The Charge To Watch And Pray

Three times in the gospels we read of Jesus charging His disciples to “watch and pray.” To watch means to be aware or pay attention to what’s going on around us and in the world. To pray simply means to respond prayerfully to what we see transpiring. Many today are not paying attention, and others are not responding prayerfully. As Christians, we must avoid both temptations. Not paying attention and not praying are like two ditches on either side of the road of obedience. As world events become more volatile, may we become more prayerful than ever before. God promises to powerfully intervene as we do. Now that’s something to pray about!

Praying For The Peace And Protection Of Israel

You’ve likely heard that the Israel has declared war on Hamas. Sadly, more Jews were killed during the October 6th surprise attack on Israel than on any other single day since the Holocaust ended in 1945. As the church, we must make a bold and prayerful stand with the Jewish people. Psalm 122:6 exhorts us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” I find it compelling that although we’re called to pray for peace in every city, Scripture highlights this one especially in need in prayer. God knew Jerusalem, the state of Israel and the Jewish people would need our frequent prayers. As we intercede, He will not only extend peace, but reveal the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ—to them in powerful ways. Now that’s something to pray about!

Expressing Gratitude When God Answers

In Luke chapter 17, we read of 10 lepers who cried out to Jesus for mercy. Having been instructed to show themselves to the priests, each of them were miraculously healed on the way there. We read later, however, that only one—a Samaritan—returned to thank the Lord for what He did for them. I’ve prayed with many people and observed a similar phenomenon—sometimes people are ungrateful when God answers them. It’s almost like they felt entitled to the blessing. My encouragement today is this: pray with great faith, and when God answers, continue to pray with great gratitude. Just as the one leper who returned to say thanks was made well, God does even more in us when we are thankful for the answers. Now that’s something to pray about!

Central Illinois School of Prayer Fall 2023 Semester

Have you ever wanted to grow in your prayer life, but needed some likeminded brothers and sisters in Christ to grow with? Maybe you feel like you need some biblical instruction to help you. The one-of-a-kind Central Illinois School of Prayer Fall 2023 semester begins next week on October 13th, and is intended to serve this very need. Courses will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings through December, and we’ll be exploring the theme of gratitude in prayer. Head to our website at gphop.org/school for more information including how to register. The Fall 2023 semester is free of charge, and I hope you can join with us as we grow in prayer together. Now that’s something to pray about!

A Story About Prayer And Legos

Years ago, when my oldest children were first getting into Legos, a really neat thing happened. One night before bed, my son Noah asked if I could buy him another Lego set as he’d just completed building the latest one. After explaining I couldn’t buy one each time he wanted one, I said that his heavenly Father might give him one. So right to prayer Noah went. Over the course of the next few weeks, we had probably a dozen Lego sets show up to our home. To this day, it causes our family so much joy knowing that God pays attention even to prayers for Legos. Friend, Jesus cares about both the big and the little things in your life. Be sure to turn to Him today no matter the need. He answered my kiddos, and He’ll answer you too. Now that’s something to pray about!