Don't Stop Praying - a Three-Day Reading Plan With Matthew WestSample

DAY ONE: The Power of Prayer

Don’t stop praying

Don’t stop calling on Jesus' name

Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door

Let your knees wear out the floor

Don’t stop believing

‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith

And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying

So don’t stop praying

On the day I wrote the lyrics to “Don’t Stop Praying,” it had been one of those difficult days. You know – you’ve faced those days yourself. Those days when it seems like everything is spinning out of control, both in your life and in the world around you. I hear stories every night on tour about the struggles people are facing. There are those who are facing health issues, others are in a financial storm. Some have prayed for years for a specific outcome. Some have just begun to reach out to God with their petitions. Some have seen miracles. Some are still waiting on a miracle. Where do you see yourself today? Are you filled with worry? What battle are you facing? Have you seen prayers answered or are you struggling to pray?

You might find yourself overwhelmed with your circumstance and allowing worry to take the place of praying. Or you’ve prayed and prayed, and you are ready to throw in the towel. If either of these describe you, let me encourage you to with these three words: “Don’t Stop Praying!”

Why? Because there is power in prayer. Because God hears each prayer. Because you might just be one prayer away from your miracle. So, don’t stop praying! If you feel overcome with worry, maybe your next prayer could be to God to replace your anxiety with peace. Philippians 4:6 gives us some direction in how to pray when we feel worried. It says, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

This verse is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to live under the cloud of worry and anxiety. Prayer is a powerful tool that we often forget to use. God is never more than a whisper away. In an instant, we can reconnect with our Father and allow Him to put our worries and fears in perspective and point our hearts back to the only One who has it all under control.

When you hear "Don’t Stop Praying,” my prayer is that it will serve as a reminder to pray first in every situation and a call to continue to pray when you are tempted to give up. My pastor always says, “Prayer isn’t the only thing we do, but it is the first thing we do.” Prayer isn’t our fallback; it’s our plan of action.

So, whatever you are facing today, no matter where you find yourself, or what keeps you up at night, be encouraged to know that our all-powerful God is with you. He hears each prayer, and He is at work in your situation even when you don’t see the evidence yet. So, don’t stop praying! Even when you feel weak and weary, pray one more prayer.