Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7, ESV). The key to answered prayer is asking specifically. We pray, “God bless us today.” I do not disagree with asking God for a blessing, but how will we know if God answers this prayer? […]
The Key to Answered Prayer Read More »
Fifty-three years ago, I prayed, “God, make me enjoy reading Scripture.” At 4:30 a.m. this morning I woke up thinking, “It’s too early to get up. I’ll try to sleep for another hour and then I can get up and read the Bible. My number one answered prayer — I love reading God’s Word and
“Make Me” — My Number One Answered Prayer Read More »
For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7b, ESV). Jesus said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). Solomon’s original temple, built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586
Praying at the Wailing Wall Read More »
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5)! He didn’t say “If you pray” or “When you get around to prayer.” Our Lord assumed that we would pray! I pray regularly, I know others who pray often, and I’ve forgotten how many books I’ve read written by those who pray.
Three Symptoms of Great Praying Read More »
Of 1590 Interruptions, I’ve written about 60 of them on prayer. Below, originally published as Interruption #1227, is my favorite on the topic. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18a, NIV). The Apostle Paul writes that we are to pray with all kinds of prayers. The Bible
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Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us (Colossians 4:2-3a, ESV). For the last four years of my ministry as a pastor at Fellowship Church, a sister would approach me weekly and ask how she could pray for me the next week. I would see her
An Angel Praying for Me Read More »
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). At work, expecting a year-end bonus, how many times did it exceed our expectations? Sometimes an event does exceed what we thought — a restaurant, vacation, job, ministry.
More Than We Think Read More »
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him (Psalm 4:3, ESV). Any routine needs variation. With weightlifting (or any other exercise), a continually repeated exercise eventually loses effectiveness. It’s the same with prayer. The solution: change things and vary the routine. Following a new plan can invigorate prayer, allow
Three Steps to Invigorate Prayer Read More »
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13, ESV). Often, during a walk, I compose a mental list of why I believe in God and the Bible. I’m constantly reading both reasons for hope and attacks
My “Walking List” For Faith Read More »
Have you prayed desperately? How did you pray? And how should we pray desperate prayers? Daniel 9 contains one of the most desperate prayers in the Bible. Let’s consider the conclusion of this prayer. . . O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God,
Anatomy of Desperate Praying Read More »