Sharing the life changing Gospel message found in Jesus Christ
Tag: Prayer
Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship, typically a deity, through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a deity, or a deified ancestor.
Christ is the hope for the broken-hearted. Pain is real. He felt it. Heartbreak is inevitable. He experienced it. Tears come. His did. Betrayal happens. He was betrayed.
He knows. He sees. He understands. And, He loves deeply, in ways we can’t even fathom. When your heart breaks at Christmas, when the pain comes, when the whole thing seems like more than you can bear, you can look to the manger. You can look to the cross. And, you can remember the hope that comes with His birth.
The pain may not leave. But, His hope will swaddle you tight. His gentle mercy will hold you until you can breathe again. What you long for this holiday may never be, but He is and is to come. You can trust that, even in your holiday hurts.
Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself extra time and space to process your hurt, and reach out to others around you if you need extra support.
Find a cause to invest in. There is a saying, “grief is just love with no place to go.” Find a cause that honours the memory of a loved one. Giving time or money to a suitable charity can be helpful, as it gives expression to the love in your heart.
Create new traditions. Hurt changes us. Sometimes it is helpful for us to change our traditions to create a new normal. If you have a holiday tradition that feels unbearable, don’t do it. Instead, consider doing something new… Creating new traditions can help alleviate some of the added sadness old traditions often bring.
Today, you may be overwhelmed, bruised and broken, but there is still goodness to be welcomed and blessings to be claimed this season, even in pain. There will be holidays in the future when you will feel stronger and lighter, and these very difficult days are part of the road to them, so accept whatever gifts God has for you. You may not fully open them for years, but unwrap them as the Spirit gives you strength, and watch the heaviness and hurt disappear.
“And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say.” (Romans 8:26)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your greatness. Thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Father, the devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with You and loved ones this holiday. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honour You in all my ways, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.
There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.
Today, I write this word from the depths of my own pain and experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, many of us seek sources of strength and guidance to navigate life’s twists and turns. For countless individuals, faith in Jesus Christ serves as an anchor, providing solace, hope, and a sense of purpose amidst the storms of life. In this blog, we explore the profound impact of having faith in Jesus and how it can transform our lives.
The Foundation of Faith
At its core, faith in Jesus is rooted in the belief that He is the Son of God, who came to Earth to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. This foundational truth forms the bedrock of Christian faith, shaping the way believers perceive the world and their place within it.
Finding Peace in Times of Trouble
One of the most profound aspects of faith in Jesus is the peace it brings, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges. The Bible assures us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and those who trust in Him can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace provides comfort and strength, enabling believers to face adversity with courage and resilience.
Hope for the Future
Another transformative aspect of faith in Jesus is the hope it instills in believers’ hearts. The promise of eternal life with Him gives believers a confident expectation of a future filled with joy, fulfillment, and everlasting love. This hope transcends the temporary trials of this world, offering a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits those who belong to Christ.
Strength in Times of Weakness
In moments of weakness and despair, faith in Jesus offers strength and renewal. The Bible teaches that His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with other believers, individuals can draw upon the infinite strength of Jesus to overcome life’s challenges and persevere in faith.
Walking in Purpose and Fulfillment
Ultimately, faith in Jesus empowers believers to live lives of purpose and fulfillment. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve others, to share the good news of salvation, and to live out the values of compassion, justice, and humility. By aligning our lives with His will and following His example, we can experience a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning that transcends worldly pursuits.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Faith in Jesus
In conclusion, faith in Jesus Christ is a transformative force that has the power to change lives and shape destinies. It offers peace in times of trouble, hope for the future, strength in times of weakness, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can only be found in Him. As we journey through life, may we hold fast to our faith in Jesus, trusting in His promises and allowing His love to guide and sustain us every step of the way.
With loved ones dying, funds low and many job losses, the enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshipping. When the enemy brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder to thank God that His answer and blessings are on the way.
Do what King Jehoshaphat did. Rebuke the enemy, then say, “Father, I thank You for working on my behalf”. The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly King was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety but he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed a simple prayer, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. Hallelujah!
Today, know that God still answers simple prayers, like in the story of Jehoshaphat. God told the people to march right into the enemy’s camp, worshipping, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying, they were worshipping and God delivered them. Friend, it’s time to worship and praise your way out of your problems. No need to struggle and become negative, stop fighting and stressing and trust God and receive victory in your life. Please let’s worship instead of worrying!
“…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, You are truly the great God who is the Provider of everything we need and much more. Father, teach me to be a worshipper instead of a worrier. God, today I claim Your promise of deliverance from thoughts of fear or anxiety. Thank You for giving me the victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.
In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.
This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.
When I was young, I played with building blocks. You could stack them one on top of the other to build a big tower, or you could put them side by side to build a wall. You could use them to build anything you desire. They couldn’t do much on their own, but together they could make something great. The same is true for each of us. Living in a community with God’s people, we can accomplish more things than we could alone. The Bible tells us to build our faith through prayer and community. Prayer is how we talk to God. As we communicate with God through prayer, we put our hope and trust in Him, and our relationship with Him and others grows deeper.
What does a community of faith look like? Community is made up of the relationships we make with other Christians. Community builds our faith by allowing us to encourage each other. Just like rubbing sticks together can start a fire; when people get together in a community, they fan the fire of each other’s faith.
Today, please realise following Jesus is a journey. Sometimes, we’re going to want to throw our hands up and quit. At other times, we’re going to be so excited we want to jump up and down and scream. That’s why it’s so important to persevere with the building blocks of prayer and community. Whether life is going great or not going at all, God has given us ways to draw strength from Him and from His people. So don’t do life alone. Start building your faith today.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” Matthew 21:22.
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I pray for our community. Each one of us within the community is important to you. Father, you died so that each of them could experience freedom and eternal life. You desire for each of them to be saved. Now help us to raise up a team of people who will intercede for the community. People who are willing to put feet to their prayers. People who will work together to glorify you by showing love and care for their neighbours. People who are eager to share how you are transforming their character and blessing their lives. Lord, show us how you want us to work together so that “your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, In Jesus’ name Amen.”
In Reflection:
What’s one way you’ve seen prayer build your faith?
Is there anything you need to take to God in prayer today?
Do you have a solid Christian community? Who do you turn to when you need help or want to celebrate?
Christians face many challenges in their daily life, and the decisions made at their core are often the cause of many problems and hardships. The decisions that most affect the Christian are the ones to sin and live a life of sin, or to follow Jesus and live a life of obedience. The Christian life is not easy, and the temptation to sin is constant. But, there is hope. With the help of God, the Christian can not only overcome sin and live a life of obedience, but they can also live a life of freedom, and experience peace.
Christian Living is a tough road to walk. If you are new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve been away from the church a while, you may think that everything is going to be tough. This is why it is a priority to learn the basics and polish up your walk with God. Here are 5 Christian Living Tips That Can Change Your Life. We all can benefit from the wisdom of the Bible, but not everyone knows how to live out what it teaches.
Life is filled with decisions, and many people find that their lives revolve around making the right decisions. And while it may seem like we make all of our decisions based on logic and sound reasoning, sometimes our decisions are made for us by God. The 5 Tips below will help you break out of your rut and take your life to another level.
1.Make time for God
As Christians, we are called to live faithfully, loving God and others. Below are five Christian living tips that can change your life and the lives of others for the better.Living out your Christian values in everyday life is not always easy. It’s easy to get distracted by all the things that are wrong with the world and to be discouraged by what we see happening around us. It is easy to get lazy about living out your faith.
But God wants us to live the Christian life. God wants us to love and serve others. God wants us to be a light in the world. God wants us to grow closer to God. But we can’t do this on our own. God wants us to rely on Him. God wants us to let Him lead us. God wants us to know that He is with us, and He is watching over us.
We all go through different seasons in our life. Whether it be a season of joy where everything seems to be going right or a season of life where everything seems to be going wrong.
2.Pray more
Our prayers don’t just affect the people we pray for. Our prayers affect those around us as well. Sometimes our prayers are filled with positive intentions, such as asking God to forgive our sins. Other times our prayers are filled with requests, such as asking God to help us with our problems. But whatever your prayer is, remember, others are affected by your prayers.
Prayer is the most powerful force on the planet. However, many people don’t feel they can pray or don’t know how to pray, or they think prayer is too wimpy for them. But the truth is, prayer is powerful. You can pray about anything, and you can have your prayers answered. Prayer is simply communication between you and God. And prayer works if you sincerely pray from the heart.
3.Good works
Good works is a topic that gets talked about a lot in Christianity. There is a small group of Christians who believe that the Bible teaches a works-righteousness doctrine, and that good works are the only way for a person to be saved. But there are others who believe that good works are just a way that God graciously shows His love for his children.
Good works is the name given to works done that are pleasing to God. One’s works, especially their good deeds, matter based on how good one’s intentions are, or whether they have been doing good works consistently.When you are struggling to find meaning in your life, good and faithful works may be exactly what you need. Good works do not have to be amazing or earth shattering, but they can give your life something to focus on, and help you feel a sense of fulfilment.
4.Meet with other Christians
Meeting with other Christians is a great way to find new friends, share your current faith experiences, and grow in your faith. It is a simple way to grow in your faith. It is a simple way to grow in your faith. There are many times in our lives when we feel alone, and that loneliness can be overwhelming. When you join a Christian church, you instantly have a community of people who are there for you.
Meeting with other Christians helps the church find ways to build relationships with each other. This is a type of small group that is focused on supporting and getting to know one another. Meeting with other Christians can be a good way to make connections within your church and with other Christians. Many people, Christians included, worry that talking about their faith will make others uncomfortable.
5.Treat others with love
Treat others with love. Well, that is a simple phrase. But if we are honest, most of us do not treat others the way we would like to be treated. But we can change that. We can see that by treating others with love, we are actually treating ourselves. Loving others takes the focus off ourselves and puts it on someone else.
Treat others with love. Love others lavishly. Love others without condition. While these are difficult concepts to put into practice, they are essential for being happy. These concepts are, however, very different. For some of us, love is easy. We are naturally loving people. For others of us, however, love can be a challenge.
We live in a world of uncertainty and unpredictability. Life can be full of disappointments and sorrow, but knowing Jesus provides us much more than a life free of suffering. If you’ve accepted His offer of eternal life, you know that He is with you no matter what life brings. Because of His great love, God will never leave you alone in pain or sadness. When you choose to follow Jesus, you enter into a relationship with the Lord. This is not a religion—it’s a personal relationship.
Understanding when we need God in our lives. To seek the Lord’s will is to listen for His voice. It requires that we seek His will in the responsibilities He gives us. It requires that we seek His will in the way we handle the circumstances of life. It requires that we seek His will in how we give or receive correction.
1. Find a quiet place to pray
Prayer for Christians is talking and listening to God. Prayer is having an open and honest conversation, sharing our joys, our concerns, and our disappointments, with the Creator of the universe. Prayer is also listening to God. God speaks to us through His word (the Bible), through other people, through the Bible’s story-line, and through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is about expressing what is in our hearts to God, and about listening for God’s response.
2. Be true to God
These are divine plans and purposes designed by our creator for our lives. There is only one thing we need to do to get more of God in our lives. We need to make God our first priority. We should have faith in God. We cannot seek God’s presence in our life without being true with God. We must be living a faithful life. If we seek him, we will find him. But, we must first seek him.
Do you want to experience true fellowship with God and other believers? Do you desire the peace that comes from knowing the Lord is with you? Do you want to receive God’s blessings? You must first seek God’s presence in your life.
2. Acknowledge God
Praising and worshiping God daily is a must for everyone. It is our spiritual connection to our creator. When we praise and worship God, we not only acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, but also draw closer to God.
If you have a desire to get closer to God, acknowledge him to seek his presence in your life. It is a simple concept, but many struggle with it. Simply, acknowledgment is the acknowledgment, appreciation, realization, or acceptance of something. Essentially, acknowledgement of God is seeking his presence. Acknowledging God brings his presence, and that presence is spiritual.
4. Listen to God
A vital piece of our growth as Christians is learning to hear the voice of God. The importance of discerning God’s voice, or “movements” as we call it, cannot be overstated. Our desire is for everyone to know God intimately and experience His presence in a powerful way. To do this, we must call on God and listen to Him. This is a spiritual discipline that takes time and intentional practice.
Listening for God in your life means making room for his presence. You can’t invite God into your life and then leave no room for him. If you truly want God’s anointing, you have to open your heart to allow it. One of the best ways to make room for God’s anointing in your life is by spending time in God’s Word. When we consistently spend time in God’s Word, God’s Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and reminds us of how awesome and powerful he is.
Whenever I can’t trust my heart with a major decision, I ask God to put an obstacle in the way to block the wrong decision. Not all decisions are black or white, good, or bad. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives.
Friends, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. I would also like to clarify that reflecting on this thought helps me when I am faced with a decision and my desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me.
Today I declare that God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes I forget he has a plan. I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is my obstacle Prayer asking Him to put an obstacle in the way of the wrong decision. God knows my heart. He knows what I desire. He wouldn’t withhold something out of spite. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and an awesome future. I challenge you to pray the obstacle prayer, mould it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. As it puts God in total control.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know what I want. Father, I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don’t let my desires blind me to your will. If my desires are not within your plan, give me an obstacle, I cannot get past. God help me follow your will, give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will trust your plan for my future. Thank you for loving me in Christ’s name Amen.
Prayer rooms offer a time for reflection, a place to reflect on our faith and a place to pray. The decor can be a simple reminder of our faith, or it can be a beautiful room that offers a place for our prayers. If you want to create an inviting and comforting environment that enhances your spirituality and prayer time, it is important to create a space that feels like home. This is the reason why prayer room decor should always reflect individual taste. Whether you are a fan of modern or traditional decor, the companies such as Christian walls have a great selection of inspiring and inspirational Christian prayer room decor, to help you create the space you need to enjoy your daily prayer habit.
The prayer room is a special place of worship for Christians, a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to spend time with Him. A good prayer room should be quiet, serene, and peaceful. It should be comfortable, not cold, and not too hot. It should be decorated in a manner that is pleasing to the eye, and should contain all the right elements, so that your soul can be at peace, for example footprints in the sand wall art & decor can really put your focus back on God. The prayer room will become a place that is special to you. You will look forward to entering it, and you will enter it with joy, and you will leave it with a feeling of peace and contentment.
The goal of Christian wall art or decor is to give you an atmosphere that you feel is safe and inviting, while still holding a sense of church.
A prayer room is one of the most important parts of a church building. It is the room used by Christians to pray in, and it is where they want to focus on God. This is a room that is filled with religious symbols. The symbol that is used the most is the Cross, next to the Bible. This is because Christianity is about following God’s word and keeping his word, and the Cross is the symbol of His word.
Snowflakes to decorate the Prayer Room
In Winter, we can use snowflakes to decorate the Prayer Room. Winter is a time of year that offers many opportunities to decorate your Prayer Room. Since snowflakes are not only beautiful, but also special and meaningful, you can use them in a variety of ways to decorate your Prayer Room.
Snowflakes just look amazing when we hang them on the ceiling. You can decorate your prayer room for Christmas or during any other holiday season. Snowflakes can be used to decorate the walls with posters and pictures that you want to share with your friends and family.
There are some great options that you can choose from to decorate your prayer room. It is very easy to make a snowflake with paper. If you have the courage to learn, you’re gonna make it!
Religious symbols on the wall
Crosses are used in prayer rooms because of their association with Jesus Christ. There is a common misconception that Jesus only performed miracles, but in reality Jesus fulfilled all the requirements to be considered a true Messiah, including being a great moral teacher and having a unique relationship with God.
Crosses are commonly used in Christian religious buildings for our inspirational meaning. Crosses have been made to be a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common is the Latin cross. Historically, the cross has been used as a symbol of the Christian faith, symbolising both the crucifixion of Jesus, and his resurrection.
A cross in a Christian prayer room is a symbol of the Christian faith. It can be found in churches, homes, or on the walls of a Christian prayer room. It is a strong Christian symbol that has also become a popular item for other interior design items for homes and businesses. It is a beautiful design that can be found in many homes, as it is a well-loved symbol of Christianity. In the prayer room, a cross is used to create a connection with God.
Bible Verses hangings on the wall
There are many different ways to decorate your Prayer Room, but most of them are much the same. There are, of course, inspirational quotes, like those from the Bible, in the room. The Christian tradition has always been about sharing the Bible’s love and authority with others. Throughout Sacred Scripture, the Bible is represented by art, music, and other works of the imagination. This is because the Bible is the Word of God, an invitation to higher consciousness, a lifelong journey with how grace is the center of all.
We can use Candles for decor
Candles have been used to decorate for centuries, but did you know that they can also be quite useful for prayer, particularly in the Christian faith? Christian candle decor can help you express your faith in Christ, and also help you to live out your faith by using the symbolism of light and symbolically burning a candle to commemorate or celebrate a rite or special occasion.
You may be aware that when the temple was being built, there were many special candles that were used as part of the ceremony. In fact, many of the special candles used were made from pure frankincense and myrrh, which can still be used today in the Church. However, you may not know how these candles were used for worship and prayer.
There are many reasons to get a candle as a way to decorate your Prayer room. The candles are excellent for lighting up the room and helping you to focus on your intentions. They can also help in setting a mood for the room.
Despair and self-pity come more easily than joy and hope. That’s why, in times like these, it’s important to pray. We pray: to thank God for His blessings, to praise Him, to confess and repent of sins, to seek guidance, and to communicate with a God who loves us.
We also pray to ask God for help. Praying for help is the most natural prayer of all. When a sister was torn from her children and put into a detention center over immigration issues, many of us asked God to help her, and she was released and restored to her family. When I had COVID-19 and was stuck in a hospital not knowing what the end would be, we asked God to spare my life and sustain me. He did, and I am doing well today.
Today, prayer is needed at times. Sometimes God answers our requests for help exactly as we ask. But we must be faithful in prayer. Pray to give thanks, praise God, confess our sins, and ask for help. Prayer connects us with God. Prayer builds relationships. Prayer strengthens the bond between God and us. When you have a good relationship with someone, hope and patience become a little easier, especially when that someone created and sustains our universe.
Be faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thanks for answering my prayers and for helping me when I was in trouble. Father, we pray for hope in these seemingly hopeless times. We also pray for help for our leaders in the world and the church. God help my family, friends, and enemies. God, please help me today in Christ’s name, Amen.
Growing up, I used to believe that weakness was as a result of continued sinning in one’s life. Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage or weakness. It may be something about their personality or looks, maybe they’ve been through an unfair situation: a divorce, loss of a job, or just a bad break. We all have things that can feel like disadvantages, things that make life hard and difficult. It can even be a mental or physical disability.
In 2021 you may have been “disadvantaged.” However, just because you’ve been through a tough time, it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to sit back in 2022 and settle where you are.
Today and in 2022, God has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself strong in your weakness. The Holy Spirit wants to help you when you feel weak and low. Stay strong in faith, and let God take what you see as a disadvantage and turn it around into an advantage, so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you! Hallelujah!
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26, NLT)
Let’s Prayer
Yahweh, I give You all that I am – my weaknesses, my disadvantages, my emotional and physical pain. Father, I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can make me strong. God, thank You for working in my life in 2021 despite my weakness, and using me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Many talk about the awesomeness of God, but in the Lord’s Prayer have you noticed the way God wants you to address Him? Yes, He is the Almighty King of the universe. Yes, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Yes, He is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient One. We should acknowledge and honour His grandeur; we should praise Him because of who He is. But, notice that God wants us to address Him as Father first. He wants us to know Him in a close, personal way. He wants to have a deep loving relationship with you.
People view God the way they view their earthly father. If their earthly father was loving and kind, it’s easy to see God the same way. However, if your earthly father was distant or harsh, you may have difficulty seeing God as He really is.
Today, search your heart and let go of any pre-conceived ideas about God – that He is a wicked judge who likes to condemn, or that He is far away up high looking down. Ask Him to show you who He really is – your Father who loves you with an unconditional love. Be open to receiving His love in a fresh, new way.
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” (Matthew 6:9, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come to You because You are good and faithful. Father, thank You for loving me and receiving me just the way I am. Father, continue to show me Your ways and Your love, please erase my old traditional views of You, so that I will know You in a fresh, new way as a loving Father, in Christ’ name! Amen.
We pray because we want something to change in our lives. Every day, we are attacked by many different circumstances — financial insecurities, health problems, or even relationship issues.
Most of us find prayer “a remedy” to these problems. But what if the answer is different from what we expected?
That’s probably why God used many people in the Bible about prayers being answered. These faithful heroes begged God to intervene in their troubled lives, which He reasonably did.
As you read along, observe these two things:
The reason why that person prayed (intention and attitude)
How has God powerfully answered the prayer
And who knows? It may also change the way you pray and receive God’s answer.
The Heroes Who Prayed
Hannah
In Bible times, when a woman is barren, it brings deep shame to the family. This is because children are seen as God’s gift, and being infertile is a challenging situation.
Like Hannah, you may be in a position where everything is hopeless. You may have already questioned God why you feel that “deep shame”.
But, recorded in 1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV) is Hannah’s prayer of faith.
She said, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
As you see, Hannah already claimed that God would fulfill His promise in her life even before she was pregnant. Sure enough, Samuel went down in history as Israel’s greatest prophet.
Just like Hannah, you can manifest God’s promise in your life and let Him be God.
Daniel
Imagine being in a place where no one knows you, and you’re being kept as a slave. You might have questioned God and blamed Him for your circumstance.
But Daniel reacted otherwise.
He knew God and how to communicate with and listen to God. Also, he made God his Friend in a country where he knew no one. Daniel 2:27-28 (ESV) describes Daniel as one great man.
It says, Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:”
Daniel was successful because He gave God all the credit. And because of that, he became chief administrator of the whole Medo-Persian kingdom!
Daniel might have become proud and arrogant. But, he understood that he was just a servant in the hands of an omnipotent God.
And that understanding came from his personal connection with God through prayer.
Jairus
Let’s talk about something more serious—death.
Jairus had a dying daughter. According to Mark 5:23 (NIV), he pleaded earnestly with Jesus, saying, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
All of us are desperate for healing, especially when it is our loved ones who are at stake. We tend to pray and bargain with God to heal them from whatever they’re suffering.
In this story of Jairus, maybe God is just testing our faith. His daughter already died before Jesus arrived at his home!
But Jesus had more than a cure in mind when He urged Jairus to believe. When Jesus entered the house, He resurrected the girl from the dead.
Jesus wants to go above and beyond our expectations—He wants to revive our faith!
Elisha
Have you ever been in a situation where you are responsible for something yet don’t know what to do next?
Elisha did. God gave Elisha prophetic skills and abilities, and these threatened the king. He sent a troop to encircle Elisha’s city and initiate an assault. This news caused Elisha’s servant to panic.
There may be moments when God entrusts us with something, and along with it are circumstances that can harm us.
Instead of panicking, Elisha told his servant. “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, NIV)
God answered Elisha’s prayer by blinding the opposing army. He then led his people out of the city.
You will also have the confidence to accomplish anything God asks of you. This is possible if we seek His protection surrounding us, knowing that our circumstances are blind to His might!
Joseph
The slave who turned into one of the best leaders in Egypt.
The Bible states that Joseph had a close relationship with God, and this is because of his prayer life. Because of this, even his master saw how close he was to God and found favor in him.
Genesis 39:2-4 (ESV) describes how Joseph is with his relationship with God.
It says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.”
Because of his faithful prayer life, God used him to govern Egypt and deliver them out of famine.
You might relate to Joseph in a way. Your business is not doing good, you have failing grades at school, or a really good friend betrayed you.
Regardless of how bad your situation is, remember that the God who led Joseph from rags to riches will definitely give you a way out, too. Just pray.
David
David was known to be the man after God’s own heart. But, how did he become one?
What does his prayer life look like? David was just like any of us. He committed mistakes, and he admits that he has deeply sinned against God.
But what made David successful was how he acknowledged his mistake and confessed to God. Psalms 51:10 (ESV) says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
After having heartfelt repentance and a deep talk with God, he felt a sense of peace in his heart and accepted that God already forgave him.
In our journey to success, we might experience a lot of temptations and stumbling blocks along the way. But, our persistent surrender to God will make us successful in our day-to-day battle with trials.
Jesus
Really? The Man who saved the world from sin prayed, too?
Yes. Jesus was not exempted from the benefits of this ultimate secret. As recorded in the Scriptures, He spent many, many hours in prayer.
Jesus could’ve just skipped the prayer part and went on to save the world.
But, no.
Every day, in the early hours of the morning, He kneeled and prayed to God the Father for protection and guidance.
“But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray,” according to Luke 5:16 (ESV). By spending time with his Father regularly, Jesus stayed in touch with His desire and purpose.
Why did Jesus do this?
Because He wants to be an example of how powerful prayer is.
Even before He was crucified, He prayed and pleaded to God to let the circumstance pass. But He was willing to submit Himself for God’s leading and will, and that was how the most extraordinary love story started.
There is Power in Prayer
Prayer has worked wonders in the lives of people in the Bible, and it can work for you, too!
It will help you to:
Acquire peace of mind
Be patient
Become the person God wants you to become
God’s Word is transparent in how great heroes in the Bible are and how dependent they are on God. He wants us to be comforted that He always provides the best answers only if we allow His power to influence our lives.
Author Bio
Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.
With gun and knife crime high, with kids as young as 8 carrying drugs across the country, things are out of control right now. Our country, and across the entire world, are experiencing wide-spread devastation like never before seen in history. Some places are too hot, others too cold. Floods, diseases, and brokenness seems to be affecting all. The world needs prayer at this time.
We may not have all the answers about the world’s situation, but we can set our hearts and minds on what we do know. What we know is that God is faithful. What we know is that He is our Deliverer. What we know is that we can trust in Him. He is our hope, He is our peace, and He will carry us through. He promises that no matter what you we be facing, He will empower us to walk through it and overcome.
Today, when you don’t understand, when you don’t have answers, when you are in your darkest hour, God is your light of hope. God will bring restoration and order to your life again. Whether you’re in a storm, or experiencing another type of “trouble,” call on Him. He will deliver you, and in return, you will bring honour and praise to Him.
“…call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.” (Psalm 50:15, NIV)
Let’s PrayYahweh, today I’m calling on You. Father, I trust that even in my personal darkness, and in the world’s darkest hours, You are my light of hope. God, give me Your peace that passes understanding. Bring order and restoration to my life. Heal this land of crime, abuse and natural devastation as Your people call upon You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.
If the pressure keeps coming and coming and you’re getting weaker and weaker—quit standing in front of the bakery window. Remove yourself. It’s as simple as that.
We sit and struggle, asking, ‘What should I do?’ Get up and walk away. Get out of the car. Go home. Don’t go out with that person anymore. If all your friends are pressuring you, get new friends. Now, of course, this involves severing relationships. But move on and let God replace what you’ve let go of.
Many people fall into a sinful relationship because they are “people pleasers.” They don’t want to cause tension or stir up a conflict in a relationship by constantly being the one who says “no.” As a result, they do something they seriously regret, harming everyone around them. Sticking to your boundaries and upholding your beliefs may cause others to look down on you, to say hurtful words, or to try to make you feel guilty or wrong. You need to get to a place inside yourself where what people say doesn’t matter.
Today, if you have been living as a slave to sin, you can throw off the chains of slavery and live in freedom to please God. This is done by reckoning yourself dead to sin and alive to God, and taking your rightful place as a co-heir to the dominion that Christ won back. Instead of practicing sin, practice being free from sin and living for God.
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Let’s Pray Yahweh, You know that I’ve prayed this prayer before. Father, give me the courage to say “no” and to flee from any situation in which I feel pressured or uncomfortable that will lead to sin. God, I accept I am free today because of Your blood. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
