Starting something with passion and zeal is often easier than sustaining momentum to the point of completion. We make commitments – to education, fitness goals, relationships, careers, and callings – but too frequently lose steam when difficulties arise or old habits creep back.
Finishing strong requires perseverance, renewal of vision, and faithful reliance on God’s strength when our own willpower falters. Consider these prayers for finishing the tasks and callings God gives each of us:
Prayers for Times When Energy and Passion Lag
When our initial enthusiasm diminishes and we’re tempted to quit, pray:
- Lord, remind me again of your purpose and call on my life. Rekindle vision and hope within me.
- Strengthen me during this season of weariness and disillusionment. Renew my energy, Lord.
- Help me to abide in you, rather than relying on my own weak flesh. May your power flow through me.
Ephesians 3:16 says:
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Prayers for Overcoming Distractions and Lack of Self-Discipline
When old bad habits, entertainment, or sinful entanglements threaten focus, pray:
- Father, grant me clarity to recognize anything hindering my walk with you. Help me remove distractions.
- Lord, grow patience, temperance, and self-control in me. Teach me to prioritize what matters most.
- Align my heart to deeply value finishing what I’ve started. Give me renewed resolve, Lord.
1 Corinthians 9:25 advises:
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Prayers for Times When We Feel Inadequate or Ill-Equipped
When self-doubt arises or a challenge exposes our weaknesses, pray:
- Lord, help me understand that your strength is made perfect in my weaknesses. You are my sufficiency.
- Build perseverance and character in me through every struggle I face, God.
- Teach me to rest in the truth that you equip those you call. Strengthen me where I am lacking.
2 Corinthians 12:9 assures:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Prayers for Seasons Requiring Patient Endurance
When finishing requires denying immediate gratification for future rewards, pray:
- Father, help me to “run with endurance the race set before me, fixing my eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
- Lord, guard my heart against weariness and teach me to wait patiently on your perfect timing.
- Allow me to see present trials in light of eternal treasure. Empower me to endure hardship joyfully.
James 1:2-4 encourages:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Prayers for Times of Frustration, Anger, or Irritability
When tensions run high and relationships suffer, pray:
- Lord, soothe my frazzled emotions. Cleanse me of anger and grant me patience.
- Empower me to love others well in this stressful season of finishing my tasks.
- Forgive me for failures and misdirected irritations, God. Bring conviction that leads to repentance.
Ephesians 4:26 advises:
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Prayers to Renew Focus and Vision
When completion feels tedious or motivation wanes, pray:
- Lord, revive the passion and urgency I first felt to fulfill this calling.
- Expand my limited perspective. Give eyes to see your transcendent purposes.
- Awaken my heart each morning with joyful readiness to continue your work.
Galatians 6:9 encourages:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
| When I Feel… | I Pray… |
|---|---|
| Exhausted and depleted | “Renew my energy, Lord.” |
| Distracted and undisciplined | “Help me remove distractions.” |
| Insecure and inadequately equipped | “You are my sufficiency.” |
| Impatient for change or results | “Teach me to wait on your timing.” |
| Frustrated, angry or irritable | “Grant me patience, Lord.” |
| Bored, passive or complacent | “Revive my passion for your purposes.” |
The triumphant work God begins, He is faithful to complete (Philippians 1:6). What promises, prayers and biblical truths encourage you to keep persevering with endurance and joy? Our weakness and need for God provide opportunity for His gracious strength to shine through. Be emboldened, therefore, to finish every good work to His glory!