13 August | Teens
«Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.» Jonah 2: 1
This story must be in the “top 5” of the most well-known Bible stories of all time! Jonah was fleeing from God's call. God asked him to go to Nineveh, but he took a boat in another direction. It went through a terrible storm, so the crew became desperate and tried everything to keep the boat from sinking. Jonah understood that this was all a consequence of his disobedience. To calm the storm, he asked them to throw him overboard. Jonah fell into the water, and soon a great fish swallowed him! He stayed inside the fish for three days, surrounded by seaweed and other fish “food.”
Have you ever wondered how Jonah stayed alive inside the fish for so long? His secret was prayer. From inside the belly of a fish, an unusual place, he prayed to God! He didn't have to be in a temple or a special place to pray. He simply talked to God, asking for help and acknowledging his mistakes. And God heard! After three days, the fish spat Jonah ashore.
The lesson we learn from Jonah is that we can pray anywhere and anytime. There is no right place to pray. The wrong thing is not to pray! No matter where we are, God always hears us. Isn't that wonderful?
Take Action
Choose a different place to pray this week. It can be in your backyard, under your bed, or anywhere else unusual. The important thing to remember is that God is everywhere and is ready to hear your prayers. Then share with your family or friends what it was like to pray in a different place.