Lord God,

Teach me to know what it is to be patient. My heart is weary, my mind is weak, my lips speak too quickly.

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!  – Psalm 27:14

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  – Isaiah 40:31

When I am about to lose my temper, help me to wait upon you. When my lips seek to speak evil, help me to wait upon you. When my body is inclined to violence, help me to wait upon you.

Help me to be slow to speak, quick to hear and slow to anger (James 1). Help me to love, even when I feel hate. Help me to speak kindly, even when I want to insult. Help me to act justly, even when my body inwardly rages.

You alone, oh Lord, can give me this strength. It is in you that I will find my hope. Though the stresses of life make me weary and weak, I know that you can renew my soul.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him – Psalms 37:7

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25

Lord, help me to be patient when my prayers go unanswered. I feel discouraged when I am unsure of your direction in my life. I grow impatient when healing does not come, when rest is still lacking, when relationships are still broken, and when injustice still abounds. I wonder when relief will come, and the more I wonder, the more I distrust in your loving goodness.

Help me to wait. Help me to wait patiently.

Your plans are good.

Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; – Colossians 1:11 

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:4

Finally, may my patient waiting lead to my joy. May I see your sovereignty as glorious! May I recognize the work you are doing in my own life as I wait. May I see the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, transforming my heart to be more and more patient as I grow in my faith and knowledge of you. May the pain, the long nights, the confusions and the heart aches be turned into joy; for I know I am not alone, you will never leave me and you will guide me on the road ahead.

Amen.