GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

SIMEON’S PRAYER OF COMPLETE DELIGHT

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:25-26 NIV

“Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:” Luke 2:27-28 NIV

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32 NIV

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel He patiently waited all his life for this time to come This was a very long and difficult wait! – Genesis 3:15; Heb. 11:13 There must have been times when he felt like giving up Notice the work of the Holy Spirit in his life – Luke 2:25-28

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel We too must wait patiently for the Lord’s coming There will be difficult times while we wait – 2 Timothy 3:1-5; James 5:7-11 There may be times when we feel like giving up – 2 Peter 3:3-15; Hebrews 10:32-39 We must rely upon the Holy Spirit to help us – Ephesians 1:17-20; 3:16-21

His wait was definitely worth it! Simeon lived to see the salvation of God He believed that he would one day see the Messiah, and did! He lived a righteous and devout life as he waited – Luke 2:25 God kept His promise! God always keeps His promises! – Hebrews 10:23

His wait was definitely worth it! We too will one day see the Lord Jesus if we don’t give up The Scriptures are full of encouragement and warnings – John 14:1-3, 6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2::11-15; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 3:1-3 Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out weighs them all – 2 Corinthians 4:17 But we must be faithful as we patiently wait – Hebrews 10:35-39

He was now ready to depart in Peace Simeon would die a very happy man! His prayer was filled with praise, thanksgiving and confidence He praised God for His Sovereignty – Luke 2:29a He thanked God for His faithfulness – Luke 2:29b And he proclaimed confidence in his own salvation–Luke 2:29c This is truly a prayer of complete delight!

He was now ready to depart in Peace What about you? Are you ready to depart in Peace? Have you trusted in the Lord for your Salvation?– Mark 16:15-16 Are you living a righteous and devout life? – Revelation 2:10 If not, why not begin today!

“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28 NIV