The first time I had ever been to my cousin’s house was also the first time we ever prayed together as a family. Unlike our usual family festivities, this get-together was a hard one to attend. We were here to pray for healing over my aunt who was just diagnosed with cancer. Everyone gathered together,…
He Is Worthy of Your Praise
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat. — Psalm 147:12-14 Several years ago, as I traveled through New York, I came upon…
The Spirit Prays for Us
One lesson we learn from seasons of pain, darkness, and doubt is that when we’re hurting, a person’s presence with us is far more significant than any words he or she might say. Just having someone sit silently next to us when life is hard communicates genuine love and concern. Besides, when we’re hurting, we…
When Jesus Gave Thanks
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. — Psalm 107:9 CEV Roughly half of Jesus’ public prayers in the four Gospels are prayers of thanksgiving for food. He thanked God for five loaves and two fish while feeding the five thousand.…
Jehoshaphat, Isaiah, and Job — Prayers for a Time Such As This
For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. — 2 Chronicles 20:12 Jehoshaphat and his people were about to face a great enemy, and they were afraid. Armies were on their way to drive them out…
Strong and Courageous
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9 Nothing in your life surprises God. Every event, every conversation, every joy, and every sorrow — He has either planned or allowed…
Help Everyone
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35 Jesus calls us all so clearly to love and help others. He doesn’t mince words…
Get Back Up
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:30-31 You might fall down, but you don’t…
Ask in Prayer: God Hears
Ask in Prayer Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. — James 5:16 NKJV In Mark 11:24, Jesus says something remarkable: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received…
Show Jesus to Your Community
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. — Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV The early Christian church was founded as a way for believers to come together to encourage one another, discuss the teachings of Jesus, and…