Archives For prayer

Running into the Father’s Presence

Dennis Moles —  May 17, 2013 — 1 Comment

It has been nearly 25 years since the phone rang bringing us the terrible news that my younger cousin Jacob had been badly hurt. He had been playing with some neighbor kids and in a freak accident a guttering spike had been driven 6 inches into his brain. It entered between his eyeball and the orbital bone. He was rushed to the hospital, but the situation was grave and the doctors gave us very little hope that he would survive. It would take a miracle.

During this crisis, our family scrambled into action. Several hurried to the hospital to be with Jacob. Several others gathered at with my grandmother’s house to wait.

The usually light atmosphere at my grandparents’ house was replaced by one of heaviness and sorrow. Without much conversation, we gathered around Grandma who lay weeping on the couch. With Jacob barely clinging to life, we did the only thing we felt we could do. We prayed. I did not know it at the time but that prayer would forever change how I approached God in prayer.

As we began to pray, my grandmother could do nothing but weep. We prayed and she cried. She cried and said “Please, Father” under her breath as we timidly plead for Jacob’s healing. As the family prayer session went on, Mommaw started to pray.

There was no pretense or pleasantries in her prayer. At first it was agonizing to listen to her, but then the agony, while still present, began to give way as she charged boldly into the throne room of the Almighty. It was clear that she was asking for God’s help. She wanted Him to heal Jake, but it was also more than that. She also needed His presence, for without His presence she could not survive the pain. She needed to know that even in this terrible circumstance God was near. That He still heard and still cared.

By the time she really hit her stride in prayer, we had all stopped praying. We simply knelt quietly, and with our eyes wide open we watched Mommaw pray. We all knew she had taken us to a holy and intimate place. It was a place she seemed to know well; she had obviously been there before.

In those tense and fearful moments, Mommaw showed us that what we all really need in times of intense grief and sorrow is the Lord’s presence. We longed for Jacob’s healing—and by God’s grace and mercy we got what we wanted—but what we really needed more than anything else was God Himself. For He truly is our only hope in life and in death.

In Anger, Despair, Grandparenting, Guilt, Hopelessness, Marriage & Family, Prayer & Worship ,
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Unanswered Prayer

Tim Jackson —  May 14, 2013 — Leave a comment

Don’t you just hate it when you’re trying to communicate with someone and they don’t even bother to answer you? Even if it’s a text, an email, or a Facebook post, some response is better than flat-out silence. But it’s especially annoying when you know they heard you but are refusing to answer you. Now that’s downright disrespectful, even infuriating.

So, how do you respond when God doesn’t answer your prayers? After all, He’s omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent—nothing ever escapes His purview. He knows all, sees all, and hears all. If this is true, and we believe it is, then why do some of our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears? If it’s not that God can’t, didn’t, or somehow failed to hear our prayers, then we are left with a devastating but logical conclusion:  We are intentionally being ignored. And if that’s true, then God really doesn’t care about us or our concerns.

When prayers go unanswered, our feelings of being abandoned, discarded, ignored, and insignificant are inflamed. And that’s when we are prone to simply give up. To quit praying because no matter how often or how long or how passionately we pray, it doesn’t seem to make much difference at all.

Philip Yancey offers four reasons for unanswered prayers in his book Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

photo(5)Some, but not all, unanswered prayers trace back to a fault in the one who prays. Some, but not all, trace back to God’s mystifying respect for human freedom and refusal to coerce. Some, but not all, trace back to dark powers contending against God’s rule. Some, but not all, trace back to a planet marred with disease, violence, and the potential for tragic accident. How, then, can we make sense of any single experience of unanswered prayer? (p. 232)

So what’s your take on unanswered prayer? How do you respond when you’ve prayed your heart out for something or someone who deeply matters to you and there’s no response from heaven?

We’d love to hear from you. Join in the discussion here as we grapple with unanswered prayer.

We’d like to invite you to continue the discussion and join us for our free webinar on prayer on May 23, at 12 pm EDT. I’ll be joined by fellow blogger and RBC Ministries Bible teacher Dennis Moles and pastor and DHP author Dr. James Banks for Prayer: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters. The hashtag for the webinar is #whyprayermatters.

Space it limited, so sign up soon at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6822142345903290368

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Pray like no one but God is listening

Dennis Moles —  May 7, 2013 — 1 Comment

One of the great gifts my father gave to me was the ability to tell stories. One of my preferred pastimes as a boy was to sit and listen to Dad tell stories about his childhood. One of my favorite involved my grandmother and her prayer closet.

Dad, according to his recollection, was about 10 years old when my grandfather (Poppawe Damon) took him and his two younger siblings, Joe and Eileen, out to mend a fence that was about 200 yards behind their house.

As they worked my grandfather suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked back toward the house. Poppawe’s sudden lack of activity caught the attention of the kids, and he answered their unspoken question with a simple, “Listen.”

As they stood there in near silence, the kids began to hear what he had heard. In the distance, they made out a single voice. It was hushed but earnest; tender and pleading.

It did not take the kids long to figure out who was talking. It was their mother. And it didn’t take them long to figure out who she was talking to—God. The longer Momawe prayed, the louder she became.

Dad still remembers standing there at the edge of the woods listening to his mother pray. He remembers the intensity and passion in her prayer. He remembers hearing her pray for him, Joe, and Eileen. He remembers her crying with joy at the presence of her Lord as Jesus met her in the midst of her worship and petition. He remembers Poppawe telling them that Momawe was in the closet, where she went to meet with God (Matthew 6:5-6).

I heard this story many times while I was growing up. And while the actual event took place nearly 20 years before I was born, I still sense the reverence of that moment.

Dad was given a great gift that day. He was able to hear how his mother prayed when she thought no one was listening.

Christian prayer in its most intimate form is like that. It is an intimate conversation. It’s raw but beautiful. It is not ritualistic and measured but relational and empowered. It’s saying what you would say when you think no one but God is listening.

If you have a desire to grow and be strengthened in your prayer life please join us for a live webinar event, “Prayer: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters”.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6822142345903290368

Register soon; space is limited. Hope to see you there!

In Marriage & Family, Parenting, Prayer & Worship, Relationships
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My Sister Jodi

Allison Stevens —  April 19, 2012 — 30 Comments
My sister Jodi died unexpectedly yesterday. I’m so incredibly sad, and I still can’t believe it. My heart breaks that she’s gone and that I can’t talk with her. I know she’s with Jesus—she’s happy, fulfilled, and satisfied in the Lord; and that gives me comfort. I love you, Jodi, and I look forward to seeing you again when Jesus comes back or takes me home. Rest in peace, my dear sister.

My sister was sick a lot during her life. She struggled with drug addiction. After one terrifying, almost-fatal overdose at 50 years old, she was convinced into going to Teen Challenge for drug rehab. Funny, isn’t it, a middle-aged person going to Teen Challenge?!  But for Jodi, and she would tell you this, that was one of the best decisions of her life. God used that place and those people to change her. I remember one conversation in which she told me that she knew God loved her and that she was learning to obey Him. She’d call me and tell me Bible verses that meant a lot to her. She was reading the Bible like crazy! Over time, I saw my sister become the loving and kind person she was deep inside but that the drugs had overshadowed for so long.

My family, friends, and I prayed for Jodi for years—not months or a few years, but decades.  Often, I’d think, and I’m so ashamed to admit this: “Why bother? She’s never going to change.”

I’m sorry I thought that and thankful that I did not stop praying, because Jodi is proof that God can change anyone. My sister praised God for helping and healing her. She wanted to tell the world about her transformation. Jodi was not a quiet person! When she believed in something and wanted something, she went for it wholeheartedly.

Jodi was a consummate Southerner, and in true southern fashion, she wouldn’t hurt a fly if she could help it. But if anyone crossed someone she loved, boy-howdy, they’d better watch out!  She was fiercely loyal.

She was also generous. Even when she didn’t have the means, she found ways to show people how special they were to her. When my son was born, she didn’t have any money, but she made a pillow for him. When my daughter was born, she made a blanket for her. She consistently sent us gifts and cards for special occasions. Jodi loved her family—her husband, children, parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. And I can’t adequately describe how crazy she was about her grandchildren.

If you’re in a relationship with someone who’s addicted to drugs, you know how difficult it can be. But don’t stop praying for your loved one. Never give up, because you don’t know what God is doing and when His Spirit will bring that person to his or her knees. Never ever stop praying.

Jodi was clean for 2 years before the Lord called her home. I’m so proud she was my sister!

In addiction, Relationships , , , , , , ,
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Slow down and talk it through

Jeff Olson —  December 8, 2011 — 3 Comments

Today I came across a story about Kevin Sorbo—the muscle bound actor who played Hercules from the television show with the same name. Playing the mythic Greek hero, Kevin fought epic battles against evil forces and rescued damsels in distress. Yet ironically, while filming Hercules, this seemingly robust actor suffered three debilitating strokes at the age of 38.

Kevin, who recently received high praise for his heroic role in the Jesus-centered film Soul Surfer, had the following to say about recovering from his illness:

“‘Before my illness I was fully preoccupied with the material side of life. Moving at the speed of light, I ignored the spiritual side, the unseen. But being sidelined with time to spare, I had a lot of conversations with God and told him my problems.

Kevin’s reflections are a good reminder to us all. It’s important to talk to God about the problems in our lives. Invite Him into what’s going on, share what’s on our hearts, and listen for His Spirit to minister to our hearts.

We can’t “see” God, but if we slow down enough we can discover He’s there to talk it through.

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.” –Psalm 118:5 NLT

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Why pray when you can worry?

Tim Jackson —  June 29, 2011 — 10 Comments

Do you ever worry? What do you worry about?

The economy? Terrorism? Your health? Your kids? Your grandchildren? Your job? Your grades? Your career? Your future? Your past? Your death?. . . and the list goes on and on and on . . . doesn’t it?

I remember growing up in Sunday School class and singing the little jingle by John W. Peterson, Why Worry When You Can Pray? The lyrics with the cute tune were:

Why worry, when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He’ll be your stay.
Don’t be a doubting Thomas,
Rest fully on His promise,
Why worry, worry, worry, worry when you can pray?

It’s a cute tune, but I still worry.

And honestly, at times prayer feels pretty lame. I know I’m not suppose to say that out loud, but don’t you feel that too sometimes? Prayer just doesn’t seem like it does much to help. Or . . . maybe it’s that I just don’t believe that God is all that interested in helping me and my situations the way I think He should.

So, how about it? Are you caught in the worry trap? Listen in and gain some insight from Larry Crabb as he shares his thoughts on Why Do We Worry?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjjD7sp4NsM

 

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Word of God Speak

Jeff Olson —  June 2, 2011 — 8 Comments

A few Sunday’s ago, I was in a funk as I was driving alone to church. For many reasons, I wasn’t in a good place that morning emotionally and spiritually. I was praying, trying to tell God where I was at, but it didn’t seem like I was getting any traction.

As I struggled, the song Word of God Speak by the group Mercy Me came on the radio. It’s a song I’ve heard dozens of times, but this time the words of the first verse pierced me:

I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Whoah! I found myself chuckling at the timely message.

Yes, there are times to unload and get things off our chests. But in the end, being heard is not as important as hearing what God would say to us.

After pulling into our church parking lot, I took a few minutes alone in my car before heading in. Quieting my heart, I listened to that still small voice of the Spirit. What I heard rescued me. It wasn’t a lot, but it was just what my uncertain heart needed.

The song Word of God Speak goes on to say:

I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

“Be still, and know that I am God”…Psalm 46:10.

 

 

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In a waiting room

Tim Jackson —  June 1, 2011 — 4 Comments

I hate to wait.

Invariably I’m the guy who gets stuck in what I thought was the shortest check out line at the supermarket and then watched as the cashier needs to change the tape in the register, or the 2 items the person in front of me needs “a price check on isle 4!” After what seems like an eternity, I finally get checked out.

Now that’s irritating.

But last week I was sitting in yet another “waiting” room.

I was awaiting the outcome of another serious surgery for my wife. This was her third. A tumor in her abdomen 8 years ago. A thyroid cancer scare just 2 years ago. And now a surgery to reattach all 3 of her hamstring muscles on her right leg that she tore in a fall.

At the same time, I was texting back and forth with my brother on the East Coast regarding my mom’s deteriorating condition after being recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and getting the news what she only had a few weeks to live.

I’m waiting for the outcome of two very serious situations to the two most important women in my life. And yet, while I hate waiting, I had a strange peace. Not strange in a weird way, but in a good way.

I felt hopeful for both situations.

Hopeful that my wife’s surgery would go well, that she (after much physical therapy) will be able to again take long walks on the beach or hikes in the woods that we love and have many plans for.

And, yes, hopeful for my mother whose 81-year journey in this world is coming to an end and celebrating her escorted entrance into the presence of Jesus who she told me last week was the first person she wants to see in heaven.

This morning, the text that God reminded me of was Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 when he spoke about enduring hardships which is what the last several weeks has felt like:

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

That’s it! The internal peace that has and is sustaining our hearts is because our hope is set on the One who raises the dead! It’s impossible for us to endure on our own. But our hope in Christ empowers us to endure.

The other amazing this is that much of this is because of the incredible support of the prayers of friends and family, coworkers, neighbors, and many whose faces we will never see in this life who have lifted us up during this time.

As much as I hate waiting, I’m grateful that it’s “in the waiting room” that I’ve witnessed first hand a gracious peace that defies description (Phil. 4:7) “in answer to the prayers of many,” and for which I’m eternally grateful.

 

 

This morning I was reading 2 Corinthians 1:

 

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Hot Water Bottles & God’s Faithfulness

Jeff Olson —  May 5, 2011 — 4 Comments

In his book, Kingdom Triangle, J. P. Moreland records the incredibly true story about a medical missionary and a hot water bottle. It’s a bit long, but it’s worth having a look.

Dr. Helen Roseveare, who was serving as a missionary in Zaire, Africa, once helped a mother of a two-year old girl give birth to premature baby. Sadly, the mother died from complications during the delivery. The two-year old little girl was understandably devastated that her mother passed away.

Keeping the newborn alive was a struggle for Dr. Roseveare and her medical team. They had no incubator, so keeping the premature baby warm became their most pressing challenge–especially during the chilly, windy nights that were typical of Central Africa. Their best option was a hot water bottle. Unfortunately, the only hot water bottle they had burst that night as they were filling it. So they did what they could, putting the baby as close to fire as safely as possible and sleeping between the baby and the door to protect it from harmful drafts.

The next morning, Dr. Roseveare went to have prayers with the orphanage children. She gave the kids various things to pray about and mentioned the newborn baby and her two-year old sister.  She told them about the hot water bottle bursting and their struggle to keep the baby warm.  During the prayer time, a 10 year old girl named Ruth, boldly prayed for God to send a hot water bottle that day so the baby wouldn’t die.  She finished her prayer with this request, “While You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she’ll know You really love her?”

Little Ruth’s audacious prayer took the good doctor off guard and put her on the spot. She didn’t know if she could honestly say, “Amen.” She didn’t believe God would or maybe even could answer such a prayer.The only way she thought it would be possible was if she received a package from her homeland, which she hadn’t in nearly four years.

By now, you probably know where this going….but stick with me.

Later that afternoon, a twenty-two pound package arrived at the doctor’s doorstep. She was so excited that she couldn’t open the package alone, so she sent for the orphanage children to come to her home. Together, they opened the large cardboard box, and one by one, Dr. Roseveare revealed it’s contents. Along with knitted jerseys, bandages, and some dried fruits, she eventually pulled out a brand new hot water bottle. The place, of course, erupted with tears of joy.

Moments later, Ruth, the little girl who prayed, rushed up to the box and asked about the dolly. And yep, sitting at the bottom of the box was a small, beautifully dressed dolly.

As it turns out, the package had been sent five months earlier by the doctors former Sunday School class, whose leader had felt God’s prompting to send a water bottle. One of the girls from the class had also put in a doll for an African girl.

There are many ways a person can take this story. Some who read it may be skeptical. That’s it’s an exaggerated or fabricated story meant to tug at our heart strings or promote the doctors faith. Others may believe it truly happened, but then think that it’s purely coincidental or these kinds of Divine miracles only happen to missionaries serving in third world countries.

Still some might wonder, “Would’ve the package with the hot water bottle and the little doll arrived, even if the little girl hadn’t boldly asked for it?” Maybe. Or maybe the little girl’s prayer was part of what God used to ensure the package’s safe and timely arrival just like God used Elijah’s (who was an ordinary human just like all of us) prayers to prevent it from raining and for the rains to start again at just the right time (James 5:17-18).

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good story, but aren’t we all? One thing I’m certain of is that this is more than just a heartwarming story that we might see on the Hallmark Channel. I’m convinced it’s more than just story about random good luck. It’s even more than a story of about a 10 year old girl’s amazing faith.

To me, this is really a story of God’s power and faithfulness that is relevant for all believers in Jesus, even for those “ordinary” Christians from the suburbs of America. It’s ultimately a story about our God who is on the move and how we get to partner with Him in extraordinary ways to advance His Kingdom.

 

 

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Wordless Prayer

Allison Stevens —  January 4, 2010 — 13 Comments

Half-pint, Laura Ingalls’s, tells her mother in an episode of Little House on the Prairie that she has an essay to write for school, but that the words just won’t come out.  She explains to her mama that she has words in her head, but that she can’t get them onto the paper.

I know the feeling!

Sometimes, I just can’t figure out a way to get what I’m thinking onto the paper, or even to develop them into a spoken sentence, which definitely affects my prayer life. There are days when I don’t even know what to ask of the Lord. Sometimes the problem I’m facing is so difficult that I’m overwhelmed with feelings and I can’t sort through them enough to pick words to describe them. Or the problem is so chronic that I’ve prayed about it a million times and now I’m out of words.

When this happens, I feel frustrated and a little discouraged. But then I remember that when words are shy, the Holy Spirit is there to intercede for us (Romans 8:26-27). He finds words for us and arbitrates on our behalf. We don’t have to be eloquent or lofty.  We just need to continue to pray and share our hearts with God. He hears us and His Spirit pleads for us. That’s a great comfort to me today because it’s one of those days where I just can’t find the words.

hand reaching out for words

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