Should You Pray for Patience?
Does praying for patience mean God will send trials upon you?
“What’s your take on praying for patience? I had someone in one of my classes say we shouldn’t pray for patience, because God would heap trials upon us.”
This was a question someone asked me recently.
It’s an interesting question; hopefully, we will benefit from studying it together.
Persecution and Trials Will Come upon the Christian.
Whether we pray for patience or not, persecution and trials will come upon those who follow Jesus and live godly lives.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:10-12)
I think the person who suggested we shouldn’t pray for patience was thinking if you ask for it, you just might get it and more than you wanted! I’ve heard someone joke before, “I prayed for patience, and God gave me children.”
In all seriousness, avoiding praying for patience is not how you avoid trials and difficulties. If you live for Christ, the trials are coming - regardless of whether or not you pray for patience.
These Trials Are What Produce Patience in Our Life.
Those who have been justified have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. As those who stand in the grace of God and rejoice while looking ahead with confidence to the glory of God - we have a different perspective on the struggles of this life.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:1-4)
We glory in tribulations - why? Because we know that tribulations and trials produce perseverance (or patience). It builds up to hope.
Enduring the tribulations of this life by following God (Galatians 5:22-25) enables us to look forward to the future with hope.
We Should Pray for Wisdom When We Face These Trials.
James reminds us to turn to God when we face the trials and difficulties of this life.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:2-5)
We should be joyful when we face trials - not because they are enjoyable - but because we know they produce patience (or endurance).
If we lack wisdom - and the context means lacking wisdom in facing “various trials” - then we should turn to our gracious, giving God and ask Him for the wisdom we need.
I think what people mean when they pray for patience is wisdom. If you prayed for more patience - what do you mean? Well, you probably mean you desire the strength and fortitude to act and speak as you should, even when facing difficulties and trials.
That’s what James tells us to do.
So that’s my thoughts on the matter, which have hopefully been consistent with what God’s Word teaches.
To summarize:
Trials will come upon Christians, whether we pray for patience or not.
These trials produce patience in the lives of Christians who keep following Christ.
We should pray for wisdom to help us through our trials.
I think it’s perfectly alright, according to Scripture, to pray for patience.
As elders of the church. We often have to pray for patience when talking with a person who has sinned against God and the church. Good article.
Yes, since God answers all prayers we should pray for guidance with the trials we endure on this earth. But, we should pray for patience as God does grant to us what we ask for and He will know how much we can handle. Asking God for patience is a privilege not all have.