Readings: 1 Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106:3-4,35-37,40; Mark 7:24-30

King Solomon lost his sovereignty over Israel because he did not persevere in virtue—rather, he sought false gods. A Syrophoenician pagan received grace to believe in the Son of God and she obtained healing for her child all because she persevered in her request.
Perseverance is the virtue which disposes a person to hold steadily to a good purpose, keeping the end steadily in view, despite delays, fatigue, and temptations. A lack of perseverance is a vice called "softness." A soft person lacks character and focus. You are unfaithful to your marital or religious vows not because humans are naturally polygamous. It is because you lack perseverance. While persistent or perseverance may seem difficult, it is necessary in every aspect of life and those who lack it struggle a lot in their spiritual life, academics, career, relationships and marriage to mention a few.
While praying for your needs, pray for the strength to persist in what you are asking for, so that nothing will take your blessings away. What looks like denial is God’s way of testing your resolve and strengthening your character. A person who has persisted in prayer for a gift will not take that blessing lightly when they receive it. God will surely give you what you need. But you must prove your seriousness by persisting in prayer and never give up on yourself.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteous. Thank You Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May God grant speedy response to your prayers in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you the grace to persist in prayer even when it looks like He is silent.
Your troubles and trial shall not consume you in Jesus’ name.
May God wipe away your tears and silence the taunting voices of those who mocked your faith in Jesus’ name.
May God strengthen you against the temptation to seek false gods or false prophets for help in Jesus’ name.
May God help you to flee the occasions of sin and over-dependence on human strength in Jesus’ name.
May God give you grace to persevere and be faithful to God in your marriage and in your relationships in Jesus’ name.
May God you grant you the grace to persevere in doing good so that your prayers and petitions may be acceptable before Him in Jesus’ name.
Dearest Lord, give me courage to persist in doing good, to resist temptations of all kinds and enjoy the fruits of serving you in spirit and truth, all the days of my life in Jesus' name. Amen.
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