Tag: Prayer

Let Prayer Be Your Work

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Key Quotes

“The Lord has been prompting me to use some of that time to just sit down (or go on a short walk) and not do anything except talking to Him and listening – for the sake of just being present with Him and wanting to hear His heart”

“And this word: ‘Let prayer be your work’ has come to me so powerfully. Instead of looking at all the things I have to do and say and plan to attempt to micromanage circumstances and accomplish a work in my life or in someone’s life, I’ve come to the conclusion that ‘consistent prayer without giving up’ is what the Lord has led me to commit to; because it’s God that has to do the work.”

“We need not feel guilty if the prayer is short for the day. Or if it’s not so many fancy words. The question is, did I pray to the Lord with a burden? Even if it was just for 30 seconds. Did I put my heart into it and mean it?”

“Keep pressing on in prayer even if you feel nothing for that day. Faith is consistency. Faith continues when feelings go up and down.”

“And be patient. God’s timing is usually slower than ours because He’s doing a quality work. We try to push things faster and it’s like pushing open rose petals before it’s ready to bloom. It won’t work. It’ll ruin the rose in all of its beauty. Let the Lord choose the time – and let constant prayer be your work until then.”

Full Article

By nature, in my flesh I have tended to have a bit of a restless personality. When I have a bit of free time my mind tends to be wandering around, eager to find, “what to do next?” And trying to find some activity to keep myself occupied. Lately the Lord has been prompting me to use some of that time to just sit down (or go on a short walk) and not do anything except talking to Him and listening – for the sake of just being present with Him and wanting to hear His heart.

I believe this is a good habit to have as we’re able throughout the day.  A few moments with the Lord in the midst of a busy day can refresh our spirits greatly.  Did Jesus have hobbies?  I believe here was His hobby (as He got time and was able): Luke 5:16 – “Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray”

And very similar to this picture of going from busyness to resting in God (of calming down from all my outward actions and trying to find ‘nuggets’ of time to spend time with the Lord), the Lord has also been calming me down inwardly with regard to pulling back from the “work” of trying to control circumstances and people, and having me rest by leaning on prayer alone.

I remember one time there was a season I found myself trying to push circumstances and people for what I believed were good things (and were according to His will), and He spoke to me so clearly a word which totally changed the way I went forward: “You’re laboring in your own effort.  Cease striving. Let prayer be your work.”

Sometimes God leads us to take some action or speak some word which changes a situation instantly – like the blind man who washed his eyes in the pool, or the paralyzed man who picked up his mat and walked. With regard to our sin, our action should always be to repent immediately, and pray for God’s grace for help going forward.  But regarding circumstances it can be a bit different.  Sometime it’s to take some action to follow God’s leading, and at other times I’m seeing that there is no action at all He wants me to do right now except to trust: to pray and wait. And to keep praying and commit to never give up until God does something!

George Muller prayed daily for over 50 years for a friend to be saved. I’m sure that he preached to this friend, and tried to convince him of the gospel. But after all of his convincing and preaching, and thinking “What should I say?” there was no fruit.  His friend didn’t respond at all.  So what to do?

He committed to pray daily.

Not for a month, or some months, or even a few years.  He committed to pray for as long as it takes, daily.

I’m sure that those daily prayers weren’t always perfect or long. But I believe George Muller got to the point where he realized: “I cannot change my friend. So I will pray daily and not give up. Prayer will be my work for him from this point forward. Daily. For as long as it takes. Decades if needed.”

George Muller died and this man was still not saved. But do you know what happened after Muller died? The man was finally born again and saved! God answered.

Was it worth 50 years of daily prayer?  Do you think George Muller is looking back from Heaven at his time on earth saying, “Ooh that was such a long difficult wait in prayer, praying everyday like that..”? No way!

These two brothers are together now in eternity and I believe that man is going to be expressing constant gratitude not for 50 years but for eternity to George Muller!

And this word: “Let prayer be your work” has come to me so powerfully. Instead of looking at all the things I have to do and say and plan to attempt to micromanage circumstances and accomplish a work in my life or in someone’s life, I’ve come to the conclusion that “consistent prayer without giving up” is what the Lord has led me to commit to; because it’s God that has to do the work.  Prayer to move God to work and to do what I cannot do is the eternal lasting work that replaces all my plans and scheming of my own effort – to overcome sin, to rise above trials, to work in someone else’s heart. It’s also the one work we can take no credit for but have to give God the glory.

AN EXAMPLE

Whenever I meet a person whose children are all older and following the Lord (late teens or godly young adults in their 20s), pretty much every time I get a chance I ask that person: “What was your secret? What did you do?” And I saw something amazing with all of them: as far as I can remember, every single person has answered me with exactly the same answer: “It wasn’t our work. We prayed for them.“

We know that we have to pray 24 hours a day, without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). Most people do not practice that constant habit of listening to God and talking to Him. We need to have a life like that. But in addition to that, I believe we should also have specific times to pray for specific burdens, taking time with a couple or few things which are really important and committing to pray for them.  Consistency is the important thing – don’t give up.  Pray constantly, specifically for a burden. I know some people who would pray during their full hour commute everyday, many of the same things each day.

Whatever it is, the point isn’t a length of time but that we have decided to take on a burden to bring to the Lord, and we will not give up (Luke 18:1-8). And we say: “This is one important thing I will fight for in this life and so I will pray everyday for decades if needed, and prayer will be my work.”

We need not feel guilty if the prayer is short for the day. Or if it’s not so many fancy words. The question is, did I pray to the Lord with a burden? Even if it was just for 30 seconds. Did I put my heart into it and mean it? Jesus wasn’t against short prayers or even repetitive prayers.  Jesus didn’t say He was against repetitive prayers, He said He was against “meaningless” repetitive prayers (Matt 6:7). Some days we’ll feel the burden more than others. But I think of George Muller and his 50 years. Just keep going.

Keep pressing on in prayer even if you feel nothing for that day. Faith is consistency. Faith continues when feelings go up and down.

George Muller, when he saw no fruit for his friend after evangelizing to him probably stopped asking, “what am I doing wrong? Is there something else I should say to him?” Because he tried everything and realized it wasn’t his power but God’s that had to do the work. He stopped working himself and said, “Lord I’m just going to bring it to you now for however long it takes. I’m powerless, you have to do something.” This is what it means I believe to come to the rest of Hebrews 4. Canaan.  We stop asking, “what am I doing wrong?” and trying to think of what to do next – and instead we look to the Lord.If you’ve been trying to accomplish something in your own power (which you know is a good thing in God’s will), and you’re not seeing fruit, it doesn’t mean you did something wrong… it means you have to pray! 

“For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬

“We don’t know anything, we’re powerless but we’re looking to you” – 2 Chronicles 20:12. Some things God wants us to take a specific action of obedience on and He will work through that. But for many things it’s not His time yet, and we have to wait on the Lord in prayer.

Even Jesus was at this point with His disciples:

“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭

Even Jesus saw that He had to not lean on His own works, but commit to pray for His disciples until the Holy Spirit came powerfully to do what even He could not do in person (John 16:7).

CONCLUSION

Dear brother/sister – if you have been trying to do something or accomplish which you believe is God’s will, perhaps for years, consider this: decide that from now on you will stop trying to push the circumstance yourself. Instead, you will step back and pray until God does something. You will commit to it even for years or decades until He does something.

And be patient. God’s timing is usually slower than ours because He’s doing a quality work. We try to push things faster and it’s like pushing open rose petals before it’s ready to bloom. It won’t work. It’ll ruin the rose in all of its beauty. Let the Lord choose the time – and let constant prayer be your work until then.

It doesn’t mean you won’t do anything. Perhaps He may lead you here and there to take some action. But remember that you’ve tried so many of your own actions in your own control and they haven’t worked. Zero fruit. It’s time to commit your plans to the Lord and pray.

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭

It says the Lord WILL do it.

Let prayer be your work.

Col 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer”

This has been one truth that has given me perhaps more rest than almost any other. Stop working and planning and controlling. Look to Jesus! Let prayer be your work from now on.  And Col 4:2 goes on to tell us also in faith give thanks while you do this work.

If I can’t be thankful now while I’m waiting on the Lord, then I won’t be able to be thankful later when the Lord answers.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬

The Lord will do it. And when it’s done all glory will go to Him because you stopped working. It was all His doing.  And He’s getting even more glory now by your pressing on in faith without seeing, than He will after the work is done and you praise Him then!

This is the power we have in Jesus to accomplish God’s will, to fight Satan’s work, to glorify God and shame the devil, and to bind things in Heaven and on earth.

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**By Bobby McDonald © Copyright – Bobby McDonald. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church

5 Mind Games the Enemy Uses When You are at Your Lowest

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There are days when nothing dramatic happens on the outside, yet inside everything feels unsettled. You go through your normal routine, but your thoughts feel heavy, anxious, and scattered. Before you even realize it, your mind is filled with fear, confusion, and pressure that does not seem to match your actual circumstances. If you have ever had a day like that, you know how real it feels, even though nothing visibly went wrong.

What is happening in those moments is not random. There is a battle taking place in your mind. The enemy is not only after what you do, he is after how you think, what you believe, and how you see yourself. Many of his tactics are not based on truth, they are built on distortion and suggestion, and if you are not careful, they begin to shape your inner world quietly.

Scripture tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of lies, and it also calls us to take our thoughts captive and renew our minds. That means the battlefield is not only around us, it is within us. And if we learn to recognize the patterns, we can begin to break them.

Let’s walk through five common mind games the enemy uses, especially when you are already feeling low.

1. The “What If” Trap

One of the most familiar attacks comes through “what if” thoughts. What if everything falls apart. What if I fail. What if God does not come through. What if something happens to me or the people I love. It can start quietly, but before long your imagination is running ahead of you, creating scenarios that fill you with fear.

You do not always notice when it begins, but it can quickly take over your peace. What is happening is anxiety, and at its core, it is placing faith in the worst possible outcome instead of trusting God with the future.

Jesus spoke clearly about this when He told us not to worry about tomorrow. The way forward is not to pretend those thoughts are not there, but to replace them. Instead of “what if,” begin to anchor yourself in “even if.” Even if things do not go as planned, God will carry me. Even if I stumble, He will lift me. Even if I do not understand, He is still faithful.

This shift may feel simple, but it changes the direction of your faith.

2. Condemnation After You Fall

Another common pattern shows up after you make a mistake. The moment you fall short, a voice begins to speak. It tells you that you are a hypocrite, that God is tired of you, that there is no point in trying again. If you are honest, those thoughts can feel very convincing in the moment.

It is important to recognize the difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction draws you back to God. It invites you to repent and return. Condemnation pushes you away and makes you feel like you do not belong anymore.

Many people stay stuck not because they sinned, but because they believed the lie that they cannot come back. Scripture tells us clearly that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. That truth does not change based on how you feel.

The way out is not to withdraw, but to move toward God again. Confess, receive forgiveness, and take a step forward. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but grace meets you there.

3. Comparison and Insecurity

Comparison is one of the quiet ways the enemy drains your confidence. You look at someone else’s life, their calling, their progress, and before you realize it, you begin to measure yourself against them. It is easy to forget that you are often comparing your real life to someone else’s highlight.

This can leave you feeling behind, overlooked, or unqualified. Thoughts begin to form that maybe God is using others more, or that you missed your moment. I have had to check my own heart in moments like this, because it can subtly shift your focus away from what God is doing in your life.

Comparison does not motivate you, it distracts you. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s. But calling is not a competition. Grace is not handed out based on comparison. God works with each person individually, and your assignment is tied to your journey.

One of the ways to break this cycle is to learn to celebrate others while remaining faithful in your own season. Gratitude helps realign your perspective. Even when your season feels slow or hidden, God is still working.

4. When Delay Feels Like Denial

There are seasons when you are believing for something, praying, trusting, and yet nothing seems to move. Over time, it can begin to feel like God has said no, even if He never did. That thought can quietly weaken your faith if you are not careful.

The enemy often whispers that if God was going to act, He would have done it already. That nothing is changing, and this is just how things will be. You might not say it out loud, but internally it can start to settle in.

But delay is not the same as denial. God does not operate on our timelines, and there are seasons where He is working beneath the surface in ways we cannot see. Many times, He is forming something in us before He releases something to us.

Faith learns to hold onto God’s promise even when the timing feels unclear. It does not rely on the clock, it rests on God’s character. When you stay anchored in that, you remain steady even in waiting.

5. Isolation and Mental Fog

Another strategy the enemy uses is to bring confusion and then push you into isolation. Your thoughts feel heavy, unclear, and scattered. You feel tired, distracted, maybe even numb, and at the same time there is a pull to withdraw from people.

It can feel easier to stay to yourself, but that is exactly where the struggle deepens. Isolation gives those thoughts more space to grow. I have noticed that when things stay hidden, they tend to become heavier over time.

Clarity often comes when things are brought into the light. First, bring it to God honestly. Then bring it to someone you trust. A mature believer, a leader, someone who can help you process what you are going through.

At the same time, do not neglect the simple things that help stabilize your mind. Rest, movement, time outside, and worship all play a role. Worship especially has a way of lifting your perspective. The situation may not change immediately, but how you see it begins to shift.

How to Break the Cycle

If you recognize yourself in any of these patterns, it does not mean you are weak. It means you are in a battle, and you are learning how to fight.

Start by identifying the thought for what it is. Name it clearly. Then replace it with truth from Scripture. Speak it out if you need to. Truth has a way of cutting through confusion when it is applied consistently.

Do not agree with thoughts that do not align with God’s word. You cannot always stop them from coming, but you can choose whether they stay. Refocus your attention on God, especially through worship, because it changes how you see everything else.

And finally, stand your ground. Scripture tells us to resist the enemy, and when we do, he must flee. That means you are not powerless in this process.

A Final Thought

If this reflects what you have been walking through, you are not alone. And you are not stuck. Sometimes the battle feels intense because it is happening where no one else can see it, but that does not make it any less real.

God has already given you what you need to overcome. One of the strongest tools you have is truth. When you begin to renew your mind with it, things start to shift from the inside out.

And it does not happen all at once, but over time you will notice that the same thoughts that once controlled you no longer have the same power.

If this blessed you, I share more on this in my book Change Your Mind, where I go deeper into how to renew your mind and overcome these struggles.

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** By Lana Savchuk / Photo by Liza Summer at Pexels

A Prayer of Intercession for the Nation: Repentance, Mercy, and Renewal

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In Scripture, we see faithful men interceding for their nations in times of moral and spiritual decline. Daniel humbled himself and prayed on behalf of his people, confessing their sins and seeking God’s mercy (Daniel 9:4–19). Ezra also led the people in repentance, acknowledging the sins of the nation and calling them back to God (Ezra 9:6–15).

These prayers were marked by humility, repentance, and a recognition that restoration begins with turning back to God. In a time where many may feel concern or heaviness over the direction of the nation, prayer remains the faithful response.

If you share this burden, I invite you to join in prayer—seeking God’s mercy, truth, and righteousness over the nation.

Repentance and Humility

Almighty God, we come before You with humble hearts. We acknowledge our sins before You, both personal and as a nation. Like Daniel, we confess that we have not obeyed Your voice nor walked in Your truth. Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us, and turn our hearts back to You. Teach us true repentance, that we may forsake evil and seek what is pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

Mercy Over Judgment

Merciful Father, we appeal to Your compassion. Though we have fallen short, remember mercy in Your wrath. Do not deal with us according to our sins, but according to Your steadfast love. Give this nation time to turn back to You, and let Your grace lead us to repentance. In Your mercy, restore what has been broken. Amen.

Wisdom for Leaders

Lord God, You establish authority and judge the hearts of rulers. We pray for those in positions of leadership across this nation. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a reverence for truth. Guide their decisions so that justice is upheld and righteousness is not compromised. Remove corruption and confusion, and establish counsel that honours You. Amen.

Protection of Life and the Vulnerable

Heavenly Father, You are the giver of life. We ask for Your protection over the unborn, over mothers, and over all who are vulnerable. Surround them with care, wisdom, and compassion. Raise up hearts that value life and act with responsibility and love. Let every life be treated with dignity, as made in Your image. Amen.

Spiritual Awakening

O Lord, awaken the hearts of people across this nation. Where there is spiritual darkness, bring Your light. Where there is apathy, bring conviction. Where truth has been ignored, restore understanding. Draw many to Yourself, that they may seek You sincerely and return to Your ways. Revive faith in this land, Lord. Amen.

Peace and Unity

Prince of Peace, bring healing to divisions within our society. Replace hostility with patience, anger with grace, and division with understanding. Teach us to love one another, to speak truth in kindness, and to live in harmony where possible. Let Your peace rest upon this nation and its people. Amen.

Conclusion

Lord God, You are sovereign over all nations. As You heard the prayers of Daniel and Ezra, hear also the prayers of Your people today. We acknowledge our dependence on You, and we seek Your mercy for this land.

Turn hearts back to You. Establish righteousness. Bring truth where there is confusion, and light where there is darkness. Let Your will be done in this nation, and may Your name be honoured in all things.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen 🙏

I encourage others who share this burden to join in prayer continually, standing in faith, humility, and perseverance, trusting that God hears and responds according to His will.

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** Photo by Matheus Bertelli at Pexels

When God Feels Silent: Finding His Voice

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If you feel like the Lord isn’t speaking to you, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Many people experience this at different points in their spiritual journey, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong or that God is far from you. In fact, the Bible is filled with examples of people who wrestled with God’s silence. David cried out in the Psalms, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Even in these moments of silence, God is present and working in ways we may not yet see.

One key thing to remember is that God speaks to us in many ways, and it might not always be in the way we expect. His Word, the Bible, is His living and active voice. Spending time reading Scripture with an open heart is one of the most powerful ways to hear from Him. God also speaks through prayer—not just when we pour out our hearts to Him, but when we take time to sit in silence and listen. Sometimes, His voice comes as a quiet nudge, a sense of peace, or even through the wisdom of someone He places in our lives. It’s important to remember that His voice isn’t always loud or dramatic; often, it’s as subtle as a whisper in your heart.

If you’re struggling to hear Him, consider starting small. Spend a few minutes each day reading a passage from the Bible, such as Psalms or the Gospels, and ask yourself, “What does this say about God? What might He be saying to me through this?” Then, take a moment to be still and invite Him to speak. At first, it might feel awkward or quiet, but don’t give up. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” It may take time, but God’s timing is perfect. He knows exactly when and how to reveal Himself to you.

Finally, know that God’s silence does not mean His absence. Sometimes, He uses these seasons of quiet to grow your faith and draw you closer to Him. Trust that He is working in your life, even if you can’t feel it right now. Keep seeking Him with a sincere heart, and don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support and prayer. You are not alone on this journey, and the Lord deeply desires to speak to you and draw near to you. His love and presence are constant, even in the silence.

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** Photo by Pexels

The Search For Meaning: How Modern Idolatry Reflects Our God Shaped Longing

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From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of a rural village, one thing remains constant: the human tendency to idolize something. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, people have worshiped various deities, objects, and ideals. However, the essence of modern idolatry reflects a deeper spiritual longing—a God-shaped hole in our hearts meant exclusively for Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine often leads individuals to fill that void with worldly pursuits, resulting in a cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

The God-Shaped Hole: A Divine Design

The concept of a God-shaped hole in the human heart can be traced back to the idea that God created us with a longing for relationship with Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is written, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” This verse suggests that God intentionally designed us with an innate desire for eternity, a yearning for something beyond ourselves.

When we do not know God as our Lord and Savior, this longing can manifest in various ways. People often seek to fill this void with things of this world: relationships, success, wealth, or material possessions. Each attempt to fill this gap with transient things ultimately leads to disappointment, as none can satisfy the deep-rooted desire for a relationship with our Creator.

The Allure of Worldly Idols

Modern idolatry often disguises itself in the form of societal values and personal ambitions. Many individuals idolize career success, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of pleasure. Social media platforms can amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated images of seemingly perfect lives, encouraging a culture of comparison and envy.

In the quest for fulfillment, people may unknowingly prioritize these worldly pursuits over their relationship with God. This displacement of affection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and emptiness. As humans chase after fleeting pleasures and possessions, they often find themselves in a cycle of unfulfilled desires, driven by the constant need for more.

The Consequences of Idolatry

When we prioritize idols over God, we risk drifting away from the very source of true fulfillment. The Bible warns against idolatry in various forms. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” This admonition emphasizes that anything we elevate above God is an idol, whether it be wealth, success, or even relationships.

The consequences of such idolatry are profound. It not only leads to spiritual stagnation but also to a profound sense of isolation. Without the foundation of a relationship with God, individuals often feel lost, disconnected, and devoid of purpose.

The Universal Search for Meaning

Across cultures and eras, the quest for meaning and fulfillment is universal. No matter where you go, you will find people idolizing something, reflecting the innate human longing for connection and purpose. From ancient rituals to modern practices, the forms may change, but the underlying desire remains: a yearning for something greater than oneself.

This universal search often leads to the creation of idols—be they material possessions, celebrity figures, or ideologies. However, these pursuits are mere substitutes for the real thing. They offer temporary satisfaction but fail to provide lasting peace and joy.

Finding Fulfillment in Christ

The only true solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts is a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to experience the fulfillment that comes from knowing our Creator.

A relationship with God provides the ultimate source of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through Him, we find the strength to resist the allure of worldly idols, focusing instead on His eternal promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Worship

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of modern idolatry. The God-shaped hole in our hearts can only be filled by the love and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle any idols that may have taken root in our lives, turning our hearts back to God.

Let us strive to seek Him above all else, understanding that true fulfillment is found not in the transient things of this world, but in a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can experience the abundant life He promises, a life where our hearts are fully satisfied in Him alone.

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**Photo by Wild Little Things at Pexels