Our calling changes and evolves over the years as we grow and our circumstances change. My calling, during my high school years, was to connect with that spark, to develop a lifelong spirit of determination, and to learn grit, gumption, and scrappiness. Those virtues served me well in my callings that followed — as…
Prayer Combats Worry
Editor’s Note: In 1964, Margaret Fishback Powers wrote poem called, “Footprints”. It’s become a well-known and widely loved poem that has reminded those who read it and re-read it that the Lord will never, ever leave us in the hardest of times. In fact, if we allow Him, He’s happy to carry the heavy…
This Throne Room Prayer Changes Everything
What’s the one prayer that is spoken every day, every hour, every minute, even now? It’s a simple but potent prayer tucked into the book of Revelation. The beloved disciple, John, finds himself trapped on the island of Patmos. He blinks and suddenly sees an open door. A familiar voice beckons, “Come up here”…
The Purpose of Prayer
The function of prayer is . . . to change the nature of the one who prays. — Søren Kierkegaard Scripture shows us many types of interactions with God. We see Jacob wrestling with God for hours, and Job overcome with doubt and bitterness in His presence. We see Moses’ fearful excuses and Jonah’s stubborn resistance. Then…
Are You Painting Your Masterpiece with My Pain?
Honest Prayers for The Darkest Times Dear God, I was making a list of things I know for sure, but when I went to write “God loves me,” I couldn’t — it felt like a lie. I believe You love me, but I don’t know it. I think You do. Your book says You…
How Are You Praying for Our Leaders?
Since our nation’s very first days, God’s greatest movements in our midst have been fashioned and sustained by prayer, from the signing of our earliest documents, to our triumphs over days of darkness, to the spiritual awakenings that have sustained our faith and resolve over the centuries. Throughout Scripture and throughout our history as a…
Three Powerful Prayers from Historical Figures
Editor’s note: It’s been said that prayer is the world’s greatest wireless connection. A freely accessible conversation with God? What an act of mercy on His part. Humanity has been utilizing this gift for ages, so there must be a common thread here… something that keeps us coming back to our Creator. Do you ever…
Yielding to God in Prayer
God invites us to pray in such a way that it scares what is scared within us. If you are not praying the type of prayers that scare you, they are certainly not frightening the enemy. — Lisa Bevere, author and teacher Are you praying big? Are you asking God for the impossible? Sometimes…
God’s Blessings Just For You: Praying Scripture
The Written Word of God God’s Word truly is life-giving, guiding us through the years on this earth and preparing us for eternity. Its divine message is timeless, relevant through the generations and across cultures. Its ancient wisdom speaks even to contemporary readers. The Bible fuels our growth as believers. Its four biographies of…
Prayer in the Pursuit of God
Time Alone with Jesus Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. — Luke 5:16 Often when I am under stress and pressure, I feel one of my greatest needs is to get a good night’s sleep. But I’ve found that physical rest alone is not enough to revive my flagging spirit. I need…