The Heart Journal

Pray About Everything (Pastor Ryan)

Have you ever had moments where you felt like life was going to be really hard? Maybe moments where you felt like the day ahead was going to be impossible to tackle. Or maybe you have things in your life—personal things, physical things, or circumstances—that you already know are going to be a hassle.

I’ve had many of those days, but there’s one day I’ll never forget.

It may seem small to some people. Some may overlook it and not think much about it, but I did—and I won’t forget it for anything.

Early on in my marriage, I cut grass on the side a couple of days a week. One particular day, I was getting ready to go get my trailer, which I kept at a storage unit. At the time, I had a single-cab 1999 Chevy Silverado. I loved that truck. As a matter of fact, it was one of my first vehicles.

I got in that truck, went to start it, and it wouldn’t start.

Now, I’m a no mechanic… and by mechanic, I mean I have no idea in the slightest how to fix or work on cars!

But the only thing I knew to do was get out, place both of my hands on the hood of that truck, and say, “Lord, please give me one more year to use this truck to pull my equipment around.”

I got back in my truck, and you know what?

It started right up.

And you know what’s even better? The Lord didn’t just give me one more year. He gave me two.

I say all that to say this: Prayer is important.

I heard it said once, “Much is lost when we don’t pray.” -Charles Spurgeon

I don’t know a lot, and I’m never going to pretend like I do. But there’s one thing I do know: I can completely trust my Heavenly Father.

Thankfully, my truck started up the first time after I prayed. But what if it didn’t?

I would have prayed about finding the right mechanic to take care of my truck. I would have prayed and asked God, “Show me what I need to do next.”

Maybe you’re at a crossroads today. Maybe you’re struggling with something. Maybe you’ve been dealing with something for years and you don’t know what to do.

Can I encourage you? Pray about it.

I’ve often had people come to me and ask, “Ryan, can you help me pray for this?”

And I’ve responded, “Have you prayed? Have you asked God?”

Scripture tells us to pray about everything.

Philippians 4:4-7 “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead,pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Are you praying about everything, or are you praying about some things while deciding that other things don’t seem important or significant enough to pray for?

I want to tell you today: on the scale of prayer, every request is absolutely something we need to pray for.

Whatever it is today—maybe you’re praying for a relationship. Maybe you’re praying for your kids. Maybe you’re praying for a new job. Maybe you’re just praying to get closer to the Lord.

Can I tell you in the simplest form? Pray about it.

Don’t make it complicated. Just pray.

Pray this with me:

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me when I don’t trust You with something.

Help me to lean on You.

Help me to pray about everything.

I trust You, Jesus, even when the circumstances don’t turn out like I want them to.

Help me to always trust You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.