Here's an outline of what this issue contains:

Volume 61
Theme: The Privilege of Prayer

Thoughts...From a Fellow Pilgrim
~ By Abigail M. Paul ~
Do you know whether you are asking your heavenly Father for bread or for a stone? Here's a look at the loving wisdom of God as demonstrated in the way He answers our prayers.

Epistolography
Three and a half pages of comments and encouraging feedback from HW readers, including three photos.

Wise Counsel
Have you ever watched a close friend backsliding in his or her Christian walk? In this issue, six readers share insights and experiences relating to this difficult situation. To see the question that has been posed for next time, click here.

Prayer: God's Telephone
~ By Jennifer S. ~
After a hiatus of one issue, Jennifer's column is back! She looks at the various parts of prayer: requests, intercession, and thanksgiving.

Talking to God
~ By Grace P. ~
Does God really care about our "little" prayer requests, like sink sprayers that don't work? Don't miss Grace's testimony!

Blessed are the Pure in Heart
~ By Mrs. Gloria Y. ~
Mrs. Y. shares her personal testimony of how God taught her the importance of prayer and praise through a recent trial of bedrest after an eye operation.

Prayer...Moving Mountains by Faith
~ By David B. ~
Are we really able to move mountains by faith today? David's answer is well-balanced, with practical applications.

Prayer: Our Spiritual Weapon
~ By Amanda O. ~
A reminder that God always hears our prayers...and that we need to be listening to all He wants to tell us in return.

Without Ceasing
~ By Megan L. and Katie H. ~
Megan and Katie both share practical insights on how we can truly "pray without ceasing": an important command for all of us to obey.

Exceeding Abundantly
~ By Emily and Allison W. ~
The amazing true story of answered prayer...and a miracle which exceeded this family's wildest dreams.

Approaching the King
~ By Beth C. ~
A faithful prayer warrior, Beth shares a reminder of our Lord's awesome holiness and His power and love at work on our behalf through prayer. She also gives practical tips on praying for others and waiting on the Lord, closing with personal stories of answered prayer.

The Paul Family Chronicle
In this glimpse of "life on our side of the magazine" you'll read about our parents' 25th anniversary and the story of how God brought them together; our first time playing music together on stage; our first experience teaching VBS; and what happened when Mother saw a 4-foot snake slithering through her computer! Includes 3 photos and an original comic strip.

Come and See
~ By Erin M. ~
Erin reminds us to continue drawing near to God, realizing that we must "come" before we can "see".

America's Real War
~ By Elysse Barrett ~
An inspiring challenge to America's young people, to stand in the gap and fulfill the role God has given us in today's culture war.

Continual
~ By Jessica Lee D. ~
This poem encourages us to keep "ever pressing on in Christ," saying "wherever He leads me, I'll follow."

Subscriber's Corner
This issue's featured subscriber is Celeste F., a busy homeschooler from the golden plains of Kansas.

The Bibliopile's Niche
Four book reviews are shared in this issue: a biography, a book on prayer, a devotional, and a series of God-honoring fiction.

Music Notes
~ By Emily W. ~
In this third installment of her music-teaching advice column, Emily gives tips on how to handle your first "interview" with a perspective student: what to wear, what to discuss, and how to handle the follow-up.

Lunchbox Treats
You'll have fun trying out these easy and yummy recipes -- they're perfect for packing in lunchboxes or for quick treats at home! HW food editor Katherine N. compiled this selection of reader's favorites.

Miscellany
Nine items fill this page, including penpal ads, free email magazines, and more!

Discover the Treasures of God's Wisdom
This issue's daily Bible readings are taken from the books of John and Acts. Thematic weekly memory verses are also included, along with a handy space for listing prayer requests.