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January 26, 2025
Not Magic, But Method
By Marc Gibbens
Today is AFC Championship Sunday.
For the seventh year in a row, the Kansas City Chiefs are playing in the AFC Championship game, and if you’re anything like me—born in the 1980s, with all of the playoff disappointment of the 1990s behind me—that can definitely seem like magic. Especially when you see Patrick Mahomes doing something like he did last week—falling down, defenders draped all over him, throwing a perfect pass to a waiting Travis Kelce in the end zone. How does he do it?
Honestly, I get a similar feeling when I read a story from the Bible featuring All-stars of our faith like Peter and John. Like Dan talked about this morning, these two disciples of Jesus come across a guy asking for money, and instead, provide divine healing to him. Then, when the local authorities call them to account, they share the true source of their power: the name of Jesus. This all seems sort of magical, right? Like they must have access to some power that’s totally out of this world?
Well, yes and no. The power that Peter and John have access to is not of this world, but it is in this world, and all it takes to access it is prayer. The method that Peter and John used to access that power was nothing more than spending time talking to the Lord! They saw the man in need of healing as they were on the way to the temple at the time of prayer. After they healed him, they spent time in prayer, thanking God and asking for boldness. And when they were called before the authorities, their prayers were answered, and the Holy Spirit supplied them with just the right words to say. The lives of Peter and John are models to us about how to build prayer into our daily routines.
Patrick Mahomes has captivated all of Kansas City with his football magic over the last several years. But really, it’s not magic—it’s a method. He spends hours on days after games working with a personal trainer “trying to make sure that the 26 bones in your foot, the 640 muscles, the 12 fascial lines, everything’s got to be in working order.” He has a plan that he executes within a community around him, and that is what enables him to do apparently incredible things like throw a touchdown pass while nearly being tackled.
Patrick Mahomes doesn’t do it alone. Neither did Peter and John. The same holds true for you and I. The power of prayer is strengthened by community. Who in your life might you reach out to this week to join you in accessing the power of God that is available to us as we pray?
You can watch the January 26 message HERE.
21 Days of Prayer: Praying Scripture
This week we are engaging in the practice of praying scripture. This is something you can practice on your own, or in a group. The method offered this week is describe in the acronym DNA.
D = Discover God’s character (Pray what you learn about God)
N = Name my nature (Pray for the human condition described)
A = Apply to my life (Ask God for help in applying the message)
[Monday, January 27]
Psalm 90
READ AND REFLECT: This Psalm presents many contrasts between God and the lives of humans. Which one stands out the most to you? How might that contrast be an encouragement?
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, even the longest of human lives pale in comparison to your eternal existence. Though our time on earth is relatively short, we can know you and have a relationship with you! Help us to turn to you for wisdom and to praise you for the active role you play in our lives and in our world.
[Tuesday, January 28]
Psalm 41
READ AND REFLECT: What seems to be causing pain to the writer of this Psalm? How does the writer of the Psalm try to cope with his pain?
SAMPLE PRAYER: Lord, I am an imperfect person surrounded by imperfect people, all of us prone to make mistakes even when our intentions are good–and our intentions are sometimes bad! Those closest to us can also cut us deeply through their words or deeds, and sometimes it feels like we are all on our own. But you are merciful and you do not desert me! Encourage me through your presence, God, and restore me to wholeness.
[Wednesday, January 29]
Psalm 22
READ AND REFLECT: Notice the change that occurs over the course of the Psalm. What is the speaker’s attitude in verses 1-2? How is it different in v. 9-10? How is it different still in v. 19-21? And how is it different yet again in v. 25-31? What is the Psalm writer showing us about the effect of spending time in prayer to God? What happens to us as a result?
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, when the circumstances of my life push me to my limit, it seems like you are so far away from me! In my head, I know that you are in control, but in my heart, all I feel is a painful distance. Even so, I can remember times in my life when I have felt your Spirit, and I pray that you would make yourself known to me now when life is full of challenges.
[Thursday, January 30]
Psalm 2
READ AND REFLECT: What frustrates the writer of this Psalm? What is the contrast explored between earthly rulers and the Ruler of Heaven?
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, our world can feel overwhelming and unchangeable, like there are forces too big and rulers too powerful for us to contend with. But those rulers are human–whose lives are brief–and they rule nations whose names and boundaries have shifted countless times in world history. Only you, God, are changeless and eternal, and justice and authority ultimately are yours alone.
[Friday, January 31]
Psalm 67
READ AND REFLECT: How is God characterized in this Psalm? What should our response to his traits be?
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, I pray for your blessing on me so that I may bless and make you known among my neighbors, colleagues, and friends. I acknowledge your grace, justice, and generosity, and I praise you for how you have already blessed me in my life! Help me to live a life that points others toward you.
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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