Core Scripture: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

Message: It all started with Lyme Disease.  No, I didn’t get a tick bite.  Lyme Disease is my F3 buddy.  I hadn’t seen him on our Sunday morning ruck in ages, but there he was—with his lime-colored hat. 

I knew I had to engage him.  We had been going through the same job hunt struggles, but I was thrilled to find out he had recently found a new job through an old friend.  It smacked me upside the head like a ton of bricks … why hadn’t I tried that?

Tuesday was my day.  My chores were done, and I had the entire afternoon free to network, work on my resume, and apply for jobs.  No offense to Amazon, but the hours and physical exertion of the job are taking its toll on my 50-year-old body. 

I am one of those guys who saves everyone’s number from all facets of my life.  It took me a good while to scroll through the entire list and write down the names of some friends I had not talked to for a hot minute.  One by one, I began texting them the same message, asking if they knew of any jobs I should apply for. 

The encouragement was astounding.  All afternoon messages popped up.  Praying for you.  Have you tried this?  Here’s someone you could talk to.  I got replies from most everyone. 

An overwhelming peace flooded my conscience.  I hadn’t felt so secure in weeks.  Maybe months.  It was as if all my frustration and anxiety from life had been swept to the side. 

Now, this isn’t a fairy tale.  The perfect job offer did not come to me on a silver platter; however, I had renewed trust.  I knew God was moving—even though I couldn’t see it.    

I share this story for a few reasons.  First, it is okay to be vulnerable.  We don’t have to pretend that we have everything figured out.  Sometimes a little humility allows space for peace. 

Secondly, and most importantly, there is power in prayer.  Paul knew this, and he knew the source of comfort comes from God.  He writes poetically about it in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 when he says …

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

It was cathartic to feel that comfort.  Fresh hope was injected to me, and all it took was a little vulnerability and prayer.  The power of prayer never fails.

Challenge: What could you be vulnerable about to ask for prayer about in your life?  Don’t hesitate to share.  Or think about someone who you haven’t talked to in a while.  Ask how you could be praying for them.

Bible study: Read Acts 12:1-19 and journal about or discuss the following questions …

1. How did the believers react to Peter being thrown into prison?
2. How did God answer their prayers?
3. What were the believers doing when Peter arrived at the home of Mary?
4. How does this story show the power of prayer?
5. Where has the power of prayer affected your life?

Just for fun: The best prayers come from little ones.  When my boys were in preschool, we went to Pizza Street for lunch on a snow day and allowed my youngest son to pray for our meal.  His innocent prayer went something like this …

“God, thank you for my pizza … and Batman … and my fork … and my drink … and Mater … and McQueen … and Batman … and (pausing to look at the two men sitting at the table next to us) the guys … Amen.”

Yes, he mentioned Batman more than once, and his favorite movie at the time was Cars.  The two guys sitting nearby smiled knowingly. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of prayer in our lives and giving us a way to communicate with You.  Amen.