The Tragedy Of Unoffered Prayer

The Tragedy Of Unoffered Prayer

Prayer Point 123 - June 19, 2023

Pastor and theologian F. B. Meyer, who wrote extensively on the Christian life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, said this: “The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” What a thought. Prayer that doesn’t seem to receive an answer can be one of the most perplexing aspects of life in Christ. It’s especially difficult when someone we’re praying for remains sick or even dies. In those perplexing and difficult times when prayer seems not to work, we must trust the goodness of God. He makes choices that are far beyond our wisdom, and always for the best. Remember this when prayer seems not to make a difference, and keep offering those prayers. God is listening and doing far more with them than we know. Now that’s something to pray about!

Father’s Day 2023

Father’s Day 2023

Prayer Point 122 - June 12, 2023

My dad, Dennis Kistner, has been instrumental in my walk with Christ. Growing up, he would often direct me to a meaningful Bible verse, or programming on local Christian radio. As we celebrate fathers this week, I thought it would be best if you heard straight from him. Proverbs tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). I’ve found over time, however, that it’s important to do this patiently. Fathers, whether it’s with your little kids, or older children trying to figure out life, be patient with the mistakes and poor choices. As we pray for them, and as they see the patience of their heavenly Father through us, they will eventually grow to make good choices when they are older, including the most important one—to follow Christ. Now that’s something to pray about!

Martin Luther On Prayer

Martin Luther On Prayer

Prayer Point 121 - June 5, 2023

Renowned German theologian Martin Luther, who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries, said this: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” This poignant thought comes to mind often as I think about how God relates to our prayers. There are many uncertainties and delays involved in our petitions. But as Luther pointed out, God is an enthusiastic Father who enjoys granting the things we request that are in His will, not a reluctant Father who prefers not to answer us much. Friend, remember today that He is willing. Keep on asking, seeking and knocking. In due time, He will say “Yes!” and the answer will come in the best time and way. Now that’s something to pray about!

Jonah’s Prayer Inside The Great Fish

Jonah’s Prayer Inside The Great Fish

Prayer Point 120 - May 29, 2023

A unique prayer that caught my attention recently is the prayer of the prophet Jonah. Oddly enough, we have biblical record of the very words he spoke to God while inside the great fish. I’m not sure about you, but if I were swallowed by a massive sea creature, I’m not sure I’d be in a prayerful state of mind. There’s a powerful lesson for us in this fishy tale though. You may feel like you’re completely swallowed up by circumstances, and that there’s no way out. Life may even seem hopeless. As hard as it may be, take time to seek the Lord—just like Jonah did. It won’t be long before God commands that situation to change, and you find yourself back on track with a renewed sense of purpose. Now that’s something to pray about!

Standing With Israel Through Prayer

Standing With Israel Through Prayer

Prayer Point 119 - May 22, 2023

This week concludes a global prayer event of more than a million Christians praying for Jerusalem and Israel. One of the most practical ways that the church can stand with the Jewish people, especially as anti-semitic hate crimes continue to rise, is simply by praying for them. When we pray for a particular people group, our heart softens toward them, and we begin to see them the way God does. In Psalm 148, the Psalmist describes Israel as a people close to the heart of God, near and dear to Him. As they are close to the Lord’s heart, may they also be close to the church’s heart. Let’s be sure to pray regularly for the Jewish people—that they would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, their Messiah. Now that’s something to pray about!