April 21, 2025
When Heaven Meets the Ordinary: The Power of Daily Prayer
Joshua Tufte
When Heaven Meets the Ordinary: The Power of Daily Prayer
The past few years have been some of the hardest I’ve ever faced.
They’ve been filled with tension, stress, loss, and grief—both personally and spiritually. But nothing prepared me for the day I lost my sister, Nia, on January 15, 2024. That kind of devastation cuts deep. I was broken, grieving, and numb… but life didn’t slow down.
My ministry was changing rapidly, my ex-wife and I had just separated, and the businesses I own were starving for attention and direction. I felt like I was standing in the middle of a storm with no place to hide. And the weight of it all was too much for me to carry.
I couldn’t stop. But I also couldn’t survive on my own strength.
And so—I prayed.
Not perfect prayers. Not long prayers. Sometimes just whispered, tear-filled prayers. But they were real. They were raw. And they were lifesaving.
Prayer didn’t make the grief disappear, but it became the foundation I stood on when everything else was shaking. And slowly, through daily prayer, God began building something new in me—a fresh strength, a deeper dependence, and the resilience to lead through one of the most sacred and stretching seasons of my life.
Now, more than ever, I’m convinced: how we start our day matters.
When I start my day with God—everything changes. My mood shifts. My patience increases. My decisions improve. My interactions with others are more grace-filled. I become a better father, pastor, and follower of Jesus.
That’s the power of daily prayer. It’s not just a spiritual routine—it’s survival. It’s strength. It’s a daily invitation into God’s presence where everything begins to realign.
Why Daily Prayer Matters
1. Prayer connects us to the heart of God.
Every relationship needs communication. God isn’t looking for perfect words—He’s looking for your heart. Daily prayer is how we align our minds with His truth, how we hear His whisper, and how we stay grounded in the middle of life’s chaos.
2. Prayer brings peace in the middle of pressure.
Life is loud. Prayer is where the volume gets turned down. Philippians 4:6–7 tells us not to be anxious about anything, but instead to pray about everything—and in return, God gives us peace that doesn’t make sense to the world. That kind of peace only comes through consistent connection with Him.
3. Prayer invites God into the details.
From big decisions to small frustrations, when we invite God into our day—every part of it—we start to see Him show up in unexpected places. Your commute. Your meetings. Your parenting moments. Your late-night thoughts. Prayer transforms “just another day” into holy ground.
4. Prayer transforms us.
Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind—it’s about allowing Him to change our hearts. It shapes our character, stretches our faith, and reminds us who we are and whose we are.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need perfect words. You don’t need a script. You just need a moment—and a willing heart. Pray while driving. Pray while washing dishes. Pray with your kids before school. Start your day with it. End your day with it. Write it out. Whisper it. Sing it. Sit silently and just listen.
There’s no wrong way to pray—only an open invitation from your Father to draw near.
The Power of Pre-Deciding
Here’s a game-changer: pre-decide.
When you pre-decide that you're going to start your day with God and keep Him involved, that decision begins to shape your direction. Over time, it becomes your normal, not your exception. You don’t have to debate it every morning. You’ve already decided—God comes first.
Building that habit takes time and consistency, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can start by making it simple and obvious:
Simple:
Download the YouVersion Bible App and start with the Verse of the Day. Pair it with a few minutes of reflection and prayer. That’s 5–8 minutes total. You’ve got that.
Obvious:
Set a daily reminder in the app. It’ll pop up on your phone at the same time each day. That little nudge might be all it takes to build a powerful new rhythm.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight—just choose one small step, and keep showing up. God meets us in the simple and the steady.
A Simple Prayer to Start With
“God, today I give you my attention. Speak to me, guide me, walk with me. Help me see people the way You do, and give me strength for whatever comes. I trust You, and I love You. Amen.”
Powerful Bible Verses About Prayer
📖 Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
📖 Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
📖 Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
📖 James 5:16
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
📖 Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
📖 Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
📖 Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
📖 Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
You're Invited
If you're reading this and wondering where to start—start with prayer. Start with showing up. Start by saying, “God, I want more of You.”
And if you don’t have a church home, or you’ve been searching for a fresh start, we’d love to have you at Passion Church.
We meet every Sunday at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and whether it’s your first time walking into a church or you’ve been following Jesus for years—you are welcomed and wanted here.
Come as you are. Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring your heart.
Let’s pursue God together.
Josh Tufte
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Local Church Events for families You Can’t Miss in Kernersville Looking for local church events near me in Kernersville? At Passion Church, we believe church is more than a Sunday service—it’s a community where people of all ages can grow, connect, and make a difference. That’s why throughout the year, we host events designed to help you build relationships and experience the love of Jesus in real ways. Weekly Gatherings You’ll Love Sunday Services (9:30 & 11:00 AM) – Two opportunities to worship with passionate music, practical teaching, Kids Church, and a youth small group Bible study during the second service. Kids Church (both services) – A fun, safe place where children journey through the entire Bible every three years , learning God’s truth from start to finish. Youth Small Group (11:00 AM) – Middle and high school students meet for Bible study and real-life discussions while adults are in service. Small Groups for Adults – Whether weekly or monthly, small groups are a great way to build relationships and grow in faith. At Passion Church, groups meet at different times to fit your schedule: Sunday afternoons or evenings Monday evenings Thursday nights Monthly or bi-monthly on Friday nights or Saturday mornings Special Events Throughout the Year Passion Church is known for creating opportunities where the whole community can gather. Some highlights include: Baptism Sundays – Every third Sunday of the month , we celebrate new life in Christ through water baptism. Family Fun Days – Food, games, and activities designed to bring people together. Holiday Services – Christmas and Easter services filled with hope, joy, and community. Church Anniversary Celebration (August 25th) – Every year we celebrate what God has done in and through Passion Church with worship, fellowship, and joyful celebration. Church Fellowship Meals – Throughout the year, we host regular gatherings for the church to share meals together, build community, and enjoy time as a church family. Community Outreach Events – Service projects, food drives, and local partnerships where we share the love of Jesus beyond our walls. A Safe and Welcoming Environment At every event, safety and hospitality are top priorities. Our robust safety team —including a uniformed police officer on-site each Sunday —helps ensure peace of mind for families. Kids check-in is secure, with unique matching name tags for every parent and child , so your family is always cared for. Come as You Are Whether it’s a Sunday morning or a special event, there’s no dress code. At Passion Church, you’ll see everything from full suits to shorts and flip flops. Pastor Josh Tufte usually preaches in jeans and a t-shirt. The goal isn’t what you wear—it’s that you come ready to encounter Jesus and build meaningful relationships. Stay Up to Date on Events Want to know what’s happening this month at Passion Church? From kids’ events to adult gatherings, there’s always something going on. Check out our Events Page for the latest updates on upcoming opportunities to connect, serve, and grow. Not Just Welcome—Wanted Here Some churches or events may say you’re welcome but don’t go out of their way to make you feel at home. At Passion Church, it’s different. You’re not just welcome here—you’re wanted here. We love growing, meeting new people, serving together, adding new small groups, and seeing new faces at every event. We genuinely love people and want anyone who is interested to join us as we follow after Jesus Christ. Join Us at Passion Church If you’re searching for local church events in Kernersville that are safe, family-friendly, and centered on God’s Word, Passion Church has a place for you. 📍 Passion Church – Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times – Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Come early, grab some coffee and snacks, and connect with people who will make you feel right at home.
Sunday Service Times in Kernersville: What to Expect at Passion Church If you’re searching for a church near me in Kernersville or looking for a welcoming, Bible-based community for your family, Passion Church is here for you. Whether you’re brand new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, we want Sundays to be the best day of your week. When We Meet We gather every Sunday at two service times designed to fit your schedule: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Each service lasts about 60-75 minutes and includes modern worship, practical Bible teaching, and ministry opportunities for every age group. Come Early for Coffee, Snacks, and Community We encourage you to arrive a little early! Every Sunday, we provide coffee and light snacks so you can relax, meet new people, and build friendships. At Passion Church, we believe church isn’t just about attending a service—it’s about belonging to a family. Kids Church – Growing in God’s Word We believe kids aren’t just the church of tomorrow—they’re the church of today. That’s why Kids Church happens during both services, designed for infants through 5th grade. Engaging worship and Bible lessons taught on their level A curriculum that takes kids through the entire Bible every three years, giving them a big-picture view of God’s story Fun activities in a safe, caring environment led by trained volunteers Safe and Secure Kids Check-In The safety of every child matters deeply to us. That’s why our kids’ check-in system gives each child and parent a unique matching name tag every Sunday. Parents keep their tag and must show it when picking up their child, ensuring your child is always released safely and securely. A Safe Place for Your Family Passion Church is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Each Sunday, our robust safety team is on site, alongside a uniformed police officer, to ensure the protection of our children, families, and guests. You can worship with peace of mind knowing your loved ones are cared for. Youth Small Group – Bible Study & Discussion Middle and high school students have a special opportunity during the 11:00 AM service. While adults are in the main worship service, teens gather for a youth small group Bible study and discussion. Real conversations about faith and life Guided Bible study that helps students apply God’s Word A safe space to ask questions and build friendships What to Wear One of the questions people often ask before visiting a new church is, “What should I wear?” At Passion Church, the answer is simple: come as you are. Most of our church family dresses casually—jeans, t-shirts, or whatever makes you comfortable. You’ll also see some people dressed in full suits and others in shorts and flip flops. Our pastor, Josh Tufte, typically preaches in jeans and a t-shirt. We care far more about you than what you wear. So whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, you’ll fit right in. What to Expect on Sundays From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly volunteers who are ready to make you feel at home. Here’s what a typical Sunday looks like: Welcoming atmosphere – Coffee, snacks, and people eager to connect. Passionate worship – Our band leads with modern, Christ-centered music. Relevant teaching – Pastor Josh preaches directly from the Bible in a way that applies to everyday life. Community – Opportunities to connect, serve, and grow are available every week. Why People Choose Passion Church in Kernersville There are many Kernersville churches, but people choose Passion Church because: We’re committed to preaching and teaching God’s Word. We’re a community of authentic people striving to follow Jesus. We provide ministries for the whole family—kids, teens, and adults. We prioritize safety so you can focus on worship without worry. We believe church should be filled with hope, joy, and real relationships. More Than Welcome — You’re Wanted Here Some people and places may say they want to meet you, that they wish you would come—but when you do, they don’t go out of their way to make you feel at home. At Passion Church, it’s different. You’re not only welcome here, you’re wanted here. We love growing, meeting new people, serving alongside others, adding new small groups, and seeing new faces every Sunday. More than anything, we genuinely love people and want anyone who is interested to join us as we follow after Jesus Christ. Join Us This Sunday If you’re looking for a Kernersville church that’s passionate about Jesus, welcoming to families, committed to God’s Word, and intentional about creating a safe, joyful environment, we’d love to meet you this Sunday. 📍 Passion Church – Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times – Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Come early, grab some coffee, connect with others, and experience a church where you truly belong.
How I Write My Sermons One of the questions I get asked most often as a pastor is: “How do you write your sermons each week?” The truth is—it’s a process filled with study, prayer, creativity, and a lot of time staring at a blank page asking the Holy Spirit to lead me. In this post, I want to pull back the curtain a little bit. Sermon preparation isn’t some mystical thing that just happens magically, and it’s definitely not something that can be accomplished in 30 minutes. It takes intentional time and focus to hear God’s voice, understand His Word, and prepare to share it faithfully. I usually aim to spend 15–18 hours a week preparing my sermons. But the reality is that ministry life is busy, and often I end up with closer to 8–10 hours of prep time. Whether it’s on the longer or shorter end, I’ve learned to trust that God can multiply the hours I give Him. Here’s a look at what my typical week of sermon prep looks like: 1. Research (1–3 Hours) The first step for me is always diving into the Word itself. I’ll spend 1–3 hours digging into the passage, studying the original language, exploring cultural and historical references, and looking at the context around the story. This deep understanding of Scripture is what allows me to be more easily led by God into the message He has for Passion Church in Kernersville. When I know the subject, timeline, or history well, I find that God can work more broadly than if I’m walking in unprepared and ignorant. Preparation gives God room to expand the message. I’ve also found that the more I prepare, the freer I become when preaching. A personal goal for me is to use my notes as a reference, not a crutch. The deeper I know the material, the less I have to rely on reading my notes word-for-word, which leaves more space for the Spirit to move in the moment. 2. Learning from Others (2–4 Hours) After that, I usually spend 2–4 hours watching other pastors preach on similar passages or themes. It’s worth noting: at Passion Church, we draw a significant amount of inspiration for sermons and series from other churches, and we recommend that others do the same—with permission and proper referencing. A great example is Life.Church’s Open Church Resource, which provides free sermon series, graphics, and a wealth of resources to support local churches. Now, I don’t recommend stealing an entire church’s series and replacing your prep with their work. Nor do I recommend following someone else’s script word-for-word, because that can remove room for the Spirit to lead. But inspiration can come from others—and God can absolutely use their work to spark something new in you. You never know how He may choose to work through the Body of Christ. 3. Prayer, Worship, and Reflection (2–4 Hours) A big part of sermon prep for me is not just information, but transformation. I have to let the message work in me before I can share it with you. That means I’ll spend 2–4 hours in prayer, worship, and reflection, asking God to show me what He wants to say to Passion Church this week. During this time, I also go back through my notes and manuscript, reading them aloud. Doing this while praying and worshiping helps calm my mind, keeps my heart centered on God, and cements everything into place before I step on stage. 4. Practice, Editing, and Refining On weeks when I have more time, I’ll split extra hours between practicing the delivery, watching more sermons for inspiration, and spending even more time in prayer and worship. I also personally find that editing my jokes takes up a significant amount of time. The more I prepare, the shorter my sermons usually run and the more “acceptable” my jokes become. Humor is a big part of preaching for me. I believe God loves me in spite of me—and that’s a reason to be joyful! Because of that, many of my sermons include intentional humor. Our relationship with God should absolutely be one of respect, love, and submission, but it should also be full of humor and joy. For me, preaching isn’t just about content—it’s about carrying the presence of God and making His Word come alive for people. 5. Using Helpful Tools Something that has surprised me in recent years is how helpful AI tools have become in this process. I use AI for research, organization, and even structuring my thoughts. It’s not a replacement for the Spirit’s leading (and it never will be), but it has helped me use my time more effectively so I can spend more of it in prayer and preparation. At the end of the day, sermon writing is not just about crafting words—it’s about hearing from God and faithfully communicating His truth. Whether I spend 18 hours or 8 hours preparing, I remind myself of Jesus’ words: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) That’s why every sermon begins and ends with dependence on Him. Looking for a Church in Kernersville? If you’ve been searching online for a church near me in Kernersville, exploring Kernersville churches, or simply wondering about Christian churches near me, we’d love to invite you to Passion Church in Kernersville. We’re a community of authentic people doing our best to follow after Jesus Christ. Every message is preached and taught from God’s Word, and every service is designed to help you take your next step with Him. Join us in person or online for one of our services—you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, meaningful worship, and teaching rooted in Scripture. 👉 Learn more at www.passionchurchnc.com/PlanYourVisit