Prayer

July 5, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Thirsting for God

Thirsting for God

“I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.” (Psalm 63:1 NIV)

Knowing Jesus isn’t an activity. It is a state of being. In this Psalm, David’s physical setting reminds him of his spiritual setting. He’s in the desert of Judah, “a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (v. 1b)

He looks around him. Desolation. He looks inside. Desolation. In his thirstful desperation, he says that his whole being longs for God.

Have you ever gone so long without water that your mind and body dissipated? Maybe just the other day in the heat of summer. The further you drift into that state, the more helpless you feel. And when you realize you don’t have a water source nearby, panic starts to set in.

I used to live in Colorado Springs, well over a mile-high elevation. The altitude and dryness sucked the water right out of my body. Pouring bottles of water down my throat was necessary for survival.

If I went without my H2O, it would take just minutes for the effects to set in. First, my mental sharpness and concentration would begin to fail. Then I’d feel achy. Before I knew it, I was becoming dehydrated. My attitude would change, too. I’d be cranky. All because I wasn’t hydrated.

Finally, when I’d remembered to grab a drink of water, I’d guzzle down two or three glasses out of the tap (the water in Colorado is delicious). Slowly, my senses would return. My mind and body would return to normal.

God gave us physical thirst to remind us how much we need him.

Just like we can’t take a sip of water here and there in the desert, we can’t take a sip of Jesus on occasion. We need to be all in and satisfy our thirst for Jesus always.

We must constantly come to the well. Come to Jesus, your Living Water.

The more you do, the more you will know him.

You thirst. You thirst for God. You thirst for God with a longing soul. Those are facts. Wonderful facts. Recognize why you’re thirsting and dive into a precious, loving encounter with Jesus. Today. Tomorrow. The next day.

Read Psalm 63:1-8. Think about each verse. Picture David speaking to God. Imagine him being in the desert of Judah as a visual reminder of his thirsty soul. Put yourself in his sandals. And cry out to God with your longing, thirsty soul.

November 17, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Rest and Prayer

Rest and Prayer

Are you on the go so much that you don’t have time for prayer? Not quick prayers, but uninterrupted time with God. When you discover the richness of prayer, you’ll know the richness of rest, too.

When we pray, we release our concerns to God. We praise him for who he is. We confess sin. We thank him. We turn our hearts to him. Instead of our tasks becoming our focus, prayer is at the center. The thought of this is restful.

Rest is more than a physical thing. It’s spiritual, too.

I’ve been traveling the past three days and, I must admit, my prayer life has suffered. My practice of rest has suffered, too, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

This morning, I finally had calm, uninterrupted time with God. I was able to pray without a deadline, read the Word slowly, worship God and simply sit before the Lord. It was restful. I felt as if I were breathing again.

This prayer time helped me get perspective. I came away with a better picture of who God is and sensed a greater confidence in him. God was bigger and the world was smaller.

Something special happens when we close ourselves off from life and retreat with God.

When you rest with God in prayer, worries and anxieties diminish. Being in the presence of God chases away those feelings. If they don’t fade away, then you need more time with God. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

Knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the God of the universe cares for you should chase away any anxiety you have.

Resting with God in prayer also takes the focus off yourself. We get caught up in ourselves with our worries. Prayer is the antidote to that. When I prayed this morning, I began lifting the needs of others before God. Soon I was far away from my own concerns. I was waging a spiritual battle on behalf my friends and family members.

Resting with God in prayer grows your faith. As you praise God for who he is, thank him for his blessings and turn your requests over to him, the Holy Spirit builds your faith. Being in the presence of God without a lot of baggage strengthens your faith.

I don’t know how you’re doing in practicing rest. I’ve missed a handful of days in my 66-day challenge. But I keep coming back, experiencing more consistency in practicing rest. I encourage you to stick with it.

Spend time with God in restful prayer instead of rushing prayer. I know you’ll develop the habit of rest we’ve been considering during our 30-day focus together. Empty yourself to God, casting all your cares on him. Be consumed with who he is. Enjoy quiet fellowship with him. It will change your day.

(From my new devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Rest. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

June 19, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Spontaneous Prayer

Spontaneous Prayer

I got into my car. Instead of listening to the radio or a podcast on my way to work, I chose silence.

It felt good.

Today I was moved to pray while I drove. I’d had a decent prayer time with the Lord earlier, but I felt that something was missing. There was a sense of incompletion. Soon I realized that for the first time this morning, I was really connecting with God.

You might know what I mean. God taps you on your spiritual shoulder and you’re drawn to him to pray. This morning, God brought a lot of people to mind who needed prayer. One by one, I slowly and quietly prayed for them.

He could have moved me in a different direction. I might have spent time releasing burdens to him. Or used the drive to praise him. Or let him examine my heart. That’s happened before.

Today, though, it was prayer for others. And it felt good. I was drawn into their situations and needs. From my heart, I gave them to God. Salvation for some, healing for others. Faith for one person. Clear direction for another. One by one, I lifted their needs to the Lord.

I call this “spontaneous prayer.” We all need it. Our relationship with God can’t be put in a box. When the Lord wants to meet with us, we should respond. It’s an invitation for a rich time of fellowship with him.

Perhaps my prayer time had become too ritualistic. I make it a habit to start the day in prayer and Bible study, but I don’t take that attitude of prayer with me throughout the day. Today was different.

Do you need to break away from your prayer rituals and be more spontaneous?

We are reminded to “pray continually.” (I Thessalonians 5:15 NIV). That’s not a suggestion. It’s a loving command. When we do, we’re connecting with God throughout the day. We’re sensitive to his leading and we come face to face with him more often. We converse with God and dive into our relationship with him.

When I arrived at work, I felt like I had inhaled 100% oxygen. My spirit was refreshed. I was more relaxed. I felt like I had responded to God and had intimately communicated with him. Indeed I had.

Let your prayer life flow into our day. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Then respond. It doesn’t have to be on a half hour drive to work. It could be on the way to pick up the kids or walking to a meeting. It might be at lunch or in line at the store. God is there, waiting for you to talk with him. This is an important ingredient of incredible prayer. 

(Enjoy a rich, intimate relationship with God. Experience my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats on Amazon).

June 4, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Prayer and Hope

Prayer and Hope

A father and husband in Pakistan had lost everything. His family was destitute. He had even started borrowing money and the debt grew to more than he could repay. He sold everything he dared and still his family’s financial life was hopeless. So hopeless that he and his wife decided to take poison one night to commit suicide. They would also feed the poison to their two children.

The man turned on the radio for background noise before taking the poison. What happened next was miraculous. The Christian announcer began talking about suicide and urged listeners not to do it. The man and his wife listened. For the first time in many months, they had a glimmer of hope as they heard about the One who could give them hope – Jesus.

They didn’t commit suicide that night. Or ever. In fact, after listening for many days to that station, they came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Hope keeps us alive.

If life is beating you up right now, there’s hope. The Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so you could have yours. In fact, he said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Satan wants to steal your joy and kill your hope. When you believe his lies, you lose perspective. Your problems overwhelm you. A crisis owns you. Emotionally, you spiral down. For our friend in Pakistan, this went on for months, to the point that he wanted to end it all for himself and his family.

Your situation may not be as bad as his, but you may be tired of walking around overcome by a heavy heart. You’re ready for a change.

God is a God of miracles. He can lift you out of your despair and snatch you from the one who wants to destroy you. Jesus promises a life of fulness. That means one of contentment, joy, peace and satisfaction. One where you connect to God in a fresh way. Whatever has taken away your hope will be dealt with by God so you can experience him.

Is your hope in Jesus? Not only for your salvation, but for your daily life? Can you give him those things that have taken away your hope? Can you take your eyes off today and consider your eternal destiny with God?

The big picture is that “we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13 NIV) You and I will spend eternity with Jesus and witness his glory. That’s an incredible thing to look forward to.

For this moment, in this trying season, God is right there with you. Psalm 55:22 has these assuring words, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you.” (NIV)

The Lord will give you hope now, and he is your hope for eternity. That’s good news.

Spend time today casting your cares on God. Turn to Jesus and invite him to replace your despair with his hope. He offers you life to the full.

(Experience a fresh intimacy with God in prayer in my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats on Amazon).

April 12, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Prayer for Your Family

Prayer for Your Family

Oops. I forgot to pray for my wife today. In fact, it’s been several days. And our kids, too. Then there’s our grandkids. I haven’t prayed for them either.

Can you relate to my confession? We forget to pray for our own family members. Don’t beat yourself up over it. You can change that.

When you pray for your family, you’re having a more powerful impact on their lives than perhaps any other person. You probably know them better than anyone else and can pray in detailed ways that others can’t. While their friends pray for the obvious things, you can go to a deeper level with God.

What are some of the deep needs your family members are facing today? If they’re with you in your home, sit down and have a conversation. Find out what they are dealing with. Let them talk freely. You’re not on a mission to get prayer requests. You’re discovering what’s on their heart that can begin to be on your heart in prayer.

Often, we detect prayer needs in casual conversations with family members or simply by observing them. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and how he brings things to your attention.

If you have family members who don’t live with you anymore, give them a call. Catch up with them. Let them know that you’re praying for them. That will encourage them and it could be exactly what they need at the moment.

As you engage in prayer for your family, ask them for updates about those requests from time to time. Of course, if you’re praying for sensitive things you’ve noticed but they haven’t shared, you may not want to ask for an update. Just keep observing and praying.

It helps to write things down so you’re not just praying general prayers. People who came to Jesus for help were very specific about their needs. Be specific in your prayers for your family.

As you pray, your love and care for your family members will grow. You’re investing your time and heart in them. God will bring you closer to them.

One of the ways you can stay consistent is to write their names and requests in a prayer journal, notepad or index card. Or it could be as simple as a list on your phone. Half the battle is remembering. These ways will help.

Your family members have been given to you by God. No matter what quirkiness there may be, or even estrangement, you have the opportunity to bless them through prayer. Watch God change their lives. And yours.

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available on Amazon.)

March 18, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Christ-Centered Prayer

Christ-Centered Prayer

Do you want your prayer life to be personally empowering and refreshing? Let me recommend Christ-centered prayer.

Hey Jon, aren’t all our prayer supposed to be Christ-centered? Sure, but that doesn’t mean they are.

We can go into prayer two ways. The first is with our needs in the spotlight. The second is with Jesus in the spotlight. There are times when we should lead with our needs, especially when they’re urgent or heavy on our heart. God wants us to come to him openly, for he is our Father.

When your prayer life is Christ-centered, there will be a marked difference in how you come away from your encounters with God. Let’s use today as an example.

I know you’ve got some things to bring to God. Prayer requests of your own and of others. That’s good. We should be doing that.

However, how about starting differently? Let’s begin with Christ. Recognize his presence as you come to the throne of God. Acknowledge him. Honor him. Thank him for being there with you in this time of prayer. Spend a few minutes letting your mind get lost in the thought that the God of the universe has taken time to be present. It’s remarkable. He’s got a big universe to run, but he always has time for you.

That thought is empowering! You’re calling on the One who spoke creation into existence.

Next, talk to Jesus about himself. Recognize and honor him for who he is. He is your Savior, the Living Word, Son of the Most High God, King, Sovereign Lord, Love, Emmanuel (God with us) and so much more.

Are you starting to get excited? Is your focus shifting? Is your spirit being refreshed?

Now bring Jesus your needs but do it in a Christ-centered way. Here’s how. Instead of starting with you, start with him. You’re already focused on Jesus, so continue that way.

Notice the difference. You could pray, “Lord Jesus, I need your wisdom for a couple of big issues today. I’ve got some tough decisions to make.”

Instead, you could pray another way. “Lord Jesus, you are the all-wise God. You’re all-knowing. Praise you for that. Please give me your wisdom today, that I might bring you glory in some really hard decisions I’m facing. I trust in you, not in my own understanding.”

There’s power when Jesus is at the center of your prayers. Instead of focusing on “I” and “me,” focus on “You.” That You is Jesus. And that’s Christ-centered prayer.

If you want your prayer life to be energizing and empowering, enjoying Jesus in a fresh way, then begin your times with God, centering on Jesus.

(From my new devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer, available on Amazon).


March 6, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Prayer and Faith

Prayer and Faith

(My new devotional has just released, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. May God use it to change lives, perhaps yours. This post is an excerpt from the devo).

Do we pray because we have faith, or do we have faith because we pray? That might be too much of a mind-twister if you’re reading this before your morning coffee.

Imagine being the father in Mark 9 whose son was demon-possessed. Things were so severe that since childhood the demon had harassed the boy, even throwing him often into the fire. This dad lived in complete horror I’m sure, watching his self-destructive son act out for years. Any bit of faith had to be gone.

Enter Jesus. He interviews the father about his son, and in an instant, commands the demon to leave the boy. The demon violently exits and leaves the boy lying there like a corpse. Jesus then takes him by the hand and brings the boy to his feet.

At that moment, the father was caught between two worlds, faith and no-faith. He shouted to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

That’s a confusing statement. I’m sure this dad was so beside himself he didn’t really know what he believed. After seeing Jesus do the miracle and his son returning to a normal life, his faith was a mile high. That’s what I call “adrenaline faith.” He saw Jesus do a miracle and it carried his faith to a new level — temporarily I’m sure.

Adrenaline faith doesn’t last long. It depends on seeing God work. We go from blessing to blessing and our faith follows. It’s a tough way to live.

We really want deep, steady faith. Instead of being tied to God’s blessings, it’s tied to God himself. Rather it being an experience connected to God’s workings, it’s about experiencing God himself.

That comes by spending time with God. And that’s what prayer is all about. You and God enjoying each other. You speak to him and then listen as he speaks to your heart.

The Holy Spirit strengthens your relationship with God as you develop a habit of prayer. Your faith grows. Instead of a mile high like the dad, a mile deep. Your faith will be well-rooted.

Let’s go back to my opening question, “Do we pray because we have faith, or do we have faith because we pray?” The answer is, “Yes.”

It’s a cycle. Your faith feeds your prayer life. Your prayer life feeds your faith. It’s far from the adrenaline faith the dad was experiencing. Your faith will be deeply rooted because you’re spending time with God.

A benefit of your prayer life is that you’ll see God answer your prayers. That will also grow your faith. But, rather than it being one dramatic instance, you’ll see God work consistently.

Try it. Go to God. Pray. Watch him work. In your heart and around you.

Available on Amazon.
March 1, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on God Cares

God Cares

I can break things, but I’m terrible at fixing. In my house growing up, we had two tools: a hammer and a screwdriver. I think that’s the root of my problem.

However, in life, I try to step in and be a fixer. And I’m just as bad as I am with tools. I’m much better off when I turn to the Father.

Oh, how excellent it is to trust a great and mighty God with all our cares. He is all-powerful, sovereign, faithful, loving, eternal and King. This is so wonderful to know. And even better to believe.

Are you feeling overwhelmed these days by the serious needs of people in your life? If you’re a fixer or worrier, then you might find yourself trying to make things right instead of laying these needs before the Lord. The tendency to fix leads to anxiety and frustration. Uncertainty.

Move from being a fixer to exercising faith as you pray. Trust God with those on your heart today.

Someone who needs healing?

A loved one who is addicted?

A relationship that is badly damaged?

A hurting soul that needs hope?

A friend who faces prison?

You can’t fix these things or these people. God is the solution. Bring these needs to the One who owns the universe and is bigger than all the problems of the world combined. What a joy to know that God waits for you to come to his throne with everything, big and small.

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV)

You may be facing a monumental challenge yourself today. You might be the one who needs healing, hope or freedom. The Lord waits for you. Cease striving and fixing. Bring your biggest pains to him at the altar. Drop them there as you drop to your knees.

You know a God who cares. He loves you and offers himself to you. As you seek help, seek him. Throw yourself into his arms. Your Savior died for you. He not only cares for your soul, but he cares for the total you.

“. . . casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7 ESV)

As you give God the weight of the intense burdens that you’re bearing, you’ll experience his liberation. Cling to him in prayer.

Whether it’s for the needs of others or yourself, move from fixing to faith.

(From my new devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Releasing this week on Amazon)

February 16, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Facing Your Giant

Facing Your Giant

Is there a giant in your life that has you paralyzed? The Israelites faced a real giant that immobilized them. His name was Goliath and he stood seven feet tall. David took care of him with one smooth stone to the forehead.  

Your giant may not be a person, but it has you paralyzed by fear or another crippling emotion. What comes to mind when you think of your giant?

While David’s conquering story is remarkable, there’s someone else in the Bible who faced an even bigger giant. That person was Jesus and his giant was the cross.

Jesus agonized over facing his giant. This was not a challenge he wanted to meet. He did it out of obedience, but he almost backed out.

Let’s visit that pivotal hour in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus experienced a dark, pounding heaviness. Jesus’ words to the disciples capture his emotions clearly, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:38 NIV)

Jesus was so overcome that “he fell on his face and prayed.” (Matthew 26:39 ESV). I can picture his legs giving out as he dropped to the ground. He was not on his knees, but on his face, a picture of desperation. This was a deep, agonizing, all-out prayer to his Father.

Jesus knew what lay ahead. The cross, where he would bear the weight and pain of the sin of all mankind. It was a giant he couldn’t face alone and one he so dearly wanted to walk away from.

Then came one of the most quoted lines in all of Scripture, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 NIV) He prayed this once, then came back to God a second time with the same excruciating prayer. And even a third time as the Bible describes drops of sweat like blood falling from his forehead. That’s how big a giant the cross was for Jesus. 

Can you imagine the groaning, crying and soul-wrenching that happened in that garden in his prayers? Jesus poured his soul out to his Father. It took this pouring out for him to arise and face the giant of the cross just hours away.

We can learn from Jesus as we face the giants in our life. Or, as you ponder, THE giant you’re facing right now. What is it?

You cannot gut it out. You cannot employ positive thinking. You cannot ignore the giant and move on. You must face it with soul-wrenching prayer like Jesus.

Where is your garden? Where can you go to empty yourself to God in prayer? You might engage God in a terribly painful conversation, as we saw in Jesus’ giant-facing hour.

Overpowering emotions could be crushing you as you consider the giant that has paralyzed you with fear, grief, hatred, weakness, hopelessness or anger. Fall on your face before the Father, as Jesus did. Be honest with him. Transparent. Empty your emotions to him.

Just as he did for Jesus, God will give you the power to face your giant. It won’t be easy, but you’ll be going in the power of his Holy Spirit.

(From my new devotional Your life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Avialable in March in Kindle and Paperback formats from Amazon).

November 27, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Jesus Prays for You

Jesus Prays for You

“Hey, I’ll pray for you,” he said. In the back of my mind, I wondered if he would.

On the flip side, I emailed a friend last week and said that I’d pray for his mom who was having heart surgery. When I saw my friend a few days later, I asked him about his mom’s hip surgery. Oooops.

I’m sure you’ve been on the receiving and giving ends of insincere offers for prayer. “I’ll pray for you” is the Christian thing to say. Praying is the Christian thing to do.

Jesus is praying for you.

“Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34 NIV)

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 NIV)

That should encourage the socks off of you. It does for me. You don’t have to worry when a friend isn’t faithful in prayer, because Jesus is faithful. He is constantly praying for you. He is praying for you right now.

What is it that you need prayer for? Jesus knows it already and he is, at this moment, at the throne of the Father praying for you.

Are you seeking God’s direction? Jesus is praying about that.

Are you in pain? Jesus is bringing that pain to his Father.

Are you looking for work? Jesus knows it and is seeking the Father on your behalf.

Are you stressed? Jesus is praying to the Father for your inner peace.

You have the Savior on your side praying to God the Father, who is also on your side. It’s an unbeatable combination.

When you bring your prayer needs before the Father, Jesus is echoing those prayers to God, too. He might be phrasing them differently because he knows what is best for you, but that’s an even greater scenario.

And when you’re in so much pain you don’t know what to pray, God has sent his Holy Spirit to pray the words for you:

“We do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 ESV)

Be encouraged today to know you are covered in prayer by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

(From my upcoming book, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Releases 2019.)

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