Thursday, May 1, 2025, is the National Day of Prayer—a reminder for all of us to lean into the incredible gift we’ve been given: prayer.
God didn’t design prayer as a religious exercise. He created it as a way for His children—you and me—to come boldly before Him. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says:
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
When we pray, we’re not tossing up wishes to a “sky genie”. We’re coming directly into the throne room of the One who spoke the universe into existence. And He invites us—commands us—to ask.
Jesus said in Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV):
Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and it will be done.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
How Prayer Brings Peace Beyond Understanding
When we pray, we’re not just bringing our needs before God—we’re stepping into His presence.
And in His presence, we find peace that the world can’t offer and circumstances can’t take away.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) reminds us:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer isn’t just about changing situations—it’s about receiving peace for your heart while you trust the outcome to Him.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) promises:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
When you bring your fears, your worries, and your hopes to your Heavenly Father, you’re exchanging anxiety for His peace.
Even when life feels uncertain, His peace acts like a shield—guarding your heart and mind in Christ.
If you want to dive deeper into holding onto that peace even when life is hard, you can read more here:
➔ Holding Onto Peace When It’s Hard to Find
Prayer Isn’t About Fancy Words Or Perfect Performances.
It’s about your heart.
It’s about trust. It’s about knowing you are God’s child.
Luke 12:32 (NIV) reminds us:
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
It’s His good pleasure to give us good gifts. He’s not holding back, waiting for us to earn it. He’s a good Father who loves to give good things to His children.
Jesus illustrated it this way in Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV):
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
So ask. Ask in His Name.
John 14:13-14 (NIV) says:
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Praying in Jesus’ name isn’t a magic phrase at the end of our sentences. It’s a recognition of who we are praying through—our Advocate, our Friend, our Savior—the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (Matthew 28:18, NIV).
Prayer doesn’t change things because it’s magic.
Prayer changes things because it carries the signature of the King of Kings.
What About When It Seems Like God Isn’t Answering?
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we pray and it feels like heaven is silent. The Bible is clear about a few reasons why prayers may seem delayed:
- Timing: Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) — “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” God’s delays are not denials.
- Faith and Trust: James 1:6-7 (NIV) — “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…” God honors faith.
- Persistence: Luke 18:1 (NIV) — “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
- Alignment with His Will: 1 John 5:14 (NIV) — “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
When answers seem slow, we are invited to trust even deeper. Prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours—it’s about stepping into His will with boldness, confidence, and hope.
A Final Thought for the National Day of Prayer
This Thursday, May 1st, whether you’re at an event, praying at home, or lifting up a quick prayer in the car—remember:
You’re not whispering into empty space.
You’re talking to the Father who loves you, the Son who redeemed you, and the Spirit who empowers you.
Here’s a powerful song to reflect on as you pray today:
Crowder – Somebody Prayed (Official Music Video)
Pray boldly. Pray believing. Pray knowing He is listening.