Lately, I’ve found myself doing more worrying than praying. When we are facing difficult days, we can begin to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, which can lead us to be consumed by fear and worry. We are tempted to stop praying even though that’s when we need to be praying more. “Don’t Stop Praying” is a three-day plan to remind us there’s power in prayer. – Matthew West
Provident
Day 1
Scriptures: Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Power of Prayer
Don’t stop praying
Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name
Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door
Let your knees wear out the floor
Don’t stop believing
‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying
So don’t stop praying
On the day I wrote the lyrics to “Don’t Stop Praying,” it had been one of those difficult days. You know – you’ve faced those days yourself. Those days when it seems like everything is spinning out of control, both in your life and in the world around you. I hear stories every night on tour about the struggles people are facing. There are those who are facing health issues, others are in a financial storm. Some have prayed for years for a specific outcome. Some have just begun to reach out to God with their petitions. Some have seen miracles. Some are still waiting on a miracle. Where do you see yourself today? Are you filled with worry? What battle are you facing? Have you seen prayers answered or are you struggling to pray?
You might find yourself overwhelmed with your circumstance and allowing worry to take the place of praying. Or you’ve prayed and prayed, and you are ready to throw in the towel. If either of these describe you, let me encourage you to with these three words: “Don’t Stop Praying!”
Why? Because there is power in prayer. Because God hears each prayer. Because you might just be one prayer away from your miracle. So, don’t stop praying! If you feel overcome with worry, maybe your next prayer could be to God to replace your anxiety with peace. Philippians 4:6 gives us some direction in how to pray when we feel worried. It says, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to live under the cloud of worry and anxiety. Prayer is a powerful tool that we often forget to use. God is never more than a whisper away. In an instant, we can reconnect with our Father and allow Him to put our worries and fears in perspective and point our hearts back to the only One who has it all under control.
When you hear “Don’t Stop Praying,” my prayer is that it will serve as a reminder to pray first in every situation and a call to continue to pray when you are tempted to give up. My pastor always says, “Prayer isn’t the only thing we do, but it is the first thing we do.” Prayer isn’t our fallback; it’s our plan of action.
So, whatever you are facing today, no matter where you find yourself, or what keeps you up at night, be encouraged to know that our all-powerful God is with you. He hears each prayer, and He is at work in your situation even when you don’t see the evidence yet. So, don’t stop praying! Even when you feel weak and weary, pray one more prayer.
Day 2
Scriptures: James 5:16, Romans 5:3-5
Praying Through Trials
He’s close to brokenhearted
Saves those who are crushed in spirit
The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends
When you’ve cried and you’ve cried ‘til your tears run dry
The answer won’t come and you don’t know why
When you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
Do it one more time
One of my favorite parts of touring is when we have our meet-and-greets. I love hearing people’s stories. It’s amazing to hear what God is doing in each of their lives. And many times, people come for more than just to get a picture with me. They want an opportunity to share a prayer need with me. They want to tell me what’s on their hearts and where they need God to show up in their own lives or in the lives of a loved one.
I never take these moments for granted. I could easily say, “I’ll be praying for you, “and then go on to the next person, but how many times have we said that, only to forget to pray. So, God spoke to my heart to stop right there and pray with them and agree with them for God to work in their situation. These opportunities have become one of my favorite parts of the night. It is powerful to agree together in prayer. It is powerful to sense God’s presence right there with us when we bow our heads. And that is because God has promised that our prayers are powerful and effective. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
But, we don’t always “feel” like this verse applies to us, do we? There are times when we pray and feel like it’s not effective or powerful. We feel like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. We ask, “Is God even hearing me?” Those are the times we are tempted to give up.
I wrote, “When you wonder if you can even bow your head one more time, do it one more time,” to encourage those of you who may be ready to give up, and to stop praying. Maybe the healing you’ve prayed for hasn’t come. Your prodigal still wanders. The job opportunity passed you by again. Let me encourage you to keep your hope in Christ. God will use these trials to grow your faith and trust in Him. “Do it one more time.”
Even when it seems the Lord is silent and your pain is great, remember His promises to you. Remember that you serve a God who is greater, and there is nothing that happens outside of His control.
When you wonder how many more times you’ve got to pray, pray one more time. And know that your Father hears you.
Day 3
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Romans 8:28
Remember to Praise
Don’t stop praying for the prodigal
Don’t stop praying for the miracle
Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen
Don’t stop praying that addictions end
Don’t stop praying for deliverance
Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen
Don’t stop praying for the sickness healed
Don’t stop praying for His power revealed
Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen
Don’t stop praying for the kingdom come
Don’t stop praying that his will be done
Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen
If I was asked to sit down and write out my prayer for today, I wonder if it would be a huge list of needs and requests followed by a brief “thank you.”What would your written prayer look like today? Would you take the opportunity to “submit” all your requests? Would you maybe give God some instructions so He would know how to work out specific situations? I’ve done that before, as if He needs my suggestions! But, if our prayers are only filled with requests, we are really missing a vital part of prayer.
That missing part is expressing our gratitude and praise. No matter what we are facing, there is always something to be thankful for. There is always Someone to be thankful for! Prayer is an opportunity to praise God for who He is and for all that He has done for us.
When we focus only on our needs, we can become defeated. When we focus on praising God, we are filled with hope. We can praise Him even if our circumstances have not changed. We can praise Him even in our darkest night. We can praise Him on our best days and on our most challenging days because God is good. When we praise God, He draws near to us. Psalm 22:3 says, “God inhabits the praises of His people.”The Hebrew word for “inhabits” means to dwell or live within.
So, even if the bills are piling up, you’re waiting for the doctor to call, or you’re struggling in your marriage, you have reason to praise the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Don’t stop praying! Don’t stop praising God! Hope is here, and God is working all things together for our good. Instead of writing your prayer today, why not take a moment and write down all the things you are thankful for? He alone is worthy of our praise!