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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Welcome back to the unfolding story of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary that has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and community in the heart of Chicago for over six decades.
If you joined us for Part 1, you already know Mars Hill is no ordinary church. It’s a living testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, united by faith and driven by a vision.
As we dive into Part 2 of this compelling series, prepare to be inspired by the church’s innovative outreach, transformative leadership, and bold steps into the future.
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, what you’re about to read will deepen your understanding of Mars Hill’s enduring legacy and its exciting path forward.
Mars Hill Baptist Church: Continuing the Legacy
In our previous post, we embarked on a journey through the early days of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary of faith, hope, and community nestled in the heart of Chicago. As we delve deeper into this continuation, we’ll uncover more facets of this remarkable institution, highlighting its growth, outreach, and the modern touches that make it a beacon in Chicago’s religious landscape.
Innovative Outreach: Beyond the Church Walls
Mars Hill’s vision has always transcended its physical boundaries. One of its groundbreaking initiatives was the bus ministry, a transformative outreach inspired by Jack Hyles and the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. This wasn’t merely a transport service; it was a mission to bring children from the inner city to Sunday school, planting seeds of faith and hope. By 1982, Mars Hill’s commitment to education and community led to the inception of a school, resulting in a surge in membership, reaching about 850 souls by 1992.
Transition and Transformation: A New Era
The dawn of the late 1990s heralded a significant transition for Mars Hill. With the leadership baton passed, Clarence E. Stowers, Jr., the founder’s son, emerged as a beacon of youthful energy and innovation. The untimely passing of Rev. Stowers Sr. in 1999 propelled the younger Stowers into leadership, marking a revitalization, growth, and transformation period for Mars Hill.
Diversifying Ministries: Catering to a Dynamic Congregation
Mars Hill expanded its horizons under Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.’s visionary leadership. By spring 2001, the church had birthed several new ministries. Mars Hill was moving from the Basketball ministry for sports enthusiasts to the Music ministry for budding talents. One standout event was the “Taste of Mars Hill,” a testament to Mars Hill’s commitment to community, faith, and fellowship.
Embracing Modernity: A Progressive Approach
While Mars Hill Baptist Church is steeped in tradition, it has always been forward-thinking. Recognizing the evolving dynamics of worship and the diverse needs of its congregation, the church made bold moves. Shorter, concise services were introduced, and the traditional pulpit was removed, symbolizing Mars Hill’s commitment to blending tradition with modern worship methods.
Looking Ahead: The Dawn of Mars Hill Anywhere
Mars Hill recognized the need to evolve as the world became more interconnected and digital. The church began envisioning a model to cater to its in-person congregation and growing online community. This vision led to “Mars Hill Anywhere,” a hybrid church model that seamlessly blends physical and digital worship experiences. This innovative approach ensures that no matter where someone is, they can be a part of the Mars Hill community, partaking in worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion: A Legacy Continued and a Glimpse into the Future
As we wrap up this second installment on Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that its journey is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, faith, and community outreach. From its humble beginnings in 1963 to its current hybrid model, Mars Hill continues to inspire and nurture souls.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll delve deeper into the evolution of “Mars Hill Anywhere” and explore how the church has seamlessly transitioned into a hybrid model, catering to its in-person and online communities.
For a deeper dive into Mars Hill Baptist Church and its myriad programs and initiatives, visit www.marshillchicago.org.
Celebrating Six Decades of Faithful Service
As we reflect on the remarkable 60-year journey of Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that our legacy is not just built on bricks and mortar but on faith, dedication, and community. Our history is a tapestry of countless stories, prayers, and miracles; each of you is an integral thread.
This Sunday, we commemorate our past and ignite our future. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just getting to know us, we invite you to be part of this milestone celebration.
Join us in person or tune in online at 10:30 AM Central for our 60th-anniversary service. Let’s honor the legacy, celebrate the present, and anticipate the boundless possibilities that await.
We eagerly anticipate the joy of worshiping with you online on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM Central.
Remember, regardless of how you choose to participate—whether in person or online—the power of our collective worship transcends physical boundaries, uniting us as one body in Christ.
Be there. Be part of the legacy. Let’s write the next chapter of Mars Hill together.
Church leaders, are you sensing something but can't quite put your finger on it? Perhaps you're feeling it's becoming harder to lead. I want to talk about how we can change a culture. To do this, we need to understand it first.
We sometimes believe we have a problem when we don't. We have a word for that, and it's called being misdiagnosed, and it's something we must avoid in our efforts to reach people. To reach the post-Covid and post-Christian West, we must first understand it thoroughly.
As you know, the world is shifting at a rapid pace. In this post, I'd like to focus on cultural changes taking place right under our noses. In other words, let me explain the mindset of the people who attend our churches and why it's difficult leading them.
The People We Lead Prefer Individual Freedom and Happiness.
Lately, people are splitting into groups aligned with their self-interests. People are more interested in themselves and what they think of themselves. They don't care about what other people think of them anymore. These days, it's all about us.
People are more interested in themselves and what they think of themselves. They don't care about what other people think of them anymore. These days, it's all about us.
Click to Tweet
The Bible established the standard for ethics, what people thought, how they behaved, and what they valued in the past. Experiences, wants, preferences, and emotions have taken their place.
For example, married people might say, "I feel like something has changed." And they might think that means they should get divorced. But sometimes, couples can work it out because their feelings change back again. That's why the divorce rate is five times what it was 50 years ago.
Furthermore, people will say, "I believe in God," but they won't attend church because it is old-fashioned and too traditional. Why? Because self has been elevated above God.
I have a friend who fights for Black Lives Matter. She's also sexually liberated and doesn't believe in God. She is like, "I am not going to listen to what you want me to do with my body, but I will tell you what you can do regarding Black Lives Matter.
The contradiction is confusing. Some people do not want to be judged on what they do. But on social media, everyone seems to judge other people. They're wannabe moralists.
As church leaders, we need to be able to push against this trend and make a difference.
Anything or Anyone That Restrict Freedom, Happiness, And Self-Expression Are Cancelled.
In the west, many people don't think religion is important. They believe that they can make their own religion. This may be because they don't like the way authority structures work. People want to do what they want to do and not follow anyone else, so many churches are having a hard time in today's world. That mindset doesn't adhere to the fact that Jesus is Lord.
When we say, "Jesus is Lord," it's about how we listen and obey what Jesus tells us. We know what we believe, but we must also follow his instructions.
Moreover, Christianity is not about winning. It is about obeying. We preach that you can be a winner in Christianity, but the truth is that it's about following something that goes beyond you. This can make your self-fulfillment challenging.
We preach that you can be a winner in Christianity, but the truth is that it's about following something that goes beyond you.
Click to Tweet
What's Next?
Expand your thinking beyond the church and your building. Think Mission.
The church is not meant to be a sanctuary, but rather it's called the mission field. The goal should shift from building our faith within bricks and mortar walls; instead, let us strive for more than believing in something without seeing its results on earth--we need active participation that impacts lives around us!
The church is not meant to be a sanctuary, but rather it's called the mission field.
Click to Tweet
If you are a church leader or pastor, this post should explain why leading in today's climate can be challenging. The people we lead prefer individual freedom and happiness instead of being told what they should do by an authority figure. This means that many churches are having trouble attracting members who want the gospel message of Jesus as Lord but not as Savior with all its restrictions on their behavior.
So, in short, people today don't want to be restricted by authority structures - including the church. They want to do what they want to do and not follow anyone else.
However, this doesn't mean that we should give up. We need to preach that Jesus is Lord and that our Faith is not about winning in life but following Him. We also need to be obedient to Him and not just do what we want. This will be a challenge in today's society, but it's one that we need to overcome.
Once, there were two pastors: one led a very successful church, while the other was never taken seriously. Neither pastor attended seminary, yet both had risen in ministry to lead their churches for years.
The first pastor led his church through covid-19, and his church is thriving; it has grown exponentially since covid-19, taking in new members. The church is thriving during covid-19 because of this pastor and his leadership team.
The second pastor's church has struggled since covid-19. After Covid, the church dwindled to a small group who sat in an empty sanctuary every Sunday. The church became so small that their attendees decided to meet in a house. Even though this pastor is still leading his church, he is not leading them very well.
Even if we don't want it to, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is a turning point for the church. The church's aim has not changed. However, execution of that goal varies during COVID-19 and will undoubtedly differ after the epidemic is over.
You can't usually do what you were doing previously in a crisis. The situation requires us to perform the task differently. That's all there is to it. It comes down to a simple choice: will you want to be a pre-COVID-19 church that refuses to recognize the pandemic's potential for innovative ministry or a post-COVID-19 church that views the crisis as an opportunity to revitalize its ministry?
An opportunity not only emphasizes the church's goal — to make disciples — but also calls attention to God's call on our lives. Is God inviting us into something new?
We need to be careful not to transfer nonessential practices from pre-COVID-19 into post-COVID-19, anything that jeopardizes our mission or vision. The church's disruption will be more long-lasting than COVID-19 if we continue engaging in nonessential activities and busyness.
Even if we don't want it to, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is a turning point for the church.
Click to Tweet
What We Do is not as Important as WHY We Do What We Do
As we try to figure out how to function post-Covid, the "why" might disappear amid the endless logistics of moving from old ways of doing church to new. We have to stay focused on the church's original purpose, its mission.
In addition to reminding ourselves about why we do what we do, it would be wise of us to make a list of post-COVID-19 intentions and purposes that are essential for our churches' health. We need to prioritize the list. And then we have to ask ourselves: are these priorities or activities essential?
The importance of the "why" cannot be overstated. Now more than ever, the "why" is crucial. The church is fragile, but its "why" has a long reach. The church's why has staying power.
If the church and pastors are not careful, we will revert back to our old ways of doing church post-pandemic. We do not want that to happen because Covid-19 provides us with a golden opportunity to clarify our mission and explore innovative ways of doing ministry.
If the church and pastors are not careful, we will revert back to our old ways of doing church post-pandemic.
Click to Tweet
Remember The Past, Don't Re-live It
Pastors and church leaders who wish to return to the way things were before the pandemic, there is no indication that they have learned any lessons.
Uncertainty is the only sure thing. It's wise to expect the unexpected because we rarely get what we desire. We can be fortunate and figure out why something has occurred. However, the greatest lesson we can take away is that a person may discover a lesson and learn from it, which is preferable to being lucky any day.
Maybe we've been asking the wrong questions all along. We used to rely on in-person worship and small groups before COVID-19.
"When are we going back to in-person services?" "When can we have Sunday school or small groups again?" These are the wrong questions to ask. Instead, we should be asking questions such as:
- How can I serve my community during covid-19?
- What are some innovative forms of ministry that will engage the church?
We need to embrace change and try new things. We have to do what is necessary to adapt to covid-19 circumstances. And then we have to be creative.
Pastors and church leaders who wish to return to the way things were before the pandemic, there is no indication that they have learned any lessons.
Click to Tweet
Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing
COVID-19 has given some people an opportunity to rediscover gratitude. Others have learned the significance of generosity and perseverance. But what is the purpose?
Gratitude, generosity, and patience are all lessons taught by the church in response to the crisis. Most churches focus on protecting the community and maintaining the status quo, often at the expense of excluding others. But how can excluding individuals help those who are doing it?
Before the pandemic, making disciples was hard. Why? People use social media and other things to talk about things that are not good for their faith. Keeping the main thing (our mission) is good because it will keep the leaders from being distracted by things that cause division.
COVID-19 has generated new questions about the church, but it is not a crisis in itself. The church was born to keep people focused on Christ during every crisis and challenge. COVID-19 provides an opportunity for the church to reflect on its mission again.
The church's disruption will be more long-lasting than COVID-19 if we continue engaging in nonessential activities and busyness. This pandemic has given some people an opportunity to rediscover gratitude. Others have learned the significance of generosity and perseverance.
God gave us this opportunity to rediscover and uncover what we've taken for granted, such as giving and gratitude. At the heart of it all, you will find mission-focused, Christ-like leaders who possess a deep conviction toward the mission of God.
A new breed of church leader will emerge post-covid-19, able to lead in the power and love of Jesus Christ over all obstacles. They will be mindful about what matters most while enduring hardship so that others also might make it through.
Are there additional moves you see that the church must make in order to thrive post-Covid?
The church was born to keep people focused on Christ during every crisis and challenge.
When you know precisely what you want to accomplish and how your goals seem realistic, it's easier to achieve objectives like 10 pounds lost, debt eliminated, and a new career when they're concrete. Specifics provide a reference point and instruct you on what to do next.
It's a journey that will last a lifetime—and then some. It's not something you should expect to happen immediately. So, set any anxiety or guilt aside and commit to making modest progress each day, week, and month.
I was feeling stuck in a rut spiritually. I had been growing in my faith, talking and walking with God, but then I stopped maturing. After trying these steps, I noticed an improvement in my relationship with God.
What if there was a simple way to get closer to God? What if it only took three steps? Would you try it? I did, and now I want to share what worked for me and pray they work for you. First, you begin by getting into prayer mode.
Get Into Prayer Mode
A big part of my spiritual walk is prayer, and I found that many times when I was starting to feel distant from God, I wasn't tuning in to prayer. So I sat down one day and created a schedule to pray twice a day - Once in the morning and once in the evening.
When I sit down to pray, it's usually just God and me. I ask Him for forgiveness for whatever troubles me or has bothered me throughout the day. And at night before bed, I thank Him for all of the blessings He's given me during the day and thank Him for making me feel closer to Him than ever before.
My goal with this schedule was to spend at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes before bed talking to God. I wanted to make sure I had a connection with Him each day, no matter how busy I was. This schedule truly helped me feel closer to God, and I hope it does the same for you. Try it out for a week or so, and see how much more connected you feel with God!
Now that you're in prayer mode, next, eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions.
Eliminate Electronic Distractions
I also recommend turning off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer. Try to find a place where you can be alone and uninterrupted, even for a short while. It's not about being perfect, but it is about making an effort.
If you can't find a place to pray, don't worry about it. I was tempted to make it easier for you by listing some great spots to find solitude in, but the truth is that you can pray anywhere: your bedroom, church, bathroom (no one will judge), or even while walking the dog!
You can pray anywhere and anytime that you feel led to. Some ideas are listed below.
If you're having a hard time following or concentrating on what you're saying, don't worry about it! You may find yourself repeating the same general prayer over and over because your thoughts are all over the place. That's okay. It's not about being perfect! Just keep at it until you feel a sense of peace or hear God's voice encouraging you to continue.
You're in prayer mode and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions. Next, give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day.
Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer.
Click to Tweet
Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day
Every day when you wake up, say a short prayer. It doesn't have to be anything too complex or lengthy. Just remember and thank God for the day that he gave you of life. Then ask Him what He would like you to do with your life today. Make it personal by mentioning specifics of things He has done for you.
And when it comes time to fall asleep, say another prayer. Thank God again for the blessing of a new day, and ask Him if there is anything that he would like you to do tomorrow. If you woke up with any problems or concerns, pray about them and ask God how to handle them.
Try to read a chapter from the Bible each day. It doesn't have to be in chronological order or necessarily anything extensive. Just try to get into it and understand what you are reading, even if that means rereading some parts over again. If possible, make sure that the section of the Bible that you chose relates somehow to what you are going through that day.
For instance, if you recently learned about a significant mistake your friend made, read the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). This will help remind you that we all make mistakes, even though God still loves us.
Write down any thoughts and questions during your devotional time. This will benefit you in the long run. If an idea or question comes to your head, write it down and ask God about it later that day. By doing this, you are helping yourself get closer to God by staying in a constant conversation with him.
Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day. Begin each day with an attitude of gratitude. Write down:
-I am grateful for
-I am grateful for
-I am grateful for
...and so on.
Finally, you're in prayer mode, and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions; gave thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day; it's time to make a few slight necessary adjustments.
Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day.
Click to Tweet
Slight Necessary Adjustments
Try These Steps: (James 5:16)
Step 1: Change your perspective on your relationship with God. If we are willing to admit that we have grown distant from God, He is more than happy to help us feel close again!
Step 2: Start each day by reading the Bible for 10-15 minutes. It doesn't matter where in the Bible or what part of life you read about; start with reading every morning!
Step 3: Spend time in prayer each day as well. Pray for others, pray for yourself, and thank Him (God) for all He has done.
If you are willing to commit to prayer, you will see an immediate difference in your relationship with God.
Here's What You Can Do This Week
1. Find a time and place where you will not be disturbed and can focus.
2. Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer.
3. Get into what some refer to as "prayer mode." This is your way of getting ready for prayer, with an attitude of reverential awe before God.
4. Address God as Heavenly Father in your own words and use the pronouns "Thou" and "Thee."
5. Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day, but remind yourself that God knows what will happen tomorrow, too - so don't be disappointed if you forget something today or if you don't get to pray about everything that's on your mind.
6. Pray sincerely from the heart. Give thanks, express gratitude, ask for blessings and make requests of God as you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.
7. Express your feelings at any promptings from the Holy Ghost and take note of what thoughts or feelings you may have received, either from the Spirit or your thoughts.
8. Conclude your prayer with a statement of gratitude and love for God, such as, "I'm grateful for this opportunity to communicate with Thee O Heavenly Father" or "I love thee." Then take time to sit quietly and contemplate on any feelings that came through in your prayer.
9. Some people like to finish with a closing prayer, but others prefer to sit silently until their thoughts turn back to the world and they're ready to begin their day. It's up to you and what works best for you personally!
10. Make sure that you have been reverent in your demeanor and sincerely give thanks in your prayer. If any distractions come up, such as your mind wandering to thoughts or concerns that aren't related to what you're praying for, gently return them to the things that you were brought before God to pray about - making sure not to get frustrated with; yourself! Turn again and start over.
Conclusion
We all need to take some time for prayer. Prayer is essential in our lives, and we must find a way to include it in our day-to-day lives. The best time to pray is at night when you sleep, but other times during the day work well.
There's no right or wrong time of day—do what works best for your schedule! To start getting into prayer mode more often, try setting aside 10 minutes every morning before school starts or before work begins where you can spend that time praying with God about anything on your heart, from family issues, worries about finances in general (including how they may affect current debt), problems at work anything that is a burden on your heart should be shared with God.
Christians are to pray at all times, not just when they feel like it or for some specific reason. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in context, "Pray without ceasing." It doesn't mean we can't sleep or do anything besides pray. This is my testimony of how I was able to get closer to God. I hope it will help you, as well.
Drawing closer to God begins with prayer. Don't forget to join us for part two on "How to Get Closer to God." If you found value in today's post, can you do me a favor and share it? Thanks!
How do you get into prayer mode? I'd love to hear more about your prayer strategies.
Unlock the power of gratitude and transform your life with our FREE gratitude journal!
This journal is designed to help you develop a daily gratitude practice scientifically proven to improve mental and physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase happiness and overall well-being.
With our gratitude journal, you'll have a dedicated space to reflect on the things you're grateful for in your life. By taking just a few minutes each day to focus on the positive, you'll cultivate a more positive outlook, attract more abundance and joy into your life, and enjoy a greater sense of inner peace and contentment.
I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you have any specific requirements or changes you'd like to make.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
Congratulations, and welcome to our family of subscribers! You've decided to join us on this journey of discovery, excitement, and unparalleled value. We're thrilled to have you on board and can't wait to share all the fantastic benefits of being a part of our community.
You're now part of a select group of individuals who are the first to know about our latest products, special offers, and exclusive events. We promise to deliver the most engaging and entertaining content to your inbox.
So sit back, relax, and get ready for a world of endless possibilities. Thank you for subscribing, and we can't wait to connect with you soon.
Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
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.
