Tag Archives: prayer life

Personal Holiness, Prayers

Cleanse the Temple, Bear the Fruit

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Beloved, come close and consider the steps of Yeshua on this Holy Monday. Every act was deliberate. Every word, weighty. He was not wandering—He was on a mission from the Father. His eyes were fixed on Jerusalem, and His heart burned with holy fire. He came to restore what religion had corrupted in the House of Prayer. He came to awaken what had fallen asleep.

A solitary fig tree along the ancient path from Bethany to Jerusalem, leafy yet barren—silent witness to Yeshua’s holy judgment.

In the morning, as He walked from Bethany toward the city, He was hungry. He saw a fig tree with leaves, signaling life—but when He came to it, He found no fruit. Then Yeshua spoke, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” (Mark 11:14 NASB). It was not just about the tree. It was a prophetic sign. Israel had leaves—rituals, traditions, temples—but no fruit. And the judgment was not delayed.

God does not delight in the form of religion. He desires the fruit of righteousness. As it is written, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire”(Matthew 7:19 NASB). This is the hour to search your heart. Are there leaves but no fruit? Activity without intimacy? Noise without prayer? Yeshua is looking for the fruit of faith, humility, repentance, and love.

And then He entered Jerusalem, heading for the House of Prayer.

He found it loud with trade, thick with greed. The courts that should have echoed with songs of praise were filled instead with coins and bargains. So He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. He drove them out with authority, declaring, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13 NASB; Isaiah 56:7). That house was not theirs—it was His Father’s.

Clean the Temple
Jesus drives the merchants out of the temple

Beloved, you are now that temple, the new House of Prayer. The veil was torn. The blood was shed. And the Holy Spirit came not to dwell in buildings but in believing hearts. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you… and that you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB). So the question presses in—what tables must be overturned in your soul?What thieves have crept into your mind, stealing your time, your worship, your focus?

Yeshua doesn’t cleanse the temple to shame—it is always to restore. After the tables fell, the blind and the lame came, and He healed them (Matthew 21:14). The children began to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and joy returned to the courts. When we cleanse the temple, we become the true House of Prayer, and the glory of God comes near. When we restore the altar, the fire of Heaven falls.

And when evening came, He returned to Bethany—not to isolate, but to rest in fellowship. He stayed among those who loved Him—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Even the Son of God drew strength from the warmth of believing friends. Let this speak to you deeply. You were not meant to fight alone. You were not made for isolated struggle. The joy of the Lord often comes through the fellowship of the saints.

As it is written, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 NASB). And again, “Let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24–25 NASB). In this hour, the enemy tries to isolate, but God calls you to the table of fellowship, to the circle of prayer, to the family of faith.

So today, beloved, walk the path Yeshua walked:

  • Examine the fruit of your life.
  • Let Him cleanse the temple of your heart.
  • Restore the altar of prayer.
  • And seek joy in the fellowship of believers.

Do not delay. Do not harden your heart. The Lord of the temple has come, and He still speaks: “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Let it begin with you.

—

Search me, Lord, and test the flame,
Burn the chaff, but leave Your Name.
Make this heart Your holy place—
A house of prayer, a throne of grace.

Prayer

Holy Yeshua, come into the temple of my soul and turn over every table that does not please You. Remove all idols, all distractions, and all false peace. I repent of fruitless works and distant worship. Cleanse me, Lord, and fill me again with the fire of Your Spirit. Let my heart become a house of prayer. Let joy and healing rise where once there was noise and compromise. Surround me with godly fellowship, and teach me to draw strength from Your people. I welcome You, King of Glory—come and reign in me. In Your precious Name, Amen.

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Be Still

Speechless in the Presence of God

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Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the presence of God that words failed you? I do not write to you with human wisdom but as one who has beheld His glory. There is a holy hush—a moment beyond language—where the soul is left speechless in the presence of God. This silence is not empty; it is full of awe, overflowing with revelation, and saturated with divine love.

Scripture tells us what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration: “While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them … A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!’” (Luke 9:34–35, NASB). In that moment, the disciples were speechless. Not because they were confused, but because they were overtaken by glory.

What Does It Mean to Be Speechless in the Presence of God?

Not all silence is sacred. Some remain silent because they are spiritually dry. But when the Holy Spirit reigns in a fully surrendered heart, silence becomes sacred space. It is the final crescendo after praise and worship have poured out every word we can offer.

Here is the divine progression:

  1. Praise bursts forth — we speak, pray, and testify.
  2. Worship rises — songs overflow from the heart.
  3. Silence descends — not from lack, but from glory too heavy to carry in words, leaving us truly speechless.

This isn’t stillness born of confusion or apathy. Isaiah’s silence cried out, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips … for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies” (Isaiah 6:5, NASB). When you see God rightly, you know that no song is worthy and no word rich enough.

Why Silence Can Bring You Closer to God

A. W. Tozer wrote, “More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” Why? Because in those moments, God writes on your heart directly. You don’t just hear about Him—you experience Him.

We often fill our spiritual lives with noise—devotionals, sermons, and prayers. But when was the last time you waited? When was the last time you stepped beyond the veil and stood in His presence without asking, without speaking—just beholding and being speechless?

Moses entered the cloud and came out radiant (Exodus 34:29). You too are invited—not to observe from afar, but to enter the cloud of glory, the presence of El Shaddai. Not just once, but daily.

The Cloud of Glory

Imagine a traveler standing before a great mountain shrouded in mist. As he steps into the cloud, he can no longer see the path or the world behind him. But he hears a whisper in the stillness—not from outside, but within. He has entered the presence, not with understanding, but with surrender. There, in the silence, the Voice speaks clearly, leaving him speechless.

How to Cultivate Holy Silence in Your Life

If you long to be transformed and are hungry for revival in your soul, create space for God’s presence. Here’s how:

  • Set aside time daily not just for prayer, but for silence before God.
  • Turn off distractions. Let your phone, music, and noise wait.
  • Enter with worship. Let praise rise, then let the Spirit lead into silence.
  • Listen and wait. Don’t rush the moment. God speaks in the stillness.

These moments may be short, but their fruit is eternal. You will not always walk away with answers, but you will walk away with Him. And that is the goal.

Final Thoughts: The Power of the Cloud

God in the Glory

You do not need to fear the silence. Embrace it. For it is there you will truly hear Him. When words are stripped away, what remains is faith. What remains is intimacy. Be speechless in the presence of God, and you will come to know Him as you never have before.

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Prayer

Spirit of the Living God, lead us into Your cloud. Take full authority in our hearts. Teach us to speak, then teach us to sing. And when the moment is too holy for either, teach us to be silent before You, utterly speechless. We want more of You and less of us. Let us hear Your voice in the stillness, and let Your presence change us forever. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Share this post if your heart longs for more of Him.

⸻

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Priorities

Too busy for Prayer?

A Call to True Devotion

Beloved, your time reveals your heart. You say Yeshua is first in your life, that you love Him with all your heart, and that you live for His will. Yet when prayer meetings are called, where are you? You say, “I’m too busy.” But the truth is, you are never too busy—you are simply prioritizing something else.

True Devotion Means Making Space for God

Like fasting, prayer meetings should be at inconvenient times to show the Lord they are a true priority. If prayer is only squeezed in when it’s easy, is it truly a sacrifice? Charles Spurgeon once said, “Do not say you have a strong desire for prayer if you will not make time for it.” The presence of God is not found in convenience but in pursuit.

Samuel told Saul,

“Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.”
— 1 Samuel 15:22 (NASB)

You cannot replace obedience with convenience. Do not tell yourself, “I’ll just give more in the offering,” or “I’ll pray extra tomorrow.” God does not want scraps of your schedule. He wants your heart.

Corporate Prayer is Where Revival Begins

The early church did not fit prayer into their busy schedules. They devoted themselves to it.

“All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer.”
— Acts 1:14 (NASB)

Do you long for revival? Do you want to see Heaven invade Earth? It will not happen without prayer. Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “No man is greater than his prayer life. The church is powerless because prayer is optional.” But to those who seek Him in prayer—He comes.

Have You Grown Cold?

When was the last time you prayed with someone outside your home? When did you last gather with your church to seek His face? Or has prayer become a ritual you perform on Sundays? True prayer is not a duty—it is a cry from the heart.

Yeshua warns,

“Remember from where you have fallen, and repent.”
— Revelation 2:5 (NASB)

If you have grown distant, return. The Lord is waiting for you at the altar.

Will You Answer the Call?

Beloved, will you make space for Him—even when it’s inconvenient? Or will you let another excuse keep you away? The ones who seek Him will find Him. Come to prayer. Seek His face. Let your priorities align with His, and watch what He does.

See Also

Effective Prayer

A Lifestyle of Prayer: Becoming a Person of Deep, Enduring Prayer

The Call to a Lifestyle of Prayer

Prayer is not merely an activity—it is an identity. Too often, prayer is reduced to a moment of crisis or a religious obligation. But God calls you to live a life saturated in prayer—to breathe it, to walk in it, to carry it with you wherever you go. This is the call to a lifestyle of prayer.

Paul exhorted the church in Colossae:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”(Colossians 4:2, NASB)

This is more than a command—it is an invitation to communion without interruption. To devote yourself to prayer is to become a person of deep, enduring faith, anchored in constant conversation with God. Are you visiting prayer, or are you living in it?

The Burning Incense: A Picture of Continuous Prayer

In the Tabernacle of Moses and later in the Temple of Solomon, a golden Altar of Incense stood before the veil of the Holy of Holies.

  • The incense was to burn continually before the Lord, day and night.(Exodus 30:7-8)
  • The smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people rising continually before His throne. (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4)
  • The priests tended the incense morning and evening, ensuring it never went out.

“May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The raising of my hands as the evening offering.” (Psalm 141:2, NASB)

The burning incense is a picture of a lifestyle of prayer. It is unceasing, continuous, and unwavering. Just as the incense rose day and night, your prayers should rise without interruption.

Why a Lifestyle of Prayer is So Powerful

1. Continuous Prayer Anchors You in God’s Presence

A lifestyle of prayer keeps you anchored in God’s presence. When you pray continually, you carry an awareness of His nearness, regardless of circumstance.

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB)

You are never truly alone when you live in continuous communion.

2. A Lifestyle of Prayer Empowers You with Spiritual Authority

Consistent prayer builds unshakeable faith. When prayer becomes your lifestyle, your words carry spiritual authority. You don’t just react to circumstances—you declare God’s will over them.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, NASB)

3. Consistent Prayer Keeps You Aligned with God’s Will

A lifestyle of prayer keeps your heart aligned with God’s desires. You don’t just seek answers—you seek His face. Prayer shapes you, molds you, and conforms you to His will.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NASB)

The Difference Between Occasional Prayer and a Lifestyle of Prayer

  • Occasional prayer is an event; a lifestyle of prayer is a continuous communion.
  • Occasional prayer seeks relief; a lifestyle of prayer seeks relationship.
  • Occasional prayer reacts to problems; a lifestyle of prayer proactively establishes God’s will.
  • Occasional prayer ends with “Amen”; a lifestyle of prayer never stops.

A lifestyle of prayer is about cultivating constant communication with God. It is about living in unceasing fellowship and uninterrupted communion.

How to Live a Lifestyle of Prayer

  • Pray throughout your day. Talk to God in every moment—whether in joy or struggle.
  • Cultivate thanksgiving. Keep a grateful heart, constantly acknowledging God’s goodness.
  • Pray the Word. Declare God’s promises in your prayers. Let His Word shape your language of faith.
  • Practice listening prayer. Allow moments of silence for God to speak.
  • Incorporate worship. Praise is prayer set to music—let worship fill your home, car, and heart.
  • Pray in the Spirit. Pray beyond your understanding, trusting the Holy Spirit to intercede through you.

Real-World Examples of a Lifestyle of Prayer

1. Brother Lawrence’s Unbroken Communion

Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, practiced “the presence of God” while working in the kitchen. He turned mundane tasks into moments of worship, living in continuous prayer. His life became a testimony of unbroken communion with God.

2. Susanna Wesley’s Prayer Legacy

Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, prayed continuously amidst raising ten children. She would cover her head with her apron, creating a secret place of prayer in the middle of chaos. Her lifestyle of prayer birthed a revival that changed nations.

3. The 24-7 Prayer Movement

Inspired by the Moravian prayer chain that lasted 100 years, the modern 24-7 Prayer Movement continues unbroken intercession worldwide. Their lifestyle of prayer fuels global revival.

A Call to Become a Person of Deep, Enduring Prayer

Are you just praying occasionally, or are you living in unbroken communion? God is calling you to a lifestyle of prayer—to be as incense rising before His throne day and night.

Will you commit to continuous prayer? Will you cultivate a heart that beats in rhythm with His? Become a person of deep, enduring prayer, and live in constant fellowship with the Almighty.

Let your life be the incense, your breath the prayer, and your heart the altar. Devote yourself to prayer, and let every moment become a sanctuary.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the call to live a lifestyle of prayer. Teach me to dwell in continuous communion with You. Let my heart be an altar and my words be incense rising before Your throne. I want to abide in Your presence, to walk in Your authority, and to live in unbroken fellowship. Let my life be a living prayer, and may every breath declare Your glory. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

How to Pray Aright: A Call to Earnest Prayer

Beloved, do you truly pray, or do you merely say words? Do the cries of your heart reach the ears of El Shaddai, or do your lips move without meaning? It is not enough to recite words; God listens to the cries of a soul that hungers for Him. To pray aright, one must have a heart fully invested in seeking God.

God hears the prayers of the sincere. If you pray out of duty or habit, without feeling your need for Him, your words are empty. It is as if you were speaking to the wind. The Almighty is moved by a heart that yearns for Him, a heart that recognizes its own need and humbles itself before His throne. As the Psalmist cried, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, NASB).

Let your prayers flow from the depths of your soul, not merely from your lips. Words without the heart fall to the ground unheard, but the cries of the humble pierce the heavens. It is written, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, NASB). If you pray aright, you will avoid merely echoing words that fade away, never reaching His presence.

Do not approach God with empty phrases or rehearsed lines. Come to Him with honesty, humility, and longing. Pour out your heart before Him, for He knows your thoughts before you speak them. He is not impressed by eloquence but moved by brokenness. He desires truth in the inmost being.

If your heart feels cold or distant, ask Him to teach you to pray. Cry out, “Lord, teach me what I need and show me how to pray! Stir my heart to seek You earnestly. Do not let me speak to You without feeling what I say.” This is the prayer He hears—the prayer of one who longs for Him. To truly seek Him, we must learn to pray aright.

Seek the face of Yeshua with all your heart. Lay your burdens before Him, not just with words but with genuine faith and dependence. Let your prayer be like incense rising before His throne, carried by a heart that loves Him. Remember His promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB).

Do not be satisfied with shallow prayers. Press in, seek more of Him, and pour out your soul before El Shaddai. He hears the earnest cry. Do not be content with hollow religion or empty rituals. Seek an encounter with the living God, for He is near to those who truly seek Him.

Let this be your prayer:

Father, draw me nearer. I need You more than words can express.
Teach me to pray with a heart that truly seeks You.
Awaken my soul to cry out for Your presence.
Let my prayers be real, my words be true, and my heart be Yours.
I long for more of You and less of me.
In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

Beloved, Pray Aright. Seek Him earnestly. God is near to those who call on Him in truth.

Effective Prayer

Dwelling in the Secret Place: Abiding in Constant Communion with God

The Power of Abiding Prayer

Prayer is not just an event—it is a dwelling place. Too often, prayer is reduced to moments of need or routine ritual, but God invites you into continuous communion. He calls you to abide, not visit; to dwell, not depart.

The psalmist understood this mystery:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NASB)

The secret place is not a location—it is a posture of the heart. It is the inner sanctuary where you live in constant awareness of God’s presence, walking in uninterrupted fellowship with the Almighty. Will you choose to dwell, not just visit?

The Tabernacle’s Holy of Holies: A Picture of Dwelling in the Secret Place

In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle was designed with three sections:

  • The Outer Court, where sacrifices were made.
  • The Holy Place, where priests ministered daily.
  • The Holy of Holies, the most sacred place, where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.

Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). But when Yeshua died on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), granting every believer access to the Most Holy Place.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Yeshua, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh.” (Hebrews 10:19-20, NASB)

The secret place is now open. It is not just a place to visit—it is a dwelling for those who live in constant communion with God.

Why Dwelling in the Secret Place Changes Everything

1. The Secret Place Shields You from the Enemy’s Attacks

In the secret place, the enemy cannot reach you. Just as the Holy of Holies was guarded by the presence of God, so are those who dwell in Him. The secret place is a fortress of divine protection.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7, NASB)

2. The Secret Place Cultivates Intimacy with God

Dwelling in the secret place is about relationship, not ritual. It is the place where you hear God’s voice, know His heart, and experience His love. True intimacy is born in constant communion.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, NASB)

3. The Secret Place Transforms Your Perspective and Faith

In the secret place, you see from Heaven’s perspective. When you abide under the shadow of the Almighty, you see battles already won, obstacles already removed, and victory already secured. Faith is birthed in the secret place.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NASB)

The Difference Between Dwelling and Visiting

  • Visiting is praying when in need; dwelling is living in constant communion.
  • Visiting sees prayer as a duty; dwelling sees prayer as a delight.
  • Visiting asks for God’s help; dwelling rests in God’s presence.
  • Visiting seeks a moment of peace; dwelling abides in perpetual protection and power.

Dwelling in the secret place is not about scheduling prayer times—it is about living in continuous awareness of God’s presence.

How to Dwell in the Secret Place

  • Create a sacred rhythm. Develop a daily habit of worship, prayer, and listening.
  • Practice God’s presence. Talk to God throughout the day, acknowledging His nearness.
  • Meditate on His Word. Let Scripture renew your mind and anchor your heart.
  • Guard your atmosphere. Avoid distractions that pull you out of communion.
  • Cultivate holy reverence. The secret place is sacred—honor His presence with awe.

A Call to Abide in Constant Communion

Are you visiting the secret place, or are you dwelling there? God does not call you to a one-time encounter—He invites you to abide under His shadow.

Will you make the secret place your home? Will you live in constant awareness of His presence? The door to the Holy of Holies is open—enter boldly, dwell deeply, and abide in constant communion with El Shaddai.

The secret place is waiting—will you live there?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the invitation to dwell in the secret place. I long to abide under Your shadow, to walk in constant communion with You. Teach me to live in Your presence, to hear Your voice, and to rest under Your protection. Let my heart be a sanctuary, and my life a continuous prayer. I choose to dwell, not visit. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

Listening Prayer: Tuning Your Heart to God’s Voice

The Power of Silence in Prayer

Prayer is not just about speaking—it is about listening. Too often, prayer becomes a monologue rather than a conversation. Yet the most powerful prayers are not the ones filled with words, but the ones spoken in silence and surrender. God still speaks. The question is, are you listening?

Young Samuel heard God’s voice but did not recognize it at first:

“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10, NASB)

In that moment, Samuel’s life changed forever. He learned the power of listening prayer—a posture of the heart that says, “Your will, not mine. Your words, not my own.”

The Still Small Voice: A Picture of Listening Prayer

When the prophet Elijah was overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, he longed to hear from God. He sought the voice of El Shaddai, but it did not come in the ways he expected:

  • Not in the great wind that tore through the mountains.
  • Not in the earthquake that shook the ground.
  • Not in the fire that blazed fiercely.

God spoke in a whisper— a still small voice.

“After the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13, NASB)

God speaks in the whisper because He is close. You do not shout to someone who is near. Listening prayer is about drawing close to God, silencing the noise, and hearing the whisper of His heart.

Why Listening Prayer is Essential for Spiritual Growth

1. Listening Prayer Aligns You with God’s Will

When you listen, you surrender control. Instead of presenting a list of demands, you align your heart with God’s purpose. Listening prayer leads to obedience, not just petitions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NASB)

2. Listening Prayer Breaks Through Confusion and Doubt

God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). When you feel lost or uncertain, His voice brings clarity and peace. Listening prayer silences the chaos and tunes your heart to divine direction.

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21, NASB)

3. Listening Prayer Cultivates Intimacy with God

You cannot know someone without listening to them. Prayer is not just about receiving answers—it is about knowing the heart of the Father. Listening prayer builds intimacy.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, NASB)

How to Practice Listening Prayer

  • Be still and quiet your mind. Silence the noise and distractions.
  • Invite God to speak. Pray, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
  • Wait with expectation. God speaks to the heart—through His Word, impressions, and gentle whispers.
  • Discern and confirm. Compare what you hear with Scripture. God never contradicts His Word.
  • Obey what you hear. Listening without obedience leads to stagnation. Faith grows in action.

A Call to Listen Beyond the Noise

Are you weary of one-sided prayers? Do you long to hear God’s voice clearly? The whisper of God is waiting in the quiet.

Will you silence the noise? Will you tune your heart to His voice? God is speaking—are you listening?

Prayer

Father, teach me to be still and to listen. Remove the distractions that drown out Your voice. I long to hear Your whisper, to know Your heart, and to follow Your leading. I surrender my agenda, my worries, and my fears. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

Persistent Prayer: Standing Firm Like the Tamarisk

The Power of Unwavering Prayer

Prayer is not a one-time act—it is a relentless pursuit of God’s presence. Persistent prayer is key. Too often, believers pray once, see no immediate answer, and assume God is silent. But Yeshua taught that true faith is persistent.

“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.” (Luke 18:1, NASB)

Just as the persistent widow refused to give up until justice was served (Luke 18:1-8), we are called to pray without ceasing. Real faith does not waver—it presses in, stands firm, and refuses to let go.

The Tamarisk Tree: A Symbol of Enduring Prayer

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba as a declaration of faith in El Olam, the Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). The tamarisk is no ordinary tree—it grows slowly, requiring years to reach maturity, yet it thrives in harsh conditions. It is a tree of endurance, a picture of persistent prayer.

Like the tamarisk, effective prayer is not about speed but about rootedness. God is not looking for fleeting prayers—He is looking for those who will stand firm, pressing in even when answers seem delayed.

Why Persistent Prayer Matters

1. It Aligns You with God’s Timing

God’s delays are not His denials. Just as the tamarisk tree grows year after year, your prayers are working even when you don’t see immediate results. Keep pressing in—He is moving in ways you cannot yet perceive.

“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay long.” (Habakkuk 2:3, NASB)

2. It Strengthens Your Faith

The persistent widow refused to stop knocking on the judge’s door. She knew persistence would bring justice. In the same way, every time you pray, your faith grows stronger. The waiting season is a training ground for unshakable faith.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12, NASB)

3. It Defeats the Enemy’s Strategies

The enemy wants you to give up. He wants you to believe your prayers are ineffective.But persistent prayer wears down the resistance of darkness. Every prayer is a declaration that you trust God more than your circumstances.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NASB)

How to Pray with Persistence

  • Commit to daily, unwavering prayer. Do not let feelings dictate your consistency.
  • Declare God’s promises. Pray His Word, believing His faithfulness.
  • Keep pressing in, even when the answer seems delayed. Faith is built in the waiting.
  • Surrender the outcome to God. Persistent prayer is not about forcing your will, but about aligning with His.

A Call to Press In

God is calling you to stand firm like the tamarisk tree, to pray without ceasing, to hold fast in faith. Your prayers are not wasted. Every cry, every whisper, every petition is seen by El Olam, the Everlasting God.

Will you persist? Will you knock again? Will you trust that even when you see nothing, God is still working?

Prayer

Father, teach me to pray with endurance. Let my prayers be like the tamarisk tree—deeply rooted, unwavering, and steadfast through every season. Strengthen my faith to press in even when I see no immediate answer. Help me to trust Your timing, to persevere, and to believe that You are working in ways beyond my understanding. I refuse to give up—I will stand firm in prayer, trusting in Your promises. In the mighty name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

Deeply Rooted: Praying with Unshakable Faith

The Strength of a Deeply Rooted Prayer Life

Your faith was never meant to be shallow. God calls you to be deeply rooted—anchored in Him, unwavering in the storm. But too often, prayer is treated like a last resort rather than a foundation. Praying with unshakable faith can help you stand firm when trials come, rather than withering under pressure.

The righteous are described in Scripture as trees planted by streams of water:

“He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3, NASB)

This is the kind of prayer life you are called to have—one that flourishes, bears fruit, and remains unshaken no matter the season. This comes from praying with faith that is unshakable.

Shallow Prayers Cannot Withstand the Storm

Too many believers pray reactively instead of proactively. They seek God only when a crisis arises, but a life built on shallow prayers will collapse when the winds of hardship blow. Yeshua warned against this:

“And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matthew 7:26, NASB)

Shallow faith leads to shaky prayers. But when your roots are deep in God’s presence, no storm can uproot you. Your prayers become more than just cries for help—they become declarations of faith, grounded in the unchanging promises of El Olam, the Everlasting God, with unshakable faith.

How to Develop a Deeply Rooted Prayer Life

1. Plant Yourself in God’s Word

Just as a tree draws life from the soil, your faith is nourished by Scripture. Prayer and the Word cannot be separated. When you pray, speak God’s promises—declare them over your life. Let His truth anchor you as you pray with unshakable faith.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8, NASB)

2. Pray with Persistence, Not Just Emotion

A deeply rooted prayer life is not dependent on feelings. You pray because God is faithful, not because you feel inspired. Abraham waited for decades for God’s promise, yet he did not waver in faith (Romans 4:20). Like the tamarisk tree, which takes years to mature, persistent prayer develops endurance and strength, reflecting praying with faith that is unwavering.

3. Remain in His Presence Daily

Trees planted by water do not uproot themselves. Stay planted in God’s presence. Do not treat prayer as a one-time act—let it be the constant flow of your life. The secret place is where strength is built.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4, NASB)

4. Trust the Growth Process

The strongest trees grow over time, their roots deepening through years of nourishment and endurance. The same is true of your faith. God is developing something in you even when you don’t see immediate results. Keep praying with unshakable faith. Keep pressing in. Your roots are growing.

A Call to Stand Firm

God is looking for those who will pray with unwavering faith. Not those who bend with every trial, but those who remain deeply rooted in Him. Will you be one of them? Will you choose to stand firm in prayer, trusting that your faith is being strengthened even now?

Your prayers today are not just for the present—they are seeds of faith planted for the future. Like a tree by the river, you will not be moved. Commit to praying with an unshakable faith, and see how God moves in your life.

Prayer

Father, plant me deep in You. Let my prayer life be rooted in faith, unshaken by circumstances. Teach me to pray beyond emotion, beyond convenience, with endurance and persistence. May I be like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season. Strengthen me, Lord, that I may stand firm, anchored in Your Word and abiding in Your presence. I trust in You, my Everlasting God. In Yeshua’s name, Amen. Let me always be praying with unshakable faith.

See Also:

Effective Prayer

The Heart of Prayer: Encountering God in Prayer, Not Just His Hand

Why Seeking God’s Presence Matters in Prayer

You were created for intimate fellowship with God. Prayer is not just about asking for blessings—it’s about encountering El Shaddai, the Almighty One. Too often, prayer turns into a list of demands rather than a pursuit of His presence. But the most powerful, life-changing prayers are those that focus on encountering God in prayer to seek His presence, not just what He can give.

Yeshua taught this when He said:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9, NASB)

Before asking for anything, prayer should begin with worship. When you prioritize God’s presence, your faith grows, your burdens lighten, and your spirit aligns with His will.

Why Encountering God in Prayer Changes Everything

From the beginning, God’s desire has been fellowship. In Genesis 3:8, He walked with Adam in the garden. He longs for the same closeness with you today.

Moses understood this. Though he witnessed miracles, his greatest desire was more of God. He prayed:

“Now then, if I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You.” (Exodus 33:13, NASB)

Do you pray like this? Or have your prayers become focused on solutions rather than encountering God in prayer?

Prayer Is About Relationship, Not Just Requests

When you truly seek God’s presence in prayer, everything changes:

  • Fear turns to faith. When you focus on Him, worry loses its grip.
  • Peace fills your heart. His presence is greater than any storm.
  • Your desires align with His. Instead of asking for your will, you long for His.

David declared:

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.”(Psalm 27:4, NASB)

One thing. Not wealth, not comfort, not success—just God.

The Power of Encountering God’s Presence

Want to experience deeper, more powerful prayer? Make seeking God’s presence your priority. Embrace the journey and commit to encountering God in prayer day by day.

  1. Begin with Worship – Lift your voice in praise. Thank Him for who He is before asking for anything.
  2. Pray for More of Him – Like Moses, ask God to reveal His ways so you can know Him more.
  3. Be Still Before Him – Silence the distractions. Listen for His voice. Prayer is a two-way conversation.
  4. Desire God Above All Else – Say with David, “One thing I ask… to dwell in Your presence.”
tamarisk tree

Prayer is not just about the present moment—it is about establishing a lasting foundation in God’s presence. When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, he wasn’t just marking land; he was declaring trust in El Olam, the Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). The tamarisk tree grows slowly, requiring deep roots and endurance—just like an effective prayer life. When you seek God’s presence rather than just His hand, you plant something that will outlast your immediate needs. Your prayers today are not just for now; they are seeds for future encounters with God, shaping your faith for years to come.Will you press deeper, building a prayer life that stands the test of time?

How to Encounter God in Prayer

Prayer is not a formula. It is the lifeline of your relationship with God. The most powerful prayer is not one that demands miracles but one that says, “Lord, I just want You.” Encountering God in prayer will transform your prayer life.

Will you seek Him today? Will you return to the secret place, not for what He can do, but just to be with Him?

Prayer

Abba Father, forgive me for seeking Your hand before seeking Your face. You alone are what my soul longs for. Teach me to pray like Moses, to desire to know You more than anything else. Let my heart burn for Your presence, to gaze upon Your beauty, and to walk in deep communion with You. Draw me closer, Lord. I want You—more of You and less of me. In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

See Also