September 4 – Day 247. Pray for Mercy and Compassion

Welcome to another episode of our EBC Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Romans 9:15-16, and it reads: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So, then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that run, but of God that shows mercy.” 

As we pray, let us believe that it is not the will of those who strive or the actions of those who run that count, but rather it is God’s grace that determines who receives his mercy. 

Let us approach prayer with hope and confidence, for God is merciful and compassionate. The Lord is reminding us that his sovereignty, grace, and mercy are not determined by human desire or effort; rather, it is God's choice to bestow them upon us. 

Transcript

Welcome to another episode of our EBC Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Romans 9:15-16, and it reads: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So, then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that run, but of God that shows mercy.” 

As we pray, let us believe that it is not the will of those who strive or the actions of those who run that count, but rather it is God’s grace that determines who receives his mercy. 

Let us approach prayer with hope and confidence, for God is merciful and compassionate. The Lord is reminding us that his sovereignty, grace, and mercy are not determined by human desire or effort; rather, it is God's choice to bestow them upon us. 

Let’s pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with our hearts bowed in reverence and lifted in gratitude. You alone are holy, righteous, and sovereign over all creation. 

Lord, thank you for reminding us that you spoke to Moses and declared that you will have mercy on whom you will have mercy, and you will have compassion on whom you will have compassion. So, then it is not of anyone that wills, nor of anyone that run, but of God that shows mercy. 

Lord, you have made it clear that your mercy is not earned by human effort, nor secured by human will, nor achieved by how fast or how far we run, but it flows freely from your heart. Today, we acknowledge that we often try to prove ourselves worthy, striving and struggling as though your love were a reward to be earned. Lord, thank you for reminding us that your mercy is a gift, freely given.

Father, your mercy is beyond measure. It is not limited by our weakness, for in our weakness, you are our strength. It is not limited by our failures, for in our failures, you extend forgiveness. It is not limited by our sorrow, for in our sorrow, you comfort us. Lord, your mercy is new every morning, and your compassion never fails. Help us never to take this mercy for granted, but to live each day with awareness of how deeply you love us. When we fall short, you do not turn away from us. When we stumble, you do not abandon us. Instead, you draw nearer to us with compassion, patience, and steadfast love. You see us fully, just as we are, and we are deeply grateful.

Lord, please teach us to rest in your mercy rather than striving in our own strength. Help us to release the pressure to impress others, or to control our outcomes. Remind us that it is not by our will, nor by our effort, but by your grace that we are safe. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others, or to measure our worth by success, remind us that your compassion cannot be earned, because it come directly from you.

Father, pour out your mercy upon those who are burdened today. Look with compassion on those who feel forgotten, overlooked, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Remember those who are facing illness, and pain, let your mercy bring comfort and healing. For those carrying guilt, shame, or regret, let your compassion bring forgiveness and peace. Help each and everyone of us not to give up on you.

Lord, have mercy on our families, bring reconciliation through your compassion. Let your mercy move our hearts toward righteousness and truth. Let your hope rise us to the assurance that you are still at work. Teach us how to reflect your mercy to others, for we are recipients of your grace.

Father, soften our hearts so we can show compassion to others. Help us to extend kindness, patience, and love, and remind us daily that everything we have is the result of your mercy alone. Let our words and actions reflect the grace we have received from you.

Father, in closing, thank you for reminding us that your mercy is new every morning. Thank you for your compassion that never runs dry, never grows weary, and never fails. We place our hope not in our own strength, but in your grace. 

Lord, when we do not understand your ways, help us to trust you. When your mercy unfolds in ways we did not expect, give us faith to believe that you are always good and always just. Teach us to surrender our plans and desires into your hands, knowing that your will is higher than ours and your purposes are rooted in love.

We pray all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer…Amen.

Everyone, please have a blessed day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow.