Courage to Pray

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — 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 to enter 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

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

2. Read Psalm 139:23-24. 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

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Jim Burns

Jim Burns is founder of HomeWord. He speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has close to 2 million resources in print in 20 languages. He primarily writes and speaks on the values of HomeWord, which are: Strong Marriages, Confident Parents, Empowered Kids, and Healthy Leaders. Some of his most popular books are: Confident Parenting, The Purity Code, Creating an Intimate Marriage, Closer, and Doing Life with Your Adult Children. Jim and his wife, Cathy, live in Southern California and have three grown daughters, Christy, Rebecca, and Heidi; three sons-in-law, Steve and Matt, and Andy; and three grandchildren, James, Charlotte and Huxley.

  • About HomeWord

    HomeWord helps families succeed by creating Biblical resources that build strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids and healthy leaders. Founded by Jim Burns, HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches. Learn More »

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