Praying With Gratitude

With Thanksgiving next on the calendar, and the holiday season ramping up quickly, we’re going focus on being grateful in prayer. Jesus Himself prayed with a spirit of gratitude, and is recorded twice in the gospels saying “thank You, Father” while praying (Matthew 11:25, Luke 10:21). While calling on God to resurrect Lazarus, Jesus said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me” (John 11:41). In fact, nobody else in the gospels is recorded as praying with such thankfulness. Perhaps this is why His prayers were so effective, and had the power to bring life where there was death. As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s exercise this powerful type of prayer. Maybe there’s even something that comes to mind right now for which you could be thankful. Now that’s something to pray about!

Halloween 2022

Halloween will be here soon and you may be wondering what to think about your family’s involvement. There’s certainly no shortage of strong opinions about trick-or-treating, costumes, decorations and more. What I would encourage you to do is simply pray and ask God how to serve and love your neighbors. Although there may be some doing evil things, we as believers are called to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). If Jesus promised to reward those who give a cup of cold water to a child (Matthew 10:42), then how much more hot chocolate or candy. Ask God for a practical and creative strategy to bless your neighbors, and may the light of your Christian witness shine brightly in the darkness this Halloween. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer For Leaders

Last week, I encouraged prayer for pastors throughout October for Pastor Appreciation Month. This week, let’s take time to think of not only senior pastors, but all leaders in the church or ministries you serve and consider your spiritual home. There are many types of leaders including bishops, elders and deacons. There are worship, family, youth and children’s pastors. There are executive, teaching and associate pastors—and so many other administrative leaders. Many of them also have a spouse, children and grandchildren. As names and faces come to mind this week, be sure to lift up these men and women of God called to lead. Who knows? Your prayer may be the reason something amazing happens in their life, family and ministry. Now that’s something to pray about!

Pastor Appreciation 2022

One of the great honors in my life in ministry is praying with pastors from throughout central Illinois on a regular basis. I’ve come to respect and love the shepherds God has raised up as well as realize the many unique spiritual challenges they face. Being a faithful leader of God’s people depends a lot on the people of God. As we recognize Pastor Appreciation Month this October, please take the time to express meaningful encouragement to them. They need your love and support just like anyone else. Above all, be sure to keep them in your regular prayers. A pastor is never in a better place than when their congregation cares for them enough to pray with love for them. Now that’s something to pray about!

Suffering

“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!