Growing Through Prayer
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" – Colossians 4:2
Prayer is more than talking to God. It is a classroom where God teaches us things we could never learn any other way. When you commit to a consistent life of prayer, you begin to realize that prayer is not just about changing your circumstances. It is about God changing you.
The first thing we learn through prayer is patience. God does not always answer right away, and in the waiting, we discover how to trust His timing. Waiting on Him teaches us that delays are not denials and that His timing is always better than ours. Without prayer, we might never learn how to slow down and rest in the truth that He is in control.
Through prayer, we also learn humility. It forces us to admit that we cannot do everything on our own and that we are dependent on God for every breath we take. Prayer strips away self-reliance and reminds us that we are not the source of our strength, wisdom, or provision.
You can also learn discernment through prayer. As we spend time in God’s presence, our thoughts begin to align with His Word. We start to recognize His voice more clearly and make decisions that reflect His will. This kind of clarity comes from continually seeking Him.
Through prayer, God teaches us gratitude. When we bring our needs to God and then see Him answer, sometimes in ways we never expected, it stirs thankfulness in our hearts. It also helps us notice His faithfulness in the little things we might have overlooked.
Finally, through prayer, we learn endurance. There are times when the breakthrough we seek takes persistence. Prayer teaches us not to give up, even when we feel like nothing is changing. It builds spiritual stamina that prepares us for the challenges ahead.
If you want to grow in patience, humility, discernment, gratitude, and endurance, you will not find a better teacher than prayer. It is in the secret place, in honest conversation with God, that He shapes you into who He has called you to be. Prayer is not just a discipline. It is the path to transformation.
Prayer is more than talking to God. It is a classroom where God teaches us things we could never learn any other way. When you commit to a consistent life of prayer, you begin to realize that prayer is not just about changing your circumstances. It is about God changing you.
The first thing we learn through prayer is patience. God does not always answer right away, and in the waiting, we discover how to trust His timing. Waiting on Him teaches us that delays are not denials and that His timing is always better than ours. Without prayer, we might never learn how to slow down and rest in the truth that He is in control.
Through prayer, we also learn humility. It forces us to admit that we cannot do everything on our own and that we are dependent on God for every breath we take. Prayer strips away self-reliance and reminds us that we are not the source of our strength, wisdom, or provision.
You can also learn discernment through prayer. As we spend time in God’s presence, our thoughts begin to align with His Word. We start to recognize His voice more clearly and make decisions that reflect His will. This kind of clarity comes from continually seeking Him.
Through prayer, God teaches us gratitude. When we bring our needs to God and then see Him answer, sometimes in ways we never expected, it stirs thankfulness in our hearts. It also helps us notice His faithfulness in the little things we might have overlooked.
Finally, through prayer, we learn endurance. There are times when the breakthrough we seek takes persistence. Prayer teaches us not to give up, even when we feel like nothing is changing. It builds spiritual stamina that prepares us for the challenges ahead.
If you want to grow in patience, humility, discernment, gratitude, and endurance, you will not find a better teacher than prayer. It is in the secret place, in honest conversation with God, that He shapes you into who He has called you to be. Prayer is not just a discipline. It is the path to transformation.
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9 Comments
What a wonderful picture of the power of prayer!
We so greatly love to read your daily devotions. Thank you for doing this. I’m a chaplain at a private school and a hospice chaplain. I find myself needing encouragement and these daily reminders along with my scripture reading sustain me.
Willie and Estelle…blessings and a warm embrace. We do not speak for our Pastor, Ed Newton but are members of the Community Bible Church family that he pastors. Let me be the first to say that, like you, reading these inspirational messages and receiving wisdom through these short replies brings great joy to our hearts as well. I am fairly certain that Pastor “Ed”, as we call him, would give you a big hug and a high-five for your kind words. We as a congregation sometimes get a little spoiled with having such a dynamic leader. So let this message from us to you, be of encouragement and love and sincere gratitude for what you do for the Kingdom of Heaven, God, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory and honor belong to Him.
nPersonally I have a love for Chaplains for I’ve served with many in my time in the Armed Services. You are the sounding board, the friend, the counselor, and the help and hope to people in many ways and it is the anointing on your life that brings healing and hope to so many. Your work and your efforts are stored up in heaven. Be encouraged today- God sees and knows you. I truly believe this, and our reward is in heaven with the father. Our church family and our Pastor “Ed”, send a warm embrace to you and may the peace and blessings of our Lord and Savior be with you always! In Christ and TGBTG!
Pray always! Spiritual stamina-love that. Thanks Pastor-praying for you.
Please change the format back to where the whole message is in the email.
Thank you, Pastor Ed. I look forward to reading these devotions every day. They are inspiring and give me much hope, and also, there are some that I feel are exactly what I need to hear. God bless you and your family.
It’s so wonderful to see everyone engage here with your devotionals Pastor Ed. God provides.
Thank you Pastor Ed. I love your daily devotionals, they have been a blessing for nearly a year. Reading ? the scriptures daily, these encouraging messages and continual conversation with the Lord are a staple in my life.
I need confirmation on telling this young lady who is married to a woman. We’ve been talking about God‘s word. Her question is, should she divorce the woman she’s married to and leave her according to God‘s word. I believe the answer is yes, but I would like confirmation on that answer. I know this is a very hard situation and decision. I tried talking to her about this before she chose to do all of this, but was not approachable.