Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief

Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief

Prayer Point 133 - August 28, 2023

Mark’s gospel gives us one of my very favorite prayers in Scripture for both its insight and relatability. In chapter 9, we read the story of a boy possessed by a demonic spirit that brought great torment to the child as well as distress to his dad. When Jesus told the father that anything was possible for the one who believes, the man exclaimed, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” I want to encourage you today to make this short but profound prayer your own. Whatever impossibility you’re facing, or miracle you’re seeking, know that the Father sees the flicker of faith in your heart despite the temptation to give in to unbelief. Keep praying, dear friend. All things are possible with God. Now that’s something to pray about!

Praying For Athletic Coaches

Praying For Athletic Coaches

Prayer Point 132 - August 21, 2023

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!

Life-Changing Encounters With God

Life-Changing Encounters With God

Prayer Point 131 - August 14, 2023

Have you ever prayed for a life-changing encounter with God? As we read Scripture, we come to passages such as Moses and the burning bush, or the time when Jacob wrestled with God. We can think that dramatic events such as these are the only path to deeper spirituality in Christ. Although God at times does a dramatic work in our lives, the biggest encounter we will ever have is the accumulation of many smaller encounters with Him in daily prayer. Simply getting into that secret place with God—day in and day out over many years—becomes that bigger encounter you may be longing for. Stay consistent in devotion, and that eventually becomes your burning bush, your life-changing wrestle with God. Now that’s something to pray about!

Back To School 2023

Back To School 2023

Prayer Point 130 - August 7, 2023

I hope you’ve enjoyed and been inspired by the summer school of prayer themed prayer points these past few weeks. The final summer school of prayer lesson is to pray for the upcoming school year. That’s right, it’s that time of year again. Students, whether you’re in grade school, high school or college, let me encourage you to make it your prayer this year to grow more than ever in your relationship with Jesus as well as to be a light to your fellow classmates who may not know Christ. Let’s all be sure to lift up teachers and administrators as they work tirelessly to educate our children. Lastly, pray for the safety of our schools, and that God’s Spirit would move powerfully in classrooms throughout central Illinois and beyond. Now that’s something to pray about!

Summer And The Secret Place

Summer And The Secret Place

Prayer Point 129 - July 31, 2023

This week we continue with our summer school of prayer theme here at Prayer Point with a reminder to stay consistent in that secret place of prayer. When Jesus taught on prayer, He encouraged His followers to get alone in a quiet place and to remember that God sees them and hears them (Matthew 6:6). This doesn’t mean we can’t pray in public as Jesus did that too. The vast majority of our prayers, however, should be with just us and God, and it’s important to know that He sees and hears. That time alone is what gives us the strength to be faithful Christians—salt and light in a dark and fallen world. So be sure to frequent that hidden place of prayer. He sees, He hears and powerful answers will come about because of your petitions. Now that’s something to pray about!