Today I offer a prayer for diligence. Diligence is a core characteristic required to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with God, and also to disciple our neighbors. This careful, persistent, consistent, intentional effort toward a goal is essential. Without diligence (which is often paired with perseverance) it would be easy to have an “it’s good enough” attitude. God’s callings are always worth our careful investment, and only the diligent will accomplish these callings to a high degree of quality and precision. (Clarification: I’m suggesting there’s a balanced, healthy point between a lack of effort [laziness] and an over-achieving reckless effort [perfectionism] that can be achieved by Spirit-led diligence)
Father God, thank you for being diligent in all of Your ways. Thank you for richly supplying for those who are diligent. May we never grow weary of doing good, for You promise we will reap in due time if we do not give up. You also promise to keep us free from slavery and rule over our lives if we diligently obey. Therefore may we be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in Your good works, for our obedient labor is never in vain. When we are diligent in what we do we will become skilled at it, which catches the attention of others and brings glory to You our King. So may we be more diligent in our callings and choices, knowing that when we practice this characteristic You will never allow us to fail. May we be careful to ensure we are reconciled to You, being without spot or blemish in Your eyes, so our peace may testify of Your greatness. May we only seek good favor in Your eyes, working heartily to satisfy You alone. We endeavor to listen to Your voice, do what is right in Your eyes, heed Your commandments, and keep Your guidelines, for You O Lord are our God and will cause us to prosper in these things. We press forward toward the goal of completing Your every calling, and keep our hearts with diligence, so out of us may flow the springs of life, both now and forever, amen.
[Inspired by: Pro 10:4, Pro 13:4, Gal 6:9, Pro 12:24, 1 Cor 15:58, Pro 22:29, 2 Pt 1:10, 2 Pt 3:14, Pro 11:27, Col 3:32, Ex 15:26, 2 Chr 31:21, Php 3:14, Pro 4:23]
~ Conqueror in Training