Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy, who seems to have been discouraged, “stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.” The Greek word means to rekindle a fire, to fan coals back into flame. The gift hadn’t disappeared. It had just burned low.
Historical Context
The early monks had a word for this: acedia, a restless boredom that makes everything feel pointless, often hitting around midday. They didn’t think it meant something was wrong with you. They thought it was a normal temptation, and that the cure was to keep doing the next small thing faithfully.
A Prayer for Passion
Lord, the fire has burned low.
I’m doing what I’m supposed to, but my heart isn’t in it.
Stir up the gifts you’ve put in me.
Remind me what I love and why I started.
Give me energy, curiosity and joy again.
And above all, light a fire in me for you.
Amen.
For Passion in My Work
Lord, help me find meaning in my work again,
or show me where you want me to go next.
Amen.
For Burnout
Lord, I’m empty.
Before you fill me with passion, fill me with rest.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- When you feel flat, bored or burned out.
- Before a career decision.
- At Pentecost, asking for the Spirit’s fire.
Scripture Connection
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.” — 2 Timothy 1:6
Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to find a new gift. He tells him to rekindle the one he has. Passion often returns not by changing everything, but by tending what’s already there.
Related prayers
For purpose, see the Prayer for Purpose. For passionate prayer, the Passionate Prayer. For creativity, the Prayer for Creativity.