Question: What’s the difference between a prayer at church and a prayer at the casino?
Answer: The guy who prays in the casino does so with much more intensity.
Unfortunately, the only time most of us engage in prayer is when we are desperate for healing, forgiveness, or a miracle. I love these words, which I recently read in my daily devotions: “The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not ahold of an answer” (Oswald Chambers).
Paul said, “In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Did you catch Paul’s word – everything? Those who only pray during a crisis don’t really know the one to whom they are praying.
Recovery Step: It is when you seek the presence of God more than the presents of God that you truly touch his heart. May you seek him now.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
