Hope

What it means

Paul prays that the God of hope will fill believers with all joy and peace as they trust him, so they overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit's power.

Why every Christian should know it

Hope here is a gift from God rather than an achievement of temperament, and it comes through trusting him.

Cross references

• Romans 5:5
• Psalms 42:11
• 1 Peter 1:3

Pray it back

God of hope, fill me with joy and peace as I trust you, until hope overflows again.

What it means

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, reaching into the inner sanctuary where Jesus has gone.

Why every Christian should know it

It gives hope a location. The anchor is not in your feelings, it is fastened where Christ is.

Cross references

• Hebrews 6:18
• Colossians 1:5
• 1 Peter 1:4

Pray it back

Lord, my hope is anchored in you and not in me. Hold the line when the water rises.

What it means

God tells exiles in Babylon that he knows the plans he has for them, plans for peace and a future and a hope.

Why every Christian should know it

Read in context this is stronger than the poster version. It was spoken to people facing seventy years of exile.

Cross references

• Jeremiah 29:10
• Romans 8:28
• Psalms 138:8

Pray it back

Lord, you had plans for your people even in exile. I trust you with the years I cannot see.

What it means

The psalmist questions his own downcast soul and preaches to it: hope in God, for I will yet praise him.

Why every Christian should know it

It models talking to yourself instead of only listening to yourself, which is one of the great skills of the Christian life.

Cross references

• Psalms 43:5
• Lamentations 3:24
• Psalms 62:5

Pray it back

Lord, my soul is downcast. I will hope in you and I will praise you again.