Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

Over the years, there have been times that I have been awed by the prayers of other saints. Some whose love for God was so evident, that they like Mary found themselves with tears at the feet of Jesus.

Others, whose intimate connection with God was so close that it was as if two friends were conversing.

Or still others, whose prayers left you humbled that you felt privileged to sit in as a quiet observer.

What makes the difference? James says, “The effectual fervent prayer of righteous man availeth much.” Their prayers are powerful because they are from the heart.

William Carrey said, “Secret, fervent, believing prayer lies at the root of all personal godliness.” May we seek the Lord with the same passion which accompanied Jesus’ prayer life. 

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

There is something absolutely wonderful about a church that prays together. In prayer, our hearts are unified in the Spirit. We often saw the early church in prayer and in unity.

When three tenor superstars were to perform together in Los Angeles, a reporter tried to stir up a spirit of competition between them. Yet, their response was, “You have to put all of your concentration into opening your heart to the music. You can’t be rivals when you’re together making music.”

When the church prays together, we are co-laborers together with Christ. We have no time to be rivals. The times we have in prayer together bring us closer to the Lord and brings unity in the body. Don’t neglect praying together with the church. For His promise is “where two or more are gathered together in his name, He is in the midst.”

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

I recently read about a Stubborn little boy, with a smart Big sister! Although his mother didn’t want him to have scissors, the fact that they were forbidden made them desirable for his heart. When his sister found him with the scissors, she ran to the kitchen to get an orange. She said, If you will give up the scissors, you can have an orange!

So often, we approach God with the same stubborn little spirit. As James says, We “lust and have not…[we] ask amiss…”

Because we want it, we try to demand or barter with God for this thing we think is best for our lives. All the while, God has for us something better if we will just let go and trust Him.

When we pray, we are not seeking to change God, but we are seeking to change our heart to align with His will. Perhaps it is time to let go of the scissors, and trust what God has is even better!

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

As a child, I was always amazed by my father’s ability to build or repair anything. He wouldn’t always explain how he was doing things, but he expected me to be able to do it once I observed him.

The disciples of Jesus regularly observed the power of Christ in his ministry, but they also witnessed that source of his power was in prayer. In Luke 11, following a time where Jesus had been in prayer, His disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray…”

Many Christians struggle with “how to pray.” If you want to learn to pray, the key is to sincerely, faithfully, and fervently pray. The full effect of learning to pray is found in the actual doing of it. Don’t be afraid to come into the throne room of God and find help. The Bible says, “pray without ceasing.” Let prayer be on your every breath today.

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

If you have ever served in the military, you understand the weight of a command. When an officer gives a command, it is either obey, or be locked in the brig.

God commands us, “Continue in prayer…” When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray He told them, “When thou prayest” not “If thou prayest.” There is an expectation that God’s people would be praying people.

If you received an all expense trip to sit down with the King of England in Buckingham Palace, many people would jump at the opportunity.

The Lord of the Universe has provided you the opportunity to meet with Him, and the logical response is to jump at the opportunity to meet with God.

Will you not take time to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God so that you can meet with the Lord? Why not right now?

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

Today marks the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Although it was a horrible day in American history, it was also a day that revealed incredible courage.

One example of courage was seen in Rick Rescorla.

As head of security for Morgan Stanley, his greatest fear was an attack on the World Trade Center. Much to the chagrin of his co-workers, he insisted on frequent evacuation drills.

But on September 11, those drills wouls save the lives of every employee in the Morgan Stanley offices. Rick’s courage led him to evacuate people, then run back into the collapsing building to save more lives.

The Bible says, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, …for the LORD thy God is with thee ...”

As we do the Lord’s work on earth, be courageous to continue until the Day God calls us home.

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

Do you remember the Verizon wireless commercials where actor Paul Marcarelli would ask, “Do you hear me now?” No matter the location, Verizon wanted to assure you that you would be heard.

This is a great picture of prayer. Our lines of communication with God are never closed. 1 John says, “…that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

Although there are times when we grow weary, our God never grows weary. This means God is not tired of hearing my voice, nor yours. That’s why He invites us to “Pray without ceasing.” He looks forward to moments when we cast our cares upon Him.

If its been a while since you talked to God, remember God wants to hear your voice today.

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of prayer? This feeling often originates in a confusion about what prayer really is.

Prayer is simply talking to God. Sometimes people worry about what words to say when they pray. But God simply says, “Call unto me.” Like you might phone a friend, pick up the prayer line and speak with God.

Well, what do you talk about? First, give God thanks for His many blessings. “Every Good gift...is from above.”

Share your burdens. God cares about what you’re going through, so “cast your cares upon him.”

Seek His Help. God doesn’t grow weary, so don’t be afraid to seek Him for help.

The next time you feel overwhelmed by the thought of prayer, remember that God desires to hear from you. He wants to connect with you today.

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

Each week, 10,000 people visit the White House in Washington, D.C. In order to be among the privileged that are able to see the interior of the White House, you must register for a tour 3-12 weeks in advance. But to actually have an in person meeting with the President is even more difficult, and few have this privilege.

Although it is rare, to meet the President face to face, the Lord is available right now to meet with you. In fact, the Lord Himself has personally made the way possible for us to come to His throne room by dying on the cross for us. Then He sends us an invitation to come and sit with Him and share our burdens with Him through prayer.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Welcome to Daily Growth Point, I’m Pastor John Bingham.

One of the things that strikes me about the life of Jesus is His emphasis that He had regarding prayer. Jesus said, “Men ought always to pray.”

Prayer is how we bring our needs to God. It is how we unburden our hearts before Him. And it is one of the ways that we strengthen our relationship with Him. 

Late in the 18th century England, a humble blind preacher spent his days in creating hand carvings and in prayer. He had spent countless hours at his work bench dwelling at the feet of Jesus. There in that humble shop, he wrote of his experience:

Sweet hour of Prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

That calls me from a world of care,

And bids me at my Father’s throne

Make all my wants and wishes known;

Take time for prayer today.