Suffering

Suffering

Prayer Point 87 - October 3, 2022

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” That’s what James encourages us with in the fifth chapter of his book (James 5:13), and I’ve found it to be helpful for at least three reasons. First, as we pray in our suffering, God gives us His eternal perspective—we will not suffer forever. Second, as we pray in our suffering, God reminds us that He is near—He has never abandoned us even in the most painful seasons of life. Third, as we pray in our suffering, God heals us at times to remedy the physical or emotional pain we are experiencing. Sometimes the last thing we want to do when we are going through hard times is to pray. As we do, though, God shows up in these ways and more. Now that’s something to pray about!

Quick Answers To Prayer

Quick Answers To Prayer

Prayer Point 86 - September 26, 2022

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

Priestly Blessing

Prayer Point 85 - September 19, 2022

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

When Prayer Feels Weak

Prayer Point 84 - September 12, 2022

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

Athletic Coaches

Prayer Point 83 - September 5, 2022

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!