Jerusalem

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’” (Psalm 122:6-8). These words written by David in Psalm 122 are a timeless guide for how we should pray as conflict arises in the region surrounding Israel. As the church, we are called to stand in the gap and ask God to grant as much peace as is possible before the Prince of Peace Himself—Jesus Christ—comes again. What if we all took a moment even now to pray for the blessing and protection of the Jewish people, just as the Scriptures exhort us to do. Now that’s something to pray about!

Father’s Day

When I was a younger Christian, my dad would often remind me of 1 Peter 3:15. He would say, “Derek, ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,’” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). It was the “gentleness and respect” part that he wanted me to get. I was passionate, but could also be very insensitive. Fathers just always seem to know exactly what we need to hear. This Father’s Day, think back on those pieces of advice or Scriptures your dad has shared with you. Keep in mind that those memorable pearls of wisdom are often straight from our heavenly Father. Now that’s something to pray about… love you, Dad!

Healing

One of the more remarkable promises of Scripture is found in James 5:16, which reads, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). As the apostle James tells us, there’s something about sharing our sins and struggles with trusted friends and leaders that unlocks greater healing and wholeness. So let’s be sure to take advantage of this heavenly prescription of confession and intercession. I’m confident that we would see much more healing—mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wounds touched by God’s power—as we live this out with one another in our families and church communities. Now that’s something to pray about!

Unceasing

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul exhorted the church to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Have you ever wondered why? I sure have. After all, it seems to be somewhat of an unrealistic expectation—to never stop praying. But I think what Paul’s getting at here is more than just excessive religious activity. I think he’s trying to help us all come to know the God who delights in answering our prayers. In fact, so much so that if we were to pray continually, He would answer continually. It’s like a spiritual “blank check” so to speak. It’s as if He’s saying, “Try it. Call to Me. Don’t give up. Keep on praying, and I’ll keep on answering.” Now that’s something to pray about!

Why?

The very last question that Jesus asked before His death was, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34) Echoing the words of David in Psalm 22, Jesus still had questions on His mind to the very end. Jesus was and is human like you and me. Just as we wonder why certain things happen, so did He—to the very end. You know, one of the hardest parts of life are all those difficult unanswered questions that we never seem to find an answer to. We must remember there will be answers one day in Heaven, but until then, we must do as Jesus did—even to His final breaths—which is to fully obey and continue to pray. Now that’s something to pray about!