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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… Romans 12:2

A woman brought home a new plaque for her kitchen. It read in bold letters, “Prayer changes things.” She proudly hung it above her sink — a simple but powerful reminder during her daily routine.

Her husband came home, glanced up at the plaque, and said, “Take that down, please.” She was surprised. “Why? Don’t you believe in prayer?”

He replied, “Yes, but I don’t like change.”

There’s more truth in his statement than we might want to admit. Let’s be honest — many of us are perfectly fine with the idea of prayer, as long as it doesn’t disrupt our routines, confront our habits, or challenge the way we think. We love the idea of prayer as comfort, encouragement, even rescue. But transformation? That’s harder.

We often pray for God to change our situations, but we resist when God begins changing us. But real, honest prayer invites change. Not just around us, but within us.

Paul wrote in Romans 12, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That word transformed is the same word we get metamorphosis from, when we pray and walk with God, we don’t just get a spiritual touch-up — we’re being entirely reshaped.

It’s uncomfortable at times because change means surrender. It might mean letting go of bitterness, forgiving someone we’re not ready to forgive, or stepping into a role we don’t feel qualified for. It might mean confronting a sin we’ve tried to ignore or reordering our priorities in ways that inconvenience us.

The next time we catch ourselves clinging tightly to what’s familiar, let’s remember what we’re really saying when we pray. We’re not just offering God a wish list — we’re opening ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit. And yes, that means change. But it’s the kind of change that leads to a more Christlike life.

So, hang the plaque, Pray and let God change what needs to be changed — including you.

Father, forgive me when I resist the change you want to bring into my life. When I’m tempted to cling to what’s comfortable, remind me that you are shaping me for something better. Transform my heart and help me to grow into who you’ve created me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.