Have you ever wanted to pray but struggled to know where to begin? Or wondered whether God hears you when an answer seems slow to come?

Daniel 9 gives us a look into the prayer life of a man who has followed God for decades. When Daniel reads a promise about the end of Israel’s exile, he doesn’t stop praying because God has already spoken. He prays because God has spoken.

In Praying in the Pause, we walk through Daniel’s example of wholehearted attention, praise, confession, requests, and listening. We also see Gabriel arrive while Daniel is still praying, bringing an answer that reaches beyond the return from exile and points toward Jesus.

The invitation is practical: keep praying, keep following God, and don’t waste the pause.

Key Insights:

1. God’s promises should move us toward prayer, not away from it.
2. 2. A healthier prayer life begins with giving God your attention.
3. Honest confession matters more than protecting our image.
4. A delayed answer doesn’t mean your prayer went unheard.

Scripture Focus: Daniel 9:1-25

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: Thriving in Babylon
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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In this message, we explore one of Jesus' most profound "I AM" statements through the dramatic story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.
When Mary and Martha sent word that "the one you love is sick," Jesus made a surprising decision - He stayed where He was for two more days. This intentional delay reveals an important truth: God's timing, though often mysterious to us, always serves His greater purpose. As Jesus told His disciples, "For your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe."

Key Insights:
• Jesus' Emotional Response: When Jesus saw Mary weeping, he wasn't just sad - he was deeply moved and angry at death.
• When Jesus asked to remove the stone, Martha reminded him that Lazarus had been dead four days and "stinketh" (KJV). This wasn't just death - it was decay, making the miracle even more extraordinary.
• With just three words - "Lazarus, come out!" - Jesus demonstrated His authority over death itself.

This message speaks directly to anyone who has questioned God's timing, felt abandoned in suffering, or faced the reality of death. You'll discover that Jesus doesn't just offer resurrection as a future hope - He IS the resurrection and life right now, transforming our disappointment, suffering, and grief into opportunities to truly believe.

Key Scripture: John 11

Speaker: Matt Petty
Series: Power and Promise
Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

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Are you facing challenges that test your patience? Today’s message offers insight into how you can deepen your faith, build perseverance, and discover how God is full of compassion and mercy even in the waiting. If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith journey, we invite you to visit burnthickory.com/next.