The Importance of Prayer

Six Reasons Prayer is Important 

Today is National Day of Prayer and we pause to not only pray but understand the meaning behind it.  This day provides a nation-wide opportunity to humbly come before God, seek His guidance for our leaders and His blessings upon our country.  

We hope that if you don’t currently incorporate prayer into your daily life, we’d like to encourage you with six reasons why prayer is important: 

1.) It shows obedience 

Prayer isn’t just a suggestion.  It’s mentioned in over 130 verses throughout the Bible so there’s a huge emphasis on the importance of having a hearty prayer life.  

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   

2.)It’s communication

Have you ever been in a one-way conversation? It feels lonely!  Imagine what God must feel like when we only come to Him once every few weeks, months, or even years.  

We’ve been communicating with God since Adam and Eve in the garden, so it’s always been a part of our relationship with Him as humans.  He wants to hear us, talk to us, and listen to what we have to say.  Sure, He knows everything but He delights in listening to us.  

 3.) It’s our way of expressing our desires 

 If you have kids, you know how awesome it is when you can bless your child. God feels the same way!  He wants to know our dreams, big and small.

The Bible is clear in Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  

4.) It allows us to change our hearts 

When we take our thoughts (which can often spiral) out of our own minds and put them into prayer, our problems often seem different in the light of God’s love.  Praying about situations, whether good or bad, allows us to begin seeing the world through God’s eyes. 

Not only that but we gain a better heart posture to approach our lives.  

 5.) It grows our confidence

 You’ve heard those lines in the movies: “God, I know we haven’t spoken in a while but if you could just…” That’s not an optimistic line.  It’s almost sheepish!  We are the children of the God of the universe and we ought to have confidence when approaching Him in prayer.  

Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  

6.) It keeps anxiety at bay 

 Talking about your worries with you family and friends is awesome, but why not talk to the one who can really do something about those worries?!  Our confidence as Christians is that we are seen, heard, and known.  No matter what burdens our hearts, we can find rest and peace in knowing that we’ve laid them down at God’s feet.  

Remember the scripture Phillipians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  

7 Ways to Make the Most of Unemployment

7 Ways to Make the Most of Unemployment 

It’s no secret that the unemployment rate rises every day.  In the past five weeks, 26.5 million people have filed jobless claims and applied for benefits.  

If you’re one of those millions, life can feel uncertain and stressful.   

As Christians, we know God wants us to work - it’s biblical to commit to a vocation and provide for your family.  

But what about when you lose or can’t find employment? Here are seven ways to make the most of unemployment…. 

 1.) Get Creative 

 If you’re struggling to find full-time employment, now’s the time to explore creative and alternative ways of making money.  Your skills can be used for short-term projects and jobs or work as an independent contractor.  You can even deliver pizzas at night to earn extra money to tide you over.  This is the time to think outside the box.  

 2.) Structure your day 

 Searching for work can be a full-time job in itself.  However you choose to spend this time, make sure you have a schedule and a structure to your day.  Set an alarm, wear real clothes, and schedule start times, breaks, and a time to ‘clock-out’ even if you’re at home.   

 3.) Get outside 

 It’s easy to plop down on the couch and click “next episode” on Netflix for hours on end when you’re not working typical hours.  However, getting outside for even 15 minutes can boost your mood and improve your productivity.  Try setting a timer to get up and move around every hour and get that vitamin D.  

 4.) Have patience 

 In any job market, it’s important to have patience and trust the process.  If you’re set on a certain job, you may have to wait until an opening comes up.  If you’re open to any type of employment, it can strictly be a numbers game and that’s when quantity is the top priority.  In the meantime, spruce up your resume or spend extra time perfecting your cover letter.  

 5.) Explore new possibilities 

If you’re having difficulty finding employment in a certain area, perhaps it’s time to expand your horizons.  Some of the most fulfilling jobs can also be the most unexpected. 

 6.) Tell people you are job searching 

 Now is not the time to hold onto your pride.  Life is about relationships and the job hunt is no different.  Most jobs are actually found through your connections or word of mouth.  Let people know you’re searching for work and tell them what type of job you’re looking for.  You’ll find most people are happy to help.  

     6a.) Take people out to coffee.  Not only should you be telling people that you’re looking but you should also be using your flexible schedule to meet with people in your field or who are doing what you want to do.  Once you’re back in a full-time job, you may not have the freedom for long lunch breaks or a mid day coffee conversation.  

 7.) Continue working on your skills 

 Whatever your specialty, you can use this time to improve your skills or volunteer to do work for a non-profit or your church.  By being a value-add, you’re opening yourself up to more opportunities and even a potential job.