Being Up When You’re Down

Paul writes:  To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

We pray: Father, may we work hard with our hands. When we are cursed, may we, by Your Spirit, bless. When we are persecuted, may we endure triumphantly! And when we are slandered, may we respond with kindness. Lord, no matter what, may our hearts be filled with and focused upon You.