Remain in Me

09/11/24 • 3 min

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 How do we “remain” in Jesus? I think it has a lot to do with prayer. I grew up in the church, and I remember that when I was young, prayer always seemed boring. We clasped our hands, closed our eyes, and bowed our heads as the pastor prayed for what seemed a long, long time. But as I grew older and Jesus became more real to me, my prayer life started to change. There’s nothing wrong with the posture of folding your hands and closing your eyes—I still sometimes take that posture to concentrate. But as I grew in faith, prayer became much more about spending time with God. I not only learned to praise God and lift up my requests to him; I also learned to spend time reading the Bible and listening for what the Spirit had to say. I’ve found that when I make sure to spend time with Jesus in prayer, I’m a much more patient person—even in the midst of life’s challenges. On days when there is too much to do, I’m more likely to be kinder and slower in my responses to family and friends. I’m also more likely to take time for a conversation with a neighbor who passes by. And I’m more likely to look for and respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Lord, thank you that we’re able to spend time in your presence through prayer. Help us to be intentional about spending time with you so that your love and grace can transform us to become more like you. Amen.

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Give Ear, Lord

“Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see. . . .” — 2 Kings 19:16 I recently spent a morning with Pastor Obelto, who leads a network of Haitian church plants in Florida. I will never forget his words: “Like Hezekiah, we prayed and prayed and prayed.” His growing church was meeting in a storefront when the owners told them they had to leave to make way for a new restaurant that was coming to town. This group of recent Haitian immigrants had very little money, and whatever money they did have they were sending back to their relatives, who were struggling in their home country. But they needed a worship place where they could meet the spiritual needs of their community as they dealt with significant trauma and a sense of displacement. So they looked to the Bible, and they were inspired by the story of Hezekiah. They called on God with boldness and conviction, and God answered their prayers. I had the wonderful privilege of walking through this answer to prayer with them—a fitting house of worship unique to their Haitian culture that can proudly share the ministry of Jesus. Today their church provides a place of solace for a community that has been struck by devastation. Their story is a reminder that God hears us when we call on him. God knows all that we need, and he provides. Lord, I confess that at times I can lose my passion for prayer. Rekindle in me a hunger to call on you like Hezekiah did, and like so many others around the world. In Jesus, Amen.

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Reaching Out with Prayer

“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.” — John 17:20-21 Our calling—our mission—starts with prayer. God works powerfully through prayer, and you can always go to God in prayer. You can spend time with the Lord any time of the day. In one of the best-known prayers in the Bible, Jesus prays for you and me in John 17. What a comfort it is to see him reaching out to us. And what a role model he is for us in our life of prayer. Many Christians and churches receive prayer requests regularly. Praying for neighbors or others in your life, whether for a specific request or a general blessing, is a great way to participate in the work of the Lord. But I also want to encourage you to be a leader in prayer. Reaching out to others and asking “How can I pray for you?” can be exactly what people need to hear. Joining God’s mission doesn’t necessarily mean moving to a different region or country; you can be a missionary right in your own neighborhood! Many believers are often surprised that people who don’t seem to be religious will often welcome prayer if they are asked. Being a part of prayer with others reminds them that they are seen not just by you but also by God. Lord, you reached out to me; help me to reach out to others. Give me eyes to see my neighbors in need of prayer—that your church may grow and your people may be one. Amen.