rebelling against low expectations

My Prayer Problem

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I have a problem with praying. It’s pretty simple: I don’t pray enough.

Remember, Paul’s command to “pray without ceasing”? Everyday I seem to keep failing. When good things happen to me, I just enjoy them. If I was worried, I enjoy the relief. If they were unexpected, I enjoy the surprise. And I forget each gift has a Giver.

But there is one thing that always draws me to prayer. It’s a tummy ache. When I feel immediate, annoying pain, I pray. And I usually pray until the tummy ache eases or I go to bed and fall asleep.

So why can I pray without ceasing when I’m in pain? Simply enough, it’s rooted in my own pride. I believe that I am strong enough, healthy enough, happy enough in my circumstances that I don’t need to go to God. But tummy aches show my weakness. And so I stumble back to God wearing my inability on my sleeve.

Tummy aches remind me that He is God, and I am not. He is strong, and I am weak. He is good, and I am proud. So I guess then that I’m thankful for them, because they draw me closer to God.

But there needs to be more. I can’t be content with half-hearted tummy ache prayers. That is not “praying without ceasing.” It is “praying when you darn well feel like it.”

That is not how a Christian should operate.

The Christian knows that prayer is a discipline to be cultivated, worked, and practiced. It is a tool of ministry, a conduit of communion with God. It is a beautiful, miraculous thing. Yet I “use” it like a telephone when I have a tummy ache.

Prayer is not meant to be “used.” It is a holy conversation. Your words go up to the King of the heavens, the Sovereign God, the divine, and He blesses you in a special way through that conversation.

I won’t continue to be content with tummy ache prayers, and if you’re like me in this sin, I pray you won’t either. Once Christians realize the blessing and beauty of true fellowship with God in prayer, how can we neglect it? It is a discipline of joy, meant to be fostered.

“Man is at his greatest and highest when upon his knees he comes face to face with God.” — Martyn Lloyd-Jones

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About the author

Jaquelle Crowe Ferris

is the former editor-in-chief of The Rebelution and author of This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years (Crossway). She's the co-founder of The Young Writers Workshop and hosts a podcast for youth called Age of Minority. She's married to Joe and lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.

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  • I think I’m like that too, I only pray when I need rescue. I treat of prayer as my personal 911. But in my prayers, I usually cry out to God and tell Him what I’m feeling.

    • I definitely empathize with you, Rvy. It’s easy (and right) to call out to God in our times of distress; it’s just cultivating that constant prayer relationship that is so hard. But by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can persevere. I hope I could encourage you!

  • I needed this! Prayer is so easy to cut out of my daily routine, and it shouldn’t be. If I am going to become the woman God wants me to be, I need to pray more and learn to savour that beautiful time spent with Him!

  • Good article Jaquelle! I struggle with this as well by only praying when I need something like strength or patience or courage. Now I know that I’m not the only one! 🙂 I agree that we all need to be more adamant about praying regularly, however, we don’t need get caught up in thinking that if we miss a day we are terrible people. Satan can use our desire to pray against us by making us feel terrible when we don’t pray. This is exactly what he wants us to feel: guilty. Just pray from your heart and God will appreciate that.

    Hope this helps.

    • You’re definitely not alone in this struggle, Martial Artist. And you’re right – getting discouraged by our failures and holding ourselves back from growth because of guilt is not glorifying to God. All of the Christian’s sin has been covered by the cross.

      But we need to be repentant and then let our failures motivate us to pray more. And the more that we do that, the more we cultivate prayer as a habit!

      Thanks for your comment! Blessings to you.

  • This is just what I needed! It convicted as well as encouraged me. I want to have a sweet, consistent prayer life with the Savior. In a Bible study lesson, it was talking about how God delights in our prayers! They are like a sweet perfume drifting up to Him. He enjoyed that as much as/more than sacrifice.

    Thank you for refreshing my heart in Christ, sister! (Philemon 1:20).

  • This is something God has really been teaching me lately. Prayer has to be continual and not just when we are in trouble. Christ says that “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) and prayer is simply an outflow of that belief…it follows that the less we pray, the more we believe that we can do things on our own apart from God (ouch). Ironically, life seems to go much smoother when I pray than when I don’t. It’s something we all need to work on!

  • Wow, this (unfortunately) is exactly me… Even the “tummy ache” prayer thing! Thank you for the encouragement to truly “pray without ceasing”. God bless! 🙂

  • I also find myself not praying as much as I should, especially not thanking God or worshiping him. I’ll ask him for stuff, but I don’t just praise him out of the blue. Something that’s been helping with that though is setting a time to pray every morning with my dad. It’s great, but during the day (outside of my prayer time) I still don’t thank God a lot.

    • That’s a great idea to have that set-aside time for prayer. I’ve been trying to do that as well. The constant thankfulness is so much harder. I think it’s more about creating that attitude of thanksgiving, as opposed to just incorporating it into a single period of prayer. I know that I have trouble with that. But God is good and His grace is sufficient and the more that we pursue holiness, He will sanctify us. And praise Him for that!

  • When I read this, I have to admit I laughed at the half-hearted tummy ache prayers, because wow, that’s so me! I am so terrified of getting sick that I pray and pray and pray until it finally goes away. And while it isn’t a sin to pray about your tummy aches:) it is so true that a lot of us don’t turn to Him as often as we should, including me. And how often do we look in the mirror and find something wrong with us instead of praising God because we are fearfully and wonderfully made? Thank you for reminding me how important it is to pray in EVERYTHING, and like you said, when we realize the blessing and beauty of prayer, how can we neglect it?

  • Great reminder. I so know what you mean by the “tummy ache” prayers. Sometimes it takes a crisis for me to pray fervently. And even sometimes when my fervent prayers are answered and the “tummy ache” goes away, I still forget to thank God! One thing that has really helped me with thankfulness is keeping a “Gifts Journal”. It’s been an on and off thing for me, but I’m working on being consistent by writing down each little gift I noticed throughout my day before I go to bed. When I’m in this habit, I notice that I’m usually happier and more content, it’s even helped me get out of depression. The idea came largely from the book “One Thousand Gifts”, by Ann Voskamp. A couple of years ago it was my goal to reach one thousand gifts by the end of the year – it ended up being a fun challenge! I would encourage anyone to give the challenge a try.

    • @Rhanx97:disqus I LOVED One Thousand Gifts. I completed my list of 1,000 around Thanksgiving of 2013 after working on it for several months. It has been one of the most enriching things I have ever done in my Christian walk. It helped me to grow so much in the knowledge of just how much He loves me. Having your eyes opened to the simplest to the greatest gifts He gives in every moment of every day is a priceless treasure!! Have you read Ann Voskamp’s Advent devotional The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas? It was beautiful. We even did the video/study to go along with it at church in the weeks before Christmas.

      • Yes, my family read the Advent devotional three years ago (I think) at Christmas time. My mom told me about One Thousand Gifts after reading it herself. It changed her life! She encouraged me to start a journal when I was in a time of depression. Isn’t amazing how much God pours into our lives every day? It truly does dramatically change our perspective on things!

        • That’s great! Ann Voskamp has touched thousands of lives with her testimony of a thousand ways He loves. It was opposite for me. I read One Thousand Gifts and in turn shared it with my mom. She was very blessed by it as well. Last Thanksgiving we had an “Eucharisteo” inspired Thanksgiving. I posted about it on my blog: http://uniquelyfashionedforhisglory.blogspot.com/2014/11/eucharisteo.html

          Yes it is amazing how He pours into our everyday lives. That the God of the universe would think about–care for me–and lavish gifts of His love is almost too beautiful to be true. But it IS!!

          Glad we can share our hearts about this together. 🙂

          • If I may jump in to the discussion…. I love Ann Voskamp! I regularly read her blog and am just beginning to read One Thousand Gifts. Her writing voice and combination of wisdom, humility, and determination are inspiring.
            (A very random, completely unrelated note: Moriah, my family has the exact same type of plates as the one in the photo! o.0)

          • Yes. I can relate to your kind words about her. She fills my week with much inspiration & edification.

            That’s neat you have the same plates! We girls notice details & decorations. 🙂

  • Also guilty. I usually pray at night, as if I want to make up for not learning how to pray when I was younger. I don’t want this awful excuse of giving half-love to God, when I would rather sleep, to go on forever! Aren’t we suppose to meditate and pary day and night (does anyone remember the verse this comes from? I don’t know 🙁 )?

  • “the only way we’ll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands” -Casting Crowns
    “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” -Corrie Ten Boom
    I am certainly guilty of not praying enough. It is easy to schedule bible-reading/devotional time, but prayer really doesn’t have a fixed time in my day. Then again, the whole day should be prayer time (without ceasing), and then yet again, there are different types of prayer and certainly time should be set aside…
    This is not the first reminder of this I have had…
    “speak Lord, your servant listens”
    We are not the first ones to wonder about how to pray. Jesus’ disciples said “Lord, teach us to pray”… and that’s where the Lord’s prayer comes from

  • Sometimes I fill up my time so I “don’t have time” for devotionals and prayer. I feel guilty 24/7 and honestly praying and reading your Bible every day can be hard, but you just have to remind yourself that is will be worth it in the end!

    • Lily, I understand your discouragement. It’s hard not to beat ourselves up and grow down because of it. It’s just like you said – we have to focus on the end, i.e., growing in sanctification, becoming more holy, and growing so much closer to God. Knowing that God will help us with prayer and devotional reading is also encouraging.

      If you’re looking for a book on prayer, I’d definitely recommend “A Praying Life” by Paul Miller or “Praying Backwards” by Bryan Chapell. Both really encouraged me in my prayer life. Blessings to you!

  • I am also a PK and sometimes find it hard to admit that I have problems praying. It bothers me that in the good I just carry on but when time’s get bad, I remember that God is there. But He is always there. I’ve been trying to pray more and often I find myself praying at random moments through the day. When I try to purposefully pray each day, and not ask but praise, I find it is easier to talk. Some nights I’ll pray for such a long time. Then others it’s like 30 seconds. But I love those moments during the day where I just pray. It’s such a comfort to know that God is listening. I love that!

  • “Prayer is not meant to be “used”.”
    That stood out to me as so true! I often fall into the habit of using prayer as my hotline to healing instead of what it truly is- communication with Jesus Christ, our beloved, merciful Savior! What a comfort it is to know that God is always there for us to talk to, AND more importantly, always there to thank and praise, even on the days with tummy aches :). Thank you for this thought provoking article, Jaquelle!

  • I see your “tummy ache” prayers in my life both literally and figuratively – I sometimes do get tummy aches and I’ll ask God to take it away, and whenever I have a problem I’ll do the same. It’s so hard to pray when I don’t have a problem!
    Thanks for the article, Jaquelle!

    • I see them too, but in a different way I guess, I never get tummy aches, but I live on a farm and I only seem to pray when everything looks like chaos.

      But I also have another prayer problem; I don’t know what to pray for.

      Sure you can pray for your family and pray for your friends and pray for things that are going on in your life, but, I sort of feel like I’m praying to “the King of the heavens, the Sovereign God” about the same things every time.

      I would appreciate it if anyone could give me some pointers.

      • I know its been mentioned on here before (i think it was the New Year’s Resolution feed), but the app PrayerMate lets you sort out your list prayers, and you can also subscribe to prayer requests that are updated daily. I think it’s available on iOS, Kindle Fire, and Android.

      • Hi Dominic. Sometimes it is hard to think of things to pray for. Some people find making a list helpful, to remind you of things that you may forget when you sit down to pray. As Sam mentioned, a prayer app like PrayerMate has some neat ideas on different things to pray for.

        A few more things I think are modeled in Scripture to pray for include the church (both local and worldwide) and especially the persecuted Christians (Voice of the Martyrs is a great resource to find specific prayer requests from persecuted Christians). We can also pray for the salvation of those we know (and even those we don’t) that are not saved. We can pray for our government and authorities. We can pray about our future. We can also pray prayers from the Bible, for example, some of the Psalms. PrayerMate is fantastic for those Bible-based prayers.

        We have to strike the balance between those requests and then praying with thanksgiving and offering praise to God for His character and His glory. I know I have trouble with that balance.

        I hope that helps! Blessings to you. 🙂

        • Thanks a lot Jaquelle.
          I think a list would help me.
          I just had a look of Voice of the Martyrs, lots of things to pray for on there.
          Ps. 20 is a very good prayer Psalm.

          Would you help me start a prayer group on the Rebelution?
          Look at the reply that i sent to mimeforJesus.
          I hope we can start one.

          From your brother in Christ,
          Dominic.

          • Hey yea me and Louis Gervais have been talking heaps about the group, Do you know how we could contact Brett Harris? We might need his help on this matter.
            Oh and please pray that the group is in Gods will.

            Dom.

      • Hey Dominic. I think I’ve mentioned this somewhere on the Reb already, but one thing that’s helped me when I don’t know how or what to pray for is to pray directly from Scripture. Instead of praying for “please heal so and so from this”, find a Psalm that talks about healing and restoration and pray those verses directly to God, inserting the person’s name where it uses first person pronouns like “I” and “me”. For example, here’s a prayer from Psalms that I’ve prayed for a friend when I didn’t know what to pray: “In times of trouble, may the Lord answer *insert name’s* cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep *him/her* safe from all harm…May he grant *his/her* heart’s desires…May we shout for joy when we hear of *his/her* victory.” (Ps. 20) Or just take a passage from the New Testament, like one of Paul’s prayers, and pray it for your family or for someone needing strength. “I pray that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You will empower *insert name* with inner strength through Your Spirit…And may *he/she* have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is.” (Eph. 3:16-18). It might be kind of a flowery way to pray, but it’s always helpful for me when I need to change things up.

        • Very good idea Riley.
          I really like the Ps. 20 prayer.
          If you look at the reply I wrote to mimeforJesus, I was thinking of starting a Rebelution prayer group.
          Thanks again,
          Dominic.

      • Hey Dominic! Since you wrote, “I don’t know what to pray for,” I just thought I’d mention (and I’m being serious) you could pray that God will lead you as to what to pray. Paul (writing by the Holy Spirit) asked the Ephesian Christians to pray for all the Christians: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,” -Ephesians 6:18 KJV.

        And remember, this all-powerful Sovereign King of all Creation loves you and wants to spend time with you in prayer–despite our imperfections and comparably miniscule problems–He cares and wants to be an integral part of our lives. The Bible also says to pray for our government officials… you could pray for your pastor and — if you don’t pray for your family and for yourself, who will?

        I read today the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, and it starts by saying, “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

        • Thank you so much Louis.

          And I like it how you said “if you don’t pray for your family and for yourself, who will?”. Your so right. Another question is, How do you remember to pray? I have just realized that I have heaps to pray for, but I keep forgetting to pray.

          Your brother in Christ,
          Dominic

          • Hey Dominic!

            What works for me is I have a list of goals that I write out each day, including prayer items. Because there are so many, I don’t get to them all, so I’m considering categorizing them into three lists, and praying for one category a day, and in that way I could pray for them all at least once every three days. But that’s because I try to pray for many of the people I know along with a number other prayer items. Because we can’t literally pray for everyone, what friends of mine do is they ask God to lead them as to who they should pray for.

            Your brother in Christ,
            Louis

          • Hey Louis,
            great idea. Three lists would be good because otherwise there are to many things to pray for in one prayer. (unless you pray for hours).
            I am trying to start a Rebelution Prayer Group, If you look at some of the other comments by me, you’ll see what I mean.
            Oh and have a look at the comment that Eva wrote. Same sort of idea I guess.

            From your brother in Christ,
            Dominic.

          • “unless you pray for hours” … just a thought: most of the great men of God that we read about did just that! =v)

          • Prayer is–after all–a “hard thing.” Especially at first, when you’re still getting into the habit of it.

          • Hey Dom!
            I hope you don’t mind me answering, but I just really related when I read your comment because I forget EVERYTHING, and for a long time had difficulty in remembering to pray, especially. At night when I go to bed I want to pray but I’m so tired that I literally don’t remember a lot of the time.
            For me, and I don’t know if you are the same way, but when I put some reminder out where I would notice it, so I’m actually relying on the visual (does that make sense?) it makes it a lot easier. Sometimes I’ll put something (write something on a piece of paper?) on my wall or light switch so that whenever I see it, I remember. I know that probably seems kind of weird, but it helped me a lot.
            Do you have a set time to read your Bible, either? Because that’s a great time to pray, and if you already get into the habit of reading, it’s not that hard to pray after you read.
            And once you have a set time to do both of these things, they will eventually turn into habit and will be sooo much easier. The hardest part is first getting used to doing it, but habits are pretty easy to create (a lot easier than breaking them).
            Tell me if this helps:)

          • Hey of course I don’t mine Eva.
            Your so right, before bed is probably the hardest time for me. Either I’m falling asleep and I don’t even remember or I’m watching a movie fall asleep before the end of it.
            Putting a reminder by your light is a good idea, or if you need a stronger reminder, tie a rock on your pillow with the word PRAY on it. 🙂
            I don’t have a set time to read my bible but that’s another problem, I have trouble to remember reading my bible as well. I am trying to get into a habit of reading and praying.
            Thanks so much for replying, glad you could join our conversation.

            From your brother in Christ,
            Dominic.

          • Hey, I like the “tie a rock on your pillow with the word PRAY on it” idea. That’s gotta work:)
            I completely relate to you on not being in the habit of reading the Bible either. Yeah, I’m still working on it, too. And It’s good to know I’m not alone in my forgetting stuff! Hey, but God can help us remember:)

          • Hey thanks for the encouragement Eva.
            I am praying way more now, and I am reading a Day by Day Bible study.
            Your a great friend.
            Dom.

          • Thanks for encouraging me too:) And I LOVE your prayer request idea!!! I really hope it works and that Brett reads these comments. It would connect all of us on here even more.
            I’m so glad that you’ve been able to stick to your prayer resolution so far! Not many people can just say that and do it. Keep it up!
            In Christ,
            Eva

          • So how are you doing with the resolution?
            If we can start a prayer group, please support us or join us!!

            Your brother in Christ,
            Dominic.

          • I’ve been doing pretty good:) sometimes I’m in bed with the light off and am just about to fall asleep….and then I remember, so I have to sit up and turn the light on, but it’s sooo worth it:)
            I will definitely support you and join you if I can! Can’t wait to see if it works out!

          • That’s just about the best way to fall asleep:) And I hope we can get it going too!! I’ll be praying about it!

      • I’ve hit the same wall sometimes. If you look around on here, you can see places where people could use prayer; I’ve started praying for them. Some that come to mind are: Sam S was saying that Trent Blake could use prayer; there was a person calling himself/herself ‘P’ who has a difficult family situation.

          • Hey Dom, I think that’s a great idea! I don’t know if it could work actually on the Rebelution site, but it would be really cool if it could happen somehow or somewhere. Just about all of us, including me, need prayer :).

          • I just had a look at the submission page. If one of us could post an article called “Rebelution Prayer Group” or something like that and in 3-4 weeks it was accepted then we could post prayer requests on that article. It would be hard to do but, “Do Hard Things”. 🙂
            I hope we can get this going.

            Dom.

          • Yes! I was considering trying something like that myself, but didn’t know how much interest there would be. Go for it!

          • While we’re brainstorming, and seeing as we have “friends in high places” (a.k.a. Brett Harris) why don’t we float the idea of starting a Prayer Group tab/section on therebelution.com website?

            People could voluntarily sign up for email updates on prayer requests, or perhaps only on the urgent/major prayer requests (as a separate email chain than the one that the articles and discussion questions are sent to) or those who want to can just check back regularly. I just think a different page setup would help, seeing as posting and replying on a single article over a long period of time could get cluttered and cause poor maneuverability.

            One hang up is that prayer requests tend to be personal, which is not a problem if you don’t mind everyone with internet being able to access your requests. But I think in essence a prayer group is an excellent idea. It could unite us in a new way. Paul commanded the Christians in Ephesus to pray for all the saints!

            But it’s something we can prayerfully consider (because you don’t want to launch projects on a whim without asking God first). Then we can wait and see. If worst comes to worst, we could start a facebook group =vD

          • Yes that’s a great idea. If we could make a tab section called Prayer Group or something.

            We could be moderators and ask for more mods on The Rebelution.
            I agree that we shouldn’t have it as an article or a project, even this comment page is full enough.

            Do you think that Brett would help us? He is trying to launch Do Hard Things University. And how do we contact him?

            Anyway, the hang up.
            We could have it that you set the request to ‘Moderators only’ or ‘Public’ or even ‘Followers’.

            I will pray about this matter. With Gods will, anything can happen.
            And I think a FB group is just to public for prayer requests. 😉

            P.S. Did you notice that we have the “Top comments on The Rebelution”?

            Dom.

          • Hey Dom! Whatta ya mean “How do we contact Brett?” He reads every single comment on this site =vD (Don’t you, Brett?) Heh heh; Brett is the silence listener in every conversation on therebelution.com (^;

            “Will he help us?” Well, if “us” is the rebelution, then who better personifies the rebelution blog than Brett himself? So, you’re actually asking, “Will Brett help himself?” =vD

            Alright, sort of joking, but I love the picture you posted of the prayer tab idea, Dominic! And your right, we can pray about this more.

          • Hey @Brett Harris,
            Could you look at this thread of comments please? I think it’s a great idea!

          • I saw the comment you sent Brett on another article – now we get to wait to see what he thinks? Waiting is one of my least favorite activities!

          • Well, I hope that he is reading these. Otherwise, is there a rebelution email or something? That was sort of what I mean’t.

            P.S. I would never be able to be a silence listener, It’s so hard not to comment on what other people say!!

            P.P.S. I guess God’s a silence listener then. 😉

          • God is not a silence listener. He is always speaking. The question is:
            Do we hear Him?

          • *hahaha*
            to contact Brett…
            unless I miss my mark, isn’t that what the “contact us” button is for!?!?

          • !!!
            Hooray! Someone replied instantly to a comment of mine!
            I see all these long conversations between people and wonder why I always seem to be on myself…
            hahaha… it’s the little things…

          • But, Joyful joyful, it’s the “contact us” button! What if Alex gets it!? We need a “contact Brett” button! =vD

          • I have a hunch it would be something joint that they would both be able to check, but Brett would probably be the one to check… If Alex did get it, I think he would be able to tell Brett, seeing that they are brothers and probably have ways to communicate… 🙂
            [I wonder if Brett is reading all our comments about him and laughing as we try to figure him out…]

          • Brothers communicate? First I knew about that! Jk, I have lots of siblings and we all communicate.
            Yeah, that would be funny. And we’ll never know!

          • Yes; Alex and Brett have this amazing ability to communicate, seeing they… um… are twins, and always think the exact same thing?

          • I had the same concern as @louis_gervais:disqus, that prayer requests can get personal and essentially we would just be posting them out there for anyone to see. Yeah, I guess you could specify who you would want to see the requests. But I think facebook could actually be more private, because you don’t HAVE to make it available to the public, only to those you invite to the page.

          • First of all, I don’t really go on FB.
            Second, we would have to invite a lot of people.
            And keep inviting new people.

            However we get this going, I hope it can be on The Rebelution.

          • Yeah, I don’t have a Facebook, and a couple of others have mentioned that they don’t either… And it’s likely that there’s more like me. But the Reb would be a great place to start it! Does anyone want to contact Brett? I have his email so I could if you want me to.

          • I don’t have FB either…
            I actually started thinking about a prayer tab on the Reb [is abbreviation ok?] within a couple weeks of finding it… a few months ago.
            I was thinking a tab to click on (like “blog” or “articles”) that would lead to a list of prayer requests.
            I think commenting on the requests could bog the page down…
            what about just people can post requests, and there could be a “I’m praying” button people could click (kinda like the “like” button)
            Prayer requests could be categorized for normal or urgent…
            as far as privacy goes… I don’t see a problem. If u r posting prayer requests for yourself, u can gage that. If the prayer request is for someone else, ask them first, don’t use their name, or change their name + age (I do that often :))
            I have no idea how hard it is to edit/add to a website… but this could be great… happily surprised that so many other people had the same idea…

          • I think your abbreviation is correct. And I like your ideas. I was surprised so many people had this idea, too!

          • Hey, I asked Christy a question a minute ago and included you in it. Could you please take a look and get back to me? Thanks.

          • haha
            not to show my text-message-lingo ignorance…
            but what does JK mean?
            new kind of smiley face?

          • I know computers are inanimate objects and are not inherently good or evil, but my usually fast computer is really slow when I am on the Reb… 😉

          • First of all, I don’t really go on FB.

            Second, we would have to invite a lot of people.

            And keep inviting new people.

            However we get this going, I hope it can be on The Rebelution.

            Dom

          • Yeah, if possible, it would be great to have it on The Rebelution! It would be a big hassle to have it on FB.

          • Have you guys heard of a phone app called Instapray? It’s pretty much one giant prayer group across the world. Random topic switch, I know, but I was just reminded of it by your ideas. 😛 You should try it out sometime!!! http://www.instapray.com

          • She shows up as Guest on the website, but in the email it was @disqus_LfmccAZ3Zg:disqus Weird…

          • Long, boring, and interesting. Hey, sometimes you just need to vent, you know?
            #lifedoesntworkthewaymostpeopleexpectitto

          • @disqus_ynAwM455oe:disqus @Rhanx97:disqus Have you guys heard of a phone app called Instapray? It’s pretty much one giant prayer group across the world. Random topic switch, I know, but I was just reminded of it by your ideas. 😛 You should try it out sometime!!! http://www.instapray.com

          • I think it was @trent_blake:disqus who told me…or maybe it was Yoda?? 😉 What was the other project you did that was similar (if you don’t me asking)?

          • I have it again!
            But actually, my parents don’t want me to email someone I met online 🙁 I guess I’ll have to see the end product — I’d love to do anything I can, but not emailing puts a crimp in communication.

          • Yep. I’m pretty sure Sam isn’t a stalker ;). If I deduce correctly, he has a specific reason in mind.

          • Or he wondered if I really had his email. @programguy:disqus Which one was it? Or was it another reason entirely?

  • Wow. My family has been doing an extensive Bible study on prayer since the beginning of the year, and your post reiterated a lot of what I’ve been learning lately. By the way, if you’re ever looking for a good book on prayer, I would suggest the “Kneeling Christian”. It’s probably one of the best prayer tool books I’ve ever read. Very deep, very thought provoking.

  • Hey, Jaquelle! This is a really good article. I learned the lesson of unceasing prayer from a story when I was a lot younger, and it’s been the guide of my prayer since then.

    “Several ministers had gathered to discuss difficult questions, and it was asked how the command to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17)
    could be obeyed. Various suggestions were offered, and at last one of
    the ministers was appointed to write an essay on the subject for the
    next meeting. A young maidservant, who was serving in the room, heard the
    discussion and exclaimed: “What! A whole month to tell the meaning of
    this text? Why, it’s one of the easiest and best verses in the Bible.”

    “Well, well, Mary,” said an old minister. “What do you know about it? Can you pray all the time?”

    “Oh, yes sir!”

    “Really? How is that possible when you have so many things to do?”

    “Why, sir, the more I have to do, the more I pray.”

    “Indeed! Well, Mary, how do you do it? Most people wouldn’t agree with you.”

    “Well, sir,” said the girl, “when I first open my eyes in the morning, I pray, ‘Lord, open the eyes of my understanding,’ and while I am dressing, I pray that I may be clothed with the robe of righteousness. While I am washing, I ask to have my sins washed away. As I begin work, I pray that I may receive strength for all the work of the day. While I kindle the fire, I pray that revival may be kindled in me. While preparing and eating breakfast, I ask to be fed with the Bread of Life and the pure milk of the Word. As I sweep the house, I pray that my heart may be swept clean of all its impurities. As I am busy with the little children, I look up to God and pray that I may always have the trusting love of a little child,
    and as I….”

    “Enough, enough!” cried the minister. “These truths are often hid from
    the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes, as the Lord Himself said.
    Go on, Mary,” he continued, “pray without ceasing. As for us brothers,
    let us thank the Lord for this lesson.”

    [The story is from a book of devotional stories called “How God Used A Thunderstorm” by Joel R. Beeke & Diana Kleyn.] It’s so cool how we can just talk to God all the time. It’s like having a phone inside your head so that you can talk to your friend whenever you want and they’d respond immediately, except a whole lot cooler!!!!

  • Instead of a Tummy ache making me think of praying
    it’s Clouds
    I don’t know why but there so Free, Light and always there, that they
    remind me of God.

  • Hey, can I share an important prayer request? I know you’re talking about starting a prayer group sort of thing, but this really can’t wait…
    My aunt’s sister is 31 and in hospice right now with colon cancer. As far as I know at the moment, she hasn’t died yet but is probably in the last day or two of her life. She has NOT accepted Jesus, and seems to have no interest in doing so. Whenever you think of it, please join my family in prayer for her soul. Also that the people with her would be given the right words to say, and that all would feel God’s presence.

    Thanks.

  • A lot have people have been sharing prayer requests lately, and I’m going to be needing a bit of prayer these next couple of weeks. I go to a public high school and am taking biology a year early. On Wednesday, we are starting the evolution unit. Please pray that I would stay strong through it and be a (loving) witness to those around me. Thank you!!

    • Hey Sam, I would talk to Liam S. about apologetics. Pick his brain and write down the recourses as much as possible.

      I also recommend getting the textbook “Exploring Creation with Biology”. And read module 9. It refutes evolution with a passion and sure, hard evidence! Please actually consider this. I know it is tough to actually do it, but I promise you, if you do this, you will not have nearly as big problem in this evolution class.

      It is imperative that you know what you believe and why you believe it BEFORE you take this part of the class.

      Also, I recommend you watch the movie God’s Not Dead. Though some strong Christians disagree with some of what is said, the idea is EXACTLY what is important to keep in mind. I, personally, have no problem with it.

      God bless you,
      – Trent

      • Ok, I’ll be sure to get a conversation going with Liam about it, I just downloaded an audio version of the textbook (hard copy wouldn’t be here in time), and I have seen and enjoyed God’s Not Dead!
        Last year, I was at a parochial school and was taught some good stuff about evolution (especially theistic evolution) vs. creation. I’ve also been spending a bit of time on Answers in Genesis, preparing and cementing my beliefs. 🙂 Thanks!

        • Awesome sis! Just keep in mind, “There is a time to speak and a time to keep quiet.” Don’t compromise if you’re asker to. But don’t be disrespectful either if you can help it.

          • Whew, knowing when to keep quiet is the hard part. It’d be so much easier if we just stuck with the first half of your quote, wouldn’t it?

          • That’s probably going to be my biggest struggle, honestly. Learning and knowing when to be quiet and not starting a huge debate is going to be crucial! 🙂

          • Yes mam. However, I suggest you think of it like this: do you want the other students to view Christ as the rude interrupter or the one who calmly replies with truth and evidence when teased about her faith?

            #reflectChrist

          • Ouch, that hurts… I’m more likely to represent Him as the rude interrupter.
            So, question for anyone stopping by, not just Trent (but I want your answer, too!) 🙂
            When is a good time to be the interrupter?

          • When the professor/teacher asked for an opinion or you hear a verbal (or SUPER CLEAR) voice from God saying to do it. Never interrupt. Stay calm and kill them with kindness. Take the high road.

          • So, what if you hear friends talking rudely about someone? I tend to take the side of the underdog, and I don’t know if it’s God telling me to ask/tell them to stop talking like that, or if it’s me. If I had “clearance,” I would do it in a heartbeat, but I don’t know if that’s sufficient reason. I’ve never heard a verbal voice, I don’t think God communicates with me that obviously (or I have no idea how to hear Him).

          • Ach! My problem is having too many words to say! Seriously, once my friend was getting bugged by this one guy, and finally I snapped; I turned around, and basically told him to beat it – full bossy tone, clean-but-forceful words, the works. Not surprisingly, he left my friend alone (and now gives me a wide berth). Now, in that case I firmly believe that he deserved no more respect than he got, but now I live in mortal fear of doing something like that again, over something less important.

          • Yeah, I’ll tell you, it felt great to see him recoil like he did, especially after all of the trouble he’d caused me and my friend.

      • I second the “Exploring Creation with Biology” idea. I have it, and it has some excellent, strong points against evolution. Really, they’re throughout the book, but module 9 focuses on evolution.

      • Great! My best friend is studying evolution as well in the public school. Fortunately,she’s had numerous opportunities to correct the teacher, who was surprisingly enough, (after some persuasion) open to her logic. The book “When Science Fails” has been a great help to me as well. Pretty basic but good. May God be with you, and be bold for Christ. There’s a lot of good you can do in this situation. I pray that doors would open for you. It’s not unlikely that you may have an opportunity to witness as well. 🙂 Praying for you!

        • Thanks! I appreciate that 🙂 My teacher is fairly easy-going, but not a believer. I’m hoping and praying that she will be open to creation, or at least respectful of the differences. Even if I may not be able to witness to her, other classmates may be open to creation.

          • You’re welcome! And that’s good. It seems like I haven’t met many strongly opinionated evolutionists, they just believe the only option they’ve ever been taught. Can’t really blame them. And exactly! I’m excited for you. There’s no greater joy that we can attain as humans than that of witnessing and disciplining. God bless. 🙂

  • Hey @samwegner:disqus, I’ll be praying for you!
    I actually have a prayer request to. I have a friend at my church who knows the gospel,but she doesn’t want to live it at school. At school her actions make it clear to me that she doesn’t want to talk about the gospel, or Christ. Please pray that I will stay strong enough to talk about Christ and his word.

  • Okay guys, we have an update.
    We need names for the prayer group.
    Give us your ideas on names!!

    @mimeforjesus:disqus @samwegner:disqus @ruthie_c:disqus @joyfuljoyful:disqus @trent_blake:disqus @Renee1011:disqus @disqus_LfmccAZ3Zg:disqus @programguy:disqus @sarahp_413:disqus @disqus_LzTgmwudVU:disqus @Rhanx97:disqus @Kittenese:disqus @thewriterchick:disqus @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus and @everyone else

    • Thanks! I did see it, but could not reply or see my original post due to spam filters. Brett just let me through 🙂

      I think my reply to Sam S. just came through! (above)

  • If you didn’t, he said…

    I keep trying to reply to your comment, but it keeps disappearing. So I’ll just reply here and hope you see it.

    Revive will be a prayer group of rebelutionaries who meet on another site to share prayer requests. I’m supposed to be setting up the site, but I haven’t been very good at making time to do that. Pray for me! 😉 Please pray that God would use this group and that it would be honoring to Him.
    Did I miss anything?

  • This is a wonderful post. Thank you for writing it, Jaquelle. 🙂 I think that I have this problem of not praying as well. I sometimes forget how precious the gift of prayer is. I get to talk to the king of kings any time that I want! That is a huge honor in itself. But I do forget how truly amazing it is and how I have been abusing my prayer life. Thank you for the reminder of how special prayer is. A quote that I believe fits this very well is “Prayer is the ultimate act of humility; proud people don’t pray.” Pastor Jim Cymbala.

  • Hey @Rachel Schaus @Trent Blake @Sam S. @Ruthie @mimeforJesus and everybody else who sees this please pray for my Grandma. She has cancer, is in a lot of pain, and is on the verge of giving up. She is very tired. Please pray that she will be given extraordinary courage, comfort, strength, and if it’s her time to go, that it’ll be okay. Thanks.

    • I will be praying.
      We went through the exact same thing in 2010- 2012. My Grandmother was 60, was fairly healthy, and got bladder cancer. Spent the last two months of her life in the hospital, and going down to Texas for treatment.
      God is good, but we don’t always know why he allows certain things to happen. We must trust Him and that he knows best for us. Is she a Christian?

      • Hey Ethan, thank you. Wow that must have been really tough. I’m really sorry about your Grandma. But you are so right. God has a perfect plan that out-spans our fallen understanding. Thank you for the encouragement. 🙂 I am so blessed to be able to say that my Grandma is a Christian. My Grandpa isn’t though. We are hoping that God will use all of this to draw him to Himself.

        • Yes, it was hard. But, it was good because she was a Christian!
          What your Grandfather needs to understand is that if she passes away, and he is not a Christian, he will never see her again. And I know that’s hard to say, but I am very concerned for him. Is he open to the Gospel? An atheist?
          I will pray for both of them!

    • @disqus_ynAwM455oe:disqus @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus @amandabeguerie:disqus Can y’all pray, too?

      • Thank you so much for your prayers, AnnaGrace. 🙂 You guys are so amazing. 🙂 And I will definitely try to keep you posted.

        For now I can let you know that my Grandma has lymphoma. She was doing well and better over the weekend, but the last couple days she has been in a lot of pain and not totally there. She keeps saying she wants to leave, she can’t stay, she wants to go home, and that she is going to see Jesus. The doc said she shouldn’t have been in as much pain, and that the cancer was very treatable. Just now we found out that she has more aggressive lymphoma now and that it has spread to her blood. She has a couple days.

        Thanks again for all your prayers, guys. They mean so much.

        • Wow, I didn’t know that. I can completely relate. It just makes you look more and more forward to heaven. Won’t that be a glorious day when the Lord returns?
          I will be praying.

        • So glad to hear she is a child of God. A few years ago my grandpa found out he had cancer (sometime that November) and passed away on Christmas day, barely two months later. So my family can relate. And thank the Lord we have the glorious hope of reunion someday! It makes an enormous difference to know that when we pray God hears us, sympathizes with us, and that He gives us the hope of eternal life. This life would be utterly hopeless if death was the ultimate end.

          • Thank you so much for your encouraging words, AnnaGrace. 🙂 I’m so sorry about your Grandpa, but thank God death isn’t the end of things. You are right, it does make such a difference knowing that when you let someone go they are leaving misery and pain and sin behind forever, and you are going to see them again in a perfect world. It really makes them the lucky ones. 😉

          • (Almost) that exact situation happened with my grandpa. The doctors thought he would live for about 6 months, but he died after 6 weeks. But yes, it does make an enormous difference to have the hope of reunion!

    • I’m praying. 3 years ago my grandpa died of cancer as well. It’s a very difficult situation for both the person and their family members.

    • Hey guys, I just want to say thank you so much again for all your prayers. My grandma passed away just before midnight last night. We were all there when she did. She hadn’t been really conscious for the last day, and her breathing gradually just got weaker and further apart. She just went to sleep it seemed. She was painless, and now she won’t ever hurt again. Thank you again for praying…it was so good to know you were. I’m really going to miss her. She was one of the sweetest most selfless people. Please continue to keep my Grandpa esp in your prayers. He said last night that it looked like she just went to sleep and that she will be waiting for us. God is good. God bless.

      • You did. 😉 Thanks so much MFJ. Not sure if you saw my comment I posted, but my Grandma passed away Wednesday night. It was like she just peacefully went to sleep. Praise God, her suffering is now over. Now I’m looking forward to the day when I get to see her again. 🙂

  • I just realized I forgot to give a final update on my aunt’s sister with cancer… oops… :-/ I was meaning to, sorry! So, my aunt’s younger sister found out recently that she had a serious case of colon cancer. She was not a Christian and didn’t seem to have any interest in becoming one. A fairly short time later she died, but shortly before her death accepted salvation. Praise God! A lot of people were praying, and it was a huge answer to prayer. Thanks for praying, guys! If you think of it, please also pray for my aunt and her family. Their sister’s death was a big shock and very stressful.
    I’m so glad we can pray for each other here! I know from experience that it’s a big blessing to have the knowledge the people are praying for you during a hard time.

  • Hey, can i ask you guys a favor? My family is going through a MAJOR change right now, and i’m emotionally, mentally, and spiritually shot. Can you pray that God would give my family grace and strength as we go through some new waters? I can’t share more, for privacy reasons…sorry.
    Praising Him,
    ~Haylie

  • Can you guys pray for me too? For like almost the same thing as @Haylie I guess. Haha. Anyway, my family and I may be going through a huge life change within the next year. Could you guys pray that we would do God’s will & that we would have peace no matter what? Thanks 🙂

  • Hey guys, I’m here to request prayer too, but also advice… I was hanging out with my mime team today, and I saw that a girl who I don’t know very well has scars on her wrist… I think she’s been cutting herself. Please pray for her!
    And now for the advice… how do I interact with her? I want to be there for her, but we’re not close enough that I can just say, “I’m here if you ever need help” or something like that. She’s very closed-off from most people. Help!

    • That’s an interesting situation. Is she a Christian? I Will definitely be praying. The only advice I could give (and don’t take it as 100% correct) is just to start getting to know her, showing her that you care, maybe after a while invite her and some other girls to hang out and go shopping or whatever, but just try to show her God’s love. Compassion speaks volumes 🙂

    • Wow, that’s a tough answer…one that I’m not sure how to answer. All I can say is pray. Sometimes that’s the most powerful thing you can do. I’ll be praying too!

    • FYI I can’t give out her name, but a name she likes is Mildred, so you can call her that. God knows who she really is…

    • Praying now… I know that that’s tough. Be there for her, as a friend. Treat her like you would any other person too. I pray that God will work in her heart, and give you opportunities to encourage this girl!

    • Wow, I’ll be praying! Not sure what to say on advice…remember that it might not be what you think it is though, she might not be cutting herself. I don’t know, I guess I’m not much help. :-/

    • I’m praying, MFJ. 🙂 As advice, I would probably just echo what Haylie said – be there, be a friend, and treat her as another person. 🙂

    • Praying for her and for you. I don’t really know what to say just be there for her and get to know her better–build trust. Never been a cutter but having gone through a LOT of depression I can tell you that there were people I didn’t know that well but they showed me they really cared about them and if I ever got to the place where I was willing to confide in someone I knew who I could go to. They didn’t know that, of course, but I did. And being able to trust someone was really big for me. Even though she may be closing herself off from most people, it doesn’t mean there’s not still a person in there who IS watching and when she decides to open up to anyone she will know who really cares. Just my thoughts.
      ~AnnaGrace

    • Hi!

      I didn’t read all of the other responses so I don’t know if anyone else said what I’m about to say so just in case I’ll say sorry to anyone who might have said this already!

      I think you should just try and be a friend. I don’t know the type of person she is but for me if someone just walked up and said, “Praying for you!” it would seem a bit weird to me. But it’s just the type of person she is. Maybe just trying to ask her how she has been doing and ask her her favorite color? I mean even that gets most into a little conversation. That’s what I do with my friends. And you could say stuff about yourself such as what you like and sports or talk about being a mime and your favorite parts about all of that.

    • Is she a Christian? Is she in an abusive home?
      It’s hard to say, but demons still do possess people. That’s just what crossed my mind.
      Just keep trying to interact with her. Maybe make her a small gift with a note in it???
      AND PRAY LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS!

      • Yes.. well… I think she’s a Christian. Or she’s good at faking it… she’s in Christian groups, Youth group, etc.
        She’s not in an abusive home – I work closely with her mom and dad… if anything they spoil her.
        Demons… freaky because I was just thinking the other day about how maybe some psychiatric problems that can’t be explained are actually demonic. Anyway… your comment there fit in perfectly.
        The gift idea is good – I think it’s her birthday soon…
        PRAY LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS! I will 🙂

    • Hey @amandabeguerie:disqus, @MyNameIsAnigoMontoya:disqus, @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus, @a_haylie:disqus, @nathanaelbarker:disqus, @disqus_joshwhatshislastname:disqus, @samwegner:disqus, @disqus_S0BHgwFPNF:disqus, @Kittenese:disqus, @disqus_MZjnX3x57n:disqus, @clarezpulley:disqus, and @disqus_rHUVb4P7uQ:disqus, thank you for the prayer and the advice. I’m going to try and schedule some get-togethers for a smallish group of people we’re both a part of, and try and get to know her better.
      God bless you all!

      • Thank you for asking, AnnaGrace. Well, like I said a few days ago, I’m trying to get together with her and some other folks more often, but I also just found out that I’m moving in late May (pending salary negotiations) so I’m not sure how helpful my friendship would be… I mean, to get to know her and then leave her in the dust a month and a half later. But yeah, I’m trying to hang out with her more when we’re in a group together, and I’m scheduling some get-togethers.
        I really appreciate you asking!

        • Oh, it’s nothing, thanks for letting us know! Yeah, it’s tough to be there for someone when you don’t live in the same area. Moving doesn’t have to be the same as leaving someone in the dust, though. My best friend lives in a different state–we’ve never lived in the same area; we met each other at came–but we still manage to be there for each other. No, it’s not the same as living close, but with modern technology there’s still ways to keep in touch. Are you on Facebook? Do you text? Do you e-mail? The first year my BFF and I were friends we kept in touch through e-mail because neither of us had ever heard of Facebook and I lost her phone number and was too shy (in the beginning) to ask her for it again! If you do have Facebook, make a point to keep up with her, comment on her stuff, etc. This goes for all your friends that you want to keep in touch with, btw, not just Mildred 🙂 Will be praying for your move and God bless! ~AnnaGrace

    • Yup at least until Revive gets launched…oh yeah you probably don’t know about that either. =) Maybe @programguy:disqus (or @disqus_rHUVb4P7uQ:disqus or @disqus_ynAwM455oe:disqus) could fill you in? ‘Cause I don’t know much either. 😛

      • Sure! @madison_w:disqus, Revive is a website that Christian teens can join and share their prayer requests for others to pray for. It is still in progress, but we’re close. Maybe we will put out an official update soon.
        🙂

        • (Sorry, I didn’t see this till just now! :P) Sounds really cool! 😀 Are you, Sam and Dominic the ones creating/posting it (Revive)?

          • Yes, we are in the progress of finishing up the design. Hopefully more info soon! It will be on a separate website. That’s all for now…..

            🙂

  • Hey everyone! We have an update on Revive. We have an estimated launch date of April 4th! We are making huge progress, thanks mostly to @programguy:disqus, and are starting the testing phase and getting the bugs worked out. Thanks everyone for your support!

    I’ll tag a few people….
    @madison_w:disqus @mimeforjesus:disqus @Kittenese:disqus @nathanaelbarker:disqus @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus @disqus_MZjnX3x57n:disqus @disqus_joshwhatshislastname:disqus @clarezpulley:disqus @disqus_rHUVb4P7uQ:disqus @disqus_S0BHgwFPNF:disqus @samwegner:disqus @a_haylie:disqus @MyNameIsAnigoMontoya:disqus @amandabeguerie:disqus @zeitgeist2012:disqus @calebnorman:disqus @gbingo:disqus @sarahp_413:disqus @abigailmccoy:disqus @SusannahBaffa:disqus @CricketTaylor:disqus @christopher164:disqus @liamsiegler:disqus @Abbyallen1:disqus @trent_blake:disqus @disqus_ynAwM455oe:disqus @jessjesse:disqus @benjaminvincent:disqus @Magnesium101:disqus @madeleine_grace:disqus @steelersfan08:disqus @disqus_RyIDsQAPld:disqus @gracemuncey:disqus @halleglushefski:disqus @jeffreylybarger:disqus @Rhanx97:disqus @disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus @graysonzaragoza:disqus @disqus_XM5QHF0vAP:disqus @prayerwrrior:disqus @everyoneelseiforgot
    That’s a lot!!!

  • Wow! That was good! And I might also add that he would NOT be a just God if he DIDN’T send us all to he||. But justice has been paid for those who repent and trust in Jesus as their savior. That’s us!
    I will have to think of something else to level against you… It’s not easy. 🙂
    Maybe you can think of something for me?

    Devils advocate is fun!

    • Thanks 🙂 I agree, I should have added that…
      Here are some questions for you:
      So, how do you reconcile the dichotomy between the two Creation accounts in Genesis (Chapters 1 and 2)?
      Oh boy, this is hard to think up… Okay, so how do you know that God exists? Isn’t he a figment of our imaginations? 🙂

      • Haha. Easy!
        The first, I will answer with a link to an article: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/do-genesis-1-and-2-contradict-each-other/

        The second is super easy. Creation. You don’t look at the computer you’re using and say, this must have popped out of the junkyard. After a tornado went through. Chaos doesn’t make order. And all of the DNA…the sun with a continual energy source…everything perfectly aligned with the planets…I don’t know where to begin!!! And nothing doesn’t make something. It can’t. Mater is not destroyed. It just changes forms.

        I don’t know if that made sense…
        This is hard to level attacks!

        Okay, I’m a Mormon. I believe that the bible has some authority, but a lot of errors. Joseph smith corrected those. And added his book, the Book of Mormon, an the pearl of great price. There are continuing to be prophets today. Why am I wrong? Also, polygamy is great, we were born from heaven, Jesus and satan were brothers, we will all have our own planets in heaven… No he||, three degrees of heaven…

        • Oh, now I understand. I never could figure out how those two accounts were the same!
          I understand what you’re saying, but I’ll press you a little further because it’s to fun 🙂 I don’t want to believe that Creation existed. Just because of it’s so unlikely, doesn’t mean it couldn’t have happened! So, I think we actually evolved. Now prove Him to me! (Seriously, I’ve run into people like this…)

          Okay, you want to take this argument? I don’t really have time to think this out, and I haven’t had a lot of interaction with Mormon beliefs… Sounds like you have 🙂
          But I will argue about polygamy, ’cause that doesn’t take that long. Polygamy is not great… all you have to do to be convinced is, ask your wife(s)!!! Okay, JK… I don’t have an argument against that one either, because my version of the Bible is probably different from yours…

          • Okay, okay! I’m just making you argue… it’s not a position I can even defend, it’s just a position some stubborn people decide they won’t budge from.
            I don’t make the rules, my friend! (Or should I say, “my son!”?)

    • It’s going alright. Thank you so much for your prayers! I really appreciate them!

      Okay…We just got this worksheet today, and I’m looking for some ideas on how to respond while presenting a biblical view of creation. One of the questions is:

      As you flip through a newspaper, you notice that the front page article is about evolution. You are curious, since you are becoming an expert on evolution, so you read it. There are the first 4 sentences of the article…

      “There is no way that evolution happenened. It is something scientists made up. There is no proof that evolution ever happened. How can we know what happened millions of years ago?”

      After reading the whole article, you feel that it is your duty as a science scholar to write a letter to the editor of this newspaper to provide facts about evolution to the public. Write your letter into the space below.

      1. Begin the letter: Dear Editor,
      2.Write 1 paragraph about it how scientists know evolution happened, or that life has changed over time. In your paragraph, use and explain the following terms: evolution, comparative anatomy, homologous structures, DNA, & fossil.

      I want to present creation as a very plausible explanation, while addressing both sides of the argument. Any suggestions, anybody?

      • Hoo boy, I have no idea… Hmmm.
        You could explain that live has changed over time; microevolution still occurs, and you could explain that without espousing macroevolution (“Evolution”). Just an idea…

        • I agree, I’m definitely leaning in that direction, while explaining that natural selection doesn’t add information, so it can’t just accumulate into macroevolution like everyone seems to think. I think this will be a cool opportunity to show some hard evidence for creation too if I can figure out how to word it 🙂

          • I’ll be praying for you! When do you turn it in? (I have no idea how a high school works, in case you couldn’t tell!)

          • Thanks! 🙂 LOL… It’s officially due tomorrow, but teachers are pretty relaxed on due dates so if I take an extra day to write a very in-depth response it won’t be a big deal.

      • That’s awfu!
        I would do something like MFJ said, but answers in genisis has a place you can contact them and ask questions, I think. They probably would have some good ideas.

        • I’ll check it out. Thanks! Yeah, the whole worksheet is pretty bad. They want us to explain how dinosaurs being extinct is evidence of evolution. When, even from an evolutionist’s stand-point, it’s not. It’s just proof that species go extinct… But, on the bright side, their weak arguements make their claim much easier to refute 🙂

      • Hey Sam! I had to write something similar to that. Except, that the paper was about, Global Warming, and I got have a partner. Our paper was pretty simple. We just explained the baisc facts, and then we were done. What I did do though, was that once I got home, I asked my older brother if he would help me write a short paragraph on explaining why Global Warming isn’t real. I know that this might not be much help, but I thought I should tell you that.

      • Thank you everyone for your prayers!! I got something written up that shows the flaws in evolution and the possibility of creation while still meeting the requirements 🙂

  • Okay, everybody, my evolution unit is officially over!!!! 😀 We took the test today. Thank you sooo much for your prayers and awesome advice, especially @

  • Hey everyone! We have an update on Revive: We are on schedule to launch this Saturday morning!!! We are in the final adjusting and fine tuning stage. Thanks everyone, especially Sam S. 🙂

    I’ll tag a few people….
    @madison_w:disqus @mimeforjesus:disqus @Kittenese:disqus @nathanaelbarker:disqus @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus @disqus_MZjnX3x57n:disqus @disqus_joshwhatshislastname:disqus @clarezpulley:disqus @disqus_rHUVb4P7uQ:disqus @disqus_S0BHgwFPNF:disqus @samwegner:disqus @a_haylie:disqus @MyNameIsAnigoMontoya:disqus @amandabeguerie:disqus @zeitgeist2012:disqus @calebnorman:disqus @gbingo:disqus @sarahp_413:disqus @abigailmccoy:disqus @SusannahBaffa:disqus @CricketTaylor:disqus @christopher164:disqus @liamsiegler:disqus @Abbyallen1:disqus @trent_blake:disqus @disqus_ynAwM455oe:disqus @jessjesse:disqus @benjaminvincent:disqus @Magnesium101:disqus @madeleine_grace:disqus @steelersfan08:disqus @disqus_RyIDsQAPld:disqus @gracemuncey:disqus @halleglushefski:disqus @jeffreylybarger:disqus @Rhanx97:disqus @disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus @graysonzaragoza:disqus @disqus_XM5QHF0vAP:disqus @prayerwrrior:disqus @everyoneelseiforgot
    That’s a lot!!!

  • Okay….here it comes…..Revive will launch tomorrow at 10:00 AM Eastern Time!!!! We will try to do a countdown 10 minutes before. Anyone excited? We are!

    For those of you who don’t know, Revive is a place for Christian teens to share their prayer requests with one another.

    I’ll tag a ton of people…

    @josh_whatshislastname:disqus @mimeforjesus:disqus @disqus_yezUL85qzj:disqus @a_haylie:disqus @nathanaelbarker:disqus @brooklynmorrison:disqus @disqus_0EPlfBsVWj:disqus @samwegner:disqus @abigailmccoy:disqus @zeitgeist2012:disqus @programguy:disqus @BrettHarris:disqus @calebnorman:disqus @amandabeguerie:disqus @Kittenese:disqus @sarahp_413:disqus @gbingo:disqus @SusannahBaffa:disqus @CricketTaylor:disqus @rebelutionary27:disqus @christopher164:disqus @liamsiegler:disqus @Abbyallen1:disqus @benjaminvincent:disqus @jessjesse:disqus @amariswatje:disqus @trent_blake:disqus @disqus_S0BHgwFPNF:disqus @disqus_j9ZYxfriG1:disqus @halleglushefski:disqus @Magnesium101:disqus @thewriterchick:disqus @disqus_LzTgmwudVU:disqus @madeleine_grace:disqus @disqus_EMRCDvwKlM:disqus @Renee1011:disqus @josephmao:disqus @disqus_MZjnX3x57n:disqus @disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus @jacksonbiblebee:disqus @steelersfan08:disqus @disqus_RyIDsQAPld:disqus @disqus_5raHpmpa9T:disqus @ruthie_c:disqus @jeffreylybarger:disqus @Rhanx97:disqus @aitanagarcia:disqus @KK4OXJ:disqus @graysonzaragoza:disqus @disqus_XM5QHF0vAP:disqus @MyNameIsAnigoMontoya:disqus @prayerwrrior:disqus @ChristianTimelord:disqus @liv737johnoxide:disqus @jesusfreaknate:disqus @Skitterson:disqus @disqus_clxqoYwM08:disqus @katietelling:disqus @aaronpaultorres:disqus @disqus_ePP3Yyx781:disqus @disqus_rxHwcqpiM4:disqus @disqus_v7zgvL3EXD:disqus @disqus_kdAL39mCAK:disqus @spencer_larson:disqus @disqus_4aLd26vJM2:disqus @disqus_zxr2krNx5O:disqus @MissionsAreMyLife:disqus @joyswen:disqus

  • “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer

    Thanks for your article, Jaquelle. I am new to this venue but would like to make a comment. I am 65 and I know that I do not pray enough, either. I was saved when I was 42 years old but did not make a serious commitment to follow Christ until I was 58. My dad was a Baptist preacher for 48 years. Alcohol and drugs were a huge part of my life until I got saved. I have much to be thankful for……especially the patience, mercy and grace of God. In my failure to pray I often think about the Matthew 26 passage:
    Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
    So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Matthew 26:36-45 NKJV

    At the time Jesus needed them the most, the disciples were too tired to pray. I have other excuses like I am too busy or I will pray later. Sometimes I have the mindset that the little things are too insignificant to pray about. The bottom line is that I just do not pray enough.

    One thing that I do every morning is to remind myself that God, the Creator of the universe, the One who sent His only Son to die so that I could have eternal life……..wants to talk to me. That is quite humbling. So before I leave for work everyday I get on my knees and thank Him for another day. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions so that at the end of the day I have brought Glory and Honor to God. Then I leave and go do my job as a custodian at the local high school where God has given me the privilege to be around 1700+ students everyday. I have never been so blessed in my life because in the last 6 years I have met some of the neatest teenagers you could ever meet. Of course, there are many struggling teens. Another matter of prayer.

    Anyway, thanks for letting me be a part of life’s journey to be imitators of Christ. For in that imitation we become God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
    God does work in mysterious ways.

    • Hi Bob. Thank you so much for your encouragement. My grandfather actually just got saved a few years ago; he was in his late sixties. God truly does amazing work.

      It encourages me to know that my elders struggle with prayer too. Praise God that He is so patient with us in our weakness. I just took a moment now to pray for you about this.

      Welcome to TheRebelution, and many blessings to you.

  • Don’t know if y’all will see this or not, but i don’t have time to hop onto Revive right now, and i wanted to ask you guys to pray for a “friend” of mine who has been missing for a few days. I don’t know her spiritual condition and am choosing not to share her name.

  • I also have prayer problems so this article struck me so hard.

    For me,though, I find it funny that when I’m having troubles, that’s when I find it difficult to pray.

    It’s not that hard for me to thank God and rejoice in the good things. But when bad things happen, or I’ve done something bad again that I supposedly lifted up to Him already, I can’t bring myself to pray.

    I used to always run to Him in times of trouble. Then there’s this certain issue that keeps on reoccurring in my life. I asked Him to help me deal with it. The problem is I keep on falling into that dark pit and the more often I stumble, the lesser I prayed.

    I think it’s because I’m ashamed. I’m ashamed that I can’t keep myself from that certain sin that haunts me.

    I’m still stuck but God still finds ways to enter my heart.

    I guess it’s a slow but sure process. God’s not done with me yet.

rebelling against low expectations

The Rebelution is a teenage rebellion against low expectations—a worldwide campaign to reject apathy, embrace responsibility, and do hard things. Learn More →