June 18, 2025

Motivated to pray…

More and more I’m understanding that God hears even my thoughts as prayers. Yesterday’s events were small things, yet I could almost feel His hand in mine. I went to a fabric store for one item. They were having a sale for members only. I’m no longer a member and the cost to renew added to the sale price of that item was less than the full price for non-members. One of those ‘I spy God’ things as He helps me be a good steward of His money.

Next, at another store where the parking lot is always full and a long walk from the empty spots to the door, I whispered that it would be great to get a closer spot, then rescinded with “It doesn’t matter, I can walk.” I turned where the Spirit directed and parked in the spot closest to the front door. It felt like a big hug.

Going out, the lineups at the till were long. Then a clerk approached me with a handheld device and asked to scan my cart. I still had to pay, but the paper he handed me eliminated all waiting. I’ve never had that experience. Another hug as He helps me be a good steward of time.

Later, more little things kept adding up and I kept feeling the nearness and love of God. I wondered if someone was praying. Then this morning Piper’s thoughts blessed and motivated me again to pray about everything. 

Piper told of a man who committed to pray for him — “until you die or I die—or Jesus comes back — every day.” Piper was overwhelmed to tears. He said, “That means, if he and I live out our three score and ten years, he will pray for me more than eight thousand times. It means rain or shine, he is praying. For better or for worse, he is praying. If I succeed or fall, he is praying. If I lose my mind and become a vegetable, he is praying. If I make shipwreck of my faith and commit apostasy, he is praying.”

This demonstration of God’s love is not only breath-taking, but makes a difference. Those prayers are certainly foundational to the success of John Piper’s ministry as well as his personal growth. 

The Apostle Paul was also motivated to unceasing prayer:

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. (Romans 1:9–10)
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. (Ephesians 1:16–17)
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9)
Small blessings aside, the Spirit speaks to me about the importance of my prayers. I may not see what God is doing, but His work in my life tells me to persevere in praying for the people that He puts on my heart. He says: “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18)

PRAY: Jesus, prayer takes time, energy, and an attitude of being real, but also enables me to better know Your will. For that, I also have to listen… and as I do, I ask that You put in my heart whatever and whoever all that You want me to pray for. No matter how You answer, I want to connect with You. I also desire that others know the blessings, small and huge, of being in a saving relationship with You.



No comments: