Prayers that Move Mountains

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10 (NIV)

“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea’, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” Mark 11: 22-24 (ESV)

Only God can move mountains, but we have the privilege of moving the heart of God through prayer. 

God is always good and He desires to bless us beyond our imagination. When we pray fervently into His goodness, God is delighted to graciously give us more. God is always working out His best for us, even moving mountains we may not see.

Daniel’s prayers moved mountains. He was mighty and faithful in prayer throughout his life. Understanding the righteous and unchanging character of God, Daniel trusted His word and His promises. His confidence rested not in his prayers, but in the One who answers prayer. Daniel demonstrated his humble posture in prayer on his knees with reverent submission to the Most High God. Surrendering to God, he was completely open to hear what God was saying to him. Daniel prevailed in prayer by depending on God for wisdom and strength, persevering until the answers came and trusting God with the results.

To remain faithful in prayer like Daniel without giving up, it becomes necessary for us to spend time separated from the world’s distractions. By committing to being consistent in setting apart daily time alone with the Lord, we’re showing Him that our heart is open to His. Then when we pray, hope fills us with the assurance of the Lord’s presence. We may enjoy His fellowship in the early morning hours, in the evening, or maybe even during the night watches when He reminds us to seek Him and trust His promises. Jeremiah 33:3 is a powerful Scripture at 3:33 a.m.!

Being faithful in prayer is a sacrifice rooted in Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Just as He gave up everything when He prayed in the garden, “Your will be done,” so we must also give ourselves up to God. When we come to a place of surrender, so grateful for God’s grace to us, we begin to discover what He wants and are given the strength to prevail. As we persist in prayer in agreement with His will and wait patiently, we learn more deeply about God’s grace. Perhaps we are praying for a loved one to surrender to Jesus, so we watch and wait expectantly for God to move this mountain through prayer.

Whether an answer is delayed for 21 days (Daniel 10:13) or for 32 years, the answer that comes may be more than we could have asked for or imagined. So in the waiting, keep praying confidently that God hears. Keep watching expectantly for His good plans to unfold. Keep trusting in His power to move mountains. His timing is always perfect in our lives.

Our God Hears,

Barb Wibling

Subscribe via RSS

Throne of Grace

“Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2 (ESV)

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

“Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal … Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.’” Revelation 4:6, 8 (NIV)

The course of history was changed by two courageous and humble intercessors of extraordinary prayer. Recognizing their divine appointments as a kairos window of opportunity, Esther and Nehemiah obediently stepped into the call to intercede on behalf of others. God demonstrated His grace by granting these godly children the unexpected favor of two powerful Persian kings. Their prayers resulted in God’s people being delivered from destruction and, about 30 years later, Judah experienced a spiritual awakening.

As the Lord’s redeemed, we can freely enter the King’s presence with limitless access. Recognizing the truth that God is sovereign, and that all things and people are subject to His authority, we come into His presence in the hope that He always holds out His grace to us and, in His mercy, receives us. Partnering with the Lord, we trust in the powerful promise that the Spirit and the Son are interceding for us. (Romans 8:26, 34) Lovingly bringing the burdens of others to God’s throne, our prayers become one with His, as we seek His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In living to please God by listening to His still, small voice, we grow in the knowledge that our intercession is used powerfully by God to show forth His glory.

Covered with garments of salvation and clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), we will be gathered one day in Heaven with all the saints. Standing on the vast sea of glass before the throne of unfathomable grace, we’ll be in the presence of the Father and Jesus, worshiping them forever. In the lyrics of his 1779 hymn, John Newton wrote, 

“Behold the throne of grace! Your promise calls me near:

There Jesus shows a smiling face and waits to answer prayer.”

Therefore, let’s keep filling up Heaven’s golden bowls of incense with our prayers of intercession. (Revelation 5:8)

Our God Hears, 

Barb Wibling

Subscribe via RSS

Delighting in the Word

“Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

“When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)

God sent the Word and, through Him, all the families of the earth were blessed. Jesus modeled being anchored in Scripture by using it powerfully. (Luke 4:1-13) When we choose to feast on His Word, we gain insight into the heart and mind of Jesus. Embracing the hidden place of sweet communion with our Savior, we’re not only filled with joy, but we also learn to discern His Word.

Isn’t it fascinating how the same verse from a morning quiet time will cascade throughout the day? When the Holy Spirit illuminates a word, we want more. The more we abide in the Word with steadfast devotion, the more confidently we take up the Sword of the Spirit to intercede for others. Often, the Lord brings a word to mind that ministers His hope and reassurance to encourage someone. Are you waiting for a word from the Lord? Keep looking to the Word and keep listening. You don’t want to miss it!

When the truths of the Living Word are written deeply on our hearts, then we will thrive like trees with roots reaching deeply into the Living Water. No matter what life’s seasons bring us, we will remain hopeful and confident, standing on the truth of Scripture. By continually producing fruit by His Spirit working in and through us, we’ll impact lives for His Kingdom. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

-Barb Wibling

Subscribe via RSS

Jesus is the Life Gate

“Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.” Psalm118:19-21 (NKJV)

“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 (NLT)

Jesus came to liberate us by providing the way for us to come to the Father. We have freedom to come in and go out so that we “may have life, and have it until it overflows.” (John 10:10) 

Is your heart burning with love for Him for all He has done?

As we enjoy His holy presence, God’s deepest things are revealed to us by His Spirit. We are empowered to pray confidently, approaching His throne of grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16). But are we willing to invest our time and tears in sacrificial prayer? When we prevail in prayer to discover His will, are we willing to obey whatever He tells us?

During the planning of a 1954 evangelist crusade in London, England, Billy Graham’s team faced giant opposition. Instead of succumbing to discouragement, Billy Graham fought the battle on his knees. Written by one of New England’s prolific hymn writers, Fanny Crosby, “To God Be the Glory” was suggested for the event. This hymn, describing Jesus as the “life gate,” became the crusade’s theme song. The Lord answered the prayers of His people by extending the crusade for three months, sparking a revival-like reaction in England. 

May our thankful hearts unite in adoration for Jesus the life gate, as we joyfully sing the hymn’s refrain: “… O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done.”

Barb Wibling

Subscribe via RSS

Holy Fire

Photograph by Barb Wibling

“When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple … When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD saying: For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1,3 (NKJV)

“Keep the fire burning on the altar continuously. It must not go out.” Leviticus 6:13 (MSG)

Throughout history, God has demonstrated His approval of people devoted to prayer by sending fire from Heaven. At the dedication of the Temple, this fire burned continuously under the altar of burnt offering, symbolic of God’s presence. Are your hearts burning as you seek Him in prayer and worship?

God lights the fire when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and then He tends it so that we will grow in grace as we walk with Him. We can also do our part to cultivate an awareness of His presence in our lives. By sitting often in silence, stoking the embers with His Word, and by seeking Him regularly in solitude, our hearts become one with His, and we can pray without ceasing. If our hidden life with His inner fire is cared for faithfully, it can offer warmth and light to others. Spending frequent time alone with Jesus gives birth to compassion, and we discover our life is a gift to be shared.

The Lord is calling us to carry the holy fire of His presence to the lost of our generation for His glory. Let’s set apart seasons to pursue His power passionately in extraordinary worship and prayer with gratitude for His goodness and grace. Then may there be fire on the altar of our hearts that never goes out.

Barb Wibling

Subscribe via RSS