Today is September 26  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.   
  
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   
  
As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?  
  
What is it that keeps you going?  Is it God?  
 
How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth?  Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?  
   
As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.  
  
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship  
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship