What Does Prayer Actually Do?

A common question that often comes up related to prayer is, “What does prayer actually do?” Those wondering often don’t see the practical aspects of it. As Christians we believe that prayer moves the hand of God and brings about divine intervention. What it also does, though, is connect the hearts of people to those they pray for. Prayer motivates service, missions-related work, financial generosity and all sorts of practical expressions of love. Critics of prayer who think it does no good will always be there, but don’t let those voices discourage you. I’ve watched prayer change people and inspire good for more than 20 years. So keep lifting up requests to your Father in Heaven. Answers come and hearts change because of it. Now that’s something to pray about!

Honoring Our Wife

Today’s Prayer Point is devoted to all the husbands out there listening. One of the most interesting Bible verses on prayer is 1 Peter 3:7 in which the apostle encourages husbands to treat their wives with honor so that their prayers aren’t hindered from being answered. To be honest, this verse convicts me often. Sometimes I have to ask myself, “Do I want big prayers answered, or do I want to win this little argument with my spouse?” Fellow husbands, let’s allow Jesus to win in our marriages by seeking to understand and cherish our beloved life partner in every season. God blesses this holy ambition specifically in our prayer lives. Let’s be sure we don’t miss out on such a powerful blessing. Now that’s something to pray about!

When We First Believed

Today, take a moment to think back to when you first believed in Christ. Remember how real your faith felt, the miracles you believed for, the dreams God put in your heart? There’s something so sweet about that first season of following Jesus. New believers experience God’s kindness in such amazing ways. My encouragement today is simply to pray that the Lord restores that childlike faith from earlier days. As we grow older, and the years pass by, life has a way of hardening us if we let it. We go through difficult seasons and can wonder where God is in all of it. Remember, dear friend, that He has never left you. Ask Him to renew the joy and faith of when you first believed. He delights in answering that childlike petition. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer And The Fullness Of Joy

In John 16:24, Jesus spoke this powerful truth to His disciples: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” What fascinates me about this statement is how answers to prayer and joy are interwoven. Furthermore, if God offers us the means not only to joy—but its full measure—then we should certainly take Him up on it. That fact is that when we pray, possibilities far beyond our theological comprehension begin to open. Dear friend, if you find yourself lacking peace, or experiencing anxiety about life circumstances, turn to the Lord in prayer today. Who knows? He may answer today, and with it give us the much needed joy of the Lord. Now that’s something to pray about!

Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief

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!