Quick Answers To Prayer

Nehemiah chapter two gives us one of the more interesting prayers in the Bible for its brevity. As Nehemiah was talking to the king regarding a leave of absence to help rebuild Jerusalem, we read that he quickly “prayed to the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 2:4). A few verses later, Nehemiah records that his request was received favorably “according to the good hand of my God” (Nehemiah 2:8) upon his life. Nehemiah chapter one shows us the power of a longer prayer, and Nehemiah chapter two shows us that God answers shorter prayers too. Sometimes just taking a very brief moment to pray causes favorable circumstances to unfold. When in need of God’s favor to do God’s will, be sure to lift up a quick prayer. Now that’s something to pray about!

Priestly Blessing

Being the recipient of a prayer of blessing always brings encouragement to my heart, and so today I wanted to pray one over you. This is the priestly blessing God instructed Moses, Aaron and the sons of Aaron to declare over the people of Israel. Whether you’re listening from home, while out for a walk or on the go in your vehicle, simply listen to these words from Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Friend, be richly blessed in all God has you doing today, and be sure to pass those blessings on to others. Now that’s something to pray about!

When Prayer Feels Weak

Romans 8:26 tells us that “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought” (Romans 8:26). Do you ever feel like your prayers are just too weak, and that you barely even know what to pray for? It’s hard enough to find time alone to sit quietly and open the Bible—especially if you have young children like my wife and I. The good news today is that God knew we would all struggle to some degree in our prayer life. He gave us His Holy Spirit to provide the strength we need. So keep trying to pray. You might just find what I have often found—that He answers us even in our weakest moments. Now that’s something to pray about!

Athletic Coaches

As I look back over my life, especially the early part of my life, I’m amazed by how many athletic coaches were used by God to shape who I am today. Certainly, my parents top the list, and teachers and friends would be up there too, but so many truths and character lessons have stuck with me and guided me from these many coaches. Whether it was hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball—I played everything I could—each coach impacted me in a needed way, and a few of them even led me to Christ. This week, let’s say a prayer for our children’s coaches. God is using them in a special way to shape our kids. And coaches, if you’re listening, thank you for what you do. Now that’s something to pray about!

God Listens

Have you ever thought about how incredible it is that God actually listens to you? Not just a famous pastor, or an overseas missionary, or your parents, but you. Personally, I find this astounding. The fact that this big, uncreated God who made the entire universe listens to little me and you—it just moves me to prayer. We’ve all heard that Jesus loves you, but has anyone ever told you that He also listens to you? The disinterested can still love, but only the interested listen. Friend, never forget that God not only loves you, but He is interested in you. He listens for your voice and wants to do marvelous things as you talk to Him. Now that’s something to pray about!