From the Home Place

February 5, 2026

Good morning all! What a day He is preparing for us: It was 32 when I got up at 2:15 a.m. and we are headed for a 65!

Yep, in the wee hours of today, He shook me out of the sack for a season of prayer. I was blessed to pray for many folks who are dealing with serious health problems. Others who have recently lost loved ones. Yet others who are far away from God. And then there was a time of praying for pastor friends scattered all over this nation. I may be old and somewhat crippled, but I can still pray.

Prayer is an amazing ministry that each of us can have a part in. What a blessing it is to get to bring individuals, families and even churches before the King’s throne! Along with the petitions, there are also many items to praise our Lord for; the primary praise is that by His amazing grace, we are allowed to speak directly to the King!

Along with petitions and praises, there is also a sense of purpose. Nothing seems to redirect our attitude quicker than getting to pray for others. The praise time causes one to refocus upon Who our Heavenly Father really is, upon what He has done within your life and the lives of others who are of value within your life, and upon what it is He wanting to do with your individual life. Christ centered focus is always good for a person.

Praying for others helps kick self to the curb. It is very difficult to pray earnestly for others when one’s mind is focused upon self, so you have to put “me” aside and focus upon them. Sometimes the person we need to get away from is self. To focus upon God and others, we cannot be selfish.

May I suggest, if possible, that you take a block of time to praise and pray. Step away from the business of today, find a quiet spot and pray. It is often best to prepare a list of the names and concerns you need to pray for, read a Psalm or two and then shut yourself up to God. This is a serious time, so be sure to start with confession and cleansing – then you will be ready to stand in the gap for those He places upon your spirit. If you are too busy for serious prayer, you are too busy!

There is nothing like a season of prayer to refocus and regenerate your spirit! Perhaps that is why Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing.” For you see, prayer not only changes the lives of those you are praying for, it also changes the life of the one who is praying. Focused prayer is much like “spring cleaning.” Everything is better when you get up off your knees.

Praying with and for you, Neal