Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate God’s goodness, beginning with gratitude for our worship teams and the way they prepare our hearts to encounter God. We rejoiced in the dedication of little Scotty May, praying God’s blessing, protection, and presence over her life and her parents, Justin and Gabby. This moment reminded us that life is always in God’s hands, and that prayer is not a last resort, but our first and most vital response in every circumstance.

Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11, we considered the Lord’s Prayer as a model for our own conversations with God. We are invited to approach the Creator of the universe as our Father, recognizing His holiness and responding with awe and praise. This relationship is deeply personal—God desires to be intimately involved in our lives. As we pray, we are called to surrender our own plans and desires, making room for God’s will to be done, just as Jesus did in the garden before His crucifixion. Often, our own plans can lead us astray or disappoint us, but God’s plans are always for our good, even when we don’t understand them.

We also looked at the importance of asking God for our daily needs, trusting Him as our provider. But prayer is not just about asking; it’s about maintaining a right relationship with God and others. Sin, whether unconfessed or unresolved in our relationships, can hinder our prayers and distance us from God. We are called to seek forgiveness, both from God and from those we have wronged, so that our hearts remain open and our prayers effective.

Another vital aspect of prayer is interceding for others. The story of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus shows the power of praying and acting on behalf of those in need. Sometimes, we try to fix situations ourselves and only turn to prayer when all else fails, but we are encouraged to pray first, trusting God to work in ways we cannot. Praying for others, even those who have hurt us, transforms our hearts and can heal broken relationships. As we grow in prayer, we become more connected to God, more compassionate toward others, and more effective in spiritual battles.