The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. — James 5:16 Sometimes I’m scared to pray boldly. It’s not at all that I don’t believe God can do anything. I absolutely do. I’m a wild-about-Jesus girl. Wild in my willingness. Wild in my obedience. Wild in my adventures with God. So my hesitation…
Who Is This Giver of Prayer?
The first privilege of having an intimate relationship with God through prayer is that you get to know God. Consider what a great and awesome honor that is — to know the One who not only created all that exists but also directs it from His mighty throne. This is an amazing thought when you…
What Does the Bible Actually Say about Prayer?
To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. — Martin Luther Out of curiosity, I decided to Google the word prayer. I couldn’t believe the response — a smorgasbord offered in the name of communion with almighty God. One website detailed a free mini course that would…
Why I Stopped Saying ‘I Will Pray For You’
I’ve come to the place where I have had to stop telling people, “I’ll pray for you.” I simply know that despite my good intentions — and these promises are almost always spoken with good intent — I know that nine times out of ten I just don’t remember to follow through. Not until maybe…
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…
You Are the Girl for the Job: Let’s Quit
GROUP STUDY WELCOME NOTE FROM JESS (2 MINUTES) Leader, read Note from Jess aloud to the group. Friends! I am so excited to be with you, to grow with you, over the next six weeks. There’s no getting around it. I believe God is going to change each of us, change our lives, and change…
Refined by the Fire
Refined by the Fire by Kay Warren, from Praying through Cancer The doctor was very matter-of-fact. When he told me I had breast cancer, his inflection didn’t change, his manner didn’t warm up, and he offered nothing in the way of comfort. He left the room, leaving me to weep alone. While this earthly man…
10 White Flag Prayers for a Surrendered Life
Editor’s Note: Surrender. Should we sit here and try to unpack that word together? We’d be here for a while, wouldn’t we? To cut to the chase, Merriam Webster defines “Surrender” this way, “to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another”. Though the Bible doesn’t give us a word for…
Blessing and Releasing Your Adult Child
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” —Numbers 6:24-26 One of the best things about being a parent is getting to watch your child grow up. That’s also one of the…
Please, God
Maybe your dad was always there for you. Maybe he took you school-supply shopping, hugged you when you cried, and told that ex of yours that he or she messed with the wrong kid. Or maybe your dad was deeply flawed. Maybe, through his words and actions or his silence and neglect, you learned that…