PRAYER and FASTING
Session Four
Hope in the name of Jesus
REFLECTION
The film The Shawshank Redemption presents two contrasting perspectives on hope. One character warns, “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane,” reflecting the futility of his desire for escape. The other counters, “Hope is a good thing, maybe even the best of things. And good things never die,” emphasizing its enduring power.
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, identifies hope as one of three enduring virtues, alongside faith and love. In Romans, he assures us that “hope will not disappoint us.” Hope fuels our prayers, sustaining us until we see the desires of our hearts fulfilled.
QUOTES
“Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.” -RC Sproul
PRAYER
In this session, we pray for a restoration of hope. God has promised that faith will not disappoint us and that love will be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Instead of succumbing to the despair of the world, we should place our hope in the one who knows the end from the beginning and holds all authority in heaven and on earth.
- Pray for a restoration of hope within the church and our nation.
- Pray for a renewal of hope for those whose personal hopes have weakened and who need a boost from heaven.
- Pray for strength for those who are persevering and believing in God for a breakthrough.
MEDITATE
- Reflect on a time when you experienced hope in a challenging situation. How did that hope impact your thoughts, feelings, and actions?
- Consider a specific area of your life where you need a fresh infusion of hope. Bring that area to God in prayer, trusting in his promises and his unwavering love.
