Holy Father, I stumble into Your Presence with a wounded heart. Pierced to the core, my anguished heart evidences the heartbrokenness of betrayal. My suffering is magnified knowing this was someone I trusted, someone to whom I gave one of my most precious masterpieces. The more the story unfolds, the more I am shocked by the deceit and manipulation. How …
Consider giving “Prayer Templates: Simplified Request for Messy Times” this season. This book isn’t about prayer, but is a 25-year collection of Bible-based prayers written on 36 topics. Available at Amazon as well as Barnes & Noble, both sites include a “look inside” option to allow you to read through a few samples before you buy. Know someone who is …
Holy Father, Thank You for being a God Who keeps Your promises (Joshua 21:45). Unlike people who make promises without follow-through, You fulfill what You say when You accomplish Your plans (Lamentations 2:17). You are attentive to Your Word so that it actualizes Your purpose (Jeremiah 1:12). Amid our pain, You’ve provided a promise for every problem. As we meditate …
The God who is gathering our tears is also collecting our prayers (Psalm 56:8). It’s true; God is putting the groans of all His people together in a bowl of remembrance before Him (Revelation 5:8; 8:3). Isn’t this astounding? That’s a lot of prayers, including not only the ones uttered this morning but also the cries from His children long …
The friend at midnight. A simple parable where Jesus teaches us to pray. We’ve skimmed this story dozens of times and could recount it freely. The characters are few: a weary traveler, a needy host, and a sleepy friend. Likewise, the themes are straightforward: hunger, lack, and abundance. But let’s dig deeper. “Then He said to them, “Suppose one of …
“Rein it in” was one of my mother’s favorite sayings. Well, at least with me. Since I was always emoting over one thing or another, my introverted mother often repeated this term she’d heard her granddad use with the mules. “Don’t let that animal meander. Rein it in.” Several years ago, I found that this idea is a Biblical one. …
Have you noticed how many of God’s people are crying for revival? With bad news surrounding us, it’s no wonder that His children ask for the rain of His Spirit. God Himself has extensively stirred many prayer groups to gather earnestly, cleanse their hearts, and seek His face. Already, winds of His Spirit are moving among tent meetings in California and outdoor parks dotted …
2020 was a year of desperation. Despite our attempts to remain focused and calm, fear rushed upon our nation as we lost our sense of normalcy. While we quarantined, personal heartache bombarded our families with anxiety emboldened evil. The devil’s henchmen emerged from hiding, revealing his hatred of humanity through pornography, abuse, deviant sexuality, abortion, and violence. Christ’s followers struggled …
Father, Thank You that You are the unmovable rock of my salvation (Psalm 18:2), far more significant than my anxious and quavering heart (1 John 3:20). You tell me over and again in Your Word, “Do not fear,” but I forget quickly, allowing worry to weigh down my heart (Luke 21:34). I’m tired of this cycle. My emotions can be …
This week, I’ve brought two friends with me for a special “dia-blog” post. Jane Bromley, editor at Senior Link magazine, and Traci Payne, freelance photographer and creator of ScripTpics are intercessors who continually teach me how to pray God’s heart. Join us as we chat. Me: “For the last several years, we have explored intercession together. Most recently, God helped …
