The "Hope" in Faith, Hope, and Love

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the three things that remain: faith, hope, and love. These three things should be on our mind when we pray.

Faith and love are easy to comprehend. They are the foundations of Christian faith. But what about hope? What should we be hoping for?

I have written on my fascination with the book of Revelation. In addition to the thoughts put forth in that post, the book of Revelation contains two of my favorite Biblical passages, both of which relate to "hope." First, John writes to one of the churches, Revelation 2:10 (ESV),

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

And second, in the part of the book that prophesizes the coming of God's kingdom, John writes, Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV),

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Although it is difficult for us to grasp the infinite joy of God's kingdom, these two passages attest to its greatness. I believe this gives us "hope" in our prayers.