Faith @ First - May 8, 2026
I recently read this in a devotional written by someone in recovery:
“Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine. And for the same reason, when we refuse air, light, or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support. As the body can fail its purpose for lack of nourishment, so can the soul. We all need the light of God’s reality, the nourishment of His strength, and the atmosphere of His grace.”
I’ve read many things about prayer and prayed many prayers out loud, and yet I think this is one of the most accurate descriptions I’ve ever encountered. It insightfully articulates the role prayer plays in our lives, and it applies to everyone—not just those in a recovery program. Because the truth is, we’re all recovering from something: trauma, illness, disappointment, addiction, betrayal, fear, grief—we can fill in the blank with whatever life has thrown our way.
Prayer is our lifeline. It equips us to persevere through our deepest sorrows and to receive our greatest joys. And understanding this is at the heart of our series this month: When We Pray. Over the next several weeks, we’ll unpack some of the poignant prayers found in Scripture and discern what they still have to teach us today.
We’ll begin this week with “A Mother’s Prayer” and reflect on how this unique role shapes both our prayer lives and the lives of children. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday and, most of all, that your own prayer life will be strengthened by the hope of God’s Word.
Until then, I invite you to pray with me:
Holy, loving, and mothering God, be with us and our families as we seek you. Deepen our trust and faith as we raise up the next generation as mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, foster mothers, spiritual mothers, aunts, and friends. We trust in your love and care for children and place them in your hands with faith. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Nicole
