weekly newsletter // june 23, 2023

>>>The question that changed my prayer life

We are encouraged to come to God with whatever is on our minds. On a typical day, I ask Him to take care of issues with my family members and friends. I ask Him to help me with whatever I am personally facing and pray about the areas I need to grow in. As people and situations cross my mind throughout the day, I pray for those too.

One day, about 10 years ago, God posed a question to me that dramatically changed my prayer life and my view of prayer:

Why do you ask Me in prayer to do things that I am already doing?

I stopped in my tracks. Why would I ask Him to do something He’s already doing? Was it because I feared He would forget? Or because He wouldn’t think of something in particular if I didn’t suggest it?

His question wasn’t a condemnation of my prayer life; simply a call to be more thoughtful about what I was praying.

At first, I struggled with what to say. It seemed like every request that came out of my mouth was something He was already doing. It pushed me to go deeper, to think more about what I was praying, and why.

I started changing my prayers from things like, “Lord, speak to me,” to “Lord, help me to hear what You’re already communicating to me.”

I caught myself praying, “Lord, protect my loved one,” and changed it to, “Lord, remind my loved one of Your ongoing protection and help them to fully trust in You.”

I began to pause for a moment before praying to think about what I already knew God was doing— based on His promises and how I could see Him working. Then I considered how I might support His work in prayer. I started praying more for eyes to be opened, for hearts to be soft and willing, and for awareness to be opened to the reality of God’s presence and His action in our lives.

I began pausing and asking if there was something in particular that God wanted me to pray. Imagine asking God what I should pray for myself! I could more fully participate in my own growth and transformation. Imagine asking God what I should pray for my loved ones! I could gain insight into their needs and their personal growth and better support them.

Prayer is not a one-sided conversation. Let’s slow down and see what He is saying to us and let that shape what we say to Him.

>>>Podcast Episode 2.4 // Pressing in to Numbers 6 and God’s Blessing Over You

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to my podcast, this episode is a great place to start! We spent this 15 minute episode pressing in to the blessing that God has been speaking over his people for generations. I believe that God wants to bless you today, especially if you’re feeling discouraged or distant from Him. This recording will position you to receive what He wants to pour out. Click here to listen!

>>>Mini-Retreat Webinar

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 5th. I’ll be offering a webinar that morning where we will practice entering into the Lord’s presence together. This will be a time of renewal for your mind and refreshment for your soul. I’m preparing to share this on my social media platforms and I’ll let you know when the free registration opens up!