Always a Prayer

About the Book

One of God’s greatest gifts is the opportunity to pray. When we pray, it doesn’t matter whether we talk aloud or silently to Him. God hears all prayers. He isn’t looking for perfect words—just an open heart. Whether full of gratitude, weighed down with worry, or simply seeking peace, Johnny Wagoner shares short, meaningful prayers that help Christians connect with God in just a few minutes. He has written prayers that are perfect for morning devotionals, quiet time, or moments when words are hard to find. His collection of prayers also include those he has offered at various events and church services over the years, a few from the sermon files of his late father-in-law, and others from close friends and family. His uplifting prayers serve as a daily companion for anyone desiring an honest, approachable way to talk to God and strengthen their relationship with Him. Always a Prayer is a collection of heartfelt, simple prayers that guides Christians through daily moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection to faith.

About the Author

Johnny Wagoner is a first-time author who was born and raised in the small town of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He graduated in 1977 and married his college sweetheart. He and Nancy have been married for forty-eight years and are the proud parents of two adult children. Blair Wagoner Hunter and her husband, Chase, live in Austin, Texas, and John Daniel (JD) Wagoner and his wife, Emily, are in Jacksonville, Florida. Nancy and Johnny have one grandchild, Ollie, and they reside in Lake Oconee, Georgia. Nancy and Johnny attend church at Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison, Georgia.

My Story

I was born and raised in rural North Carolina by a single mother. To say we had very little is an understatement, but we didn’t realize what we didn’t have, and we were raised to appreciate what we did have. I was one of those kids facing a fork in the road, whose life could have gone either way. Not having a father present was normal for me, but that normalcy never stopped me from craving a father’s love. Fortunately, God surrounded me with good people, and the story of my life became a good one. God has a way of doing that! I was the only one in my family to attend college. With the blessing of three campus jobs and a football scholarship, I was able to get my degree in 1977, and that was very important for me as an achievement.

I honestly do not remember when I started praying, but it was at a young age. I do remember how it made me feel and the connection it gave me to a higher being that would become paramount in my growth. Prayer became my go-to for all the things in my life that needed validation. I needed the strength and the guidance that only prayer could offer. For a young man with limited opportunity, it bolstered my gratitude and eliminated possible self-pity. As I look back over my blessed life, I cannot imagine a life without prayer. It has helped me deal with everything from loss of family and friends to an unexpected heart attack in 2015. God has always been there, listening, hearing, and responding. Being raised in church by a very devout mother did not hurt, and growing up to marry a strong woman of high moral fiber provided bookends to my life that helped me become the man that I am today. I continue to pray and will offer prayers to almighty God to my last day. After all, my daily talks with God have gotten me this far! Let us pray!