Hey friend,
Last week, we talked about faith being formed in the fire - how God does not waste the difficult places, and how He is present with us even when life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming.
This week, I keep coming back to this simple thought:
If God is with us in the fire, then we can talk to Him in the fire.
That’s what prayer really is.
It’s not religious performance. It’s not trying to find the perfect words. It’s not pretending to be stronger, more spiritual, or more put together than you really are.
Prayer is relationship.
It is coming honestly before the God who already knows you, already sees you, and already loves you.
This past Sunday at Bethany, we started a new series called All Kinds of Prayer, built around 1 Timothy 2:1, where Paul writes about “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” being made for all people.
What I love about that verse is that it reminds us prayer is not one-dimensional.
There are all kinds of prayer because there are all kinds of moments.
There are moments when we ask.
There are moments when we sit.
There are moments when we cry out.
There are moments when we stand in the gap for someone else.
There are moments when all we can say is, “Thank You.”
But before prayer is a request list, it is an invitation into relationship.
That matters because sometimes we avoid prayer when we feel weak, distracted, emotional, inconsistent, or unworthy. We think we need to clean ourselves up before we come to God.
But Jesus does not invite us to come polished.
He invites us to come close.
So maybe this week, the next step is not to pray longer, louder, or with better words.
Maybe the next step is simply to come honestly.
Tell God where you are.
Tell Him what feels heavy.
Tell Him what you are grateful for.
Tell Him where you need help.
Sit with Him before you rush past Him.
Because prayer is not just about getting something from God.
Prayer is how we grow closer with God.
And the more we come close to Him, the more we are changed by Him.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
Weekly Resources
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The Circle Maker
by Mark Batterson
One of my absolute favorite authors and speakers! This was my introduction to the DC pastor. According to him, “Drawing prayer circles around our dreams isn’t just a mechanism whereby we accomplish great things for God. It’s a mechanism whereby God accomplishes great things in us.” Get inspired with this one!
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Prayer for All People
All Kinds of Prayer | Week 1
Whether you’ve prayed for years, haven’t prayed in a long time, or don’t even know where to begin, this message is a reminder that through Jesus, you are invited near.
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Isaiah 6:8 Ministries
Isaiah 6:8 is a missions organization that sends teams to Honduras in partnership with Feed the Hungry. I've been on a trip, and it changed my life forever. Garry & Linda Beckett have been faithfully serving as leaders for a long time - and I'd love to connect you with them!
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Before you move on with your day, take a breath and remember this:
You do not have to impress God in prayer.
You do not have to perform for Him.
You do not have to have all the right words.
You can simply come close.
This week, maybe your prayer starts with something as simple as:
“Father, here's where I'm at.”
And that is enough.
Keep pursuing God.
Keep pursuing people.
Keep pursuing purpose.
Praying,
Ryan
