Praying With Saint PatrickSample

A Prayer for Seasons of Waiting

It is there that I await his promise.

Patrick, “Confession,” 39

From our vantage point, Patrick appears to be a man of action. A hero who boldly accomplished great missions for his King. But in reality, Patrick spent the first half of his life . . . waiting.

As a youth, he yearned to be old enough to rid himself of his father’s rules. As a slave, he waited six years to find freedom. Now safely home, in a twist of irony, Patrick longed for the opportunity to return to Ireland. God had called him to go, but the months slipped into years, with no support for his mission materializing.

When we are in the midst of a hard trial, we endure, we press on with the hope of resolution. When we are faced with a challenging task, we summon our courage and conquer. But when we are called simply to wait, how can we keep our faith alive? Waiting and the uncertainty it brings can be the cruelest crucible of suffering. Yes, we are aware that God’s timing is not our timing, but it’s incredibly painful.

As Patrick waited in faith, he continued to pray toward the future, without neglecting to faithfully minister in the present. And he was careful to watch for the hand of the Lord shaping both his circumstances and his own character.

What are you praying for today? A relationship, a job, a home, an opportunity? Relief from a trial? Healing, physical or spiritual, for yourself or a loved one? Cling to the truth that your heavenly Father has good plans for you, and prepare to be amazed at his grace when the timing is right.

Pray: Oh God, give me patience! I’m struggling to be content where I am instead of where I will someday be. I know there are ways I need to grow and things that must be done in preparation. Help me to focus on the present and trust you. From my point of view, it seems best if we do this new thing starting tomorrow, but I know that you are far wiser than me. You know all things. Give me patience to enjoy watching your plan unfold.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 130:5-6, ESV