[NEW PODCAST] Pray Big, Expect Bigger: Unleashing the Power of Bold Prayer

[NEW PODCAST] Pray Big, Expect Bigger: Unleashing the Power of Bold Prayer

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Empowerment


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Hey there prayer warriors,

Have you ever felt like your prayers were just hitting the ceiling and not reaching the presence of God? Like you’re not connecting, even when you’re trying? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But what if I told you that the size of your prayers could be a reflection of your faith?

Pray Big, Expect Bigger

In our latest Clarence Stores Leadership Podcast episode, we took a deep dive into the transformative power of bold prayer. We unpacked what holds us back from those audacious prayers, like fear of disappointment or feeling unworthy. But here’s the thing: God is already listening, and He’s ready to move mountains on our behalf.

Lessons from Abraham

The Bible gives us an incredible example in Abraham. This guy literally negotiated with God over Sodom and Gomorrah! But it wasn’t about arrogance or manipulation. Abraham knew God’s heart – His justice and His mercy. So he approached God with boldness, but also with deep respect and trust.

“The size of your God should determine the size of your prayers.”

Posture Over Perfection

Bold prayer isn’t about finding the perfect words or formulas. It’s about the posture of our hearts. Are we demanding favors from a vending machine God? Or are we coming to Him with open hands, ready to align our desires with His perfect plan? Even when the journey is long (remember, Abraham waited decades for Isaac!), we can trust that God’s timing is part of the answer.

Praying for Others

And let’s not forget the power of praying big for others. When we lift up those impossible situations in faith, we’re reminded that it’s not about us. We become conduits of God’s love and power to those who need it most. Like it says in James 5:16, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Your Turn to Pray Big

So here’s my challenge to you: Start praying audaciously. Bring God your biggest dreams and scariest fears. Trust that He not only can answer, but wants to answer. And watch how He moves in ways beyond what you could ask or imagine.

Watch the Full Episode Here

Final Thoughts

Remember, bold prayer isn’t about perfection. It’s about pursuing a deeper relationship with the God who created it all. So let’s step out of our comfort zones and into a new realm of faith. I can’t wait to hear how God shows up in your life as you pray big and expect bigger!

Praying with you,
Pastor Clarence Stores

You’re receiving this email because you’re a valued member of the Clarence Stores Leadership community. If you have any questions, hit reply and let us know. We’re always here to support you on your faith journey.

Follow @clarencestowers on Twitter for more inspiration and updates.
Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership

Have you ever found yourself praying small, safe prayers, not quite daring to believe that God can do the impossible?

I found myself in that exact situation as our church faced a significant decision about whether to stay in our current building or relocate. It wasn’t about space; it was about the financial burden of ongoing repairs.

The question loomed:

Should we stay and hold onto the familiar, or take a bold step into the unknown?

Our church building held deep sentimental value. It was a place where life-changing events had occurred—baptisms, worship services, and countless moments of transformation.

Personally, it felt like home. But during a meeting, someone asked, “Are we limiting what God can do by staying?”

That question hit hard. Were we allowing emotional attachment to cloud our decision-making and limit God’s plans for our future?

That night, I prayed with a new sense of purpose. It wasn’t about holding on to the past anymore.

I asked God for clarity and courage, not just a solution to our building problem but a bigger vision for what He could do through us. As I prayed, I realized something powerful: the building isn’t the church—the people are.

After much prayer and discussion, we decided to relocate. It was hard, but we stepped out in faith, trusting that God had bigger plans for us.

The decision freed us from financial strain and opened doors for new ministry opportunities. It was a reminder that bold prayers, rooted in faith, can unlock God’s provision in ways we might never expect.

The building isn’t the church—the people are. Bold faith moves us beyond the familiar and into God’s greater plan.

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Are You Limiting God's Power?

Too often, our prayers are limited by what we think is possible, not by what God knows is possible.

We hesitate to ask for big things because we’re afraid of disappointment or because our human understanding creates limits that God doesn’t have.

But as Ephesians 3:20 tells us,

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

What if we dared to pray bigger, bolder prayers?

What if we trusted God for things beyond our imagination, knowing that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it?

Are we limiting God’s power with our small, safe prayers? It’s time to pray big and trust Him for the impossible.

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Taking the Next Step in Faith

Bold prayer requires bold faith. 

Like Abraham in Genesis 18, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, we need to approach God with confidence, believing in His justice and mercy. Abraham didn’t hold back—he boldly asked God to spare the city, trusting in His character.

The challenge for all of us is to stop tiptoeing around in our prayers. Ask God for what seems impossible. Trust that He will move in His way and in His time.

Whether you’re praying for healing, the salvation of a loved one, or transformation in your community, remember: bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

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Are you ready to take that next step of faith? 

Are you ready to take that next step of faith? Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

 Here are three key takeaways to help you on this journey:

  1. Stop praying safe prayers – God isn’t limited by what we think is possible. It’s time to trust Him with the bold, impossible requests.
  2. Bold prayer requires bold faith – Like Abraham, we must come to God with confidence and expect that He will move.
  3. Faith grows when we step out – Stepping out in boldness opens the door for God to do extraordinary things in our lives and in our ministries.

Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

If you want to dive deeper into bold prayer, I encourage you to check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

This book will help you transform your prayer life, teaching you how to approach God with the faith and confidence that invites Him to work in extraordinary ways. Available now on Amazon!

For more insights on leadership and faith, check out The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, where I dive deeper into topics like bold prayer, leadership in ministry, and trusting God’s plan.

Listen to the latest episode here on Apple Podcasts.

Discover the Power of Bold Prayers – New Podcast Episode & Blog Post

Discover the Power of Bold Prayers – New Podcast Episode & Blog Post

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Empowerment

Happy Friday Reader,

I hope this message finds you well and encouraged!

​This week, I’m excited to share a special episode from The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast and a brand-new blog post that I believe will inspire you to take your prayer life to the next level.

New Podcast Episode: A Deep Dive into Bold Prayers

In this week’s episode, we explore key insights from my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray with Confidence and Expectation. This conversation centers on the incredible power of prayer when approached with unwavering faith and expectation of God’s response.

Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

  • Pray with Confidence and Expectancy: Learn how to pray boldly, trusting in God’s promises with a heart full of faith.
  • Embrace Personal Experiences: Discover the importance of authenticity in prayer and how your personal testimony can strengthen your connection with God.
  • Practical Guidance for Deeper Prayer: Get tips on how to grow in your prayer life through scripture, gratitude, and support from fellow believers.

I encourage you to listen to the episode this week and reflect on how bold prayers can bring about real change in your life.

🔗 Listen to the Latest Episode Here​

New Blog Post: Stop Praying Safe – Why God Wants Your Boldest Requests

Along with this week’s podcast, I’ve written a new blog post that dives deeper into the concept of bold prayers. In Stop Praying Safe: Why God Wants Your Boldest Requests, we explore why God calls us to approach Him with our biggest and boldest prayers.

If you’ve ever hesitated to ask God for the “big things,” this post is for you.

You can read the full post here:

🔗 Stop Praying Safe – Why God Wants Your Boldest Requests​

Exciting Announcements

Join Us Next Time

Thank you for your continued support. Your dedication to your spiritual and personal growth means the world to us. Be sure to join us in the next episode, where we’ll continue to explore practical ways to grow in faith and leadership.

Until then, stay blessed, keep growing, and remember—we’re here to support and uplift one another.

Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
🔗 LinkTree – All My Links in One Place​
🎯 Join Us Sunday: Life Groups Return & Learn to Pray Bold & Expectantly

🎯 Join Us Sunday: Life Groups Return & Learn to Pray Bold & Expectantly

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Tuesday Reader,

We’re excited to connect with you this week as we share the latest updates and opportunities for spiritual growth. This week’s edition is packed with encouraging content and ways to engage with our community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  1. Message Overview: Pray Big, Expect Bigger: Unlocking the Secret to Bold Prayers
  2. A Moment of Reflection: Insights to carry through the week
  3. Next In-Person Service: Mark your calendars!
  4. Life Groups: Returning September 22, 2024 + Bold Prayers Book now available
  5. Ways to Support Mars Hill: Learn how you can make a difference

Let’s dive into this week’s content together!

What a Sunday!

Our last in-person service was genuinely awe-inspiring. The moment the music began, God’s presence filled the room. So many of you shared how deeply you experienced His touch during our time together.

The worship team led us into a powerful atmosphere of praise, and hearts were lifted as voices joined in unity. Witnessing our church family connecting with God and each other was beautiful.

We’re eager to gather again this Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central. Come expecting another moving encounter with God’s presence. Whether you were with us last week or it’s been a while, we’d love to see you there.

Message Overview: Pray Big, Expect Bigger: Unlocking the Secret to Bold Prayers

Our last sermon, “Pray Big, Expect Bigger: Unlocking the Secret to Bold Prayers,” challenged us to think about how we approach God in prayer. I asked a powerful question:

Do your prayers reflect the size of your God?

We explored how bold, faith-filled prayers can transform our lives and align us with God’s purpose. The message encouraged us to break free from doubt and fear and ask God for more.

Key takeaways:

  • God invites us to pray confidently
  • Trust in God’s timing
  • Expect miracles beyond our imagination

We looked at Abraham’s bold intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18:23-33 as an example of courageous prayer. Remember, God’s power is limitless (Ephesians 3:20)!

A moment to reflect:

How can you step out in faith and pray bigger this week? What bold request will you bring before God?

Watch the replay now!

video preview​

A Moment of Reflection: Insights to Carry Through the Week

As we reflect on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ask yourself:

What trials in your life can you use as opportunities to deepen your faith?

This week, consider how you can trust God even in the unknown, knowing He is with you in your darkest moments. Your hardest battles are refining you and preparing you for something greater.

What steps will you take this week to strengthen your faith, no matter the circumstances?

Upcoming In-Person and Digital Gathering

We are excited to welcome you back to Mars Hill Anywhere for our next in-person service on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central. Let’s gather together in faith, whether you’re joining us physically or digitally.

📍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.

Life Groups are BACK!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Life Groups are returning on September 22, 2024! This is an exciting opportunity to deepen your faith and build lasting friendships within our Mars Hill family.

What’s new this season? We’ll be studying “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation,” written by yours truly.

This book will guide our discussions and help us put into practice the powerful message we heard on Sunday.

You can get your copy on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. Having your own copy will enrich your Life Group experience, but don’t let that stop you from joining if you haven’t purchased it yet!

Why join a Life Group?

  • Grow closer to God through Bible study and prayer
  • Connect with others in a smaller, more personal setting
  • Find support and encouragement in your faith journey
  • Put your faith into action through group service projects

Whether you’re new to Mars Hill or a long-time member, there’s a Life Group for you. Groups meet weekly to discuss the book and apply its teachings to our lives.

Interested in joining? Click here to sign up today! Let’s grow together in bold prayer!

Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation

My latest book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation, is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. It’s the perfect guide for building a powerful prayer life as you prepare to dive back into Life Groups.

The Value of Supporting Mars Hill

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.

Your involvement is invaluable as we continue building a thriving Mars Hill Anywhere community. Whether through your presence, prayers, service, or financial support, every act of faith helps us move forward in our mission.

I encourage you to take the next step today—whether by joining us in person or online, contributing financially, or simply sharing your thoughts. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Stronger Together

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

Got 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—we’re 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.
Stop Praying Safe: Why God Wants Your Boldest Requests

Stop Praying Safe: Why God Wants Your Boldest Requests

by | Sep 16, 2024 | Empowerment

I sat at my desk in my home office, staring at the blinking cursor on my laptop screen. The sermon I'd been working on for Sunday felt flat, lifeless.

I had always prayed over my messages as a pastor, but lately, it felt like I was just going through the motions—disconnected, routine.

"Lord, please help me with this sermon," I whispered, though the words felt hollow even as I said them. A wave of frustration washed over me, the kind that made you wonder if you’re even doing the right thing.

As I searched for inspiration, my eyes wandered to a framed photo on my bookshelf. It was my late father, Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr.

His wise eyes seemed to meet mine, stirring a distant memory. I recalled a conversation we had many years ago about prayer.

He advised:

"Don’t just ask for help," he had said, his voice steady with experience. "Ask boldly. Expect God to show up in ways that'll knock your socks off."

His words echoed in my mind. Maybe I hadn’t been praying boldly enough.

I took a deep breath, closed my laptop, and knelt beside my desk. This time, my prayer came with new conviction.

“Lord,” I began, my voice firm, “I’m not just asking for help with this sermon. I’m asking You to speak through me in a way I’ve never experienced before. Let this message be filled with Your power. Touch hearts, change lives, and let Your presence be undeniable. Show Your glory in such a way that no one leaves unchanged.”

As I finished praying, a quiet sense of excitement replaced my earlier frustration.

Something felt different. I didn’t know how things would turn out, but I felt a renewed confidence in the God I was serving.

That Sunday, I stepped behind the pulpit with a different energy.

The words flowed from me with a power that I knew wasn’t my own. I watched as people’s faces softened, tears fell, and hands rose in worship. At the end of the service, several people came forward for prayer.

Afterward, a couple approached me, visibly emotional.

“Pastor,” the husband said, his voice choked, “we were on the verge of divorce. But something in your message today… it’s like God was speaking directly to us. We’ve decided to give our marriage another chance.”

That experience transformed the way I approached ministry—and prayer. I learned that bold prayers aren’t about eloquence or volume.

They’re about trusting God fully, with our biggest dreams and deepest needs. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and often it’s “wait.” But in the end, bold prayers stretch our faith and draw us closer to God, reshaping both our lives and our ministry.

From this personal story, we’re reminded that sometimes our prayers feel flat because we’re praying small.

Maybe you’ve experienced the "Auto-Pilot Amen" or the "Sleepy Head Nod" while trying to connect with God.

We’ve all been there. But the good news is that God hears every word. It’s not about how loud or long we pray—it’s about how deeply we believe that God is listening.

Ephesians 3:20 says that

God "is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." 

This challenges us to reflect on the size of our prayers—and the faith behind them. Are we limiting God with safe, cautious prayers, or are we daring to ask boldly, trusting Him for the impossible?

Why Do We Hesitate to Pray Boldly?

Many of us hesitate to pray boldly because we’re afraid. We worry that if God doesn’t answer the way we hope, it could damage our faith. Sometimes, we feel unworthy of asking for big things. But James 4:2-3 makes it clear:

"You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it." Our hesitancy reveals a lot about the size of our faith.

Take Abraham in Genesis 18 as an example. When God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham didn’t simply accept it. He interceded, pleading with God to spare the city if even a few righteous people could be found.

Abraham’s boldness wasn’t rooted in doubt but in trust. He knew God’s mercy and justice, and that allowed him to persist in prayer. His bold prayers teach us that it’s not about pushing God, but about trusting Him to act.

Many of us hesitate to pray boldly because we’re afraid. We worry that if God doesn’t answer the way we hope, it could damage our faith. 

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How Can We Pray Boldly Today?

So how do we shift from cautious prayers to bold ones?

It begins with recognizing the size of our God. If we believe God is truly limitless, our prayers should reflect that. As Genesis 18:14 asks,

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" 

Of course, nothing is. When we align our prayers with the greatness of God, we start praying for things only He can accomplish.

When you pray, don’t limit your requests to what seems possible. Ask for the impossible. Pray with bold expectations, knowing that God can do more than we can imagine. Matthew 21:22 promises,

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Do your prayers carry that level of faith?

When you pray, don’t limit your requests to what seems possible. Ask for the impossible. 

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Expecting God to Answer

The key to bold prayer isn’t just asking—it’s expecting. God isn’t intimidated by our big prayers; He’s waiting for us to trust Him with them. Even if His timing doesn’t match ours, we can trust that His plan is perfect. Bold prayers often require patience, but they are always met with God’s faithfulness.

So, are you ready to stop praying safe and start praying audaciously?

God’s power is limitless, His promises are unshakable, and He is ready to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Pray big—and expect bigger.

If you want to dive deeper into learning how to pray with boldness and unwavering expectation, I invite you to check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation.

 It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. This resource will equip you with practical tools and insights to take your prayer life to the next level. 

Don’t settle for safe prayers—pray big and watch God move in ways you never imagined. Available now on Amazon!

The key to bold prayer isn’t just asking—it’s expecting. God isn’t intimidated by our big prayers; He’s waiting for us to trust Him with them. 

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