Daily Dose of Hope

March 25, 2026

Scripture: Romans 15

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Mighty God, Holy One...We come to you this morning with humility and gratefulness. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that you continue to love and guide us, even though we mess up again and again. Thank you for your patience and your never-ending care. Lord, we are so very grateful. Help us, on this Wednesday, to right our attitude. We belong to you and we are under your authority. Help us see others the way you see them. Help us produce fruit in our lives. Oh, Lord, how we need your help. Please, Jesus, may we hear your voice today. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We have been walking through Paul's letters, chronologically, and we are currently towards the end of Romans.

Today's reading is Romans 15. We can tell that Paul is beginning to close his letter in this chapter. He shares his plans to head to Jerusalem and then to Rome on his way to Spain (we don't think Paul actually made it there) and he implores the Christ-followers in Rome to pray for him.

But before we get to Paul's planned journey, let's talk about some of the main themes in the chapter. This idea of God's faithfulness runs through the chapter and even the whole letter. Paul talks about God's steadfastness and truth, and then he does a great job linking Old Testament Scriptures with God's acceptance of the Gentiles. Paul pulls from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and the Psalms. Basically, he is saying that God's faithfulness and his promises extend from the Jews to the Gentiles.

Now let's talk about the trip that Paul is referring to. Now, Paul knew a trip to Jerusalem would be dangerous. There were plenty of people there who wanted to see him executed for his work as a Christian missionary. Paul asks his Roman brothers and sisters to join him in the struggle by praying to God on his behalf. The ESV uses the phrase "strive together" with him in prayer, and the term comes from the Greek word for agonize.

I think this is one of the gifts of the Christian walk, when the body of Christ gathers and agonizes together, to pray for a specific person or situation. While our solitary prayers are important, there is something that happens when we raise up our voices together. We know that we know that we know that we aren't alone. We are lifted up, encouraged, and empowered to keep going. Who is it who needs to know you are praying for them today?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki