Stop Pushing, Start Praying

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Audio:  https://youtube.com/shorts/i1X9-Tcy8-M?si=0Y8KcHbtasOqJU52


You will accomplish more in people by praying for them than by giving unsolicited advice.


We often feel the pressure to fix, to correct, to guide. Words come easily. Solutions rush in. But sometimes, in our desire to help, we forget the most powerful thing we can do: pray.


Advice may reach the ears, but prayer touches the heart.


James 5:16b says,  “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

That’s the key to powerful prayer: fervency and righteousness.  Not just saying words, but praying with fire and living a life that is right with God.  Doing both will accomplish more than a thousand well-meaning words spoken to people.

This is something I’ve seen in my own life.  I used to share advice often, even when my intentions were good. I realized even when my words were heard, but they are rarely acted upon. And I began to ask myself, What if my advice isn’t God’s perfect will?  That’s a serious risk. Even well-meant counsel can be dangerous if it leads someone away from what God truly wants.


Now, I’ve learned a better way.  I start with Scripture. I filter my thoughts through it.  And then I bring everything to God in prayer.  And many times after praying, I say nothing at all. And somehow, God works.  He softens hearts. He opens doors. He brings conviction.  And I’m left standing in quiet awe, knowing I did nothing and He did everything.


That is the beauty of surrender.  When we stop trying to be the answer, we make room for God to be the answer.


One effectual fervent prayer can do what all our pushing never will. 

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