Prayer Changes Everything
Twelve years later, I can still remember it like yesterday— teaching my daughter to ride her bike for the first time. Her little hands gripped the handlebars so tightly, and her eyes were wide with nervous determination. She kept glancing back at me as I reassured her, “I’ve got you.” Running alongside her, I held the seat to keep her steady as the wobbles began. She pedaled hesitantly, her balance unsteady, her movements uncertain. And then, before either of us could react, she veered off course and crashed into a parked car. I gasped, rushing to her side, but thankfully, she was okay—just a bit startled. She brushed herself off, got back on the bike, and tried again. Over time, with more attempts and plenty of encouragement, she mastered the art of riding. What once seemed impossible became second nature.
Prayer is much like that first bike ride. Initially, it can feel awkward and unfamiliar, like trying to keep balance on two wheels for the first time. We might stumble in our words, feel uncertain of what to say, or even crash into moments of doubt or discouragement. Yet, just like learning to ride, prayer requires practice and persistence. Over time, it transforms from something we struggle to do into something we generally enjoy and desire. Eventually, we find ourselves “coasting along,” so to speak, enjoying the ride of intimate conversation with God. We learn to release control, trust Him, and even marvel at the excitement of the journey, knowing God is right there with us. The Bible explains many spiritual blessings to a personal life of prayer:
You see, prayer is not just a spiritual conversation but also a personal invitation from God. One of my life verses is Jeremiah 33:3:
“Call to me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.”
This verse has always left me in awe and wonder. For starters, it absolutely blows me away that the God of the universe—the Creator of galaxies, oceans, and every living thing—would desire to engage in a personal and intimate relationship with me. It’s humbling to think that the One who holds all things together extends an invitation to commune with Him in prayer. That simple yet profound truth stirs my heart every time I reflect on it.
As a student of revival movements, I’ve always been intrigued by the ways God has worked through history to awaken His church. What stands out in all these movements is a fresh awareness of personal sin and repentance, a reinvigorating hunger for God’s Word, and an ignition of powerful, persistent prayer. Charles H. Spurgeon’s observations are just as relevant today:
“Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church.”
These common threads have inspired my own ministry and fueled my longing to see God move in mighty ways today. At Quest Church San Diego, where I have the privilege to pastor, we took the invitation of Jeremiah 33:3 seriously, believing that when we call to God, He answers and reveals things beyond our imagination. In response, we dedicated 33 days to extended prayer and fasting, meeting every day at 3:33 PM, earnestly seeking God’s presence in personal and corporate prayer. And let me tell you, the power of God fell on His people as we devoted ourselves to faithful and fervent prayer. It was a season of awakening, marked by a deeper dependence on Him and a renewed passion for His purposes. This same invitation is extended to you.
Imagine what God could do in your life in just 33 days if you committed yourself fully to prayer. Whether you use this devotional on your own or with your entire church, these daily reflections, Biblical prayer principles, guided prayers, and focused prayer journals are designed to spark a movement of spiritual revival among God’s people. Everything in your life can be fundamentally changed as you devote yourself to seeking God wholeheartedly. As you use this resource, may you encounter the transforming presence of God, discover His plans for your life, and experience His peace and power in new and profound ways. My prayer is that these 33 days will ignite a deeper passion for prayer and an enduring hunger for God that doesn’t stop when the 33 days are over but continues to grow, bringing revival in your heart, home, church, and community.
Pick up your copy today, or share with a friend or pastor, and start the New Year with a renewed passion for prayer. Available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon now: https://a.co/d/0WU9lpU