Devotional
We live in a world of instant everything – fast food, quick downloads, immediate responses. This culture seeps into our prayer life, making us treat God like a cosmic vending machine. Insert prayer, expect immediate results. When that doesn’t happen, we assume the machine is broken. But prayer was never meant to be transactional. It’s relational. When the widow kept returning to the judge, she wasn’t trying to manipulate him – she was seeking justice from the only person who could provide it. Her persistence revealed her trust that he was her only hope. Similarly, our persistent prayers aren’t about wearing God down or changing His mind. They’re about building relationship, deepening trust, and aligning our hearts with His. Each time we pray, we’re saying, ‘God, You are my hope. I trust You with this burden.’ That’s not manipulation – that’s faith in action.
Bible Verse
‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ – James 1:27
Reflection Question
How has your view of prayer been influenced by our instant-gratification culture, and what would it look like to approach God relationally rather than transactionally?
Quote
“Prayer is not a transaction. It’s an act of trust.” -Pastor Chris Criswell
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for treating prayer like a transaction. Help me see it as an opportunity to deepen my relationship with You and trust Your perfect timing.
Content from Pastor Chris Criswell’s sermon on 2/15/2026 titled “Keep on Knockin”