HomeWord - Nov. 6, 2006

Courage to Pray 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Examine me, 0 God, and know my mind; test me, discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me, and guide me in the everlasting way. — Psalm 139: 23-24     

Have you ever prayed a life-changing prayer? It is one of those moments when you say, "Lord, I'm willing to go anywhere and do anything for you." Maybe it was a time when you were wrestling with an issue you knew was wrong, but only after some struggle could you release it to God.

At age sixteen I made a commitment to follow Jesus and asked him into my heart. Until that time my life had centered around athletics, especially baseball. After becoming a Christian I sensed God wanted me to go into the ministry. My struggle was between a baseball career and doing what I sensed God was leading me to do (a call on my life to full-time ministry). Finally one day while sitting on the sand looking out over the Pacific Ocean I prayed a life-changing prayer. It went something like this: "God, I surrender my will to yours. I will go wherever you want and do whatever your desire is for my life. After all, you know more about me than me." At that moment I felt a sense of release and peace. God was in control. That very day I believe God led me into a life of full-time Christian service and I have never regretted a single moment.

Are you willing to pray a life-changing prayer? When you do pray that prayer, be assured that God has his best in mind for you. Here's a promise from his word:

"Seek your happiness in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desire". Psalm 37:4      

To comment on today's devotional, click here .

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you ever prayed a life-changing prayer? What was the answer?

2. Read Psalm 139:23-24 again. Write out several issues God is impressing upon you. Do you have the courage to pray a life-changing prayer for these issues?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 139:13-14

HomeWord Encouraging Parents…Building Families
Other FREE resources from HomeWord and Jim Burns: -7 Minutes to Being a Better Parent -Download HomeWord's daily broadcast -Get your toughest parenting questions answered HomeWord provides bottom-shelf, real-life, practical resources ranging from 411 (information) and 911 (crisis resources) to help parents.