“Don’t give up on prayer, for it is the power of God that transforms and heals through our intercessions.”

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“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Romans 8

Two moments in the past six days have caused me to pause and reflect.

The first was a group of college students sharing how they felt God show up at critical points in their lives. These students were sharp — thoughtful, high-capacity thinkers and doers. People who take action and initiative. I won’t pretend otherwise: it stirred my faith. It also challenged me to reflect on how fully I’m surrendering my own life to God.

I grew up with a spiritual mentality that God did everything. We simply had to trust and pray. As I got older, I came to understand that I also needed to invest in my own life — developing my talents, tending relationships, pursuing purpose with intention.

And yet. As I’ve sat with this, I’ve noticed that many of the things most dear to my heart have been immersed in prayer:

• “Not my will, but your will be done.”
• “Lord, how might you be leading me in this situation?”
• “Lord, I notice this deep desire growing within me — please open doors.”
• “Lord, bring hope and healing here.”

The second moment has been more personal — praying for someone facing a medical situation, asking God to intervene. As my mom used to say, “When it feels possible or impossible, call on God.”

These two moments have humbled me.

Prayer reminds me that I must bring effort to this world — that leadership is action, and that faithful living requires initiative. And yet it also reminds me that God longs to breathe his Spirit into us, animating our humanity for his goodness and mercy. We are not left to our own strength.

So pray — for whatever is emerging for you today. For a sick friend. For a situation that feels impossible. For a decision with no clear answer. And as you pray, stay awake to how God may be calling you to move.

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