I look first to Jesus for clues to the mysteries of faith, and regarding prayer He did not seem to share some of my biggest struggles. He never wondered whether God exists, whether anyone is truly listening. He never questioned the importance of prayer; indeed, He would flee a crowd of needy people in…
Moving Mountains: Praying With Bold Authority
In Jesus’ Name Why do we pray, “in Jesus’ name”? The phrase gets tacked onto the end of many prayers, but I think it has about as much meaning to us as “amen.” Amen does not mean, “That’s it . . . I’m done now,” the little period at the end of my prayer. Amen (ah-mane) is an…
The Power of Praying In Jesus’ Name, Amen
IT troubles you, fatigues you, shames you. IT is the disease you can’t heal, the job you can’t stomach, the marriage you can’t fix, the rage you can’t tame. IT hurts. IT looms over life. Two towering letters, tall and defiant. IT! They march like Frankenstein’s monster. Each step a thud. Each thud an earthquake.…
Prayers of American Presidents
Editor’s note: Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer in the United States, which occurs annually on the first Thursday of May. The modern law instituting this time to “turn to God in prayer and meditation” began in 1952, although many similar observances were held by earlier presidents. Today, we are sharing several prayers…
Prayer That Is Answered Immediately
Prayer That Is Answered Immediately Daniel had seen with his own eyes the sacred golden vessels that had been used in temple worship of the living God used at a pagan feast for the pleasure of a spoiled, drunken Babylonian king.1 He knew the city of Jerusalem itself was nothing but ruins. And the temple…
Prayer: The Fight Club
Prayer does not change the purpose of God. But prayer does change the action of God. — Chuck Smith Prayer is a battle. Sometimes it may not feel like it; other times it is all battle and little joy. The soul delights in prayer. It is how it breathes. The spirit is invigorated through prayer.…
Prayer: Do You Want to Know God?
According to Gallup polls, more Americans will pray this week than will exercise, drive a car, have sex, or go to work. Nine in ten of us pray regularly, and three out of four claim to pray every day. To get some idea of the interest in prayer, type “prayer” or “pray” in an Internet search engine like…
Praying for Physical Health, Safety, and Security for Your Children
Praying for Physical Health, Safety, and Security for Your Children “Lord, Why Did This Happen?” I know I’m not the only mother who has ever questioned God’s tactics. Even my “spiritual giant” friend, Susan, found herself wondering what was up when her son Michael started suffering from violent stomach pains. Their pediatrician had dismissed…
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…
The Place of Prayer in Suffering
When we look for the supreme model of a person devoted to prayer, we need only to look at the life of our Lord. Jesus was constantly in an attitude of prayer, and never more urgently than in the face of suffering. The night He was arrested, He was praying in the Garden of…