Prayer Root Ministries -> Praying through Scripture -> Romans -> Romans 11
Scripture (ESV)
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.’ But what is God’s reply to him? ‘I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, ‘God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.’ And David says, ‘Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.’
So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
Prayer Root: Word to Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You know each one of us personally, down to the very hairs on our head. My relationship with You is not based on my nationality, my family line, or any goodness inherited from my ancestors, but on Your gracious choice and love.
Lord, I pray to you to help me to remember every day that I am chosen by Your grace and not by my works, achievements, or religious performance. When I am tempted to strive for Your approval, gently remind me that grace would no longer be grace if it depended on what I do. Teach my heart to rest in what Christ has already finished for me.
Make my heart sensitive to Your leading. Open my eyes and ears so I do not become dull or hardened but stay tender, obedient, and responsive to Your voice.
Father, give me opportunities to reflect Your glory in this world. Grant me courage when I feel fearful, boldness when I feel small, and the right words when I do not know what to say. Let my life enrich others with the riches of Your grace, that many may see, believe, and turn to You.
May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, starting in my own heart, my home, and my relationships. Keep me as part of Your remnant who bow only to You.
Rooted in prayer, rejoicing in Christ.