Praying for Power – Preparing for Pentecost
Alright, we’ve been walking this post-Resurrection journey for a few weeks now, from the empty tomb to the Ascension. And let’s be honest, it’s tempting to jump straight to Pentecost—the fire, wind, and Spirit-filled action of Acts 2. But here’s the thing: before the Spirit came, before the sound of rushing wind filled the house, there were ten days of waiting, praying, and preparing.
I really wanted to do something different this week for those reading my blog. I have been beating you up with the Holy Spirit. But before Jesus gave them that He taught them how to pray!
This week before Pentecost, we’re camping out in that in-between moment—the ten days between Jesus’ Ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. What were the disciples doing during this time? They weren’t just sitting around staring at the sky.
They were praying, seeking, and readying their hearts for the mission Jesus had just given them.
And isn’t that where we often find ourselves? Waiting on God to move, waiting for clarity, waiting for the next step.
The question is: How do we use that waiting time? The disciples show us that prayer isn’t just something we do to pass time—it’s how we align ourselves with God’s will and prepare for His power. Let’s dive in.
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
Note: Any typos in the blog are not my fault - it's satan!
I really wanted to do something different this week for those reading my blog. I have been beating you up with the Holy Spirit. But before Jesus gave them that He taught them how to pray!
This week before Pentecost, we’re camping out in that in-between moment—the ten days between Jesus’ Ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. What were the disciples doing during this time? They weren’t just sitting around staring at the sky.
They were praying, seeking, and readying their hearts for the mission Jesus had just given them.
And isn’t that where we often find ourselves? Waiting on God to move, waiting for clarity, waiting for the next step.
The question is: How do we use that waiting time? The disciples show us that prayer isn’t just something we do to pass time—it’s how we align ourselves with God’s will and prepare for His power. Let’s dive in.
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
Note: Any typos in the blog are not my fault - it's satan!
Monday: Teach Us to Pray
When I decided to get serious about my faith I knew I needed to learn how to pray. I was horrible at it. I still think I am a horrible leader of prayer. But I know longer care. I pray what God puts on my heart to think and say. However, having a structure is helpful because it keeps you from going down rabbit holes.
Imagine you’re one of Jesus’ disciples. You’ve seen Him calm storms, heal diseases, feed thousands, and even raise the dead. But there’s something about His prayer life that’s different. It’s not just what He prays—it’s how He prays.
Jesus talks to God as if He’s right there, listening and responding. His prayers aren’t stiff or rehearsed—they’re intimate, alive, and powerful.
So one day, you muster up the courage to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
And what does Jesus do? He doesn’t hand you a scroll of instructions or give you a long lecture. Instead, He gives you a simple yet profound prayer—a framework for connecting with God in a way that transforms your heart.
Historical Context:
For first-century Jews, prayer was already a central part of life. Every devout Jew grew up reciting the Shema (“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”) and other traditional prayers at fixed times throughout the day. These prayers were meaningful, yes, but they were also highly structured and ritualized.
What the disciples saw in Jesus, though, was something completely different. His prayers weren’t just about words—they were about relationship. He prayed to God as Abba, Father—a term of deep intimacy and trust. He had conversations!
This was radical. In a culture where God was often viewed as distant and unapproachable, Jesus revealed a God who is personal, present, and deeply invested in His children.
When Jesus gave the disciples what we now call the Lord’s Prayer, He wasn’t just giving them words to recite. He was giving them a blueprint for how to align their hearts with God’s. So here you are now - a disciple - discovering the secret of all prayer!
Here’s what makes it so powerful:
Psalm 25: A Prayer of Dependence
We can dig deeper - The beauty of the Lord’s Prayer is that it echoes the heart of the David in Psalm 25: “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths.”
We forget about the connections Jesus had to how He probably taught David how to pray! Maybe go visit that text and imagine learning if for the first time. See how simple and conversational it is. Lean into this prayer when you wonder if you are doing it RIGHT! (you are)
Both this prayer and the "Lord's Prayer" are rooted in dependence on God. They focus on seeking His guidance, His provision, and His forgiveness—not just rattling off a list of wants.
Let me try this… an analogy that may or may not work.
Think about a toddler learning to walk. At first, they stumble, fall, and cling to their parent’s hand. But as they grow, they start to walk with more confidence—not because they’ve figured it all out on their own, but because they’ve learned to trust the presence and guidance of their parent. They eventually learn to walk, and it may still look shakey or bowlegged, or pigeon toed - but they are walking! Praise Jesus!
Welcome to prayer! Prayer is EXACTLY like that. It’s not about mastering the perfect technique or saying all the “right” words. It’s about learning to walk with God, step by step, trusting Him to catch us when we stumble and lead us where we need to go.
That is what makes this structure and simple prayer transformative!
Reflection:
The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just something to memorize—it’s a way of life. It teaches us to start with worship, surrender to God’s will, trust Him daily, stay right with Him and others, and rely on His strength.
By the way - how many times have you heard me lose my place in the Lord's Prayer? If I don't read it on the screen I tend to wander - I linger in the previous verse and forget where I am. Welcome to my world! Welcome to lifting your heart to God!
Get lost in prayer!
So let me ask you: When you pray, are you treating it like a checklist or like a conversation? Are you asking God to align with your plans, or are you asking Him to align your heart with His?
Question of the Day:
I am curious about this - which part of the Lord’s Prayer speaks to you most today?
How can you let it shape your prayers this week?
No one comments much - but this is a great time to start! I answer occasionally but this is your blog too!
- OT: Psalm 25:4–5
- NT: Luke 11:1–4
When I decided to get serious about my faith I knew I needed to learn how to pray. I was horrible at it. I still think I am a horrible leader of prayer. But I know longer care. I pray what God puts on my heart to think and say. However, having a structure is helpful because it keeps you from going down rabbit holes.
Imagine you’re one of Jesus’ disciples. You’ve seen Him calm storms, heal diseases, feed thousands, and even raise the dead. But there’s something about His prayer life that’s different. It’s not just what He prays—it’s how He prays.
Jesus talks to God as if He’s right there, listening and responding. His prayers aren’t stiff or rehearsed—they’re intimate, alive, and powerful.
So one day, you muster up the courage to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
And what does Jesus do? He doesn’t hand you a scroll of instructions or give you a long lecture. Instead, He gives you a simple yet profound prayer—a framework for connecting with God in a way that transforms your heart.
Historical Context:
For first-century Jews, prayer was already a central part of life. Every devout Jew grew up reciting the Shema (“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”) and other traditional prayers at fixed times throughout the day. These prayers were meaningful, yes, but they were also highly structured and ritualized.
What the disciples saw in Jesus, though, was something completely different. His prayers weren’t just about words—they were about relationship. He prayed to God as Abba, Father—a term of deep intimacy and trust. He had conversations!
This was radical. In a culture where God was often viewed as distant and unapproachable, Jesus revealed a God who is personal, present, and deeply invested in His children.
When Jesus gave the disciples what we now call the Lord’s Prayer, He wasn’t just giving them words to recite. He was giving them a blueprint for how to align their hearts with God’s. So here you are now - a disciple - discovering the secret of all prayer!
Here’s what makes it so powerful:
- “Father, hallowed be Your name.” Start with worship. Acknowledge who God is—holy, powerful, and worthy of praise. This shifts our focus from ourselves to Him. Revere
- “Your kingdom come.” This is a game-changer. It reminds us to pray for God’s plans, not ours. It’s about surrendering our agendas to His greater purpose. Be Humble
- “Give us each day our daily bread.” This is a prayer of trust. Jesus teaches us to rely on God for today’s needs, not tomorrow’s worries. It’s about living one day at a time, fully dependent on Him. Petition
- “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” This is where prayer gets personal. It’s not just about asking for what we need—it’s about staying right with God and others. Forgiveness is at the heart of our relationship with Him and with people. Repent
- “Lead us not into temptation.” Finally, Jesus teaches us to rely on God’s strength to resist sin and stay on the path He’s laid out for us. Know who YOU are!
Psalm 25: A Prayer of Dependence
We can dig deeper - The beauty of the Lord’s Prayer is that it echoes the heart of the David in Psalm 25: “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths.”
We forget about the connections Jesus had to how He probably taught David how to pray! Maybe go visit that text and imagine learning if for the first time. See how simple and conversational it is. Lean into this prayer when you wonder if you are doing it RIGHT! (you are)
Both this prayer and the "Lord's Prayer" are rooted in dependence on God. They focus on seeking His guidance, His provision, and His forgiveness—not just rattling off a list of wants.
Let me try this… an analogy that may or may not work.
Think about a toddler learning to walk. At first, they stumble, fall, and cling to their parent’s hand. But as they grow, they start to walk with more confidence—not because they’ve figured it all out on their own, but because they’ve learned to trust the presence and guidance of their parent. They eventually learn to walk, and it may still look shakey or bowlegged, or pigeon toed - but they are walking! Praise Jesus!
Welcome to prayer! Prayer is EXACTLY like that. It’s not about mastering the perfect technique or saying all the “right” words. It’s about learning to walk with God, step by step, trusting Him to catch us when we stumble and lead us where we need to go.
That is what makes this structure and simple prayer transformative!
Reflection:
The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just something to memorize—it’s a way of life. It teaches us to start with worship, surrender to God’s will, trust Him daily, stay right with Him and others, and rely on His strength.
By the way - how many times have you heard me lose my place in the Lord's Prayer? If I don't read it on the screen I tend to wander - I linger in the previous verse and forget where I am. Welcome to my world! Welcome to lifting your heart to God!
Get lost in prayer!
So let me ask you: When you pray, are you treating it like a checklist or like a conversation? Are you asking God to align with your plans, or are you asking Him to align your heart with His?
Question of the Day:
I am curious about this - which part of the Lord’s Prayer speaks to you most today?
How can you let it shape your prayers this week?
No one comments much - but this is a great time to start! I answer occasionally but this is your blog too!
Tuesday: Bold and Persistent
OK – Before we start - I have to answer some questions from yesterday and a question I get all the time before we move into today.,,
Why would God lead us into temptation?
Well- two parts to this, God leads into Trials (the translation) but not more than we can handle. Here are examples you may or may not be thinking…
Matthew 4:1. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
Psalm 26:2 "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind."
God does lead us into trials (temptations)! But that is not the prayer.
Jesus is teaching a prayer. Let’s think garden of Gethsemane…. What did Jesus pray?
In modern speak we might say – “Oh Lord – don’t lead me down that road I know it’s nothing but trouble – just let me have the strength to get through the day!”
God does not lead to “temptation,” he gives us trials to make us stronger. Jesus in his prayer is admitting to his humanity and susceptibility to sin in the world. Please Father – let’s not go there.
I AM READY FOR THE CROSS! See the difference?
OK now todays text!
When I was a kid, I had no problem asking my parents for stuff. A new bike? A sleepover with friends? Sure, I’d ask once or twice. But if it was really important to me, I wouldn’t stop asking. I’d bring it up every day, every car ride, every dinner conversation until they gave in—or told me to stop. Can I, Can I, Can I.... We all have those obnoxious kids! 8)
Jesus tells a story about that kind of persistence in prayer. A man goes to his friend’s house at midnight, asking for bread. The friend doesn’t get up because he’s kind—he gets up because the man won’t stop knocking.
Jesus’ point? Be bold. Be persistent. God isn’t annoyed by your prayers; He’s honored by them.
Now that said – I often say you do not need to repeat a prayer – God hears it the first time!
BUT – those that repeat it "MAY" have a new earnestness in their tone. The prayer has more gravity in that case – doesn’t it! it is actually an entirely new prayer!
Isaiah paints a similar picture: prayer warriors crying out day and night, giving God “no rest” until His promises are fulfilled. This isn’t about pestering God—it’s about showing Him that we trust Him to act. Asking for something in a different way where we are clear about our request!
Reflection:
Sorry this is a bit long today – but that first question is always asked!
God delights in bold prayers because they show faith.
What would happen if we prayed with the same persistence and passion for God’s kingdom as we do for our own needs?
Question:
What’s one bold prayer you need to bring before God today?
And are you willing to keep knocking until the door opens? That's a tough one for most of us!
Each prayer has to be different until we are stripped from all our pride and personal gain and we are asking in raw naked humility. Now that is a prayer!
When we have nothing to gain but to glorify God!
Those are hard prayers because we are fragile broken people living in God's world on His terms but we want what WE want - even if God is asking you to let go!
Isaiah 62 says - keep shouting! Abraham changed God's mind on Sodom and Gomorra, Moses changed God's mind and didn't kill all the people in exile. See where this is going... Pray how God wants you to pray!
- OT: Isaiah 62:6–7
- NT: Luke 11:5–8
OK – Before we start - I have to answer some questions from yesterday and a question I get all the time before we move into today.,,
Why would God lead us into temptation?
Well- two parts to this, God leads into Trials (the translation) but not more than we can handle. Here are examples you may or may not be thinking…
Matthew 4:1. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
Psalm 26:2 "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind."
God does lead us into trials (temptations)! But that is not the prayer.
Jesus is teaching a prayer. Let’s think garden of Gethsemane…. What did Jesus pray?
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
God – I’d rather not have any challenges today – can we just stick to just keeping me from evil.
In modern speak we might say – “Oh Lord – don’t lead me down that road I know it’s nothing but trouble – just let me have the strength to get through the day!”
God does not lead to “temptation,” he gives us trials to make us stronger. Jesus in his prayer is admitting to his humanity and susceptibility to sin in the world. Please Father – let’s not go there.
I AM READY FOR THE CROSS! See the difference?
OK now todays text!
When I was a kid, I had no problem asking my parents for stuff. A new bike? A sleepover with friends? Sure, I’d ask once or twice. But if it was really important to me, I wouldn’t stop asking. I’d bring it up every day, every car ride, every dinner conversation until they gave in—or told me to stop. Can I, Can I, Can I.... We all have those obnoxious kids! 8)
Jesus tells a story about that kind of persistence in prayer. A man goes to his friend’s house at midnight, asking for bread. The friend doesn’t get up because he’s kind—he gets up because the man won’t stop knocking.
Jesus’ point? Be bold. Be persistent. God isn’t annoyed by your prayers; He’s honored by them.
Now that said – I often say you do not need to repeat a prayer – God hears it the first time!
BUT – those that repeat it "MAY" have a new earnestness in their tone. The prayer has more gravity in that case – doesn’t it! it is actually an entirely new prayer!
Isaiah paints a similar picture: prayer warriors crying out day and night, giving God “no rest” until His promises are fulfilled. This isn’t about pestering God—it’s about showing Him that we trust Him to act. Asking for something in a different way where we are clear about our request!
Reflection:
Sorry this is a bit long today – but that first question is always asked!
God delights in bold prayers because they show faith.
What would happen if we prayed with the same persistence and passion for God’s kingdom as we do for our own needs?
Question:
What’s one bold prayer you need to bring before God today?
And are you willing to keep knocking until the door opens? That's a tough one for most of us!
Each prayer has to be different until we are stripped from all our pride and personal gain and we are asking in raw naked humility. Now that is a prayer!
When we have nothing to gain but to glorify God!
Those are hard prayers because we are fragile broken people living in God's world on His terms but we want what WE want - even if God is asking you to let go!
Isaiah 62 says - keep shouting! Abraham changed God's mind on Sodom and Gomorra, Moses changed God's mind and didn't kill all the people in exile. See where this is going... Pray how God wants you to pray!
Wednesday: Ask, Seek, Knock
- OT: Jeremiah 29:12–13
- NT: Luke 11:9–10
Historical Context:
"Ask, seek, knock." At first glance, this might sound like a blank check—just ask God for whatever you want, and it’s yours. But Jesus isn’t promising material rewards; He’s inviting us into a deeper relationship with God.
The phrase "Ask, seek, knock" also reflects a common teaching style in Jewish culture. Repetition and progression were frequently used by rabbis to emphasize important lessons.
Each verb builds on the last, showing increasing intensity:
Ask: A humble request, acknowledging dependence on God.
Seek: A deeper pursuit, requiring focus and effort.
Knock: Persistent action, refusing to give up until the door opens.
This progression mirrors the type of prayer Jesus is calling us to—bold, persistent, and faithful.
In Jeremiah 29, God speaks to Israelites in exile, promising: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” This wasn’t about material gain but about restoring their relationship with Him. That is what Jesus is doing as well. His words encourage us to pursue God Himself, with the assurance that He will respond.
Reflection:
Have any of you ever treated prayer like a wish list? Maybe you’ve prayed for good grades, a new job, or for a problem to just go away—thinking of prayer as a kind of transaction: I ask, God delivers.
But what if prayer isn’t about getting what we want? What if it’s about growing closer to God?
The challenge is this: Try shifting your focus in prayer. Instead of asking only for things, ask for more of Him. When you do, you’ll discover peace, guidance, and strength—not necessarily because you get everything you want, but because you’ll gain what you truly need: a deeper relationship with God.
A Little shorter today since I went so long yesterday.
Question:
What are you asking, seeking, or knocking for today?
Are you pursuing God Himself, or just what He can give you?
Thursday: The Good Gift
- OT: Ezekiel 36:26–27 (“I will put My Spirit in you.”)
- NT: Luke 11:11–13
Friday: The Promise of the Spirit
- OT: Numbers 11:24–29 (Moses’ desire for God’s Spirit on all)
- NT: Joel 2:28–29
Saturday: Prayer in Preparation
- OT: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (“If My people pray…”)
- NT: Acts 1:12–14
Posted in Easter Season 2025
4 Comments
The part of the Lord‘s prayer that I need to concentrate on is my daily bread. I tend to try to make things happen instead of letting God direct my path and being patient.
Mine right now is also give us this day our daily bread. I’m trying very hard right now to focus on this moment, this time, this need and not worry about the future. Jesus talks to us about that too doesn’t he? I need to trust that he feels all those needs today.
My part of the Lord’s Prayer is
n"...And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.": I ask for forgiveness but forget-more-than-remember to forgive those who trespass against me.
n
Trust in the LORD forever; for in the LORD, the LORD, is an everlasting Rock. - Isaiah 26:4?