Pop Machine Prayers
Ever treated prayer like a vending machine—drop in a request, push a button, expect your answer on demand? In this episode, Diana flips that idea on its head and shares how authentic, faith-filled prayers connect us to a faithful God who knows what’s best. With personal stories, a touch of humor, and timeless truth, you’ll be encouraged to trust God more deeply and pray with confidence—that and more — on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana.
Diana’s Notes
Pop Machine Prayers & a Faithful God
Hello everybody!!! And welcome to today’s episode, Pop Machine Prayers and a Faithful God, here on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana! Have you ever been travelling and just wanted something out of the vending machine, only to have it get stuck, or the buttons you pushed did not match what you thought you were going to receive? Yea. It can be frustrating. Really frustrating! What do vending machines have to do with prayer? Well, let’s dive in and find out! And just so you know, I’m so very glad you are here today!
I think we have all doubted God at some point in our lives. Just like vending machines, we think we’ve made a selection, sent our request on up to God, only to find out the prayer seems stuck like a cruel joke, or worse, maybe the answer we get does not match what we asked for. And sadly, many people doubt even the existence of God.
God doesn’t just exist. He has always been, before the existence of time, of man, of planets, and stars. He is the Creator of all things. Including me. Including you.
Genesis 1:1-5 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
Why do we call it “day” when it is light outside? Why do we call it night when it is dark outside? Because that is what our Creator ( Elohim) named them when He created them.
Can you imagine a time when the earth was void of night and day?
Have you ever looked out across the water and found solitude, comfort? Or took a walk and just marveled at how beautiful the sky was, or how breathtaking the mountains are. Trees, flowers, rivers, valleys, planet Earth, Beth Jones tells us in her Bible Study Workbook, Getting A Grip on the Basics of Prayer, in all their splendor were created by God. And when we pause and reflect on how magnificent this world is, we cannot help but see just how Majestic our God is. And what is so humbling and exhilarating is that the God of this Universe wants to be your Good, Good Father. He wants you to know you are created to commune with Him. Talk with Him, walk with Him, do life with Him. We were never created to do life without Him.
The Founding Pastor of Valley Family Church - Beth Jones tells us in her Bible Study Workbook, Getting A Grip on the Basics of Prayer tells us that we were also pre-wired to pray. Prayer is one of the ways we do life on earth with our heavenly Father. She writes:
“We are hardwired to pray. It seems that people throughout history, from all religions, nations, tribes, and tongues, have an innate reflex to pray. The desire to pray appears to be built into our spiritual DNA. At our core, talking to and hearing from our Creator is the cry of every human heart.”
To think of God as never not being or always being, however you want to phrase it, can be a brain twister - hard to wrap the mind around. This is the very conundrum (kuh-nun-druhm) that can keep us from forming the close, bonding, intimate relationship with Him that He offers to each and every one of us through His Son Jesus.
Faith cannot be explained. And you will never find faith by overthinking, analyzing all the data, rolling information over and over in your brain until you can make sense of it.
Faith requires, you guessed it! Faith!!! LOL
So what exactly is faith? The book of Hebrews in the New Testament describes faith this way:
Hebrews 11:1-3 (AMP Bible) Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality--faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.
By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
We form habits of trusting and believing what we can see with our own eyes, but having faith in God, who is the only One we should put our faith in, requires believing in what we can not see, simply because His Word tells us to.
How many of you have been hurt, let down, taken advantage of, betrayed by the things or the people you could see? I think it is safe to say, all of us, somewhere at some time, someone or something has let us down, and even if we want to believe in God, even if we want to believe He will answer our prayers, we are too afraid to trust Him. The people we can see have let us down; how can we trust what we can not see?
By Faith. The only way to please God is by simple faith. And faith is what will answer our prayers. God answers our prayers sent to Him in absolute faith, trust, and belief in Who He says He is and what He has said in His word.
It seems complicated because our minds complicate it, but faith, prayer, and trust in God are actually very simple, which is why I think we can have such a hard time receiving it as The Truth.
Something so complex as God has to be complicated. Doesn’t it?
I used to think that way, but thankfully, one day I got so desperate for something in my life to change that I jumped off the diving board and went straight into the deep. It was time to sink or swim. Something had to change. God’s word is real and trustworthy, or it wasn’t, and I had to know. I needed it to be true. Because nothing else seemed to be. I had nothing else to give me hope, and without hope, the bible tells us that the heart becomes sick. Ill.
Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.
My soul, which is made up of our emotions and our personality, is not our spirit. When we receive Jesus, He lives in our spirit and helps us to overcome the things that have wounded our souls. But He couldn’t heal my soul because I wasn’t fully trusting Him, I was still wounded, damaged, and at times controlled by the things of my past. I was so afraid to step out all the way into the deep. I wanted to kinda hang around the shoreline, put my toe in, and test the water. But that is not the kind of faith that will heal our souls.
I was clinging to life by a thread. I needed God to be real. To be God of the Universe. Has anyone else out there ever been in a struggle just to have a reason to hold on? I needed to know that God would catch me and help me to get back on the right pathway, but for a very long time, I was too afraid to really put my total faith in Him, that he was not just some old, grumpy ogre of a God. But that He was my God, who loved me. My Father.
But I had nowhere else to turn. Either way, it was time to find out. And boy, am I ever glad I took that plunge! I have never regretted taking that leap.
Are you ready? Are you ready to take the plunge and really step out in faith to trust God with you? With your life? Are you ready to believe that He is for you and that he truly desires to answer your prayers? To heal all your wounds and to offer you a Living Hope.
Are you ready to learn how to pray effective prayers that you know will be answered?
Will they be answered the way you want? Well, that isn’t trusting God now, is it?HAHAHA
We want all these guarantees because we often don’t want God to answer our prayers; we want Him to do what we want Him to do. Our way, and on our schedule.
I think we want a Jeannie in a bottle sometimes more than a Sovereign God Who answers prayers…. Prayers that line up with His will, His purpose, His path, trusting that He knows what is best for each of us. I kinda thought prayer was like that. If God liked you enough, you got what you wanted. Uhm, it’s not like that at all! Just FYI LOL
God is not a pop machine. We put in a dollar and push a button and expect to get Coke or Pepsi or maybe an orange soda based upon our selection. Oftentimes, at least from my discovery, I used to ask God to give me what I thought I needed, what sounded good, tasted good to my desires, if you will, at least in the moment.
Ever hear the phrase "be careful what you ask for, you just might get it”
We often think we know exactly what we want, but I think most of us say that if we are honest with ourselves, there probably have been times when we didn’t get what we asked for! I know I have.
Our minds, our thoughts, our wants seem to constantly change based upon what mood we are in, or what is going on in our lives. But God sees all of our journey from beginning to end, and what comfort we can find when we learn there is no one safer but Him to turn to.
Have you ever wondered where the help you need is going to come from? I have found that this passage is God’s heart toward all His people, when we turn to Him, and truly trust He is Who He says He is. We need to learn to stop questioning His goodness, stop doubting Him, stop listening to the world, and jump into His loving arms.
Listen to the words of King David as he offered up words of encouragement, hope, and assurance as the people made their journey to Jerusalem.
Psalms 121: 1-8 (AMP)
I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]--
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth?
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do]
From this time forth and forever.
We all have a journey to take in this life. And David reminds us that our help will come from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. We can trust and rely on God for our constant care, protection, and provision when we turn to Him. He will never slumber or sleep when it comes to caring for you.
Charles Spurgeon wrote: “ The desire to commune with God is intensified by the failure of all other sources of consolation.”
It is sad that I turned to everything and everyone else under the sun before I earnestly turned to the Creator of the sun.
It seems like we turn to everyone else seeking advice, answers, comfort, assurance, and yet we remain frustrated, anxious, unsettled, restless, and even more confused, all because we do not turn to our heavenly Father, Creator of the entire Universe, for answers.
I used to be so guilty of this. Or when I did pray, it was like throwing everything on my mind or breaking my heart, or not going my way out in one giant heap of exasperation and desperation, you know. Well, I have tried everything else, so I might as well pray. What could it hurt?
How sad! God doesn’t hear pathetic prayers, prayers that are disingenuous. God answers heartfelt, earnest prayers. Authentic prayers.
The prayer I prayed to God when I hit rock bottom in my life was very heartfelt. It was with an earnest heart that I cried out, but I cried out in hurt, anger, and pain because I thought He had abandoned me. My prayer went a little like this: “ Where are you, God? Do you even care about me? Why did you leave me on this earth after the death of my daughter if all I was going to do was stumble around in brokenness and heartbreak day after day after day? Just take me now if that is all there is. I am so mad at you, WHY am I here!? I needed You. I need you now! Please help me if you care about me, please. I am begging you. Please help me!!!” Show me you care!”
Not the most honorable prayer to God. But in that moment, God knew my heart. He knew the pain I was feeling was very real, and the anger was out of the pain. I was broken and desperate, and in my desperation, I had the most authentic conversation with God than I had in a very long time. He didn’t strike me down, He didn’t abandon me or tell me to recite some memorized prayer that was more appropriate. He saw my heart. He heard my honest, genuine plea, and He answered me. I felt Him hold me like a father lovingly holds a child, comforting them and assuring them that everything would be okay.
Have you ever just needed to be held? Comforted.
I was screaming into my pillow, and He held me. I felt His presence. I experienced His Fatherly love. It was the beginning of healing for me, and learning who God really is. Not what I had been told. Not the persona people try to box Him in. He was loving, kind, and gentle. He was not hard, harsh, or cruel. He is the Keeper of my life, and there is no one I trust more than my God.
James 5:16 (AMPC)- “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working).”
Founding Pastor Beth Jones also wrote in her Bible Study Getting A Grip On The Basics of Prayer, “ What does it mean to pray earnest, heartfelt prayers? We drove by a cute little country church with this quote on its church sign: “Pray like you are the third monkey trying to get on Noah’s Ark.” Although humorous, that’s a good picture of earnest, heartfelt prayer!”
Okay, now get a picture of that in your mind. The flood is coming, you are about to be extinct, and Noah is only taking the animals 2x2. If I were the third monkey, I would be pretty sincere about wanting to be on that boat!!! LOL
We can’t fool God. He knows when our prayers are genuine, when they are lip service, and when they don’t align with His Word.
Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to look at Pastor Beth’s Book to help us understand the topic of prayer a little better.
If this is all new to you, if you are not sure that you ever surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus, and you would like to do that now. I am going to read a Salvation Prayer out of her book so that you can begin this journey knowing for sure that you are saved. Let’s pray together:
So, this week, as you are going about your normal everyday life and an unseen problem tries to wreck your day, pray.
When someone cuts you off on the highway and your first instinct is to say some unsavory words, pray.
When you are feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or at the end of your rope, pray.
When you rise up and lie down, pray.
Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus and ask for the Holy Spirit to help you trust and obey God’s word. I promise you that soon, you will discover, like me, that it is one of the most empowering and effective privileges as God’s child that He has given to us.
It will change your life.
If you don’t know how to pray, Jesus gave us a model prayer, an example, a flow of prayer that will help guide you until it feels more natural to you.
The Lord’s prayer can be found in:
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
You will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
The Passion translation reads it this way:
Pray like this: ‘ Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven. We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil, for you are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen.’
I know some who are listening to our conversation today on prayer might be struggling with the idea of approaching an invisible God. But is He really invisible?
I know that if you will just have enough courage to step away from what the world says and calls normal, and if you will allow yourself the opportunity to get out of your head, silence all the other voices, all the noise, all the chaos and distractions and confusion, the struggles and striving. If you will take one baby step of faith, one little step at a time, little by little, like me, you will discover for yourself that not only is God real, but He loves you in such an intimate way that no one else will ever be able to. He will be the greatest love you have ever known. In fact, I am convinced that you will soon discover that He is your safe harbor.
For additional information on the subject of prayer, I would encourage you to order “ Getting A Grip On The Basics of Prayer, by Beth Jones. You can find the book on Amazon, and I have put a link to the book in today’s notes.
I have also put a link to her video on Prayer: Let’s Get the Basics of Prayer, where she will be answering some questions we all have had about prayer, and why sometimes our prayers don’t seem to get answered.
Until Next Week:
I love you! Be encouraged! Keep your chin up, and your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Link to Amazon for the: Getting A Grip On The Basics Of Prayer Workbook
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Grip-Basics-Prayer-Purposeful/dp/1680317954
Founding Pastor Beth Jones’ Message on Let’s Get the Basics Of Prayer:
Songs to inspire you
TobyMac - Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)
Same God (Feat. Jonsal Barrientes) | Elevation Worship
Casting Crowns - One Step Away (Official Lyric Video)
Encouraging Verses:
Isaiah 42:16: God’s Word Translation
I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them.
Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Psalm 119:105: Your word is a light unto our path and a light unto our feet.
Isaiah 54:17: But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Isaiah 52:12: (EASY) But you will not have to hurry and run away.No, the Lord, Israel's God, will keep you safe.He will lead you at the front,and He will be your guard at the back.
Matthew 7:11: So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1 Peter 2:23 tells us - When He was insulted, He did not answer back with an insult; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but placed His hopes in God, the righteous Judge.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
The New Living Translation reads it this way: Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life."
Luke 6:37 “Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.
Matthew 6:14: If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Romans 8:31 in the AMP Bible tells us: What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?
Psalm 65:11: You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
Psalm 32:8: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Proverbs 15:3: The Lord sees everything, whether good or bad.
1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Foundation Verse
Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you. “
Additional Resources
These Two Resources Changed My Life:
Beth Jones: Getting a Grip on the Basics is a great resource to help you get the basics of how vital you are to God and how good He desires to be to you: https://www.thebasicsuniversity.com
Joyce Meyer: The Mind is a Battlefield - https://joycemeyer.org
Additional Resources:
Steven Furtick: Triggered Taking Back Your Mind in the Age of Anxiety
JimmyEvans: The time is Now to Change Your Attitude
https://endtimes.substack.com/p/the-time-is-now-to-change-your-attitude
Prayer of Salvation
Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born again, child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This prayer and the comment above, were taken out of the book:
Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart
By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti
If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:
PO Box 29469
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946
Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand new Christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ.
Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana and we will pass along your information for you.
Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you!
Diana’s Home Church:
Valley Family Church - Pastor’s Eric and Alexa Jones
www.valleyfamilychurch.org
Other recommended Jesus-centered churches who teach the True Word of God:
Elevation Church - Steven Furtick
https://elevationchurch.org/
Joseph Prince Ministries - Joseph Prince
https://www.josephprince.org/
Joyce Meyer Ministries
https://joycemeyer.org/