We may not even be aware of our reaction, but comparing how God is answering our prayer to that of someone else’s prayer can lead to our minds running away with all sorts of unhelpful thoughts and questions. Our response to the answers to our prayers, whether they are yes, no, or wait, should be to focus on God and his graciousness shown to us.Read More →
Over the years I’ve learned to do three things when I’m furious with the man upstairs. It doesn’t change my circumstances, but it does take me off DEFCON 1 anger alert. I’m more able to cope and feel His peace and love. I can keep my head above water when life threatens to drown me. – Guest Niki HardyRead More →
Sometimes when our prayers are answered with a “no” it can feel like God is not taking everything into account. Does he know how I feel? Does he know what this means? Does he really think there is good in what has just happened?Read More →
My adult children live their own lives, which can drive me crazy. Maintaining a healthy relationship with them when they make wacky decisions is challenging. But I’m able to restrain myself from nagging or offering unsolicited advice when I talk about it all to Jesus instead of them.Read More →
We live in an imperfect world and with prayers which are not always answered in the way we would like or how we think are best. So how should we react when God says “no” to our requests?Read More →
When we’re waiting for our prayers to be answered, we can behave like we’re in a doctor’s waiting room. We may be patient to begin with, but then impatience sets in. We ask God “why ” and “when.” The longer the wait, the harder it becomes. We don’t rest. We can’t relax. “If God answers my prayer, then everything will be okay,” we think. Read More →
If prayer feels empty, we need to keep coming to Him. Keep showing up. Keep seeking Him. He longs for our presence far more than our perfect prayers.Read More →
Does it seem like you have faced problem after problem this year? In the middle of unusual circumstances, we have a chance to find glimmers of hope and focus on those things, however small, that bring us joy. Read More →
I have admired Lyli Dunbar’s writing and her passion for prayer for a long time. So, I was thrilled to meet her (virtually) at a conference we both attended this summer. And, equally thrilled to have her share her wisdom today. Be ready to find strength if you feel inadequate for the tasks and trials ahead of you. Last May, I unexpectedly became a first-time parent to an almost potty trained 3-year-old. I had never purchased a box of diapers in my life, nor could I ever have imagined reading bedtime stories to a toddler at age 52. When friends ask me how I amRead More →
Maybe you doubt whether your prayers can really be effective, especially when you’re asking for the impossible or what seems unlikely. In the back of your mind you’re thinking, “will my prayer really make a difference?” Or, as one of my readers asks, “Can I move God?” Just the other day, I found myself struggling with these questions. My daughter lives in Los Angeles where the wildfires this year have been particularly devastating—ravaging the landscape, towns, and homes of California, Washington and Oregon. The fires have been so widespread, they seem impossible for firefighters to put out. These areas of the country need ourRead More →
