God Hears Her 40-Day Devotional Journal

The offer of a one-to-one mentor is one of the most enticing reasons people consider joining a cohort for the leadership development ministry I lead at our local church. I sense a deep desire with emerging leaders for a companion and guide on their spiritual journey. The problem?

When our church’s small group leader asked how we felt about doing an extended prayer experience together as recommended by the curriculum we were using, some of us were hesitant. Thankfully, enough trust had been built in the group that people had the courage to voice their misgivings. Someone shared about how extended prayer times felt impossible for how their brains worked—too easily distracted. Others said long periods of prayer somehow left them feeling more distracted, distant from God, and guilty. Someone shared that they would probably find it peaceful but very likely fall asleep!