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Life Happens Here May 16, 2026 Devotional

by Chris Woodard on May 16, 2026

Life Happens Here May 16, 2026 Devotional

Prayer

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:42-43

 

As a boy and early believer, my idea of prayer was a heavenly wish list. I would pray that God would do for me that which I thought I needed. And while God does hear those prayers, I have learned that prayer is so much more. Through prayer we grow deeper in our relationship with God and God shapes us in such a way that we are more aware of the heavenly activity here and now. NT Wright asserts, “that prayer makes no sense unless heaven and earth are designed to be joined together.” As we experience more of God’s heavenly hope for us in prayer, we turn our prayers outward to see others experience God’s kingdom here and now—prayer is both personal and communal. Continue to pray for self, others, and the world. Life Happens Here.

 

How would you describe your prayer life?

 

Have you ever felt the prayers of the church?

 

About the Author
Chris Woodard

Chris began his service at Valley Presbyterian in Church in 2007 as the Director of Student Ministries. In his thirteen years of ministry, he has expanded his role to work with VPC Mission and Outreach, Worship, and Men’s Ministry.

In 2019, Chris was ordained at VPC and currently serves as pastor of Mission and Community Engagement, where he finds passion in helping people identify their true purpose in Jesus Christ through service to others. Chris considers it a true joy and privilege to be part of the community.

Raised in Tucson as part of a wonderful church community at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, he graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology- "Bear Down!" He completed his seminary work and earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Chris is married to his dream girl Brianna and they just gave birth to their first son Max.

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