"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Do you recognize God’s hand at work around you?

A few months ago, my husband and I trekked up a mountain wrapped in fog. Our guide shook her head once we reached the summit, and I lost all hope that we’d see the view we’d hiked for.

“Look!” I squinted down the sheer cliff to make out the whitecaps. As we stared at the crashing waves, the fog crept back, as if an invisible hand were gathering wool on a spool. Fifteen minutes later, the entire cove appeared, revealing sparkling turquoise waters below.

“I prayed for this,” my husband whispered, and I couldn’t help smiling. God listened to his prayers, and our entire hiking group benefitted.

“God loves us so much to show off His creation like this,” I said.

“What a gift,” he responded, and we quietly hummed a hymn recognizing God’s majesty all around us.

“It’s about time,” a hiker grumbled next to us.

What a striking response to a meteorological miracle! While one man rejoiced over his Father’s care, the other grumbled over the Almighty’s timing. Sadly, I’ve been like that hiker more than I care to admit.

Acts of God’s kindness surround us every day, but we don’t always recognize them as such. That’s why Scripture instructs us: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). You see, persistent prayer not only moves God’s hand, but it prepares our hearts to recognize His touch. When we pray, we’re more likely to watch expectantly for God to respond. And when we see Him moving in powerful ways, we grow to trust Him more.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” says James 5:16b (NIV). As proof, James 5:17-18 points to another miraculous meteorological event — the prophet Elijah’s prayer for a 3.5-year drought, followed by rain. For some, these events may seem coincidental, but for God’s attentive children, they’re a testament to His loving care.

So how do we learn to pray in powerful ways? We start by praying for little things and watch God answer in loving ways. Not always as we wish — but always as He wills. And His will for us is always for our good. Every time God answers a prayer, our faith in Him grows.

I wonder: How many miracles might we have missed over the last year because we weren’t watching?

Scripture reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17), every delight a little present from the One who loves us more than life.

So let us pray with boldness this year. Let us be women who are quick to notice God’s fingerprints all around us. And let us become those who give thanks for each answer to prayer, even when it’s as simple as the weather clearing up.

Heavenly Father, how kind You are to listen to our prayers and move on our behalf! Open our eyes to see Your hand at work all around us, and soften our hearts to be quick to give You praise. We want to be women who pray in Your power — poured out in us and through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Do you get distracted when you pray? In Prayers of REST: Daily Prompts to Slow Down and Hear God’s Voice, Asheritah Ciuciu guides readers in an easy-to-follow framework for praying God’s Word while also becoming more mindful of God’s presence. Pick up your copy and become more confident in your prayers today!

ENGAGE

Sometimes you just need a little extra help to start a new habit. That’s why Asheritah is offering her premium Quiet Time for Busy Women six-week e-course for FREE when you sign up here. It’s her gift to our community this week.

And if you enjoy listening to podcasts, you’ll want to check out the Prayers of REST podcast. In these 10-minute episodes, Asheritah will gently guide you in praying God’s Word and resting in His loving presence, so it’s perfect for Christian women on the go. Listen here.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (NIV).

When have you seen God answer a personal prayer in a way that felt big to you but insignificant to others? How can you grow in recognizing and thanking God for His gifts of grace in your life this year?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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