A Prayer About Patience

When I just can’t wait

MY SAVIOR AND LORD,

I remember seeing a cartoon caption that read, “I want patience, and I want it now!” Unfortunately that describes my attitude most of the time. Patience is a virtue. It is also a fruit of the Spirit. But it certainly is not my default setting in life. I definitely do not like waiting. So I avoid the slow lane in traffic, expect the fast-food restaurant to be fast, and find it extremely frustrating to stand in a long line. I know this aspect of my personality helps me get things done—and quickly—but at times quality suffers, and I admit that some things take time to develop. I need a good dose of patience, Lord. Relationships can’t be forced or rushed. And I realize that, just as with physical development, spiritual growth isn’t instantaneous. Day by day—through challenges, conflicts, choices, relationships, and spiritual food and nurture—your Spirit continues to work in me, making me more and more like you, Jesus. I understand all this, but waiting is so difficult. So again, Savior, I pray for patience.

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23