Prayer based on John 16

Lord God, grant to us the strength that we need in order to face the persecution that will come against Your church. Help us to embrace the sorrows of the present age, that we might have the fullness of joy even now, a joy that comes from the assurance of the age of joy that is yet to come. We ask that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth. May Your Word be boldly declared to us, and may we have ears to hear the greatness of Your message. Your Son’s days on this earth were brief. He was here for a little while. Then He was gone. Yet His disciples did not have sorrow. No one could take away their joy. Help us to believe in resurrection life in the way that they did. Help us to ask and receive from You. You desire that we should not only seek, but find. Help us to stay firm in the faith through every tribulation, for Your Son has overcome the world.