Finding Rest & Renewal in God: Prayer Is a Two-Way Street!
- Dr. Grace English
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Sometimes, difficult circumstances (like cancer) drive us to seek our Heavenly Father in prayer, or sheer exhaustion leaves us no choice.
Amidst all that demands our time and focus, finding rest and renewal in God is challenging. For thirty years, my family, profession, and church ministry have kept me extremely busy. I have also faced significant adversity, including breast cancer. Thanks to God, I am in remission. No matter what burdens we are carrying, we can find recovery and restoration by making our prayer lives a two-way street. This means listening to God, not only speaking.
Sometimes, difficult circumstances (like cancer) drive us to seek our Heavenly Father in prayer, or sheer exhaustion leaves us no choice. Regardless of what brings us to our knees, we need God’s rest and renewal to continue with our duties. However, prayer is not the only avenue to hear God’s voice and receive His grace and help. He also speaks to us through the Bible.
Scripture is God’s living Word. It speaks to our souls, reveals God’s nature and His great love for us, draws us closer to Him, and supplies the answers we need. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I’ll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, as I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). When we remember to go to Jesus when we are weary, whether through prayer or Scripture, He fulfills these promises.
Here are six actionable steps to help you make prayer a two-way street by speaking and listening to God to grow closer to Him and reap the benefits:
Commune with Jesus daily through prayer, praise, worship, or Scripture reading. If your day is busy, even a few minutes will help.
Run to Abba’s lap when the weight of the world pulls you down. He will always receive you. Remember to listen for God's response and guidance in prayer.
In prayer, leave all your burdens at Jesus’s feet, releasing them permanently.
Invite the Savior into your heart and receive His calmness and peace by being still and allowing His Spirit to fill you. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 13:33).
Read Scripture daily, even if you can only manage one verse. You will hear the Lord’s voice there, come to know Him better, grow closer to Him, and find the answers and encouragement you need.
When communing with God, quiet yourself, listen for His response and guidance, and be open to His teaching.
If you run to the Father, I promise, the Lord will meet you where you are, no matter how busy your life is. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Dear Sisters, to receive the peace, love, rest, and restoration that are our birthright as God’s children, I encourage you to follow the six steps outlined above. Remember that prayer is a two-way street, so we must listen for God’s voice as well as speak. When you do this, despite your current situation, you’ll find in Father God all that your soul craves.
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