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. 

Click to Post

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. 

Click to Post

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. 

Click to Post
Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Empowerment, Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Success

“I feel it is better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” E.M. Bounds

If you were to open any dictionary and look up “Godly Woman”, I’m willing to suggest that my mother, Margaret Stowers’ picture would accompany the definition.

Why would I say this? Well, she understood the wisdom of “firsts”, giving God the first of everything – in all areas of life. My mother believed in giving God the first hour of the day, the first day of the week, and the first dime of every dollar.

My Mom Gave God The First Hour of the Day

My mom believed that the bridge to success is better crossed in the morning, the best part of uninterrupted time. This was her time to talk to God through prayer, read and reflect on Scripture, and listen to God’s voice.

That’s right, the wife of a pastor didn’t read the newspaper, talk on the phone, or turn on the television. She would wake up, shower, make coffee, and spend the first hour of her day with God.

Today, my mother is no longer with us, she’s with God. But, even today, one of my clearest memories of her is her morning rhythm. Years later, as I reflect, her example inspires me to form a similar habit and make it a part off my daily rhythm.

If you’re thinking you can just as easily connect with God any time of the day, you’re right, you could. You could connect at noon, in the afternoon, or before you go to bed. But, nothing puts an exclamation point on the day like giving God the first hour of our day.

My Mom Gave God The First Day of the Week

Along with giving God the first hour of her day, my mom also believed in and practiced giving back to God the first day of each week. She went to church! Attending wasn’t optional, it was a priority in the Stowers household. Unfortunately, Sunday is now an extension of the weekend and we can hardly distinguish it from Saturday.

Church attendance is declining and it’s a trend that’s not going away. It’s accelerating. Leadership coach and blogger Carey Neiuwhof writes extensively on church trends and attendance and lists 10 Reasons Even Committed Church Members Are Attending Less. Topping Carey’s list is:

1) Greater Affluence – money gives people options,

2) Higher Focus on Children’s Activities – more kids are playing sports and doing it on Sunday, and

3) Blended Parent Families – when custody is shared in a family situation, ‘perfect’ attendance for a kid or teen might be 26 Sundays a year.

You can read the rest of Carey’s post here.

Unlock Faith on The Fly

Just enter your details in the form below to get instant access to "Faith on The Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals" eBook.

 

Thank You! I appreciate your interest in "Faith on the Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals." I am excited to help you integrate faith into your daily routine.