2026 THEME — “SEEING LIFE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE” January – PRAYER from God’s Perspective
Why do some prayers soothe the heart while others release heaven’s authority? When Prayer Becomes Agreement with Heaven will challenge you in 2026 to stop negotiating with God, align fully with His will, and watch faith deepen, authority emerge, and God move with power.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
This month, God is teaching us that prayer is formed by His eternal perspective, not our limited understanding, calling us to see painful seasons as divine protection, preparation, and redirection. What once felt like abandonment was often God refining our faith and shielding us from what we could not yet discern, and healing begins when surrendered memories strengthen trust instead of shaping identity. Prayer is not meant to control outcomes but to keep us close—inviting us to return without answers, rest without clarity, and trust fully in God’s unchanging character.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
When You Don’t Know What to Say
“The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought…” — Rom 8:26
There are seasons when prayer feels heavy—not because faith is gone, but because strength is low. God never intended prayer to depend on your energy, clarity, or eloquence. When words fail, He does not withdraw—He draws nearer.
Weariness Is Not Spiritual Failure
Spiritual exhaustion often comes after long obedience, not rebellion. Many believers stop praying boldly because disappointment has taught them to protect their hearts. But God does not measure prayer by intensity—He measures it by return. The fact that you still come, even tired, reveals faith that has not died but matured. Heaven does not interpret your weariness as weakness; it recognizes it as endurance.
The Holy Spirit Carries What You Cannot
Romans 8:26 reminds us that God already anticipated moments when language would collapse under pain. The Holy Spirit does not wait for clarity—He intercedes in confusion. When sighs replace sentences and tears replace requests, the Spirit translates your burden into heaven’s language. Prayer is not suspended when you are silent; it is strengthened. God hears what your heart cannot say because His Spirit lives within you.
Staying Connected Matters More Than Saying It Right
Prayer is less about speaking and more about staying. Like a child holding a parent’s hand in the dark, safety is not found in understanding the path but in remaining close. When you keep coming—even quietly—you are choosing trust over retreat. That kind of prayer resists fainting and keeps the heart tender. God honors persistence that refuses to disconnect.
When words are gone, closeness still speaks. Presence before God is never wasted prayer.
You are not failing because prayer feels harder—you are learning to depend more deeply. God is not asking for stronger prayers; He is inviting closer ones.
Warfare Prayer: Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, I reject the lie that my tired prayers are ineffective. I receive Your help in my weakness and trust You to intercede where I have no words. I declare that I will not faint, withdraw, or disconnect—I will stay close. Amen.
Daily Challenge: Today, stop trying to explain everything to God. Sit quietly in His presence for five minutes and simply say, “Lord, I’m here.”
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Bentley Smith – Broken Leg
Brian Gray’s Uncle – Surgery Today
Aston Savage
Joni Oberhage
Linda Mays
Carol Lawhead – Riverside in Conyers
Mandy Martin
Myles Elliott
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Amy Garner’s Dad
Brando Echarte
Debbie Foskey
Don Franklin’s Daughter, Darlene, Son, David
Ed Adkins – Friend of Brian Edwards
Gloria Young
Jake Jenkins
Jenkins son-in-law
June Cronan
Jean Partee’s Sister
Kim McClain’s Daughter, Amanda
Deon Lotter
Doris Loyd
Nancy Brown
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sisters
Ann Stanley
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher