The Fruit of Prayer 6/15/2025

Life can be challenging, with its share of setbacks and disappointments. This passage was written to the Christians in Rome (AD 58) just before a major persecution. Although we don't know exactly what level of persecution was happening at this time, it is safe to assume that it was already occurring to some extent. Emperor Nero, who ruled from AD 54 to 68, was a cruel and brutal leader. It is presumed that Nero started a fire that burned a significant portion of the city, which he blamed on the Christians to shift public scrutiny (AD 64). Nero's actions marked a significant point in the persecution of Christians and contributed to their growing reputation as a separate and sometimes dangerous group within the Roman Empire. What does this have to do with us? The Bible often asks us to do difficult things, and its authors understood the challenges that come with them. Like the Roman church, we also should find encouragement to rejoice in hope, be patient during suffering, and remain constant in prayer, demonstrating faith in God's promises. The relationship between prayer, hope, and endurance is cyclical in nature. Prayer strengthens hope, which enables believers to endure trials with joy; their endurance, in turn, further solidifies their hope and faith in God. Rejoicing in hope and persevering through trials is the fruit of being constant in prayer.