America

America

Prayer Point 22 - June 28, 2021

When I think of how to pray for America today, I often come back to the heartfelt intercession of Daniel: “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay” (Daniel 9:19). You can feel the urgency all throughout the prophet’s ninth chapter. He knew that though Israel’s sins were great, God’s mercy was greater, and that prayer was the bridge between the two. Here in the United States, God has been incredibly kind to prosper us like no nation in history, and yet so many of our fellow Americans are far from Him. As we approach our 245th Independence Day this 4th of July, let’s go to God like Daniel—with gratitude for our blessings, with humility for our sins and with urgency for a great move of God. Now that’s something to pray about!

Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Prayer Point 21 - June 21, 2021

“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

Father's Day

Prayer Point 20 - June 14, 2021

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

Healing

Prayer Point 19 - June 7, 2021

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

Unceasing

Prayer Point 18 - May 31, 2021

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!