Christmas

Proverbs 30:4
"Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Whose hands have gathered up the wind?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is the name of his son?
Surely you know!"
Christmas is coming! Advent season is coming quickly to an end, and the day to celebrate the birth of Christ is upon us. Lord, as everyone is dashing around, complaining about the rain, planning family festivities, let us remember the name of your son. Keep it in our hearts! The greatest gift given, at a time we least expected, to undeserving but expectant ones. It is humbling, Lord, to consider this gift of life in Christ. We thank you. I thank you, for Jesus.

Christmas Time of Year

Lord, it is the time of year when much of the world celebrates your birth. Even nonbelievers sing the carols and read the wondrous stories. Teachers help their students make cards and gifts for their parents, and send letters off to servicemen abroad. It is a time of great caring, and our hearts soften toward others. But, Lord, it is also a great time sadness for many people. Memories of past hurts resurface. Loved ones are missing from the gathering for the first time. Oh, then, how do we rejoice? In obedience, in gratitude, we praise you for sending your son to us. All of the celebration is short lived. The suffering will pass. But your gift of grace includes us in your family, and that family celebration lasts forever. Your promises are a gift that is there for us every day. Your Word is true every day. You are sovereign and just every day. Your name is Holy, Lord, every day. Let the nonbelievers be touched by your spirit, and believe. Thank you, Lord.

Proverbs

Lord, I have so very much to be thankful for, and Thanksgiving Day was a testament to that. Thank you for all that you have provided.....a faithful husband, a wonderful family, a warm home, true friends, and even the time to cook and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast. Lord, none of that, even, compares with the priceless gift of your love and grace, and your precious Word. Thanksgiving began and ended with my reading from Proverbs. Lord, thank you for these empowering words, delivering your keys to a well-lived life. Yesterday morning I read Prov. 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." My mind just grabs onto these words. How basic, yet how powerful. And today, verse 20:24 "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" So true, Lord, you have really been working this one in me lately. It is so comforting to find this truth written so very long ago in your Proverbs. The words are so simple, explain so much, yet impossible to grasp in the living out of our lives. Lord, I love you. I seek you. I praise you for calling me into your life.

Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Lord, as a prodigal daughter, I humbly praise you for this gift. How the days of my life are different because of your grace and sacrifice!! Through the darkness and suffering of the world, we have this knowledge! Through the injustice, your sovereignty. We are ensured the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and through you, Lord, Christian community. Lord, I thank you for the gift of friendship. My friendships mean so much to me, and bring such joy, becuse they reflect you. Friendship is a canvas where your mighty love is etched out. I am so grateful. I am thankful. Thank you, Father.

We are so Blessed

Isaiah 49:13 "Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains"

Psalm 16:8 "I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure"

Lord, we are so blessed. Today Lord, the gift of time to rest in you, to enjoy the spectacular beauty of your creation....grandchildren, friends, health. Lord, thank you! My mind is turning over ideas etched there from readings this week..... a teacher's gift to students in
Burkina Faso, a young woman's view of the U.S. through the eyes of her former life in Ethiopia, travelers' varied attitudes on a cruise ship adrift at sea. Even on our worst day, we have reason to praise you. My heart heavily holds several women close to me who suffer losses. Lord, they wonder how do they move forward? I pray they find comfort in Psalm 16:8. I pray your promise for them. I rejoice in the gift of intercessory prayer, as I call out to you for healing and blessing on their lives. Thank you, Father, for your Greatness.

Lord, I Seek a Glimpse of You

"Open up my eyes, I pray
Lord, for just a little glimpse of you
That's all I need, it's all I've ever needed
To see beyond myself, beyond this tiny, little world
All your hands have made
With beauty and strength alone
I can see you comin' to me now
Oh, like a shimmerin' light
Shimmerin' light on an open sea
Barefoot on the water
Laughin' at the ocean
Like you were old friends
Callin' out my name." Bryan Duncan
(http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/bryan_duncan/#share)
Lord, I seek a glimpse of you. I yearn to feel your grace pouring over me. These first weeks of school always set me off balance....rob my time. Gone are the quiet days of freedom and the luxurious time to spend with you. I miss that precius time!! How good it feels to sit and wait on your presence...listen for your quieting voice. I can then hear you calling me, as you called the disciples to step out onto the water so many years ago. My heart runs to you, Lord. My soul feels the rush of your spirit. Joy rises up from within me. You are here. I am awed by the fact that you came for us, unworthy as we are. Thank you, Father!

Matthew 14: 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Grumpy

Lord, I need to come to you and confess that I am grumpy! I know, Lord, that today some of my students were at the wrong end of my fatigue. The weather has them feeling cooped up, and they are noisy! My patience is low, and I have too much curriculum to teach them! We are busy people, and we must take time for you. Our worship glorifies you, and our disposition should reflect your glory as well. I have not taken the time to fill myself with your Holy Spirit this weekend. So, I come to you today. I know that as I confess my sins, your generous nature forgives me...and even understands. It is such a joy and privilege to sit in your presence, and listen for your quieting, forgiving voice. How I thank you! And, Lord, I thank you for the amazing family time you blessed us with this weekend, and for the protection of Kira, Brett, Garon, and Michael in their travels. You bless our family in so many ways, and we are grateful. Galatians 5:22
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."

I Just Prayed For You

"No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21 Lord, I am so thankful that you gave me the desire to intercede in prayer for others. It glorifies you, and brings me such joy when I can do so. But I am shaken after my earnest and faithfilled prayers seem to fail....when your answer is "no", or where there is physical death rather than healing. So I am afraid to say, "I have prayed for you." The words hold such hope....but what if..? It is then I must return to your word, which is truth. You are able. Knowing your word lifts the burden from me, and places it where it should be - with you. My responsibility is to stand firmly on this scripture, convinced that you are able to do what you have promised, and you are sovereign. When my small mind cannot understand your ways, these familiar words comfort me. "I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed...what God has planned." You are God, Lord, and I glorify you, even in my grief, my sadness, my pain. I continue praying. I look to the blessings in life, and I am grateful. I trust you, Lord.

Wait Upon the Lord

Lord, I praise you for music. I praise you for hymns, I praise you for current worship songs, and for beautiful melodies of the ages. I praise you for lyrics that embed themselves in my mind, and play theselves over and over throughout each day. I thank you for faithfilled songwriters, and I thank you for King David, who wrote psalms to you from deep in his heart. Lord, these beautiful songs and psalms bring me strength and fill me with your joy. They transform my thoughts, sing out my joys, and help me soar over my challenges. "Strength will rise as we wait apon the Lord." Lord, this is so true. We rest in you, surrender to your ways, and slowly our will becomes your will. When we are singing to you of our love, our joys, our sorrows.....you are there, and we find comfort. Thank you, Father. "One day in your courts is worth a thousand elsewhere."
Judges 5:3" I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel."

Variety

Lord, I thank you for the variety of your creation......different lands, different people, different cultures,and.....different weather! There is always something to keep our interest, cause us change, and look to you. It is the same in our individual lives. We go through seasons, Lord, and during some of them we feel so close to you. During other seasons, we feel further from you. Lord, I praise you for the variety. I am grateful that YOU are always available to us, providing for us and using us for your purposes. Even when we are in our busiest of seasons, your direct our days. You cause us to open our eyes to you. We feel you calling. We come to you, and we are renewed by your love, refreshed by your living waters. Ilong for you. Thank you, Father.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven>"

Glorifying God in Grief

Lord, I come to you in confusion over the death of my friend's daughter. I can't even imagine her grief at such a loss, and the family's grief....and the grief of the two little children left behind. My mind tries to sort it out, but of course, I cannot. You are sovereign, Lord, and we must trust in your goodness and your plan. The lyrics come to mind, "I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed and God has planned." I prayed for a miracle of physical healing, but you called her to you instead. Lord, I yearn to know your plan in this. But, then, that is making it about me.....and surely it is not about me. The answer to my prayer was "no," and you are all knowing. Today I realized, you are more concerned about her spirit and the drawing of her soul to you. In this death, somehow, you are to be glorified. Show me how, Father God, to glorify you in this loss of Kristine.
Psalm 86:12
"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."

Goof morning, Lord.

Lord, I come to you this morning, falling on your grace. I am physically depleted, mentally overwhelmed, and emotionally burdened. I am up talking to you, asking for your help in facing my day. Move my feet forward toward what you would have me do. Give me your words to speak. Free my mind of the endless details circling there. Feed my physical body with healing foods, so I have your strength. Help me discern my priorities, and lift the feeling of burden I have been carrying for so many dear ones close to me. Comfort me, slow me down, and use me to bless others through your Holy Spirit. I thank you for your promises. I praise you for your Word, and the truth on which my faith stands. You are a big god, with an endless love for us. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord!

San Bruno

Lord, my heart is heavy with the news of the devastation in San Bruno. There are no words of comfort to offer the community members who are dealing with this loss. As they return to their neighborhood, and face the grief, I pray that you are walking in before them, with your Holy protection and comfort. Surround them with your grace. Meet thier needs before they even know them, Lord.
Matthew 5: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Hope

Ephesians 3:20 says, "God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!" Lord I believe you! Help me erase any doubts. I come to you today asking for complete healing for Kristine, and for complete recovery from today's surgery. I pray for her family to have hope, and I pray for Kristine to have courage. I pray for the doctors and their wisdom, and I pray for the chemotherapy to be effective. I pray for the resilience of her children. I ask you to completely eliminate any harmful cells in her body. I boldly ask you to do what only you can do. And I ask these things in your precious name.

Little Pearls

Dear Lord, I have been thinking a lot recently about my new little students. Now that I have the list, I can pray for them by name. I pray that you will give me the capacity to love and the wisdom to teach each one of them! I pray that I will look upon them, every day, as your children. I pray that with each irritant, I will see the opportunity to be the shaper of a pearl. Lord, give me fresh enthusiasm, give me quiet in the midst of the daily rush, give me the competence to meet each need. Smile from within me, Lord, so they may see your reflection in my face. I pray for their homes and their families, that they be love centered and responsibility driven. I pray that I can work with each parent on behalf of their child in a way that empowers them towrd their maximum potential. Hear my prayer, oh Lord. Guide me in my serving you through my role in this classroom. Ephesians 4:16b : "...when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Laughter

Proverbs 14:13 "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief."
Job 8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."
Lord, today I just thank you for laughter! I have been thinking about laughter for a couple of days, and every time I do, I start giggling again. I have seen a couple of really funny things! And, how refreshing! Lord, there is grief this summer, as people close to me have left life here, and gone to you. There are serious prayer requests that I pray over, as many others close to me wait answers to our prayers. But, Lord, I have laughed out loud, something I don't often do. I thank you for laughter! I thank you for people that have the gift of being super creative and funny. Let me pass on the joy of laughter, as it soothes the body and lightens the heart. And when I laugh, let me turn my thoughts to you, remembering I am rooted in you.

Strength

Ephesians 3:16 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." This prayer I pray for my many sweet friends who need the strength of God right now, due to grief, ill children, ill parents, and also surgeries. I pray this prayer for each one of you! And I pray you feel the power of the Holy Spirit in each of your coming days.

New

In Christ, we are new every day! The newness of each day, and each season, is so refreshing. A new chance. A new start! A blank slate. In the same way, a baby refreshes our lives! A new life. The innocence. The sweet breath. The enthusiasm for the smallest accomplishment, and the trust in being comforted. Lord, I am so thankful for the "newness" this summer has brought. I am thankful for the gift of time to be with you. I am thankful for the time with my husband and family. And, Lord, I am so thankful for the new baby, and the joy she brings to everyone, and for her capable and loving parents. What a joy to see! Hope is new, and life is fresh. Thank you Father!
2 Corinthians 3:6 "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Women of God

"But Ruth replied,'Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.' " Ruth 1:16 It is inspirational to read the stories of women in the Bible who choose to follow you, Father God. They show us the way! So it is with Godly women who mentor us in our own lives...who show us patience in times of trial, forgiveness and love in times of hurt and pain, service and surrender instead of greed and lust. Lord, I thank you for the many women in my life who, before me, have matured in you. They are such a blessing to me, and they glorify you! I thank you, and I pray that some day, in turn, others would see you in my face, hear your words in mine, and in some small way, you would be glorified.

Farewells

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness...." IITimothy 4:7 Lord, I pray for my two Shirleys. My cousin, Shirley, who is grieving the loss of her treasured husband, Len. I pray for your love and peace to fill the empty places in her heart, especially now that services are over, and the tasks are done. And for my sweet long time friend, Shirley, Lord you are bringing her home. I pray for her as she makes this transition, and for her dear husband, Bob. Lord, bless them! 70 years of marriage,Lord, how do they say goodbye? I pray for the familes of both these dear Shirleys. And I pray for safe travel as we leave to say our farewell to Shirley and to wrap Bob in our arms. Lord, bless us all in the sad farewells.

Thank You Father!

Lord, I praise you and thank you for the positive results of my sweet friend's surgery! The surgery was successful, with nodes and margins taken .... all clear!! I am so thankful for this wonderful news and for all that you are doing in her life right now! Thank you, Father!

Blessings

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Lord, as we wake up each day, help us to remember to praise you for our many blessings! We drink in the breath of life as we rise, and witness the beauty of your creation. We are rich with the blessings of your provision. Each morning is fresh with opportunities to glorify you and bless others. A new chance to listen for your call on our day. I praise you that you lead us, and call us into your will! Lord, fill my heart with thoughts of your glory, and let me be full of praises for you this day!

Aging Parents

Lord, though I grieve the loss of my parents years ago, many of my friends have aging parents who need increased care and attention. Lord, right now, I pray for two in particular who are dealing with major changes with their parents. My prayer is that they find the best solutions for their parents as well as for themselves. I pray that the parents involved would be comfortable and accepting with the needed changes, and accept them with grace. I pray that the love of the children for them, would encourage the parents to understand the need to accept the help. And, Lord, I pray that once the changes are made, everyone involved will feel comfortable with them, and at peace with the solutions. I pray for calm and for peace, for love and respect, and for your intervention in all of this.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5

Priorities

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Lord, in the summer, when I have the gift of time, I can spend lavish time with you. My mind is relaxed. I can make thoughtful decisions. But what about the rest of the year, when life is hectic and demanding? My eyes are on the clock! Lord, that is not where you want my eyes. Lord, as I dive into your Word, you teach me where to turn my thoughts. You show me how to line up my priorities. I need to keep my eye on you....and you will do all the rest? I know that is true! I forget, Lord. I forget and forget. Lord, help me do my days putting you first, so that you can manage the rest. Help me make choices, as I look to this new school year, that would honor you. Help me make decisions that would put me in positions to glorify you. Draw my eye to you. In your name, I pray.

Beauty out of the Pain

Steven Curtis Chapman, upon the death of his youngest daughter, suffered deep pain and grief. Out of the ashes of his loss, he wrote a new song.... "Beauty Will Rise." Deep faith is etched into these lyrics: "Out of these ashes, beauty will rise. We will dance among the ruins ~ we know the joy is coming in the morning....This is our hope. This is a promise. It will take our breath away to see the beauty he has made, out of these ashes." A stadium full of worshippers, watching him sing this tribute to "a day gone badly wrong", received his offering of faith. It was moving. More than that, it was undoubtedly healing for many. It helps to know that joy is possible, and that good will come. It doesn't diminish the pain, but it provides hope. We need hope. Lord, I thank you wholeheartedly for the hope provided last night at the Harvest Crusade. Steven and Greg Laurie are your servents, Lord, and they serve out of their deep love for you. I thank you that I was there....that I can draw from this evening to offer hope to my burdened friends. I pray for opportunities to help lighten their load.

Women in Pain

Lord, several women who are close to me carry deep burdens and are in such pain! Lord, they are women who love you. Yet, their circumstances have brought loss and grief and difficult life circumstances.They are surrounded by family and friends who care about them, and Lord, they know you walk with them! But, still they move forward, with hope-laced loads. Lord, I pray that in the midst of these hardships, you will make yourself known to them in a very personal way. Please help them see your grace. Let them hear your whisper. Let them feel your touch.
Right now, Lord. This minute, Lord, I sing out my lovesong to you! I trust my loved ones with you. Zephaniah 3:17
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Sisters in Christ

It is interesting that many of the followers of Jesus were women, who came to have deep, reverent relationships with Him. I can barely imagine their joy when they walked by his side, listened to him teach, knelt at his feet, and even touched him with annointing oil. These women were the first examples of sisterhood in Christ. Sisterhood remains today, in many forms. Women who love Christ, and have that treasured relationship with Him, share a bond that ties them together in the same way. And if we are fortunate enough to have a precious sister in Christ, then we are blessed! Lord, I thank you for sisters of the heart. They are in my family and from childhood, adult sisters of covenant through the years, and newly connected sisters at church and at work. These are treasured ones to me! We can pray together, worship together, and support and encourage one another...all through the power of the magnificent Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father!

Perfect Results from Surgery

"13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139
Father God, I praise you for your faithfulness to us! In good times and in times of trouble, Lord, you are right there with us, paving the way before us, putting people in our path and solutions into motion. Thank you Father! Today I put before you my prayers for my sweet friend who is in the throws of a breast cancer diagnosis. In two weeks, so much has already been accomplished, and I thank you for that. Her family members love you and love one another, and they are a united team in support of her, along with her husband, and Lord I praise you! I pray for her continued faith and peace of mind. I pray for the doctors hands and minds to be directed by you! I pray for a perfect result from the surgery, and quick healing. And, Lord, I pray for a clear report from the surrounding tissues. You are a mighty God. And though we do not understand all of your ways, we do trust in your plan for us, yearn to follow your will for our lives, and keep a firm belief that it is good! In your precious Son's name, I pray.

The Harvest

Matthew 9:37 "Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." With Harvest Crusade coming up, the Harvest is on my mind, and I have listened to sermons from three different pastors, calling me to action - to be a worker in the harvest field. As I listen, I have ask myself, am I simply a spectator, an attender? Or, am I a worker in the field? Am I living intentionally for Christ? What is my agenda? What are my priorities? Do my choices Glorify God? Do I continually think about working in the field some day? Because that is very different from actually getting out there and doing it! Lord, I know personally so many people, young and old, whom you have raised up to be workers and leaders in the field. Lord, call me. Lord, I pray I will answer your call to be a worker, and I pray that I will recognize that call when it comes!

Prayers

Psalm 54:2 "Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." Lord, how amazing that I can come before you, call to you, and you will hear me!
Lord, many families need prayer. For healing, the Pearson family and the LaMont family have loved ones healing from surgery. Lord, I ask for complete healing! I pray for Kristine, that the chemotheapy would do its work. I pray for Russ, Lord, that you would heal his diaphram, so it can funciton correctly. I pray for families who are traveling.....the Sabines, Guevarra family and the Snyder family are all traveling. Krista, Garon, and the kids are traveling to the river, and Kira to the desert. I pray for safety in travel, protection for family members at home, and for relaxing and fun times to be had by all. Thank you, Abba Father, for hearing me when I call.

Quite Time with My Lord

Lord, I praise you for your generosity toward your believers. Thank you for joining us in our quiet times. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your promises that are made known to us through your scriptures. Thank you for the peace that results from spending time with you. Thank you for the healing that takes place, for ourselves and others, when we pray in faith. Thank you for your Holy Name.

James 1:6 "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Film Project in India

Things to pray for:

That all Cast/Crew arrive safely and on time
Health for all in India
Customs clearance to get our gear into Hyderabad on Friday, July 30 (Thursday afternoon, July 29, in OC)
Permissions from all Hyderabad locations – especially the International Airport
Continued unity in the Cast/Crew (most are Christians, a few are not – so pray for a consistent testimony to them)

More than anything else, it is our prayer that this movie changes lives for Jesus Christ. The journey to get where we are has been a story in itself and I know, at some point, will be part of what God uses to reach people – both saved and unsaved – with His message of freedom and redemption.

Doctors

Lord, today I am praying for doctors, and their wisdom in the treatment of two of my friends. Right this minute, one friend is undergoing a procedure to check his heart. Lord, I pray that every detail of the procedure is guided by your hand. I pray for the wisdom and discernment of the doctors, as they check the heart and make decisions regarding any need for follow-up. I pray for the family as they wait wait. I pray, too, for a quick and complete recovery, so that he can return to his new job. For Kristine, Lord, I pray for the doctors to have wisdom regarding her chemotherapy treatments. I praise you for the miracles that chemotherapy can do, through your guidance, Lord. I pray for her family as this therapy takes place...for their strength and for their resilience through all of this illness. I ask for blessings on these doctors, Lord, and that through these wonderful friends, they may come to know you. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
"Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them." Matthew 15:30

Health in Aging

"13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139
Lord, many of us are getting older and, frankly, we aren't that great at accepting it! We feel young inside, and we look here and there for keys to the fountain of youth! We try to stay active, but cannot do what we used to do! We try to eat right, but the recommendations are constantly changing! We get a disappointing report from the doctor, and we get discouraged with this aging process. Lord, you formed us! You know our days. Lord, motivate us to get the proper exercise and nutrition, without becoming obsessive. Help us to stay centered on you, and balance appropriately our desire to do what we can to stay strong and vibrant, with the grace to accept the inevitable changes. Give us inner peace with ourselves, gently accepting our posts as the elder family members. Remind us that what really matters is our relationship with you. and our desire to serve, which results from your love for us. Protect our health, Lord, so we can shine for you.

Waiting on the Lord

"Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, as we wait upon the Lord." These words from a wonderful praise song are important ones for us! We rush, and we do, and we work. WAIT. WAIT. WAIT. We do not like to wait! Dear Lord, we wait, as many of my friends wait for answers to prayer, leaning on you. We wait for healing. We wait for relationships to be more fulfilling. We wait for jobs, or wait for jobs to develop earning power. We wait for loans to process so they can keep their homes, or we wait for buyers so they can sell them. When we stop, and spend time with you, Lord, the strength comes, as you have promised. I am so grateful for the strength that you have given Kristine's family and friends, as they wait for treatment to lead to healing....trusting in you. Lord, for me, just sitting in prayer, and waiting on you.... I count it such a blessing and privilege! Thank you for the time this summer to wait on you. I can hardly wait to see where the listening leads. "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25

Mission Work

Lord, I lift up the workers in the field. Jessica is working in India this month on a film to promote humane treatment for all. I pray the efforts are moving along, and are without further roadblocks this week. I honor their committment, Lord! I pray for their success and for their safety, and for their families at home. Jen and her husband are entering the mission field. Lord, what a wonderful couple, with proven devotion to you. I pray for them as they gather their support and make plans to serve. Encourage them and continue to inspire them. I pray, too, Lord for the people working on the Veracity Project - may it glorify you and reflect your nature. Encourage their creativity and give them resilience, Lord. I pray this scripture from Colossians for all working in the field for your harvest:

"10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."

God's Faithfulness

Lord, my heart is full today, with so very many prayers, while also rejoicing with praises. I have the confidence that you are in control, Lord. Yet circumstances for so many loved ones seem uncertain and overwhelming. I thank you that others of us can stand in the calm, and hold the candle of faith for them. I thank you for the time to pray over scriptures for them. What a privilege you invite us into. Father God, I pray for men who need doors to a new career to open for them....careers that will bless others as they work, and also bless their families. I ask your guiding hand in that. Open the right doors, and close those that are not in your will. I also continue with several urgent needs for physical healings. I know you hold these dear ones in your hand. Lord, I believe...help me, and help others, with any lingering unbelief. I pray this psalm over my prayer list today, and I thank you, Father, in Jesus' precious name.
Psalm 16
5 "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,"

Healing

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Psalm 129:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."
Lord, I claim these promises for my young friend, Kristine. Lord, you know everything about her. You know her past and her future. You know every cell in her body. In your name, Jesus, I ask for a miracle of healing. I ask that the chemotherapy treatments be effective. I ask for the resilience of her body, Lord. I ask for strength for her family, and compassion for her young children. She is your creation, Lord, and we pray as a body, for your will to be done in her life. I praise you, Lord, that you have opened the door for us to come to you. I cry, Abba, Father, hear our prayers.

This Is My Father's World!

"This is my Father's world, and to my listening ear, all nature sings and 'round me rings the beauty of the spere!" When I was a little girl, this was my favorite hymn. My dad must have been the one to make me so aware of the beauty and wonder of nature, and this hymn catches my praise! The hymn comes to mind as I sit in the window seat of a room overlooking the grasses of the meadow and the cypress trees stretching out to the ocean. The sky is grey, but the splendor and majesty of God' creation shine. The refreshment that nature provides is luxurious. It is quiet. People are few. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to hear and smell and see all that you have created. Thank you for a time to focus on your creation and worship in quiet. My heart is full of praises for you, Lord. Thank you!

Hope

Romans 5:5 “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Lord I thank you for the hope you bring. Hope is central to our faith! “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2b) Joy and hope are, I think, unique to the Christian faith. That we have been given the Holy Spirit, and Christ Jesus to intercede for us, brings great cause for hope and for joy. So, as I pray today for you, my friends, I have hope! Hope that my prayers for you will be answered. Hope that God will use the circumstances of our children for good, and for His will in their lives. Hope that our marriages will be refreshed, and even restored. Hope that the right job is in sight. Hope for provision. Hope that physical healing will take place in our bodies, and pain will cease. Hope that the addicted will thirst for you, and lose their desire for false fixes. God, with you all things are possible! I thank you, Abba Father!

Prayer

Lord, I love how you call us to prayer! You ask us to seek forgiveness and pray with a clean heart. You ask us to sing our praises to you! You call us into thanksgiving. You invite us to come as we are, and to lay our burdens at your feet. You encourage us to intercede for others in our prayers. You command us stop worrying and to pray continuously! Women and men, alike, you call us. Do we answer? Not often enough, Lord! You quench our thirst, you answer our prayers, you feed us with your word, your voice whispers to us. Lord, help us ignore our distractions and turn to you. Do we spend as much time with you as we spend online, or reading the paper, or watching TV? You call us, Lord. Let us answer. Let ME answer! Let me answer by calling out to you, thirsting for you, witnessing for you, by my words and actions,
to those who need to hear. I love you, Lord! I thank you, God! I praise you for who you are.
Matthew 6:9-13
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]'

Safety in Travel

Many of my friends and family members are traveling this coming week, Lord. Jessica is traveling all the way to India. I pray for her safety and I also pray for her family at home. I pray the project will be a success and impact many lives. I pray, too, for loved ones traveling within the US, by plane and by car. I pray for safety and health as they travel to work and to vacation and to home. I pray for Kristy as she travels home with her little ones....may they be calm a nd relaxed. Lord, let your fresh spirit fall on us, wherever we are. Hold us in your strong hands, and keep us near to you in all we do. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Psalm 23

Jobs

Lord, today I have a heavy heart for my colleagues who do not have jobs for next year. It is just unbelievable that after 10 years of teaching, they can be losing their jobs! It is so sad and confusing. I pray that they will be led to just the right position. God, you know our paths. I pray my sweet friends will feel your direction in their lives. I pray you will open doors for them! Guide me in ways to support and encourage them. I pray your will for their lives and I claim your promises for them. "Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:6

Prayers of Intervention

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-11 Lord, I thank you for the power of prayer. I thank you for summer vacation and the extra time to spend in your word and in prayer for the many needs on my prayer list. Keep me faithful, Lord! In your Holy name.

Praises for baby Addison

Lord my heart is so full of praise for the precious baby Addison you sent into our family. I praise you for her health and for her precious little spirit. I thank you for the wisdom and love you have given Leah and Michael as they so naturally take on their parenting roles. I pray for blessings on this sweet child as she learns to be part of our world. I pray for protection, and continued health, and for your presence to be full in her life. I thank you for the family weekend that surrounded her birth on Father's Day. Thank you, Father!

My Girls

Lord, I come to you today to pray for my girls...my precious daughters. I pray for Leah, Lord, for peace of mind as she enters this period of delivery for baby Addison. I pray your hand is in this, your wisdom in the mind of the doctors, and your Holy Spirit calms her nerves. Be with her, and with Michael, as they bring their precious new one into our world. For my other daughters, I pray for peace of mind as well, as they cope with difficult transitions in their lives. You love them all so very much, Lord, and you brought them to me to love and care for. Work through me!
Psalm 139:11
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

His Peace

Lord, I thank you for the peace you bring me, through your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit! With this peace in my heart, I can be your ear for the many prayer requests that came my way today. Lord, there are many who call on your name for healing, for provision, for freedom from thoughts and fears that hold them captive. For the trip to India, I pray for all travel details to be worked out so the project can move forward. Lord I pray for your healing touch on the young ones with cancer, for the friend at the emergency room, and I continue to pray for my husband to be completely healed. I pray for mortgage relief for two of my friends, and jobs for others. For others,I pray for your provision, and the faith that it will be there. For others, Lord I pray for healing from relational hurts. Lord, you care for us....I pray each one will feel your touch. Thank you Father! Philippians 4:9 "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

He Hears

Our God listens to my persistent and fervent prayer! I praise Him today for answered prayer! Two of my children are dealing with disappointment. Yet today, in the midst of that disappointment was a blessing....enough to encourage. Not the solution, but a boost in the spirits for them...and for me! It is so encouraging to see God at work in our midst. I am thankful. John 5:14 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears."

Choose to Remember the Truth

Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Lord, whatever we are feeling today, you admonish us to put on peace. This can be such a challenge for us! We struggle with concerns, yet you ask us to be thankful. Gratitude is the path to joy and peace, as only the Holy Spirit can bring. Lord, I pray for the concerns of many during my prayer time. Release me from taking on the burden, and lay my requests at the foot of the cross. You are handling it, Lord, and I am so grateful!

Soldiers

"I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life." Psalm 121:1-7
I finished viewing a video of surprise visits by soldiers, my eyes wet with tears. I began to pray for our soldiers. We owe it to them to pray! I am so grateful for their service and their sacrifice. I pray specifically, Lord, for my friend JJ in Iraq. I pray for his safety, for him to feel Christ with him, and be able to share Christ with his comrades. I pray for the peace of mind that only your Holy Spirit can bring. I pray for his sweet family at home, and I thank you that he is able to communicate with them. I carry him in my heart, Lord, and I thank you for your deep care of him.

Disappointment

Romans 5:5
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Lord, I pray for parents who are comforting daughters in disappointment. I pray for wisdom here. There are times when parenting walks such a delicate line! It is so sad to see our children hurt, and we want to encourage. Yet, hurt is a part of life, and You work there. I pray for the many prayer requests on my list that are for daughters. Lord, bless our daughters, and bless our relationships with them. May we take comfort in your promise that hope does indeed not disappoint.

A Timeless Prayer

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. (The Lord will Work for You!)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, (The Lord Will Provide for You!)
3 he restores my soul. (The Lord Will Keep you going)

He guides me in paths of righteousness (The Lord Will Guide You)
for His name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; (He Will Protect You!)
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (He Will Heal You!)

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (The Lord Will Pursue You!)

(Anonymous author)

Sisters in Christ

Lord, today I am praying for my sisters in Christ. There are many needs, Lord. Specifically I pray for Nancy, whose daughter is working through a difficult health issue. I pray for Nancy's strength, and that the Holy Spirit would fill her to overflowing with your joy, so she can care for her daughter. And, Lord, I pray for her daughter that you would heal her completely, giving her physical strength and renewed energy. Lord, I ask your blessing of encouragement for all the women on my prayer list. We are the nurturers, and we need your clear presence in our lives in order to encourage our husbands and children during times of challenge. Keep us in your word. Fill our minds with your songs of praise.
Touch us, Lord. Psalm 91:14-16
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Expectancy

Expectancy is a word that is packed with meaning! The dictionary says it is the condition of waiting or expecting, as for a baby. The word expect can mean to look for as likely to occur or appear. The Bible tells us to pray expectantly. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 I think that the connotation of the word expectancy is a positive one, anticipating, with excitement and hope. We are encouraged to pray with expectancy. I pray now, Lord, for my many friends leaving on retreat today. They leave with the expectancy that God will meet them there! I pray he will do His mighty work in each woman. I pray, too, for the expectancy my daughter has in her last month of pregancy! I pray that she and her husband will be blessed during the childbirth, and I expect that all with be well! Thank you, Father, calling us to you in prayer!

Husbands

Our husbands carry a burden, Lord, that reaches back to Adam. They work to provide for their families. And, if they are lucky, they find a way to put their passion to work for them, and derive joy from it. Lord, I know several men right now, who are without jobs, or at risk of losing their jobs. I pray they will find doors opening for them right now! I pray that through your grace, they will find right livlihood. They will be welcomed into jobs that use their gifts, will serve others, glorify you, and bring them joy and provision. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
Lord, I pray fervently for this, and claim your promise of provision for them, in your name.

Adult Children

Lord, today I pray for adult children. Their pressures are great, their joys many, and their disappointments deep. Does every generation think it grew up in a simpler world? I think everything seems so complex today, with too many choices. We need to create boundaries in our lives to save space for ourselves, to find YOU. There are many adult children on my prayer list right now. Lord, guide them and protect them! May they seek your wisdom, and find joy in your peace, learning to thirst for you. John 4:13 "Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"

Obedience

Lord, it is so easy to get caught up in the details of daily living. We get confused regarding the reason we are here. Are we here to accomplish our "to do" list? Your Word guides us to the real "stuff" of life. The Truth. We are here to come to know you and to glorify you. How will we know what that looks like for us? Jesus listened, and obeyed his Father. He took time to pray. He knew the scriptures. He guided others to the Truth. He guides us, if we take time with him. Stephanie Edwards, at a women's retreat, guided us to "Read our mail!" How much time do we spend reading our emails, our newspaper, our junk mail or ads? If I "Read my mail" first, by sitting down with the Lord and the Bible, I am always amazed to find that everything else gets done anyway! And, usually with greater ease. I think of Mary and Martha....arent' we so often like Martha? Jesus loved them both, but he said in Luke 10:42 "but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Let's be obedient to our Lord today.

Rest

MATTHEW 14:13 "When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." Lord, I thank you for the example you set for us to withdraw from the crowds. It is in the quiet, that I find you, and the refreshment your living waters bring to my weary soul. Your Holy Spirit falls afresh on me, and I am whole again, and ready to serve. Lord, you have called me to serve in this way. To start this prayer blog. I have one follower! My sweet and dear friend! "Where two or more are gathered." Thank you! Lord, I pray for all the prayer requests that have been forwarded to me. I pray you meet each friend, and carry them forward as your plan for them unfolds. I trust you with our lives. Lord, I believe!

Forgiveness

Lord, I am so very thankful that I can plan on having my job next year. But, I am having trouble letting go of the deep confusion and the anger regarding the way the district handled us this year. I pray that your Holy Spirit will take over, and heal me of the distress this weekend as I relax away from school. I pray, too, that you will show me an honorable way to speak to someone at the district level about this, if it is your will. I pray, too, for healing at my school of wounds that have occurred and may yet occur because of this process. I thank you, too, for taking care of your precious daughter, Kristine, during her hospitalization. Please continue to heal her! "Though I walk throught the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me!" Psalm 23

Thanksgiving

Col 2:6-7 "So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted, and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." I am so thankful for the answered prayer of getting my job back for next year! Thank you, God! I just pray that somehow I can glorify God through this experience.

Hope

Thanks for this quote from the Weekly Meditation written by our prayer leader at church. Great to refresh our minds with this assurance!

“…hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts…” Romans 5:5

There is a lot to be hopeful about! Sadly, I tend to let circumstances seep under my skin. I need to bathe myself with this assurance from Paul several times a day! He is such a model of perseverence and hope for us. I yearn to be a woman of faith who can give hope to those around me!

You Are Mine

"I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
Jessica's mom is asking for prayers, and we will be praying!
"Dear Family and Friends,
Jessica will be in India for 4 weeks from mid June to mid July to help with the filming of the movie. They announced the cast today on the website. Getting exciting. Please keep all the cast, crew, directors, producers in your prayers. The film is about human trafficking.
David and I will be doing the majority of the the childcare while Jessica is away. Looking forward to the fun with the twin boys and praying for energy and strength.
Here is the movie website which Jessica created and maintains. Nick's company Snapshot web hosts the site.

http://nottodaythemovie.com/

My Prayer

My prayer is that God would be glorified through this blog. His Word says:
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20
I am waiting, with expectancy, for my first visitor! God knows the plans he has for my prayers, and I abide in Him. Honestly, today I need to ask for prayers for myself - to wait patiently while waiting to hear what/where my job will be for next year. It is unsettling as I finish out all the school year details, to be unable to begin making the normal plans toward the next year. I need to be obedient, and just wait. My prayer is that I could do that with less physical stress sitting 'under the surface' in me. I pray that the Holy Spirit fills me, deep down to my inner core. Zephaniah 3:17, one of my favorites comes to mind: "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you; He quiets you with his love." Thank you, God, for this amazing promise!

My prayer for my friends and family today, is for their marriages. I pray that God's grace fills the personal gaps in each marriage, and in my own. He can, and has done, miracles!
Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."

Responding to God's Little Voice

On the drive to work, recently, I was overwhelmed by the prayer needs in my own life and in the lives of people close to me. I thought of the scripture "For my yolk is easy, and my burden is light."(Matthew 11:30) God's little voice spoke to me of starting a prayer blog, so that friends and acquaintances could post, share, and pray over one another's needs. I thought, ah, that has probably been done! Or, there is a reason it can't be done. But the idea stuck, and after continued prayer, I did it~ I pray that God will use this blog for His glory!