Blog

Seeking Spiritual Renewal

Pulling out of the driveway, my son smiled and waved as he drove off with his buddies. The growling engine and over-sized tires broadcast to the neighborhood that they were headed out to have a four-wheeling adventure at an OHV park. (In case you’re unfamiliar, OHV stands for “Off Highway Vehicle.)” My son and his friends enjoy bouncing on dirt trails, crawling up rocks, driving through streams, and problem solving when they get stuck or break something. 

That day’s adventure happened not long after a rainstorm. When the boys returned in the evening, it was impossible to tell the Jeep’s paint color. Every inch from roof to tires was covered in layers of thick, caked on mud. The following day they spent as much time cleaning the Jeep as they’d devoted to getting it dirty. They admitted it wouldn’t stay pristine for long, but knew it was better to wash it before the grime was too deeply embedded. 

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that cycle of cleansing and renewal as it relates to our spiritual lives. When we choose to follow Jesus we’re washed clean from our sin and given new life in Him: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) Unfortunately, we’re still living in a broken world so, even as “new creations,” sin and distractions pull us away from God. Right now, so many believers seem to be struggling and forgetting to look to the Lord for hope and fulfillment. We’ve drifted from the rhythms that keep us tethered to Jesus. Some of us have gotten complacent or apathetic, forgoing opportunities for growth and opting for comfort instead. We’re distracted by social media, news, COVID, or other concerns about our health. We’re engrossed in political and social issues. We’re fearful and anxious, forgetting the hope we have in Jesus. In some instances, we’ve let the grime of sin build up and block our connection to the Lord. But no matter what kind of mess we find ourselves in, God delights in cleansing and renewing us when we draw near to Him again: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)

Maybe that’s why we resolve to start over and try again when a new year begins. God affirms this notion saying, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV) The Lord doesn’t want us stuck dwelling on the past. He’s ready and waiting to lead us down fresh paths.

Have you drifted from Jesus or grown complacent in the past year? Are your habits and patterns distracting or detracting from your spiritual growth? Are you fearful and anxious? Maybe it’s time to seek spiritual renewal and incorporate some fresh rhythms into your life.

Try slowing down and starting your day with a devotional and the Bible before checking your phone. Consider limiting negative inputs that make you anxious, fearful, or envious. Process your thoughts and emotions with the Lord by writing in a prayer journal. Prioritize time in your schedule to join a group that studies God’s Word regularly. (See below for some ideas). Make a fresh start keeping Paul’s words in mind: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV)

Let’s stop conforming to the patterns of the world and make 2022 a year of spiritual renewal. Are you in?

Click here to be inspired by Mac Powell’s song: “River of Life”

Click here to see options for Bible studies and small groups at CPC Danville. And click here if you’d like to get a huge boost of spiritual refreshment through IF:Gathering 2022 online.

Did someone forward you this to you? Click here if you’d like to subscribe and receive new posts in your e-mail inbox.

Looking Back at 2021, Looking Ahead at 2022

We’re turning the page on the calendar and kicking off a new year. Before diving into 2022, let’s take some time to look back and look ahead. For starters, what stands out from the past year? What shaped your character, faith, and worldview? Where did you see God at work? How did you grow? Looking ahead, where will you focus your time and energy in the coming year? To get you started, I’ll share my answers below. 

What stands out as you look back on the past year?

Seeing Extraordinary Prayer come to fruition and watching God use it in the lives of many people has been a noteworthy part of 2021. I learned so much through writing, teaching, and discussing the study. God led me to an amazing group of women who agreed to teach some of the sessions. Our times meeting and praying together were highlights of the year for me. Also, with the ongoing challenge of COVID restrictions, I am amazed 150 women were able to meet weekly to hear powerful teaching and to engage in rich discussions about the study. I loved hearing about other groups who were meeting on their own to study it. Most importantly, I’m grateful for how God used it to transform people’s prayer lives and to draw them closer to Him.

I’ve only surfed a handful of times, but watching the Lord pull this study together felt like paddling hard and then catching a wave and taking a thrilling ride. Writing a book has been a lifelong dream for me, and I’ve loved seeing how God has used it. Now, what stands out as you look back on the last year in your life?

What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

I try to be intentional about what shapes me. Just like the food we consume affects our physical health, the inputs we allow into our brains affect our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Social media feeds, news articles, podcasts, shows, movies, and books all impact us powerfully. Here are few that have shaped me in positive ways in the last year:

Podcasts: This Cultural Moment with John Mark Comer & Mark Sayers has helped me to understand trends and issues in our culture, how they are affecting people and the Church, and how I, as a follower of Jesus, am called to respond. These pastors are godly, biblical, smart, and well-read. I’ve learned so much from listening to their conversations about following Jesus in a post-Christian world. Click here to learn more.

Made for This with Jennie Allen has helped me to apply Scripture to my daily life. Jennie’s teaching and interviews explore and expand on important aspects of how to be a healthy, wise, and biblically literate follower of Jesus. Click here to learn more.

Books: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer has caused me to consider how and where to invest my time and focus. It’s helped me understand how technology has shaped us and shortened our attention spans. This book has inspired me to be more intentional and thoughtful about incorporating spiritual disciplines like silence, solitude, Sabbath rest, and simplicity into my life consistently.

Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge has motivated me to care for my body and my mind so that they are durable for the long haul. I’m looking at exercising, nurturing friendships, eating healthy, and challenging my mind as vital for my well-being. Maintaining my own health frees me to serve and bless others with fewer limitations.

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry is one of many books I read this year that helped me to explore a polarizing and sensitive topic. Hill’s autobiographical perspective is filled with grace and biblical truth.

Now, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year. Did your inputs draw you closer to God? What will you add or eliminate for 2022?

Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally or spiritually?

It has been a year of emotional highs and lows for me. I’ve written a lot about God working through Extraordinary Prayer. I’ve written a little about how He comforted me in grief over losing my mom and selling our family home of 45 years. I haven’t mentioned how those painful events triggered some old challenges. The Lord has been at work healing my heart and helping me to re-route some unhealthy thought patterns as I’ve spent time with a Christian therapist. God continues to help me recognize roadblocks that I’ve been unable or unwilling to confront. He’s helping me grow in understanding myself and how I relate to others. It’s been hard work, but so worth it. Now, where did you see God at work and how did you grow this year?

Where will you focus your energy in 2022?

Looking ahead at 2022, I am inspired to make prayer and presence a bigger priority. I want to pray consistently for renewal among believers so that they long for God’s presence, kingdom, and righteousness more than anything else. I also want to pray for the hearts of people who have been deceived by the enemy and have believed lies about the Lord. Corporate renewal begins with personal renewal, so I’d like to be more focused on God’s presence in my life. I’m considering trying a new spiritual discipline like fasting to help my prayers be more targeted and intentional. I’m also hoping to continue sharing Extraordinary Prayer with others so they can grow deeper with the Lord. How about you? Where will you focus your time and energy in 2022?

Whether you’re heading into the new year feeling hopeful or discouraged, let “Come What May” by We Are Messengers remind you of God’s nearness. Don’t miss the beautiful reassurance it includes from Psalm 23. Then, take some time with these questions and let the Lord guide you as you chart your course for 2022. Happy New Year!

Light of the World

Pushing aside tissue paper, I reached into the gift bag and pulled out a bright yellow sweatshirt with “Be the light” written on the front. It was an early Christmas gift that brought a colorful reminder of the meaning of this season. We can’t live without light. It nourishes our bodies, souls, and minds. Light helps us to walk confidently. It gives us warmth. It lifts our spirits and guides our paths. It is also something we’re meant to share with others.

Christmas is the season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. I love how the twinkling lights on my tree and on buildings all over town remind me of this. Inspired by my new sweatshirt, I thumbed through the pages of Scripture to see how Jesus embodies light and uses it to bring hope in and through us. Let’s explore a few key passages to see this powerful theme woven throughout Scripture.

About 700 years before Jesus, Isaiah prophesied about Him. He described many aspects of the coming Messiah, including using the imagery of light: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV) Without the light of Jesus, we walk in spiritual darkness. His light gives us hope and purpose in this life and the promise of eternity with Him.

Turning to the New Testament, we see John start off his gospel by referring to Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5, NIV) Life in Jesus is the source of spiritual light. His light is more powerful than any dark force and has defeated sin. This gives us hope, no matter how dark the world or our circumstances feel at times.

John’s gospel also includes Jesus describing Himself: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12, NIV) True life is found only in Jesus. One commentary explains, “Coming to Christ for salvation results in a different kind of life. A believer will never walk in darkness, that is, he will not live in it (12:46, 1 John 1:6-7). He does not remain in the realm of evil and ignorance (John 12:46) for he has Christ as his Light and salvation (Ps. 36:9).”1

John speaks about the power of light again in another New Testament book: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-8, NIV) God doesn’t just provide us with light, He is light. As we’re drawn to Him, we’re blessed to join with people who are like-minded. This fellowship with other believers provides us with the comfort and encouragement we need to function in a world filled with darkness and sin.

Knowing God is light and that He gives it to us through Jesus has powerful implications for us as believers. Consider Jesus’ teaching on this in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV) Surrendering our lives to Jesus not only enables us to walk in the light, it lets His light shine through us to bless others. That’s what my new yellow sweatshirt reminds me every time I wear it. What I love about this is that we don’t have to try to be the light—it automatically shines through us when we’re walking with Jesus and aligning with the Holy Spirit.

Peter, another one of Jesus’ disciples, also teaches followers of Jesus about light:  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV) We’ve been called out of darkness and have the blessing and privilege of walking in the warmth, comfort, and hope of God’s light. That’s what we’re celebrating at Christmas!

Peter’s second letter circles us back to the prophecies from the Old Testament about the coming light: “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21, NIV) 

A Bible commentary explains, “Peter told how to derive meaning from God’s Word—pay attention to it. As a Light, God’s written Word has validity and authority…God’s prophetic Word is a Light…shining in a dark place. Though the world is darkened by sin (Isa. 9:2, Eph. 6:12), God’s Word pointing to the future, enlightens believers about His ways…Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of Christ, ‘the bright Moring Star’ (Rev. 22:16). Until he comes, believers are to let the Scriptures illumine their hearts.”1

So, this Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a baby who was heralded by a special star in the sky, and we anticipate His second coming as the bright Morning Star who will return at the end of days. During this “in between time,” let’s continue basking in the light by drawing near to Him and spending time in His Word.

How about pushing the pause button on the bustle of the season and devoting a few quiet moments to marveling at Jesus as the Light of the World? Be inspired to let His light shine through you wherever you find yourself this season.

Enjoy a worship moment with Lauren Daigle’s “Light of the World.” (I can’t watch this video without shedding a few tears!) Click here to watch.

  1. John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books. 1983, pages 303 & 868.

Interruptions as Invitations

“We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you this special announcement.” Do you remember those words cutting in while you were watching TV? The interruption was usually followed by a piece of breaking news about the death of someone noteworthy or a shocking event. Once the news anchor shared the information, he or she would end by saying, “And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.” 

Many of us view interruptions to our lives as detractors from our “regularly scheduled programs,” don’t we? Whether it’s minor annoyances or major events, we don’t like having our plans derailed. This makes me think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who experienced the most profound life interruption of all. We learn in Luke 1 that she was a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. During a shocking visit by the angel, Gabriel, Mary learns that God has chosen her to be the mother to the Messiah and that the child will be conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit. Despite her fears and questions, Mary responds to the angel’s news by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38, NIV)

Think about the plans she must have been making for her upcoming wedding and the dreams she had for her life with Joseph. Imagine how upsetting it would have been when Gabriel appeared to tell her God had a different plan in mind for her. Most of us don’t like even small interruptions to our plans, but Mary’s story helps us see that interruptions are invitations into God’s bigger story. Her example can inspire us to shift our perspectives so we can be open to how God may want use interruptions for His greater purposes. 

As an unwed teenager, Mary’s pregnancy could have caused many hardships for her, including accusations of adultery and rejection by Joseph, judgement from her community, and even eligibility for the death penalty. In spite of these challenges, she saw herself as God’s servant and agreed to go along with His plan. She didn’t know how things would work out, but she did know who would work them out for her. She trusted God and didn’t fret about all of the potential problems that lay ahead. She was open to Him, no matter how disruptive His plans would be to her life. It’s humbling, isn’t it? 

It could be tempting to view Mary’s story as a one-time miraculous occurrence and to read it without considering how we can apply it personally. However, her response can challenge us to be mindful of the ways He wants to bless too. Scripture shows us that trusting God turns interruptions into “unanticipated opportunities.” Consider this perspective: “God’s plan for the world is disruptive: it breaks into our daily lives and calls us beyond our own concerns. It breaks into history and calls us beyond what conventional wisdom or societal expectations would demand. It bores into our hearts and turns our attention from ourselves onto others and orients us to God.”1

Although I’ve never been visited personally by an angel, God has placed some major interruptions in my life to invite me into His bigger story. This doesn’t necessarily mean something that is public or affects a huge number of people. God’s bigger story can be any situation that refines our characters, prompts spiritual growth, or impacts others.

I experienced one of these “unanticipated opportunities” over a two-and-a-half-year span as my mom’s health started to fail. Once stubborn and independent, she began needing more and more support to deal with every aspect of her life. Since I was the only one of her kids who lived nearby, I gradually began managing her medical care, housing, finances, insurance, and social connections.

Caring for my mom was incredibly challenging with the other responsibilities already on my plate. There were many times when I felt overwhelmed, anxious, and even a bit resentful. At first, I saw meeting her needs and taking her to appointments as interruptions to my regularly scheduled life. I would squeeze them into my packed schedule and often feel anxious and impatient when they took longer than anticipated. But over time, the Holy Spirit helped me to see them as opportunities to love and care for my mom. As I slowed down and made more time for her, our relationship changed for the better.

I often prayed borrowing Paul’s words from Colossians 1:11, asking God to strengthen me with His power so that I would have endurance and patience with my mom. He answered those prayers and also gave me a compassion for her that I hadn’t felt previously. Over two years, the Lord helped me to prioritize my time and enabled me to find a rhythm that allowed for a tender relationship to develop between us. I was so grateful for this when she was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. 

My involvement with my mom intensified during her four months on hospice. I didn’t think twice about clearing my schedule and managing her care. God had used the previous interruptions to prepare me for this last big one. We had some sweet moments together in the four months before she went home to the Lord. Although it was a deeply painful season in my life, God enabled me to honor, serve, and love her with both words and actions. I would have missed out on some significant moments if I’d been unwilling to yield to that divine interruption.

Think about what Mary would have missed if she’d refused to be interrupted by God. What if she’d told Him she wasn’t interested in having Him wreck her plans? I think her example can be an inspiration for each of us to consider how God’s interruptions are invitations into His bigger story. 

I know it seems counter-intuitive to lean into what causes pain and frustration, but will you pray and ask God to give you an attitude like Mary’s? The Lord can use whatever interruption you’re facing to transform you and to bless others through you. It’s a hard process, but also an opportunity to feel God’s nearness and to access His strength in ways we don’t experience in good times.

Let the words of “Breath or Heaven (Mary’s Song)” by Leanna Crawford become your prayer through whatever interruption you’re encountering in this season. Click here to listen.

1. “Mother Mary and Father Abraham: Vocation as Participation in God’s Incredible Plan” by Katharine Mahon, 7-14-17. Click here to read the full article.

Continuing to Practice Prayer

We’ve come to the end of an amazing season of learning about prayer. As we close our Extraordinary Prayer books, my hope is that this won’t be the end of expanding and deepening our communication with the Lord. When we’re stretched spiritually like we have been in this study, we have the opportunity to change our rhythms and grow in maturity. But without intentionality, we’ll revert back to how we were previously.

There have been many times when God has inspired me, but it has only been by continuing to practice what I’ve learned that I’ve progressed in my walk with the Lord. For example, I began understanding the value of connecting with Jesus personally while serving at a Christian camp many years ago. Sitting on the roof of a houseboat as the sun sank low, I listened intently as a youth pastor read a chapter of My Heart, Christ’s Home—an allegory inspired by Jesus’ words, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23) 

In the story, the new believer invites Jesus to live in his home and makes plans to meet with Him every morning to read his Bible and pray.  The new Christian starts off with great intentions, but as the days go by, he sometimes rushes out before making time with the Lord. One day as he’s hurrying out the door, he glances into the living room and sees Jesus sitting expectantly in a chair by the fire with the Bible in His lap. Hanging his head, the believer enters the room and apologizes to Jesus when he realizes the Lord has continued to wait for him each morning. Jesus explains: 

“The trouble is that you have been thinking of the quiet time, of Bible study and prayer, as a means for your own spiritual growth. This is true, but you have forgotten that this time means something to me also. Remember, I love you. At a great cost I have redeemed you. I value your fellowship. Just to have you look up into my face warms my heart. Don’t neglect this hour, if only for my sake. Whether or not you want to be with me, remember I want to be with you. I really love you!”1

Those words pierced my heart as a young believer. It was the first time I understood that reading the Bible and praying weren’t just good things to do, but vital for cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord. I’d never considered His affection for me or that He eagerly anticipated our times together.

God invites us to draw near to Him and assures us of His presence, but He also wants our whole hearts. Session 1 of our study includes the words of Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The word “seek” used here means to search out by any method, but especially through worship and prayer. The word “heart”characterizes our soul, mind, inclinations, conscience, moral character, and appetites.2 So, to seek God with all our hearts reflects an ongoing, focused pursuit of Him that is connected to all areas of our lives. It means surrendering to His will and His ways without holding anything back. Once we begin a relationship with Him, we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives striving to know Him more deeply.

Learning about God and growing with other believers is important, but it’s not the same as spending personal time with the Lord. Author and Bible teacher Lisa Harper explains: “Information about Jesus is a poor substitute for intimacy with Jesus. If you’ve filled in a million Bible study blanks and still don’t really believe that the Creator and Redeemer of the universe loves you, you’ll never impact the world around you with the abundant life made available to us in Christ. Spend time alone with the lover of your soul. Learn what it is to linger in the embrace of Jesus.”3

Throughout our study we’ve seen that God readily receives us when we move toward Him. The final session of Extraordinary Prayer reminds us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8a, NLT) So, let’s continue to draw near to Jesus and to grow in intimacy with Him. 

My hope is that this study will be a significant mile marker in your spiritual journey and that you’ll look back and see it as a turning point when your prayer life expanded and deepened. I encourage you to continue practicing what doesn’t come easily to you: praising God, confessing your sins, expressing gratitude, and making requests that expand God’s kingdom. Keep pressing on and using the Bible to inspire your prayers.

Chris Tomlin’s “Nobody Loves Me Like You” gives the perfect inspiration for being intentional about drawing near to Jesus daily. Click here to listen and let the words motivate you to make time for the One who loves you best.

If this study impacted you, would you consider sharing it with others? I’d love to see more people have the opportunity to discover the power of extraordinary prayer. Click here for ordering info.

1. Robert Boyd Munger, My Heart, Christ’s Home, Intervarsity Press, 1986.

2. The definitions for the Hebrew words are compiled from Strong’s Concordance. “Baquash” (seek) is Strong’s #H1245 “Lebab” (heart) is Strong’s #H3824.

3. Lisa Harper “Three Things That Impact Your Legacy”, IF:Lead 2021.

Thanksgiving Bonus

Studying the prayers of people in Scripture over the past few months has shown us the importance of slowing down to thank God. In our culture, we’re prone to filling up those moments meant for pausing with way too much activity. Thanksgiving is almost here but, before you start shopping, cooking, baking, hosting, or eating, take some time to put on the brakes and do what the holiday was designed for: giving thanks. 

While I have many things that I’m thankful for this year, I want to turn my attention to just a few. Will you join me in drawing near to God and thanking Him for some of these rich blessings?

1. The Gift of God’s Faithfulness: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV) In April of 2020, God blessed me with the opportunity to write Extraordinary Prayer. At the time I agreed to do it, I had plenty of time to write due to the COVID lockdown. However, three months later, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and put on hospice. Before I finished writing it, she went home to heaven. Words can’t express my gratefulness to God for enabling me to balance caring for my mom with writing the study and bringing it to completion. And on top of that, He’s given me tremendous joy as I’ve taught through different sessions and studied it with others this fall.

2. The Hope of Eternity with God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, NIV) These verses have become so familiar that we may have lost sight of their significance. I’m thankful that God showed us mercy by sending His son to pay the price for our sins so that we can be with Him forever. It’s comforting knowing God’s plan isn’t to condemn us, but to save us. Attending to two funerals recently and having both my parents deceased makes me even more aware of how fleeting our time on earth is. I’m truly grateful that this life isn’t the end of the story.

3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be  in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you… But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:16-18, 26, NIV) I’m grateful for God’s continual presence in my life through the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a comfort it is knowing I have a counselor and guide who gives me access to God’s power at all times. Although my earthly parents are now in heaven, I thank God that He doesn’t leave me as an orphan.

4. The Gift of Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV) In a world filled with chaos and discord, I’m grateful for peace that isn’t dependent upon circumstances. Because God is faithful and trustworthy, I can have peace that defies logic. I am confident of His goodness and know that He wants only what is good for me. So even when I don’t understand why He’s allowing hardships or difficulties, I can find peace in Him. That’s a rare gift in our world today.

5. The Gift of Christian Fellowship: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV) What an incredible gift and blessing it is to walk beside others in faith. Over the past year I’ve experienced numerous hard, sad, difficult moments, but I’ve also received an abundance of love, support, and encouragement from godly friends and family. In addition to that, I’ve had the joy of serving with some incredible people who have sharpened my faith and helped me to continue growing in my walk with Jesus. God surrounded me with amazing support as I wrote Extraordinary Prayer. If you have a copy of the book, you can see many of their names written in the acknowledgements.

What fills you with gratitude right now? Don’t let the bustle of the holiday cause you to miss what it’s really all about. Take five minutes and tell God how you feel. Let Rend Collective’s “Counting Every Blessing” put words to your prayer. Click here to listen.

Session 9: Unity Among Believers

Inspiring stories spill off the pages of the book of Acts. We see the lives of ordinary people transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, causing the message of the gospel to spread like a swollen river flooding the flatlands. Fishermen from sleepy villages speak to educated men with wisdom, courage, and authority. Believers gather to pray fervently in the face of persecution and see God move in mighty ways.

I love the unity we see among the believers revealed in phrases sprinkled throughout Acts: “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” (1:14) “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (2:4) “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” (2:44) “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” (4:32)

Taken out of context, these Scriptures from Acts make it seem like believers in the early Church spent their time enjoying good fellowship while swaying gently to songs around a campfire. Truth be told, the Bible also includes many examples of disunity and disagreement among believers (see Acts 15:39 and Philippians 4:2-3 for two examples). Sin and brokenness affected relationships and communities then, just as they do now. It’s no secret that tension and divisiveness have become the norm in our culture today, even in the body of Christ. 

So how do we arrive at the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17?  How do we respond when others who worship beside us hold different views on hot topics? Do we reject them and retreat, only associating with those who share the same viewpoints? 

A good starting place for answering these questions is Jesus’ prayer for unity: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23, NIV)

First, it’s important to note that unity and uniformity are not the same thing. Uniformity happens when we already think alike. Conversely, unity only comes when we work hard to find ways to agree with others who have differing views. Unity is something we must grapple with as believers. Ultimately, a stronger bond comes when we acknowledge our differing views and demonstrate willingness to listen and find common ground. So, let’s explore three ways we can align with the heart of Jesus and pursue unity as His followers.1

1) Commit to the Mission of the Church (with a capital “C”): Christian churches across the world use different language to convey a common mission: To know Christ and make Him known. Jesus says it this way in His prayer: “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23, NIV) Obedience to God includes gathering with others to worship, connect, and serve. We’re meant to do this together to show the world God’s love. When we’re fighting among ourselves, we’re focused inwardly on our own agendas rather than outwardly on the world that desperately needs to hear the hope of the gospel. “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:14-15, NIV)

2) Commit to Being Humble and Others-centric: Our personal opinions feel important and can spark strong emotions, especially in the divisive times we’re living in right now. No one agrees with every decision made by leaders or individuals. But we need to care about and respect one another as people and followers of Christ more than we care about being right or airing our opinions. Consider Paul’s wise counsel: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:2-6, NIV)

3) Commit to Sacrificing Your Will:  Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers knowing it would be difficult. He prayed this only hours before letting people betray, abandon, arrest, torture, and kill Him. This is what He was agreeing to when He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39, NIV) Jesus gave up His will for our sake. Are we willing to do that for His Church? 

Pursing unity as a body of believers requires an unwavering focus on Jesus. Consider the wisdom of A.W. Tozer: “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So, one hundred worshipers meeting together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become ‘unity’ conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.”

Let’s put aside our personal agendas and stop being so easily offended. Consider joining me in offering up extraordinary prayers that build unity among believers through humility and selflessness.

For an inspiring song on unity, click on this link and listen to Kari Jobe’s “Heal Our Land.”

1. The definition of unity vs. uniformity and the three points below it are based on Sean Morgan’s Leaders in Living Rooms podcast episode “Ugly Bride- Three Essential for Church Unity” from Sept. 13, 2021.

Bonus Post: Why Prayer Matters

What is the purpose of prayer? Many see it as a way to ask God for what we want or need: healing for a loved one, a solution to a big problem, or a positive outcome for a challenging circumstance. So, when we get what the desired result, we say our prayers “worked” and that God is good. The challenge comes when God keeps us waiting or gives us a different answer–which can lead us to become confused, angry, or disillusioned. 

Megan Fate Marshman offers a different perspective on prayer. She describes it as “connecting with the one who loves you most.” So, prayer isn’t only about asking God for what we want but about cultivating a relationship with Him. This is also what Jeremiah describes when he writes from God’s perspective saying: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV)

Prayer is so much more than just a tool for making requests of God or a last resort when we’ve run out of all other options. Over the years, I’ve discovered many truths about it through consistent practice and study. It’s changed me and caused my faith in God to grow deeper and wider.  Prayer is more powerful than most of us realize. Let’s look at four reasons why it matters:

Prayer Invites God Into our Circumstances: Psalm 139 tells us that God perceives our thoughts and knows what we’re going to say before we speak. Some would argue that there’s no reason to talk to the Lord since He already knows everything about us. However, the purpose of prayer isn’t to inform God of our circumstances; it’s to invite Him into them. Prayer opens the lines of communication between God and you, just as you talk regularly with people you love. It gives the Lord permission to speak into our lives and to share His wisdom. Often, prayer changes our hearts more than it changes our circumstances. That’s exactly what we see at the end of Psalm 139 when David says: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)

Prayer is the Healthiest Way to Manage Fear and Worry: Anxiety is on the rise in our culture. Many of us feel a constant undercurrent of fear and worry at all times. We try to control our surroundings, our circumstances, our plans, and our relationships as a way to stave off those panicky feelings. Our minds churn over worst-case scenarios and “what-ifs” that fill us with dread. The irony is, all the time we spend worrying and fretting does nothing to change our circumstances. It wastes our energy, overwhelms our thoughts, and steals our joy–preventing us from living life to the fullest. In contrast, taking all that angst and laying it before God frees us to trust Him and to expend mental energy in more meaningful and productive ways. No one says it better than the Apostle Paul: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Prayer Changes Our Perspective: When we praise God in prayer, we’re reminded of His character. Consider David’s words: “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:13, 14, 18, NIV) Praising God for His trustworthiness, faithfulness, and nearness reassures us He can handle anything we bring before Him. This simple but profound quote from author and pastor AW Tozer sums up the power of praise: “As God is exalted to the right place in our lives, a thousand problems are solved all at once.” 

Prayer Lets Us Take Action When We Feel Powerless: When circumstances unfold the way we want or expect, we have the illusion that we’re in control, which makes us feel powerful. But here’s the harsh truth: There are few things we can actually control beyond our reactions. When we accept our humble position, we give God more opportunity to work in our lives. Consider Paul’s realization He could only rely on God’s strength in light of his personal struggles: “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b-10, NIV

How freeing it is to accept our frailty and weakness and to recognize humbly that we have no power on our own. Acknowledging we don’t have control and trusting God gives us access to true power from the One who loves us most of all. 

Phil Wickham’s “Battle Belongs” is an incredible song filled with Scripture that reveals the power we have through prayer. Click here to listen and celebrate this truth today.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020, page 79.

Session 8: Jesus’ Model for Prayer

Did you learn the Lord’s Prayer as a child? Maybe, like me, you recited the words without understanding their meaning. Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV) There’s much to learn from this short but powerful model for prayer. 

First, by referring to God as our Father, Jesus shows us that He is accessible, intimate, and personal. At the same time, “hallowed be your name” illustrates the importance of approaching the Lord with reverence and awe. One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”1

Our Heavenly Father is sovereign and deserves to be praised just because He’s God, not because of anything He’s done for us. This provides a humbling reminder that God doesn’t exist for us, we exist for Him. Acknowledging His holiness helps us to regain perspective when our needs seem urgent.

Next, praying “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” invites God to increase His kingdom on earth right now through each of us. As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of God’s kingdom, and we carry that citizenship with us wherever we go. We’re each marked by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). Just like a passport identifies you as a citizen of a specific country, the Holy Spirit identifies you as God’s child. So, wherever you go, you have the opportunity to let the light of God’s love shine out from you, as Jesus describes when He says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Praying for God’s kingdom to come impacts how believers view their immediate circumstances. We recognize that God has empowered us to change the atmosphere of our surroundings and we invite Him to work in and through us. In the rest of the prayer, Jesus shows three ways we can pray personally that will expand the Lord’s rule and reign:

-Make Room for the Kingdom of God in Your Daily Life: We have the privilege of asking God to meet our needs for “daily bread.” Just as our bodies were made to need sustenance from food every day, our hearts were made to need daily connection with God. Going to Him consistently reminds us self-sufficiency is only an illusion. Everything we have, including our ability to earn a living, ultimately comes from God. Asking the Lord to meet our physical and spiritual needs daily keeps us humble, but also enables us to grow in our connection to Him and our dependence upon Him. So, commit to spending time in God’s Word and prayer consistently, even when the Extraordinary Prayer study comes to an end. Be intentional about creating space in your schedule to be quiet before the Lord. Ask your Heavenly Father to show you what distractions you can eliminate that will free you up to draw near to Him consistently. To read an expanded explanation on this portion of the prayer, see the link at the bottom.*

-Expand the Kingdom of God with Confession and Forgiveness: In the next part of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus illustrates the importance of identifying and confessing our sins.  “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12, NIV) We’ve become a society averse to accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing. But if we follow Jesus, we must be willing to confess when we’ve sinned and seek forgiveness from God and others we’ve hurt. Likewise, we expand God’s kingdom when we forgive others for the wrongs done to us. This is the only portion of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus expands on further: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12, 14-15, NIV) Our willingness to ask for and offer forgiveness stands out in a world bent on sidestepping sin, nursing resentment, and seeking retaliation. For a deeper dive on these two topics, see the links at the bottom.*

-Spread the Kingdom of God by Praying Against Temptation and Evil: In the final portion of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to pray: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13, NIV) Our flesh and spirit battle continually; praying for the Lord not to lead us into temptation and to deliver us from evil demonstrates humble acknowledgement of this fact. It’s a request to keep sin from gaining a foothold in our lives. When we know our weaknesses and are aware of the areas where we’re likely to fall into sin, we can pray proactively, asking the Lord to guide and protect us. Relying on God’s strength to withstand temptation also encourages others who may be struggling in similar ways. Making the hard choice to uphold integrity and righteousness expands the Lord’s kingdom and inspire others to do the same. 

Increasing God’s dominion on earth starts in our hearts and minds. Let Rend Collective’s song “Build Your Kingdom Here” inspire your prayers today. 

*Interested in understanding more? Take a look at this post on daily bread by clicking here, this one on confession by clicking here or this one on forgiveness by clicking here.

1. Commentary quotation from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

Session 7: Mary’s Prayer

Do you remember setting up your family’s manger scene at Christmas time? I still recall how much I loved arranging each character in the nativity. Baby Jesus was always placed in His rightful position in the center, nestled in the manger. Next, I would put the Christ child’s parents flanking Him protectively. Fanning out on either side of Mary and Joseph, I’d arrange the shepherds with a few sheep and the wisemen with their camels, all looking on with reverence and awe. Finally, several barnyard animals and an angel affixed to the roof of the stable would complete the joyful scene.

I never gave Mary much thought as an individual—she was just one of the players in an incredible, dramatic story. Years later, after I had children of my own, I had a deeper appreciation for her and all that she must have experienced. As I’ve studied the few passages where Mary appears in Scripture, my esteem for her has only grown. I’ve been amazed to realize what a wise, godly woman she was in spite of her tender age. 

Consider, for example, Mary’s incredible knowledge of Scripture. During her pregnancy, a visit with her relative, Elizabeth, prompted her to sing a prayer of praise to the Lord that’s overflowing with quotes and allusions from the Old Testament. “Some scholars believe that Mary was so steeped in Scripture that the words just flowed from her.”1 Her song, called The Magnificat, begins by praising God and expressing gratitude at being chosen to bear the Messiah. Like many prayers we’ve studied, Mary focuses first on worship and adoration:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49, NIV)

Mary’s words echo praises to the Lord found in other portions of Scripture. Her prayer reveals her knowledge of words written by kings and prophets including David, Isaiah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah and Moses. It also reveals considerable knowledge of God’s character and the history of His Chosen People. Every verse correlates with other portions of Scripture. 

We’ll never know on this side of heaven how Mary learned so much of the Old Testament at such a young age, but we can let her example inspire us to pursue God’s Word with passion and consistency. Maybe, like me, it was Mary’s mother who first taught her stories from Scripture. I can’t help but think of the dedication I wrote for my mom in the opening pages of Extraordinary Prayer. She was the first person to introduce me to Jesus and to show me the value of studying God’s Word. I still picture her poring over her enormous Bible at our kitchen table surrounded by papers and commentaries. It was her example that spurred me on to prioritize studying the Bible and teaching it to others. 

My mom has been on my mind a lot lately. Last year around this time, I was spending every day with her as cancer delivered its final blows to her broken body. In her lucid moments, we talked about what awaited her in heaven. I remember her smile of anticipation at the thought of seeing Jesus face to face and of reuniting with my dad. Despite her pain, she exuded peace. My mom believed so firmly in the hope of the gospel she’d studied for years that there was no need for fear. Knowing Scripture guided her in life and reassured her as she prepared for death. 

A few days after she passed away, I came across two passages that jumped off the pages of my Bible: “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4, NIV) I realized this was exactly what my mom had done for me. She taught me about God’s faithfulness and helped me find reassurance in His Word whenever I needed it.

The second passage both comforted and surprised me: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did;” (Psalm 116:15-16a, NIV) It felt personal and affirming–as if God was telling me to continue the passion for Scripture my mom had modeled to me. Her time on hospice occurred as I was making final edits to the manuscript for Extraordinary Prayer. So, it seemed fitting to add those passages to the dedication I’d already included in the front of the book. To me, they’re a reminder to continue sharing what I’m learning in Scripture with others so that they can find hope, joy, and peace. 

Text Description automatically generated

God’s Word is living and active. (Hebrews 4:12) My mom knew this, which is why she could believe promises written several thousand years ago applied to her personally. She knew her salvation was secure because of Jesus. My mom didn’t lose heart as her body began to fail because her eyes were fixed on what is unseen and eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) Mary also knew she could trust the Scriptures. This enabled her to take words from prophets and kings and apply them to her personal circumstances. Instead of being fearful about her pregnancy and all of the unknowns she faced, she rejoiced knowing God chose her to be part of fulfilling prophecies she’d heard all her life.

These examples remind me that knowing the Bible should change how we interpret personal events. When we trust the goodness of God’s character, hardships become spiritual growth opportunities. So, let’s continue to pursue studying Scripture and applying it to our lives, following in the footsteps of these godly examples and many others like them. 

Listen to Jenn Johnson and Bethel Worship sing “Goodness of God” and imagine it from Mary’s perspective. Then, make the words your personal prayer today.

1. Marybeth McCullum, Extraordinary Prayer, page 175