Category Archives: Prayer

What are the benefits of corporate prayer?

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What are the benefits of corporate prayer? Is praying with others better than praying alone?

What are the benefits of corporate prayer? Is praying with others better than praying alone?

A while ago a friend of mine approached me and asked about the benefits of corporate prayer (in other words, praying with one or more people). Previously, she had been discussing with some other friends on the topic. They were pondering the power of two or more prayers and why it would be more advantageous than praying alone if the individual praying had great faith. They brought up the point that the Bible says that if one person can have faith as small as a mustard seed anything is possible for them. If one person can have faith as small as a mustard seed and get their prayers answered, then what’s the benefit of praying with someone else?

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in Heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT)

“’You don’t have enough faith,’ Jesus told them. ‘I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.’” Matthew 17:20 (NLT)

It’s a GREAT question! So today I thought we could talk about that.

It’s more about us than God’s power

I pointed out what Matthew 18:19-20 says about the tremendous power available when believers pray together in agreement because God’s presence is right there among them.

Then another good, and very wise 😉 friend in my small group, Michelle, had even better insight. She pointed out that it doesn’t necessarily mean that corporate prayer is more powerful than praying alone but that we feel more empowered when we pray with others. Michelle said, “It doesn’t have to do with God’s power. It’s more about us. It helps us.” So, the benefit is more for us, not for better chances of the prayer being answered.

Corporate prayer is not a magical power enhancement button that we push. Praying with others does not always necessarily mean that these prayers are more powerful than individual prayers. However, they do have their benefits!

Corporate prayer is not a magical power enhancement button that we push.

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Benefit #1: Corporate prayer helps us to build each other up and strengthens us.

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The Pressing of Olive Oil – The Pressing of Jesus

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The Pressing of Olive Oil & Jesus title image

The Pressing of Olive Oil – The Pressing of Jesus

About a year ago I saw an Instagram post by Dave Adamson that brought several analogies to mind and inspired me to do some research and write a post. His post was about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and the parallels of an olive press (“Gethsemane”) and Jesus being pressed with the weight of our sin and his sacrifice.

As we enter the Lent season this week, I’d like to share the analogies that came to mind as something that we all might meditate on during this season. These can be a reminder to us of Jesus being crushed and pressed on our behalf. We can also be reminded in our own times of crushing and pressing that God is able to produce something very good and useful from every last drop of pain and suffering that we endure.

God is able to produce something very good and useful from every last drop of pain and suffering that we endure.

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Dave Adamson’s Instagram post that inspired my post/article:

“Here’s something cool about Jesus! We all know that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane … but do you know what else was happening?
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In Biblical times, farmers would put olives in the trough of a giant stone olive press, and then roll the large, heavy circular stone over them. The enormous weight of the stone crushed the olives, allowing the oil inside to pour out through a spout cut into the stone.
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The first pass of the heavy stone produced the most precious, pure drops of olive oil. This oil was extremely expensive and was used to anoint kings. The stone was then rolled over the olives again, producing a second batch of oil that was used to heal the sick. A third pass of the stone produced oil that was used to cook, or to light lampstands.
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In Hebrew, this sort of olive press is called a “gat shemanim” (גת שמנים pronounced “geth-sem-uh-nim”), which we translate in English as “gethsemane”. Sound familiar?
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On the night he was betrayed, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. It was that the weight of his sacrifice caused Jesus to develop Hematohidrosis—a condition where a person under extreme duress literally sweats drops of blood.
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It was in Gethsemane that the first drops of Jesus’ blood appeared, as the weight of our sin pressed down on him. So the next time you use olive oil to cook, remember Jesus’ sacrifice … which started in the Garden of the Olive Press.


“He was crushed because of our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was on him …” — Isaiah 53:5”[1]

~Dave Adamson, Instagram

3 Pressings of Olives

During my research about the pressing of olives and the uses of each pressing, I found some discrepancies about the uses of oil from the various pressings (i.e. about which of the three pressings produced oil for light and for cooking). However, the analogies and parallels that we can gather from them remain relevant and useful regardless of the order.

Here are the three pressings and their uses:

  • First Press – For Holy Use & Anointing Priests & Kings

The oil from the first pressing of olives is the purest form of the oil and was used to consecrate things as holy, used to anoint kings and priests, and used for pure light in holy places (keeping the menorah in the Tabernacle and Temple burning). *See Exodus 30:22-32, Exodus 40:9-15, 1 Samuel 16:1 & 13, 1 Kings 1:39, Exodus 27:20, Exodus 28:41, Exodus 29:7, Leviticus 24:2

  • Second Press – For Medicine & Food

Oil from the second pressing was used to make medicine or pharmaceutical ointments for healing and utilized for cooking and food. *See Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34, Mark 6:13, James 5:14, Leviticus 2:5, Exodus 29:2, Ezekiel 16:19, 1 Kings 17 & there are also multiple medical articles about the medicinal uses of olive oil

  • Third Press –For Soap & Light

The oil from the third and last pressing was to make soap (lye) and used for light (for lighting lamps for everyday use–we can also see from the first pressing that oil was used for light there as well but for holy purposes),. * See Job 9:30, Jeremiah 2:22, Malachi 3:2, See Matthew 25

The Pressings of Jesus

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Get Back to the Basics

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Get Back to the Basics

As we are a couple of weeks into the new year, several people are making new commitments, forming new habits, and strengthening spiritual disciplines. Sometimes, I find it helpful to revisit the basics and/or review or remind myself of some things that can be helpful.

Below are some links to revisit some of the basics via some of our previous posts. (You can also find these posts via the “New to the Faith? / The Basics” page on the blog’s menu.)

  • Look over the list of posts and see if any stand out to you, fit with some of your goals for this year, or may help you strengthen some spiritual disciplines.
  • Even, if you’ve read the post(s) before, it’s often helpful to get a refresher, and many times the Holy Spirit might point out something that wasn’t necessarily prominent or as meaningful the first time around. I find this to be true when I re-listen to sermons or podcasts as well.
  • You might also consider sharing a post or two with someone that comes to mind as you read through the links. You never know what might be helpful for others as they strengthen their own spiritual disciplines. Sometimes we all could use a boost in the basics.
    As people make new commitments & strengthen spiritual disciplines, it’s helpful to revisit the basics & review things that can help.

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Learn and Grow in the Christian Faith

A Christian’s purpose and mission in life is to continue to become and live like Jesus. It is possible! In fact, we are told to do so in several places in scripture. Jesus even says numerous times, “Follow Me…” It is said that there are recurring 4 phases of a journey that every Christian goes through: Know God (learning), Grow in Freedom (fixing broken stuff in our lives), Discover Purpose (discovering and using your God-given gifts and talents and life experiences), and Go Make Disciples, Go Make a Difference (helping others grow and making a difference in the world).

Can I Really Live Like Jesus?

Resources and Tools

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Prayers for Israel

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Prayers for Israel

As we watch the events taking place in Israel, we should be reminded to pray. We are called to pray for the physical and spiritual peace of Jerusalem (and all of Israel). It’s a time to pray for the peace of Israel, protection of people, wisdom for the leaders, help and comfort during trouble, deliverance from enemies, and a spiritual awakening. I would like to give you a list of prayers for Israel that you start and continue to pray, in addition to other resources for praying for Israel.

God’s chosen?

We often hear of Israel being called “God’s chosen”. So why did God choose them? The answer is so that they would be the channel of blessings for all families & nations on the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). God chose one nation for the benefit of many. Israel serves as a picture of God’s sovereign plan to redeem the entire earth. Israel’s role consists of restoring all the nations to God. Israel was meant to reveal God to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). Jesus fulfilled this role and brought salvation to the entire earth (Isaiah 49:6). God’s plan was to show love to the entire world through this chosen family (the family of Abraham) and this chosen nation. We can also “live out of our identity as God’s chosen people—those whose special purpose has always been to extend God’s inclusive love to many.”[1]

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations.” Isaiah 42:6 (NLT)

“He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”” Isaiah 49:6 (NLT)

We received the Messiah, Jesus, through the Jewish people. Those who accept God’s son, Jesus, as Messiah and Lord have been grafted into Abraham’s family and are also now God’s chosen people (Romans 11:17).

“But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.” Romans 11:17 (NLT)

Israel will continue to remain the beloved chosen people because God’s gifts and calling for Israel are irrevocable and His covenants remain forever (Romans 11:28-29).

“Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Romans 11:28-29 (NLT)

We are called to pray for the physical and spiritual peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel.

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Prayers for Israel

Below are some prayers for Israel along with accompanying relevant scriptures. Please feel free to pray these individually as you feel led or collectively as a whole. Continue reading →

Start the Day with Surrender: A Prayer to Surrender

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Start the Day with Surrender: A Prayer to Surrender

Surrendering to God is an excellent way to start the day. Surrender is the opposite of self-effort. To surrender we have to stop resisting and submit to an authority other than ourselves. We can surrender to God’s authority because we can know and trust in God‘s character. The act of surrendering to God shows that we have confidence and hope that God has a greater purpose and plan in mind for us than what we could imagine for ourselves.

Previously, I shared some scriptures with examples of ways of surrendering to God. Today, I’d like to use those scriptures as a basis for a prayer to start the day with surrender.

Keeping Christ as Lord by trusting in and surrendering to him

As Christians, if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it’s important to remember the “Lord” part of our confession. As true followers of Christ, we must learn the act of submitting and surrendering to his lordship. This is difficult for a lot of us because we like to be in control and follow our own agenda. Even the word “surrender” brings up mental images of a white flag signaling giving up or losing. No one wants to feel like a loser. To surrender control can sometimes feel risky because we may fear that things won’t go the way we want them to.

However, it’s important for us to remember that with Jesus as our Lord, we can trust that he (and God the Father) has our very best interest in mind. They are the epitome of love. Even in the midst of pain and difficulty, God’s will, plan, and purposes for our lives will always be good and not to harm us (see John 10:10 and Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore, we can rest assured that when we say as Jesus did “Lord, not my will but your will be done,” the will of God that follows is completely out of love for us, for our good, and will lead us closer to Christ and his plan for our lives.

I love what Pastor Tony Evans says it in the book Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart…

“You cannot surrender to someone you do not trust. Trust, enables surrender. You have to know and believe in the character of God, and his love and commitment for your best, trusting that he knows what he is doing, that he sees a far bigger picture than you can imagine.”[1]

Furthermore, Chrystal Evans Hurst, in the same book says that when we surrender we can actually make better progress in our lives…

“There are times you can’t make progress without trust…Progress, requires surrender. It involves one person allowing another to lead and show the way. Surrender invites humility and admits ‘I do not know.’ …Surrendering is admitting that God’s plan is better.”[2]

As true followers of Christ, we must learn the act of submitting and surrendering to his lordship.

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Surrender to a power source

I heard somebody once compare surrendering to God in the morning to plugging a device into a power source for the day. We don’t have to run on battery or on our own supply. We have a present, never-ending source. Through that source not only are we receiving power, but by surrendering to God we become a channel through which God’s power and love can flow out as well. When we surrender to God, he will help us and give us the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

John 15:1-17 describes a picture of branches staying attached to a vine wherein the sap in the vine gets dispersed giving nutrients and power to the branches, and the branches are then able to produce fruit. When we surrender control of our lives to God and abide in Christ, his life-giving and restorative power will be dispersed to us. We surrender (i.e. don’t cut ourselves off by trying to do things our own way) and stay connected to God in order to bear fruit in our lives.

Additionally, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:26). Again, we don’t need to rely on self-effort and our own power supply. We have the power of God available to us through the help of the Holy Spirit empowering us.

Modeh Ani—Jewish waking prayer

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Prayer For Those Who Make Bad Choices

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Do you have children or people that you care for that are making bad choices? Try this Prayer For Those Who Make Bad Choices...

Prayer For Those Who Make Bad Choices

I was recently talking with a friend about the bad choices our kids make sometimes.  We talked about how it breaks our hearts as parents to have to not only see them make bad choices but then to have to watch them experience the consequences.  Then we discussed how similar God must feel when He has to do this with us when we make bad choices.  I remembered journaling about this very thing several years back.  I went back through my journals, and here is what I had written:

It’s hard to watch our kids make bad choices. God feels the same way.

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August 3, 2010

A Good But Just Parent…

My sister and I were just talking tonight about how I was frustrated with my kids lately.  They seem to be misbehaving a little more than usual.  I think they may be having a bit of cabin fever.  Summer is nearly over and school is going to start soon.  We haven’t been able to do as many of our usual activities as I would like due to the extreme heat we’ve been experiencing.  It’s been miserable to do outside activities like the zoo, Big Splash, the pool, the park, golf, etc.  Anyhow, I’ve been planning and wanting to do some fun stuff with them before the summer gets out, but it never fails that when I have a fun activity planned, they misbehave.  I end up canceling and postponing our fun.  I don’t really want to reward them when they’re behavior is bad, but at the same time it makes me so sad because I really want to do nice things for them and fun things with them.  All of a sudden I had the thought, “I bet God feels like this sometimes.”  It made me laugh because of how true it was.  How many times has God wanted to bless us or do nice things for us, and we’ve just tied his hands?  As much as we love and want to bless our children, our heavenly Father wants to do even more for us. 

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

He’s a better parent than we are, yet still very just.  Our sin separates us from God.  His hands are tied by OUR wrongdoing. 

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

“Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing…” Habakkuk 1:13a (NIV)

We need to rid our lives of sin and be obedient to God’s word.  In return, God can shower us with blessings.  God’s will is to bless those who do right.  God wants more for us than we can ask or even imagine for ourselves.  Our job is to obey and follow his guidance and directions and to make good choices, not bad choices. 

“You bless all those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts.” Psalm 119:2 (CEV)

“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.” Psalm 106:3 (NIV)

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

We have to make choices, between good and bad/life and death, every day.  Who we are depends on the choices we make.  We are also where we are now because of the choices we have made in the past.  The choices we make will determine the circumstances we end up with in our future.  Our choices will hold responsibility and consequences.  We will be held accountable for the choices we make.  We are not victims.  We are not a product of our environment–We are a product of our choices.  So how can we help people we care about that are making bad choices? 

Who we are depends on the choices we make.

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We are not a product of our environment–We are a product of our choices.

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Prayer for When You’re Verbally Attacked

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Prayer for When You’re Verbally Attacked

Prayer for When You’re Verbally Attacked

Do you ever just feel attacked?  Sometimes it can seem relentless!  I think it’s high time that we just get fed up with being attacked and start doing something about it!  Previously, I wrote a post for scriptures to help when you feel attacked or persecuted.  These scriptures are helpful and comforting to let us know that we’re not alone, that God is our avenger, and that we will be blessed and graced when enduring persecution. Today I’d like to go on the offensive a little more.  I’d like to give you a prayer that you can pray when you feel like you’re being verbally attacked by people. 

We don’t have to be wimpy, spineless, victimized Christians! #nomorewimpychristians

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We are not doormats to be walked on

I do believe there is a time and a place to endure attacks, but I also firmly believe that God never intended for us to be doormats to be walked on by people.  When we’re being verbally attacked, there ARE times when it’s okay to fight back…just not always in the way your natural instincts might want to! 😉  It’s okay to go to war.  We don’t have to hide until Jesus comes.  Nor do we have to be wimpy, spineless, victimized Christians!  We don’t always need to head for cover when we’re verbally attacked by people.

We need to be fighters and warriors!

It’s time to decide to be strong and put on the full armor of God to stand up to the devil and his schemes and strategies!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

During a Bible study in college, it was brought to my attention that we have nothing on our back with this armor.  In warfare we are meant to stand, face it, and fight–NOT turn our backs and run away.

Some attacks have to be faced head-on. 

We are meant to stand and fight-NOT turn and run away. #Ephesians6 #nothingonourback

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Fight spiritual warfare

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How to Respond When People Offend You

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How to Respond When People Offend You...

How to Respond When People Offend You

What do you do when people offend you, insult you, treat you badly, or persecute you?  I’ve had some practice working on this unfortunately. I’m sure I’m not the only one, so this post will discuss some of my experience in dealing with offense and responding to others.

Previously I mentioned that I was getting an increasing number of negative comments on my blog posts.  Some were from well-meaning Christians who felt the need to correct me.  Others were from people of a differing religious belief system who wanted to argue and debate over doctrinal issues.  Some were from people, Christian or not, that just intensely disagreed with things that I said (and not always in the nicest way).  Frequently I get a bit lambasted on Pinterest with comments from atheists, specifically about a post on “How to Pray for Unsaved Loved Ones”.  I guess you could call it a persecution of sorts.

The temptation to argue when offended

Apparently some of them are taking offense that I, as well as others who are pinning these prayers, might be praying for them, and they want me to stop.  Well guess what?  Not gonna happen.  🙂 And now, since they were so kind as to leave me a comment and give me their name, I can pray for them more specifically.  By name.  Which, by the way, I wasn’t doing before because I didn’t even know them. 🙂  They can’t really stop me from praying can they?  I know…I’m such a rebel.  The problem that I’ve been struggling with though when I get offended  by their comments is wanting to reply to them.

These commenters have written things that are critical and insulting.  They say things and make accusations that aren’t true.  Often, they take things I say and twist or misconstrue them.  They definitely appear to be in “attack” mode.  My first gut reaction is that I’m extremely offended.  I feel very angry because I feel a sense of injustice.  I deeply want to want to argue with their comments.  It takes an awful lot of restraint not to say anything.  Instead of arguing and fighting back, I’ve had to learn to hold my tongue and fight back with prayer.

Biblical communication guidelines

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