When it comes to prayer many of us can either be forgetful, intimidated, or perhaps even biased. Whether it's a lack of faith or maybe self condemnation, it's easy for us to neglect the importance of prayer. In today's message, Pastor Mark continues us in our study of the power and influence of prayer. Reflecting on the Prophet Elijah, Pastor Mark provides us with some fundamental ways to approach prayer in our daily walk. We learn in today's study that no matter what the situation might be, it's important that we maintain a healthy prayer life.

1God created us with desires. Emotional, spiritual and physical desires.

2What are you hungry for? According to the Scriptures, our appetite

3should be for the Word of God. While it is okay to have “things”...such

4as cars, nice homes, a good job...these “things” should never be used

5to fill the void that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can. As

6believers, we are to continually empty ourselves of our own ideas, our

7own plans or opinions. In that empty space, we are to put Jesus! His

8Word, His Ways, His plan for our lives should fill our soul. So the

9question to ask yourself is: What do you desire? Your own ways? Or

10do you hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God our Creator?

It was often assumed in the Judaic culture that any and every illness in a person was a direct result of their sin. We read this in the Gospel of John when the disciples ask “Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” In today's Lesson for Living Pastor Mark addresses a very important misconception regarding illness. We'll learn that although some illnesses can be traced to sin that we refuse to deal with, none of us are condemned directly by our sin. Today Pastor Mark encourages us to take our guilt or anger to the Lord in repentance before it begins to take it's toll on the body, mind, and spirit.

Each and every one of us has a tendency to be slightly biased or skeptical when it comes to acts of divine healing. Whether it's a lack of faith or because we feel God ignored a personal prayer for healing, we're sometimes hesitant when hearing another's testimony. In today's Lesson for Living, Pastor Mark addresses the mystery of divine healing. Why are some healed instantly while others might take years to recover from a debilitating illness? Each of these are common questions that Pastor Mark addresses as we continue today's study in the Book of James.

Every one of us has fallen into the category of “those who are in trouble” at some point in our lives. Rather than panic, the Apostle Paul tells us “don't worry about anything, but rather pray about everything.” In today's Lesson for Living Pastor Mark teaches us on the importance and power of prayer. In our study, we'll discover how prayer is great for courage, guidance, wisdom, and healing. Whether we're sick, discouraged, or simply feeling lost, Pastor Mark encourages us to seek The Lord for our needs through prayer and supplication.

The call to unity within the body of Christ is perhaps one of the most important doctrines within The Bible. Because of the work on the Cross, the separation of nation, race, or religion has been done away with and we're united as one. In today's Lesson for Living, Pastor Mark addresses this very issue. By putting our faith in Christ, we've been born again into a new family that stands as a testimony to the power of God. Today Pastor Mark reminds us of the importance of unity. By setting our disagreements aside, we can better focus on our calling to share the Gospel with others.

Most of us would agree that the feelings of solitude and helplessness are among the least of our favorites. The sense of not being able to reach out to those around us for liberation from such a dark place is quite the scary experience. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages us to take solace in the relationship that God offers us through His Son. No matter how dark of a place we might be in or how discouraged, Pastor Mark reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. We learn that by living in fellowship with God, we have all the strength, patience, and wisdom we need to live a life of joy.

Each of has have had our patience tested in some form or another. Whether it's a flat tire on the way to work or handling a difficult situation professionally, we've all been put to the test. In today's Lesson for Living, Pastor Mark will teach us how to better establish patience in our day to day lives. By focusing on the joy we have in Christ, many of the troubles we face will simply seem insignificant. As Pastor Mark demonstrates in our study, it's when we're filled with joy that we can better exhibit patience in the midst of life's challenges and troubles.

On multiple occasions in the New Testament we learn that the greatest commandment of all is love. We're called to love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbor as ourself. In today's message Pastor Mark reflects on how we can love others through giving. Just as God loved us and gave us His Son, we too are called to love others by giving to those in need. Although this is counter-cultural to society, Pastor Mark demonstrates to us how God uses this platform to further His Kingdom. By denying ourselves and guarding our hearts from greed, we can better demonstrate God's love for mankind.

At some point in our lives we've all fallen into the trap of thinking that just a little more money will solve our problems. As most of us have experienced, once we get that little extra, the previous line tends to shift yet again and we're right where we started. In today's Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark discusses a common issue that many of us have been confronted with. Desiring more than what we have. No matter how much wealth we might, Pastor Mark warns us that the pursuit of wealth typically leaves us feeling less satisfied than before.