From the rearview mirror, I saw my then-9-year-old praying again. After mouthing “Amen,” she picked up my phone and dialed her best friend’s number. After the initial greeting, she lit up:

“OK, so I received my letter from the camp and have not opened it yet. Go get yours. As we decided, let’s open them together.”

“Please let me be in the same club, please let me be in the same club,” I heard my baby girl whisper.

She opened the letter and screamed: “Oh my goodness! I made it; I made it! I’m gonna cry!!”

I could hear the squealing on the other side of the line as her friend could not believe the news.

It’s no wonder they were surprised.

Thousands of kids register for this sought-after summer camp every year. After registration, campers are randomly assigned to one of four different clubs. Once placed in a club, children stay in the same house together and do most of the activities within the group. Naturally, our daughter wanted to stay in the same club as her best friend.

We received instructions not to request any particular club for our child, and we knew the likelihood of the girls staying in the same group was small. Therefore, for several weeks, the two girls agreed to pray that God would place them together. And so, he did.

After the conversation ended and my daughter returned my phone, I said:

“Well, it looks like you need to say a prayer of thanks, baby.”

She smiled: “I already have, Mom. What are the odds that we would be in the same club? God answered our prayers, no doubt!”

I knew this was an optimal opportunity to teach my child an important lesson on prayer:

“I believe God is showing you that there is no silly or small request that his children can ever make,” I told her. “As long as we obey and love Him, He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask.”

God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask. @AJC #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
Click To Tweet

My daughter’s faith experience reminded me of a passage of Scriptures I read recently: The odd story of the floating ax head. We find the account in the sixth chapter of 2 Kings.

The prophet Elisha had taken a group of Israel’s prophets to the Jordan River, where they started to build a place to meet. During the construction, one of the prophets accidentally plunged an ax into the water. The tool was borrowed and valuable; therefore, the prophet became distressed by the incident.

When Elisha realized his friend’s anguish, he was moved and performed a simple miracle to help him: He cut a stick, threw it in the water, and made the iron float so his friend could retrieve it.

We find the account oddly placed as a standalone story between two great miracles performed by the prophet Elisha: Naaman’s healing and Israel’s miraculous victory over the Arameans. As one reads the story, it may seem strange that God would place such as minor incident between a couple of outstanding accounts.

But I believe it is not without reason.

The ax story is strategically positioned between two exceptional miracles as a reminder that the God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives.

The God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives. #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
Click To Tweet

Indeed, the One who has the power to raise Jesus from the dead also cares about our seemingly insignificant desires or concerns.

This Easter may find you celebrating the magnitude of an empty tomb with grave concerns that plague your heart. But to some, there may be a small desire that remains unfulfilled or an issue that you think is too small to bring before Heaven’s throne.

Remember, God does not see our problems or desires that way. He cares for details as small as a young girl’s summer camp club assignment as He does for the serious issues we face and the valleys we must cross.

Like in Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, as we trust God with our seemingly insignificant prayers, we grow the faith to believe Him for the power displayed in the empty tomb.

LINKUP PARTY opens on April 12 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

LINKUP is open! My Easter post is a reminder that as we trust God with our seemingly insignificant prayers, we grow the faith to believe Him for the power displayed in the empty tomb. Join us?
Click To Tweet

The post No Request Is Insignificant to God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution & LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Churches are good for prayer, but so are garages and cars and mountains and showers and dance floors.” — Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott and I hardly have any commonality other than identifying as born-again Christians. But her quote about prayer resonated with me.

Perhaps one of the verses in Scriptures that most challenges my flesh is found in Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”

With a type-A, restless personality, I often struggle to sit still for a long time; therefore, in the past, I wrestled with the thought that being “still before God” could only be accomplished on my knees or sitting quietly in prayer. Was I ever grateful to find out that was not the case!

Indeed, there is a lot to be said for times of stillness when we kneel before God, acknowledging his sovereignty and majesty. I have grown to cherish times when I quiet my spirit and silence the world around me to focus on him. But the truth is, our prayer time should not be confined to those moments.

Prayers should not be confined to quiet moments. #prayer #praywithoutceasing #AJC @EveryMomentHoly @ajc #everymomentholy
Click To Tweet

I have found my morning walks in the woods the time I feel God’s presence most deeply. During my walks, I pour my heart out to him, interceding for my friends and family, all while worshipping his majesty in nature. There is nothing quite like it to me.

In his first letter to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul addressed the stereotypical concept of prayer by challenging believers to engage in prayer and thanksgiving at all times and in all situations:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 The 5:16-18 #prayer #praywithoutceasing #AJC @EveryMomentHoly @ajc #everymomentholy
Click To Tweet

“Pray without ceasing.” The idea surpasses the notion of uttering prayers to God every minute of every day. Instead, it means that our minds are focused on God as we live in both the profound and the mundane aspects of life, realizing that he is ever-present and willing to commune with his children and answer their prayers.

A couple of months ago, I received a copy of a small book titled “Every Moment Holy.” The book, written by lyricist and author Douglas Kaine McKelvey, has sold over 250,000 copies since its publication in 2017.

The book’s title perfectly translates the author’s attempt to convey the awareness that life is precious and God is always near. McKelvey explains: “‘Every Moment Holy’ is designed to help readers practice the constant presence of God and tune their ears to the eternal echoes that resound in every moment of life.”

Based on the concept of the traditional liturgies for sacramental occasions like Baptist or marriage, this small book contains prayers for ordinary events of daily living, offering a space for prayer and meditation in various seasons and situations. A second volume of the book was released in 2021, offering liturgies for those experiencing sickness, loss, or facing the death of a loved one — prayers acknowledging the depth of grief but also pointing readers to the hope we find in God’s eternal love and grace.

As I interviewed McKelvey after browsing both volumes, I can certainly understand the popularity of these small books.

We live in such a fast-paced society that recognizing the presence of God in the mundane or in hardships has become increasingly difficult. “Every Moment Holy” provides beautiful prayers for when we find ourselves at a loss for words. Likewise, it invites readers to lift their eyes from their activities, even the most routine ones, and take time to find God’s presence in everything.

We live in such a fast-paced society that recognizing the presence of God in the mundane or in hardships has become increasingly difficult. #prayer #praywithoutceasing #AJC @EveryMomentHoly @ajc #everymomentholy
Click To Tweet

Every moment becomes indeed holy when we realize that God is always present and desires a personal relationship with his children. When we fully grasp that idea, prayer becomes more than a spiritual habit. It becomes the gateway to the throne of grace, where we find peace, direction and wisdom in every moment and circumstance.

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson

Find out more about “Every Moment Holy,” visit www.everymomentholy.com/. Listen to Patricia’s interview with Doug McKelvey on the podcast: God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Listen to Patricia’s interview with Doug McKelvey in her podcast God-Sized Stories. CLICK HERE to Watch it on her YouTube channel.

The post Prayer as a Constant Conversation with God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Alexander II of Macedon, aka Alexander the Great, was arguably the wealthiest man who ever lived. A prolific military commander, he conquered a significant part of the civilized world in the 4th century B.C., accumulating a net worth estimated at around $500 billion in today’s currency.

One of the secrets of his success was his generosity to his soldiers and commanders. He surrounded himself with loyal and yet greedy subjects, who received a hefty cut of the spoils of the king’s conquests.

A story is told that among the people in Alexander’s royal court was a crafty philosopher who possessed a brilliant mind and outstanding abilities but lacked financial means. In his predicament, he decided to approach the great Macedonian leader to request financial help. Alexander referred him to the imperial treasurer to request the amount needed.

The treasurer became irate when the philosopher boldly requested an absurdly large amount, which no one had ever asked before. He refused the request and asked for an audience with the king.

When he told Alexander about the bold request, the ruler surprised the treasure with his answer: “Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request, he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity.”

The moral of the story reminded me of a biblical account in the book of 2 Chronicles that I came across not long ago. The passage highlights a crucial moment in the life of one of Judah’s kings: Jehoshaphat.

Even though his life was full of mistakes and weaknesses, when facing a time where all the odds were against him, Jehoshaphat turned to God with the boldness and faith of a true believer.

Powerful enemies surrounded Israel, threatening war against Jehoshaphat: the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Their numbers were great — fearless warriors and sworn enemies of the Jews.

Immediately after receiving the news, Scriptures say that Jehoshaphat “resolved to inquire of the Lord, and (he) proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

As people came together “from every town in Judah,” Jehoshaphat stood up at the temple and prayed one of the most faith-filled prayers in the Old Testament.

He declared God’s sovereignty throughout the history of Israel, his supreme rule over creation, every kingdom and nation. He remembered the countless times when God provided, protected, and empowered Israel throughout the nation’s history, and the covenant He had made with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jews. Jehoshaphat then turned his prayer to the great challenge before him: a more powerful enemy approaches the country’s borders, and calamity was at their door.

He finished his prayer with a request filled with earnest expectation:

“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you ~ 2 Chronicles 20:12 @AJC #Prayer #Prayerchangeseverything
Click To Tweet

“Our eyes are on you.”

Jehoshaphat’s attitude when his resources were inadequate is a lesson on prayer.

First, he committed the situation to God, admitting that only he could save his people. He dared to come boldly asking for God’s help because he recognized Israel’s position as favored children of God. He continued by acknowledging God’s sovereignty over even the most helpless situation. He also praised God’s glory, taking comfort in his deeds in the past and promises for the future. And then, to finalize his prayer, he professed complete dependence on God, not his army, resources, or wisdom.

It’s a recipe for effective prayer, but one that is often missed amid fierce trials: acceptance of our limitations; a firm grasp of past situations when God showed up miraculously; a recognition of our need and helplessness; a declaration of trust that the one who spoke the stars into existence can defeat the most vicious enemies and send mana in the driest season of our lives.

This type of faith-filled prayer permeated the lives of giants of faith throughout the centuries. It is the mountain-moving prayer that shut the mouth of lions for Daniel, allowed one-hundred-year-old Abraham to bear a son, and caused Peter to walk on water.

Faith-filled prayer permeated the lives of giants of faith throughout the centuries. It is the mountain-moving prayer that shut the mouth of lions for Daniel, allowed one-hundred-year-old Abraham to bear a son, and caused Peter to walk…
Click To Tweet

These faith-filled prayers made history when a simple man like George Muller provided care for 10,024 orphans, not with loans or by begging for men’s help, but by spending numerous hours each day on his knees, bringing his petitions to a God whose wealth and generosity are beyond what even the wealthiest king in history could ever amass.

When the enemy closes in and hope threatens to vanish from our hearts, may we be challenged by this simple prayer, its core ringing from Judah’s king closing words: “We do not know what to do, Father. But our eyes are on you.”

Pray Like You Believe There Is an Almighty God. @AJC #Prayerchangeseverything #Pray #prayerworks
Click To Tweet

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

The post Pray Like You Believe There Is an Almighty God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Of all persistent children in the world, I believe my youngest daughter takes the cake. She always knows what she wanted. And asks for it. A lot.

When she was little, she would not take no for an answer until mom got her attention, looked her in the eye and spelled out: “I said N-O!” for the 15th (and hopefully last) time. Still, after about five minutes, she would find a way to state her case once more, with a reasoning behind it that would make the best attorney in town shine in court.  She’s pretty good, I must say.

As I reflect on the way my children ask me for the desire of their hearts, it makes me realize how very timid we tend to be when we pray.

We often say our prayers without conviction and consistency, as if we were approaching a limited, impatient and stingy God.
Click To Tweet

A friend once told me that she did not want to bother God with her requests because she felt he was too busy with so many major problems around the world.

Although you may think this is a pretty laughable statement, I appreciate her honesty. And I believe that too often we pray that way. Who has not caught himself or herself saying the same prayers, like a mantra, without the conviction that God was listening? Or that He cared. Or, for that matter, that He willed to answer.

About four years ago in the beginning of Summer, I shared a prayer request with three of my closest friends. I was talking to one of them one morning and was surprised by her statement. She said she was praying, believing in God for a miracle, and that He would answer our prayers by the end of the summer, which would indeed be the perfect timing for that prayer to be answered.

When she said that, I was taken aback. I realized that I was not praying so specifically. Worse yet, deep down inside, I did not really believe it would happen. (I know – shame on me!)

But my friend’s bold faith stirred up something inside of me, and I made a decision that day. I chose to pray as Jesus told us we should:

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

At that time, I happened to be reading a book on prayer. In one of the chapters, the author mentioned that when it comes to the desires of our hearts, we should pray without ceasing. Like my 7 year old, we should pray and never stop until God opens the door and answers our prayers. As long as our requests line up with His will and His character, we should keep on asking, keep on knocking and keep on seeking. We should be bold and persistent, impertinent even. Like the nighttime visitor in Jesus’ parable of Luke 11.

That little book and my friend’s bold faith shook up my prayer life. I don’t approach God like a timid child anymore. I come in like my little ones do, without ceremony, and ask Him for little and big things with the conviction that He listens and cares.

I pray with full comprehension that the One who spoke the stars into existence can do anything He desires, but at the same time humbly realizing that He may also withhold something that I think is good, but He knows it is not.
Click To Tweet

By the way, in case you wonder, our prayer was answered and yes, it was answered before the summer was over.

Today, I sit in front of my computer, with a childish smile across my face and a heart filled with gratitude and resolve: No more timid praying. God is listening and often has His hand on the door knob, waiting for His children to knock and keep on knocking.

So go on. Knock, knock, knock on Heaven’s door!

LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

LINKUP PARTY is open! Have you ever given up on praying about something? I sometimes wonder how many gifts we miss because we stop knocking on Heaven's door. (Guest blogger opportunity too!)
Click To Tweet

Would you like to be considered for a guest post on next week’s Linkup, May 9th?

All you have to do is: 1) link your recent blog post, 2) tweet that you are joining us and 3) add our button to your blog (code is on the sidebar.) We will  contact the winner on Friday!

The post Knocking on Heaven’s Door {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.