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Spiritual Growth Through Prayer
In today’s fast-paced world, our lives are filled with responsibilities—work, family, and many other daily demands. In the midst of it all, it can be easy to treat prayer as something optional. Yet, prayer is not secondary. It is essential for spiritual growth and for maintaining a close relationship with God.
Even during His busy ministry on earth, the Lord Jesus never neglected prayer. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray, even when crowds followed Him and needs surrounded Him. His example challenges us to reflect: if Jesus, the Son of God, prioritized prayer, how much more should we?
Prayer is the way God reveals His path for our lives. Through it, we receive joy, peace, and guidance. As the psalmist wrote:
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
(Psalm 16:11)
In prayer, our eyes are opened to spiritual truths. God’s Word becomes alive and meaningful when we seek Him with a humble heart.
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”
(Psalm 119:18)
When we lack wisdom or direction, we can turn to God with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
(James 1:5)
Sometimes we miss out on God’s blessings simply because we haven’t asked. We carry anxiety and burdens we were never meant to bear alone.
“You do not have because you do not ask.”
(James 4:2)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
(Philippians 4:6)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
When prayer is neglected, our faith can begin to waver. That’s why it’s important to make time for God, even in the busiest seasons of life. When we put Him first, everything else begins to fall into place.
And prayer isn’t just for our personal needs. It’s also spiritual warfare. In Colossians, Paul describes Epaphras as one who “labored fervently in prayer” for others:
“Epaphras… always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
(Colossians 4:12)
The original Greek word used here suggests striving—wrestling in prayer. It’s a reminder that prayer is powerful, active, and vital in helping ourselves and others grow spiritually.
These are just a few reasons why prayer is foundational to a life of faith.
So let us return to prayer—not as a ritual, but as a relationship. Let us make time to bow our heads and open our hearts, trusting that our prayers rise before God like sweet incense. Through prayer, our spirits are refreshed, our faith is strengthened, and our hearts are drawn closer to Him.
You’re Invited
We warmly welcome you and your family to join us for the Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Come and experience God’s presence, grow in your faith, and learn what it means to walk more closely with Him.
Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue spiritual growth and bear fruits for God. We look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org