🎯 Pull up OR Log On This Sunday!

🎯 Pull up OR Log On This Sunday!

by | Oct 18, 2024 | Empowerment

Happy Friday Reader,

Join Us This Sunday for Worship!

We’re so excited to invite you to worship with us this Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM!

Whether you prefer to pull up in person or log on online, we’ve got a space for you to connect with our church family and experience an inspiring message.
​
​Why Attend In-Person?​
​
• Experience live worship and fellowship
• Engage in direct prayer with our ministry team
• Worship together with your church family

📍7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525​

📲 Can’t make it in person? Join us online!

I would love to see you there with us in person. If you can’t make it, join us on our streaming platforms. With God’s help, we will continue taking control of our story.

  • YouTube: Tune in live on our YouTube channel for an engaging worship experience. Remember to subscribe and hit the notification bell to avoid missing out! Watch on YouTube
  • Facebook: Join our live stream on Facebook and participate in real-time conversations. Like our page and share the service with your friends and family! Watch on Facebook

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating our faith together, no matter where you are.

New Podcast Episode: “Deep Dive” – How to Pray For Financial Breakthrough

In this week’s episode of Deep Dive, we tackle a topic many struggle with: Praying For Financial Breakthroughs.

This episode explores how changing our approach to prayer can lead to financial breakthroughs.

While practical strategies are essential, the hosts emphasize that bold prayer is often crucial to unlocking God’s abundance.

Many struggle with financial stress, but this episode encourages a shift in perspective. It urges listeners to recognize God as their ultimate provider, capable of exceeding expectations when fully trusted.

Take advantage of this empowering conversation! Tune in to the latest episode here.

video preview​

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to securely set up one-time or recurring donations.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect with us online, your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our in-person service or online stream on October 20.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this week an enriching experience for all.
🎯 Urgent: How Bold Prayers Could Change Your Finances + Service Update!

🎯 Urgent: How Bold Prayers Could Change Your Finances + Service Update!

by | Oct 15, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Tuesday Reader,

I pray this message finds you well and filled with God’s grace.

I’m so grateful to be back. Thank everyone for your continued support and commitment to our community.

A special shout-out goes to our incredible team for stepping up during my absence, especially to Minister Marcie Stowers-Wilson for leading us in such a powerful teaching on God’s ABCs!

This week’s newsletter is packed with exciting updates and opportunities to stay connected with Mars Hill, wherever you may be:

  • Recap of Minister Marcie’s Teaching on God’s ABCs—an inspiring message that reminded us of God’s simple yet profound truths.
  • Sermon Overview: “Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances”—a timely message that will challenge and encourage.
  • New Blog Post: “Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough”—a deeper dive into the sermon for those wanting to explore this vital topic.
  • New Podcast Episode: In this week’s episode of Deep Dive, we’re tackling Overcoming Your Fear of Asking for Big Things—don’t miss it!
  • Next In-Person Service: We’re excited to gather in person on October 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Mark your calendars and invite a friend!
  • Important Security Update: Unfortunately, we recently experienced a hacking incident. However, with our collective resilience and commitment, we’re addressing the issue and taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Your safety and security are our top priorities.
  • Ways to Support Mars Hill: Learn how you can continue supporting our church and our work locally and globally.

I’m excited to discuss these updates with you and look forward to staying connected in the many ways Mars Hill continues to serve and grow.

Recap of Minister Marcie’s Teaching: God’s ABCs

Two weeks ago, Minister Marcie Stowers-Wilson delivered an incredible message on God’s ABCs, reminding us of the simple yet profound truths about God’s nature. Each letter of the alphabet was used to describe key attributes of God, offering a powerful way to remember who He is in our daily lives.

Here’s a quick peek at a few of the ABCs she shared:

• A is for Almighty, Advocate, and Armor

• B is for Blessed, Blameless, and Bread of Life

• C is for Creator, Christ, and Comforter… and that’s just the beginning!

This teaching is a beautiful reminder of how we can lean on God’s attributes to guide, protect, and inspire us.

Watch the entire sermon here to get the complete list and hear more about how these qualities apply to your life.

You will want to take advantage of Minister Marcie’s wisdom and encouragement!

video preview​

Sermon Overview: Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances

Last week’s message, Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances, was a timely and challenging reminder that sometimes, the way we pray may be limiting the financial breakthroughs we’re seeking.

During this sermon, I unpacked the importance of bold, faith-filled prayers and how trusting in God’s provision can unlock new levels of financial freedom.

Are your prayers unintentionally keeping you from experiencing the financial blessings God has in store for you? This sermon explored:

📖 Key Points Covered:

  • The direct connection between prayer and financial freedom.
  • Biblical wisdom from Philippians 4:19, James 4:2, and Luke 6:38 reveals God’s desire to provide for us.
  • How to pray boldly, without hesitation or fear, for financial blessings.
  • Examples of faith transforming lives include Job’s restoration and Frederick Douglass’ faith journey.

This message is a must-watch if you’re ready to stop holding back in your prayers and start trusting God’s promises for your financial future. You’ll also learn practical steps to align your prayers with action, moving toward faithful financial stewardship.

To dive deeper, check out the entire sermon here.

video preview​

New Blog Post: Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough

Have you ever felt stuck in your finances despite praying faithfully? You’re not alone.

​In this week’s blog post, Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough, we explore a common problem many of us face: praying small, hesitant prayers that limit what God can do in our financial lives.

Suppose you’ve been wondering why your financial situation isn’t improving. This post offers valuable insights that could change how you approach prayer.

Are you unknowingly holding yourself back from the blessings God wants to pour into your life? This blog covers:

  • Why might your prayers lack the boldness God is calling for? How can you shift from praying small to praying with faith-filled confidence for financial breakthroughs?

Discover practical tips to help align your prayers with God’s promises for provision. These tips will empower you to pray with confidence and faith for your financial breakthrough.

This blog could be the key if you’re ready to stop feeling frustrated and start seeing real change in your financial life. Don’t miss out on these transformative insights—read the full post here.

New Podcast Episode: Overcoming Your Fear of Asking for Big Things

In this week’s episode of Deep Dive, we tackle a topic many struggle with: Overcoming Your Fear of Asking for Big Things.

Have you ever hesitated to ask God for something big, feeling unworthy or unsure if it’s “too much”?

This episode explores why we often limit our prayers and how to break free from that fear.

Our hosts share practical tips and biblical encouragement to help you start praying boldly for the impossible.

If you’ve been holding back in your prayers, this episode will inspire you to ask confidently and trust that God can do more than we can imagine.

Take advantage of this empowering conversation! Tune in to the latest episode here.

Upcoming In-Person and Digital Gathering

we’re excited to invite you to our in-person service on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM. This is an excellent opportunity to worship, connect with our church family, and experience the message in a vibrant, communal setting.

Why attend in person?

  • Experience live worship and fellowship.
  • Engage in direct prayer with our ministry team
  • Participate in worship with your church family.

📍7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525​

Simultaneously, we will gather digitally (online).

I would love to see you there with us in person. If you can’t make it, join us on our streaming platforms. With God’s help, we will continue taking control of our story.

  • YouTube: Tune in live on our YouTube channel for an engaging worship experience. Remember to subscribe and hit the notification bell to avoid missing out! Watch on YouTube
  • Facebook: Join our live stream on Facebook and participate in real-time conversations. Like our page and share the service with your friends and family! Watch on Facebook

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating our faith together, no matter where you are.

Important Security Update

We want to inform you about a recent incident. Unfortunately, someone hacked our church’s bank account.

Thankfully, our bank acted swiftly, shutting down the account immediately and addressing the issue.

We are working closely with them to prevent this from happening again and safeguard all our financial processes moving forward.

While this situation is being handled, we appreciate your understanding and prayers as we navigate it.

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect with us online, your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our in-person service or online stream on October 20.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this week an enriching experience for all.
Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough

Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Empowerment

We've all been there—stressed about finances, overwhelmed by bills, and wondering why it feels like no matter how hard we work, the breakthrough never comes. But what if the answer to our financial struggles isn't found in working harder or saving more? What if the solution starts with something as simple, yet powerful, as prayer?

In this post, we'll explore how praying boldly for your finances can open the doors to breakthroughs you may have never imagined. This blog post is inspired by my sermon "Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances," which dives into how you can pray with faith for financial provision.

While many people focus solely on practical financial strategies, the power of prayer in achieving financial breakthroughs is often overlooked. Let's explore how changing your approach to prayer can transform your financial situation.

It Starts with a Change in Your Prayers

Financial breakthroughs don’t begin with a change in your bank account—they begin with a change in your prayers. Many of us, in times of financial stress, rely on our own strength, trying to work harder or budget more strictly. While these actions are important, we often miss the most powerful tool at our disposal: bold prayer.

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:19 that “God will supply all your needs from His glorious riches.” It’s a beautiful promise, but are we truly trusting in God’s provision, or are we holding back, relying too much on our own ability to fix our situation?

While bold prayer is the foundation for financial breakthroughs, it's important to remember that faith without action is incomplete. This leads us to consider the practical steps we can take alongside our prayers to align our faith with action.

The size of your prayers says a lot about the size of your faith. If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things? #BoldPrayers #Faith

Click to Post

The Fear of Bold Prayers

One of the reasons we may hesitate to pray boldly for our finances is fear. Fear of asking for too much. Fear that God won’t answer. Or maybe fear that we’re not deserving of the breakthrough we need. This tension between relying on ourselves and trusting God can keep us from experiencing the full blessing He has in store for us.

James 4:2 speaks directly to this hesitation: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Think about that for a moment. How often have you avoided praying for something specific, like debt relief or a new job, because you were afraid it was too much to ask?

Bold prayers show bold faith. It’s about trusting that God not only hears your prayers but delights in exceeding your expectations. Like Job, who lost everything only to have it restored twofold when he prayed (Job 42:10), we too can trust that God is not only able but willing to provide abundantly.

While bold prayer is the foundation for financial breakthroughs, many people struggle with fears that hold them back from praying with confidence.

Fear should never hold us back from asking God for what seems impossible. We serve a big God who invites bold requests. #PrayBoldly #TrustGod

Click to Post

Practical Steps: Aligning Faith with Action

While prayer is essential, it’s also important to align your actions with your faith. Praying for a financial breakthrough doesn’t mean passively waiting for money to fall into your lap. God often works through our actions, and we can combine faith-filled prayers with practical financial stewardship.

Here are some practical steps to take after committing your finances to God in prayer:

  1. Create or review your budget. Being a good steward of what you have is an act of faith and discipline.
  2. Seek financial advice. Whether through a mentor, financial advisor, or educational resources, gaining wisdom about managing your money is part of trusting God with your finances.
  3. Practice generosity. Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give, and you will receive.” Being generous, even when it feels counterintuitive, can open the doors to blessings beyond what we expect.

While taking these practical steps is important, it's equally crucial to understand that financial breakthroughs often require patience and unwavering faith.

Bold prayers aren’t about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God’s got this. #BoldFaith #GodsPlan

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The Role of Perseverance and Faith

It’s important to remember that financial breakthroughs don’t always happen overnight. Frederick Douglass, a historical example of perseverance, prayed boldly for his freedom and financial future. Though the results didn’t come immediately, Douglass saw God’s hand at work through years of prayer and steadfast faith.

You may be praying for financial freedom, job promotion, or better financial management. Whatever your situation, don’t give up. God is at work, and His timing is perfect.

Key Takeaway: God Exceeds Our Expectations

At the heart of this message is a simple truth: God doesn’t just meet our needs; He often exceeds them when we fully trust Him. Luke 6:38 gives us a vivid image of this: blessings “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”

The profound question to ask yourself is this: “Do I believe that God is both able and willing to provide beyond my expectations?”

When we start praying boldly and trust God’s timing, we begin to see Him work in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Whether you’re seeking debt relief, a new job, or financial peace, remember that God’s resources are infinite, and He is eager to bless you.

While taking practical steps is important, it's equally crucial to understand that financial breakthroughs often require patience and unwavering faith.

Conclusion: Start Praying Boldly

Your financial breakthrough begins when you stop focusing on what you lack and start trusting in what God has. It’s time to start praying boldly, asking God for the things that seem impossible, and trusting Him to provide.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and everything else will be added to us. When we align our hearts with God and bring our specific financial needs to Him in prayer, we open the door for Him to move in our lives in remarkable ways.

God invites us to ask boldly, trusting that He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. #AskBig #FaithInAction

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So, what’s holding you back from praying boldly for your finances?

Today, commit to bringing your financial needs to God in faith. He’s ready to exceed your expectations—are you ready to trust Him fully?

For more guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. 

This book will help you dive deeper into the power of bold, faith-filled prayers. Available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Start transforming your prayer life today!

Lastly, don’t miss the full sermon that inspired this post, Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances, available on YouTube. 

Watch it to gain even more insight into the power of bold prayer for financial breakthroughs.

🎯 Bold Prayers, Big Results: Highlights from Sunday’s Sermon & New Blog Insights

🎯 Bold Prayers, Big Results: Highlights from Sunday’s Sermon & New Blog Insights

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Tuesday Reader,

Welcome to this week’s Mars Hill Anywhere update!

We’re excited to bring you this week’s updates and opportunities to grow in faith and community. Here’s what’s coming up:

  • Here are highlights from our recent online service, including an overview of the powerful sermon “Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains.“
  • Fresh insights on our blog to help you pray with confidence
  • Our Fall Life Groups have launched, focusing on bold and expectant prayer
  • Ways you can support our Mars Hill family

Let’s dive into each of these exciting updates!

Highlights from Our Online Service

First, I want to highlight our recent online service, where I delivered a message titled “Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains.”

This sermon is about breaking free from small, safe prayers and embracing faith that genuinely moves mountains. We explored powerful examples from Scripture, like Hannah’s prayer for a son, and found inspiration in modern-day courage, like Rosa Parks.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant in your prayers or doubted your worthiness for big blessings, this message is for you. You can catch the full service on YouTube. I’ve already queued the video.

video preview​

New Blog Post: Dare to Pray BIG

This week, I’ve written a new blog post that I’m eager to share with you:

I’ve also posted a new article on my blog, Overcoming Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things.​

In this post, I share practical tips to boost your prayer confidence, stories of how bold prayers have changed lives, and scriptural foundations for asking God for big things.

You can find it here.​

I believe it’ll give you fresh courage and inspiration for your prayer life.

Fall Life Groups: Join Us!

We’ve got some exciting news to share! Our Fall Life Groups have officially kicked off, and this season, we’re diving deep into a topic close to my heart: “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation.”

These Life Groups are more than just Bible studies – they’re a chance to:

  • Explore what it means to pray boldly and expectantly
  • Learn practical strategies to strengthen your prayer life
  • Share experiences and grow alongside fellow believers
  • Apply biblical principles of prayer to your daily life
  • Build lasting friendships within our church community

Whether you’re new to prayer or have been praying for years, these groups offer fresh insights and encouragement for everyone. You’ll discover how to approach God confidently, ask for big things, and trust His promises.

Groups meet weekly in various locations and times to accommodate different schedules. Some are even available online for those who can’t attend in person.

To sign up:

  1. ​Visit our church website​
  2. Scroll down to the “Life Groups” form
  3. Choose the group that works best for you

If you have any questions, please text LIFEGROUP to 33777.

Remember, life is better together. I hope you’ll join us as we learn to pray bigger and expect greater things from God.

Upcoming In-Person and Digital Gathering

we’re excited to invite you to our in-person service on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 10:30 AM. This is an excellent opportunity to worship, connect with our church family, and experience the message in a vibrant, communal setting.

Why attend in person?

  • Experience live worship and fellowship.
  • Engage in direct prayer with our ministry team
  • Participate in worship with your church family.

📍7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525​

Simultaneously, we will gather digitally (online).

I would love to see you there with us in person. If you can’t make it, join us on our streaming platforms. With God’s help, we will continue taking control of our story.

  • YouTube: Tune in live on our YouTube channel for an engaging worship experience. Remember to subscribe and hit the notification bell to avoid missing out! Watch on YouTube
  • Facebook: Join our live stream on Facebook and participate in real-time conversations. Like our page and share the service with your friends and family! Watch on Facebook

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating our faith together, no matter where you are.

How to Supporting Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

As we wrap up this week’s update, we want to remind you how much you matter to our Mars Hill family. Whether you join us in person or online, your presence makes our community more vibrant.

We’re here to support you in your faith journey. Please reach out if you need prayer, encouragement, or someone to talk to. Our pastoral team and prayer warriors are ready to stand with you.

This week, we challenge you to:

  1. Reach out to a fellow church member you haven’t connected with recently
  2. Share one thing you learned from Sunday’s message with a friend or family member
  3. Pray boldly for our church and community

Do you have questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Please reply to this email or connect with us on social media.

Remember, at Mars Hill, we’re not just a church but a family. Let’s continue to grow, serve, and pray big together.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this week an enriching experience for all.
Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Empowerment, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership

Do you ever hesitate to ask God for something big because you're afraid He won’t answer? Or perhaps, deep down, you feel unworthy of such bold requests?

Many of us find ourselves in this place of fear or doubt when it comes to our prayer life. We may be praying, but we’re praying small—safe prayers that don’t fully reflect our trust in a big God.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. If we are afraid to ask for the seemingly impossible, we’re limiting what God can do in our lives.

It’s time to break through that fear and ask boldly, trusting that God is ready and able to show up in big ways.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. 



Click to Post

Small Prayers, Small Faith?

In Philippians 4:6, Paul reminds us not to worry but to pray about everything. Yet, how often do we limit ourselves by holding back? Many of us fear disappointment, thinking,

What if I ask for something huge and God says no?

Others may feel unworthy of receiving large blessings or are afraid to be let down. These fears often keep us praying small prayers, making sure we don’t ask for too much just in case God doesn’t come through.

But Scripture tells us something different. Ephesians 3:20 assures us that:

God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

This verse is a reminder that God is not bound by our limited perspective. He wants us to ask, and to ask big. Yet, when we don’t bring our boldest requests before Him, we miss the chance to witness His greatness.

So, here’s the challenge: If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things?

Fear Keeps Us from Bold Prayers

Fear is a natural emotion, but when it comes to our relationship with God, fear can be crippling.

James 4:2-3 reminds us that sometimes we don’t have because we don’t ask, or we ask with the wrong motives. What keeps us from asking? Fear of rejection, feelings of unworthiness, or even doubt in God’s ability to provide.

However, bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible. It’s not about demanding things from God, but about coming to Him with expectancy and faith.

Bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible.



Click to Post

Take the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She was barren, deeply troubled, and carrying the weight of cultural shame. Yet, in her brokenness, she boldly asked God for a son, and her prayer was not timid or vague. It was specific, faith-filled, and persistent. Despite years of disappointment, Hannah trusted that God could do the impossible—and He did.

Hannah’s bold prayer wasn’t just about her personal desire for a child. Her request played a crucial role in the destiny of Israel, as her son Samuel would go on to anoint Israel’s first kings.

Her willingness to ask for something big was part of God’s bigger plan. Her story is a reminder that our bold prayers can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can see.

Want to dive deeper into this message? Check out the full sermon, "Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains" on YouTube: Watch here.

How to Overcome the Fear of Bold Prayers

So how do we overcome the fear that holds us back from asking for big things? Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Identify Your Fear: Start by reflecting on what specific fears or doubts keep you from asking God for big things. Is it fear of disappointment? Doubt in His goodness? Write it down and confront it head-on.
  2. Ask Specifically: Bold prayers aren’t vague. They’re specific and intentional. Just as Hannah didn’t simply ask for a child—she asked for a son—you can ask for something big in your life, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Be clear about what you need.
  3. Pray Persistently: Bold prayers require persistence. Hannah didn’t give up after her first prayer. She kept coming back to God, trusting Him even when she didn’t see immediate results. Likewise, set aside time daily to bring your requests to God, knowing that He hears you.
  4. Surrender the Outcome: Finally, bold prayers are not about demanding your way but about trusting God's plan. Once you’ve prayed, release the outcome to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. Trust that whatever happens, His response will be in your best interest.

The Power of Bold Prayers

God invites us to ask boldly, and when we do, we step into a deeper relationship with Him. Our fear of asking for big things can be more significant than our faith, but it doesn’t have to be.

Remember, bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.

Take action today: choose one bold prayer that you’ve been afraid to ask, write it down, and commit to bringing it before God daily. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, we serve a God who can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

Let’s stop praying small prayers and start trusting God for big things.

Ready to take your prayer life to the next level? If you’re looking for guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. This resource will help you move past fear and doubt, empowering you to ask God for the big things He’s waiting to give you.

Bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.



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