heavenlies.

Pour out praise to the Promise-keeper. Pour out thanks to the One who is Truth and Trustworthy. Give God glory and share your story with us as we continue to pray for you and with you.

Can we reunite in prayer right now?

God, You are love and Your love endures forever. Our hope in You, our joyful confident expectation endures as we pour out to You knowing the flame of our prayers are fanned by Holy Spirit fire and do not expire. Our intercession is forever before You and Your joy and peace are forever filling us as we believe. Thank You for those who have prayed for us and for the privilege of praying for others; for family and friends, neighbors and nation, strange we may encounter only for a moment as You prompt us to pray for them, as well as praying just as fervently for our “enemies” who come against us but our prayers to You can change them forever. Help us to endure in love, hope and prayer knowing You love every person we pray for even more than we ever could. Thank you for Your enduring love for us. We pour out our praise, thanks, and intercession in anticipation of Your answers. In the loving name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Serving Him with gladness,

Kathy Branzell

President

National Day of Prayer Task Force