William Temple was an English bishop known for many things including his teaching and writing. A few years ago I came across something he said that has really stuck with me.

“When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.”

Today’s devotional is not overly complicated. My point is (a) that the supposed “coincidences” you experience after you pray aren’t necessarily coincidences; and (b) that those “coincidences” should encourage you to keep coming back to our answering-God in prayer as you see him actively working in your life.

In Psalm 145:18 (NIV) David says, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

So seek God’s will in prayer, honestly and wholeheartedly. The supposed “coincidences” you experience after you pray aren’t necessarily coincidences! They should encourage you to keep coming back to our answering-God in prayer as you see him actively working in your life.

He answers. He encourages. He is near.

“When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.”

By Matthew Ruttan

• “What did Jesus actually say about prayer?” Good question! I explore what he said and provide a summary in a blog you can read by clicking here. Enjoy!
• This Sunday I’m starting a new 3-part teaching series called “Oops! – Half-truths we believe, how they hurt us, and how biblical truth can get us back on track.” To learn more click here.