Beyond the Weekend: Powerful Prayers
Powerful Prayers A 7-Week Series | May 10–June 21
What does it really mean to pray?
Prayer is one of those things most people think about but aren't sure they're doing right. Is God actually listening? Does it matter what you say? Does prayer even work?
This series digs into some of the most powerful prayers in the Bible. From the Lord's Prayer to Daniel's cry in a crisis, we'll see what happens when ordinary people bring their real lives to God.
Whether you've prayed your whole life or you're not even sure God is real, this series is for you.
Seek God First
Read: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6
Listen: 2 Chronicles 17
His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:6
Before Jehoshaphat ever faces a military crisis, he chooses to follow God wholeheartedly. He seeks the Lord, obeys his command, and leads the people of Judah away from idol worship. Jehoshaphat even sends priests and Levites throughout the nation to teach God’s Word to the people (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). He is devoted to the Lord because he knows God is faithful, trustworthy, and worthy of obedience. Jehoshaphat does not wait for trouble before turning to God. Seeking the Lord is already a pattern in his life. Long before fear and uncertainty come, he has learned to trust God and depend on him.
The same can be true for us. Faith grows in everyday moments. Just as lifting weights over time builds stronger muscles, daily time with God builds stronger faith. No one becomes physically strong in one workout, and we do not learn deep trust in God in one difficult moment. As we pray, read Scripture, and remember who God is daily, our faith becomes stronger. Then, when hard seasons come, we are more prepared to turn to him instead of panic and fear. God is faithful in every season. He is present, wise, and able to help his people. Fixing our eyes on him daily helps us remember that he is our strength, not ourselves.
PRAYER DAY #16: Spend time today reflecting on the phrase, “but our eyes are on you,” from 2 Chronicles 20:12. Ask God to help you seek him faithfully in both good and difficult seasons. Pray that your heart would become devoted to the Lord like Jehoshaphat’s, trusting that God is faithful, good, and worthy of your full attention every day.
