Praying Instead Of Complaining Or Arguing

Here’s a challenge for all of us today: every time we’re tempted to complain or argue, let’s choose to pray instead. What if we learned the discipline of using our words as redemptively as possible instead of going negative so easily? Perhaps you could lift up a word of gratitude to the Lord for what He’s blessed you with and what He is doing instead of focusing on what He hasn’t blessed you with or what He’s not doing. Consider interceding for that inciteful person on social media instead of posting a hurtful response. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to grow us up into those who use our words like Jesus, who was often in prayer for others and making an eternal difference in doing so. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer And Sin

Psalm 66 verses 18 and 19 offer a challenging thought. Here’s what it says: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” The Psalmist gives us an important truth—sin gets in the way of answered prayer. We all experience temptations, but what God is looking for is for us to resist them, and turn away for the compromises that so easily trip us up. As we resist sin with all of our heart, we slowly but surely gain victory, and our prayer life goes to new levels. It really is worth it to rid ourselves of everything that hinders God from moving in our life. He is looking to answer our cries more than ever as we do. Now that’s something to pray about!

WBNH Prayer Wall

Today I wanted to highlight a practical resource that you may not be aware of. The WBNH website has a special feature called the Prayer Wall where anyone can post prayer requests as well as pray for the ones posted. There’s even a button that can be clicked or tapped to let people know you prayed. I find tools like the Prayer Wall helpful to keep the needs of others in mind when in a time of prayer. Let me encourage you to check it out at the WBNH homepage under the Community tab, or by going directly to prayers.wbnh.org. Once again, I hope this practical tool spurs you on to give and receive prayer. Keep in mind, when the requests go up, the answers are sure to come down. Now that’s something to pray about!

Mother’s Day 2024

My amazing wife Mandy is the mother of five children ages four through fourteen. As we celebrate mothers this weekend, I thought it would be best if you heard from her. “Moms, I know that so much of motherhood can feel so unseen. I want to offer a reminder that God sees. He sees all the sacrifices you make to serve your children, and He will never forget them. I believe that one day Jesus Himself will say to you “well done” for the ways you have so selflessly raised and invested in them. Never forget that whether you’re just starting the journey of being a mom with little babies, or your babies are grown into adults, your prayers for them are so powerful. Keep covering them in your fervent prayers. A praying mom always has God’s attention. Now that’s something to pray about!

The Power Of Praying Families

Do you have a time carved out in your regular schedule for the whole family to pray together? If so, let me encourage you to keep that going. It works wonders for the dynamic of the family life. If this isn’t something you currently do as a family, let me exhort you to consider a once-in-awhile check-in time for parents and kids to share what’s going on and to pray together. The demands of life can be endless. Before you know it, the spiritual needs of the family are on the back burner. Some of the most tight-knit, healthy Christian families I know simply prioritize praying together regularly. Let’s all remember to keep prayer a priority in our families. Doing so forms a strong foundation that holds steady through the storms of life. Now that’s something to pray about!