Prayer is vital to the Christian life. But let’s be honest, we can get stuck. Even if we don’t get stuck, we probably want to go deeper.Prayer is deceptively simple. A very basic definition is that it is talking with God. So, why can it be so hard—either to get out of a rut, or to … Continue reading Short one-sentence prayers from the Bible
spiritual disciplines
God can handle the truth
“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).In 1992 a movie came out called “A Few Good Men.” It’s been a while since I saw it, so there are a lot of parts I don’t remember. But one line stood out, and it … Continue reading God can handle the truth
What’s happening in your heart matters
We’ve been talking about prayer.Did you know that when it comes to effective prayer, what is happening in your heart matters?Recently I was struck by Psalm 66:18. The psalmist says: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”When someone “cherishes” something they are adoring it; they are protecting it. … Continue reading What’s happening in your heart matters
He can answer our requests in a better way
Prayer is a significant part of our lives.However, when God doesn’t seem to respond in a way we want or expect, we can start to question him.When that happens—and even when it doesn’t—we need to trust in God’s wisdom and timing. He truly knows better than we do.A helpful verse that reminds us of this … Continue reading He can answer our requests in a better way
If we ask anything according to his will
In 1 John 5:14 the apostle writes: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”This verse is about prayer. I invite you to notice four words: “according to his will.” John is providing a direct instruction about prayer. He is telling … Continue reading If we ask anything according to his will
If all your prayers were answered
In his book, Your Story Has a Villain, John Pokluda asks: “What would you change if all your prayers were answered?”When I first read that question, I paused and tried to think about all the prayers I had said the previous day. Pokluda’s question made me wonder if my prayers were too timid or small. … Continue reading If all your prayers were answered
The one constant element in revival
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).Just because we know something is good for us that doesn’t mean we do it.For example, we know that regular exercise and a full night’s sleep have powerful effects, both physically and mentally. And yet, these … Continue reading The one constant element in revival
How did Jesus pray day by day?
"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children..." (Ephesians 5:1)If you think someone is inspiring and want to be more like them, you probably pay attention to what they do and how they do it.How do they live their life? What makes them different? What can I learn from them and incorporate into my own … Continue reading How did Jesus pray day by day?
As wings burden the bird in flight
It’s no secret that God’s people are to be a people of prayer.Jesus taught us to pray with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).In the book of Acts the early church devoted themselves to it (Acts 2:42). Paul taught to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Another translation of that … Continue reading As wings burden the bird in flight
Put in the time
“Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).More time with God puts you more in tune with God.When you spend time with a friend you learn more about them. The same happens with a spouse. You start to anticipate how they will respond to certain situations. You might even start … Continue reading Put in the time
