A few weeks ago, I attended a concert by a Christian folk band and the energy in the room was palpable. The lead singer opened the night with prayer and continued to weave prayer throughout the concert, often saying, “Let us pray,” before leading us into song. I realized, in that moment, that even the words we sing are prayers to God. We sang about feeling alone in the darkness yet finding joy in the truth and about seeking God through pain and hardship while discovering peace. Those words sank deep into my heart and reminded me how much the words we speak—especially when we feel lost—shape our attitude and posture in prayer.
Many times I forget that prayer is more than a quick routine before meals or a habit we save for bedtime. Sometimes I treat prayer as a last resort when everything else has failed. But Scripture reminds me that prayer is meant to be my first response in every situation. Prayer isn’t only about asking God for things. It helps shape our hearts, guides what we say, and gives us hope when life is hard. No matter what season we’re in, prayer keeps us grounded and reminds us that God hears us and cares (James 5:13–16).
I know in my own life it is very easy for fear and thoughts of doubt to take root in my heart and mind. I often fall into the temptation that it is much better to just keep those fears and doubts to myself instead of bringing them before God. But prayer is a gift God has given us to help expose the parts of us that need healing and forgiveness, letting go of our belief that we have control. If we continue to keep these things to ourselves, we give room for the darkness to take over. But the Bible tells us that if we confess and release these things to Him, there are multiple blessings to be found in acknowledging our shortcomings and sin (Psalm 32:1–5).
In seasons of hardship, prayer strengthens our faith and leads us toward joy. God shows His love through His Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us peace, forgiveness, healing, and hope. Scripture reminds us that through faith in Jesus Christ we are children of God, and as His children, we are invited into constant prayer. We don’t have to be weighed down by the pressures of the world because faith in Jesus brings life and freedom. And prayer is just as vital when we are joyful. When we pray and praise God, we can do so with confidence, trusting that He has already claimed the victory (1John 1:5–10).
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102 thoughts on "Effective Prayer"
Ive prayed and prayed over my husbands illness and i remain faithful, God can heal and when we dont see it on the outside its because the change is already happening onnthe inside! Amen x
I was struck by how often James points people back toward prayer and honesty instead of hiding or pretending ❤️
Praying for my husband to come to know the grace of GOD. I don’t know if he was saved and walked away due to moral injury, or if he has just been close all his life and needs to place his trust in Him. After almost 14 years of marriage, he revealed his struggle with faith last November.
I had been wanting to improve my prayer walk and immediately picked up “Power of a Praying Wife”. I figure if Peter is still struggling with faith, it is not my job to talk him into it at this point. My job is to live in faith and prayer and let God do the work in my husband. Also praying for a friend and mentor for him. His struggle with faith also brings loneliness, since most of my circles are faith-based.
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Has anyone read “Honest Prayers for Mama Bears”?
I just picked it up recently. Loving it!
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Small book by Amy Lykosh “Prayer Refresh: 21 short prayers include in your day” Soooo good and simple. Really tweaked my prayer life in a few different ways and made it so much more natural to think of throughout the day!
Thank you! Just ordered this!
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For those asking about the prayers for Jordan, she posted on the app and it does not always sync to the website. Here’s her post:
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Jordan Drennan
Hi everyone. I would really value your prayers.i was away over the weekend celebrating my birthday and had family over on Monday.
After midnight that night my deeply loved grandmother passed away and I am so devasted. Please pray
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Jordan, praying for you and your family as you grieve. Grandmothers are hard losses ❤️
Oh, JORDAN, how sorry I am for you and your family! You will be in my prayers for peace and comfort that you all know could only be from God! ❤
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Thank you, SEARCHING, for sharing and ADRIENNE (I think) for mentioning it.
How often is prayer a last resort for me? Waaaaay too often! (ONCE would be too often!)
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I love how James 5:19-20 remind us that our list of prodigals that Tami posts each week will get smaller! Keep praying for the ones we love!
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From NIV STUDY BIBLE- Application note:
“The teaching of James throughout his letter often feels harsh and even rigid. Yet here, at the end of his letter, James provides a strong touch of grace. The note that has sounded softly through most of the letter here rings out loud and true: Forgiveness must be offered, but it must be balanced with faith that is active, faith that has captured mind and heart and body. James calls God’s people to moral purity and to maintaining a heart of forgiveness. When we do so, we give evidence that we are true children of God, combining both faith and action in the fashion that James has taught.”
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It has been good going through the study of James again – with this community this time.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! Have a wonderful weekend! ❤
“James calls God’s people to moral purity and to maintaining a heart of forgiveness. When we do so, we give evidence that we are true children of God, combining both faith and action in the fashion that James has taught.” Love that.
❤ I thought it was a great “touch of grace” and much needed! ❤
Just think our holy, Heavenly Father always takes the time to hear us! He is never too busy! Prayer is just a conversation with Him so we can continue it through out the day. Listening for His voice too! If you oversleep and don’t get it all done in the morning, continue it in your car or at work! Cleaning house. Homeschooling, grocery shopping! He is the only one who is expectantly waiting to hear from us! And when He does, I know He is overjoyed!
What a loving Father we have!
Praying for all!
Yes indeed! Walk all day with Him!
Agree, Cheryl! ❤
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Prayer is FaceTime with God. I pray. Jesus says, ” We ought always to pray.”
I will pray for people on the spot and talk to God throughout the day in my head like many of you mentioned .
I do want to invest more time in the practice of prayer.I feel like I want to linger more and spend more time on my knees before God.
Many years ago a strange thought came to me, the throne room doesn’t have a drive through. God, give me a # 8 with a large Coke.
I think God was telling me that he wanted me to come inside and sit at the table and dine with Him.
This is just my own personal conviction about my own personal shortcomings.
“I think God was telling me that he wanted me to come inside and sit at the table and dine with Him.” I needed to read that this morning – thanks for sharing.
Great analogy, Tanya.
How dare us “express line” God. I also, tend to get get busy or just lazy and my time with my Father is rushed and quickly done for my check list but, DID I SIT AND LISTEN? No, I said my part and ran, well, actually hobbled. I confess before my, SRT’s that I don’t pray as I should and I ask forgiveness from God. I really desire to please Him more. I love you, Sisters, your comments are encouraging as well as the teachings. keep on trusting Him in all things.
That is so good, Tanya… no drive thru in the throne room!
“But Scripture reminds me that prayer is meant to be my first response in every situation.” …to this I ask myself, “Is it?”
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“But prayer is a gift God has given us to help expose the parts of us that need healing and forgiveness, letting go of our belief that we have control.”… I thank God that we can come to Him with anything, we can be open & honest and real with Him and He doesn’t judge us for it but listens as a father would listen to their child. What a good, good, Father we have.
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And the power of prayer that we read about in James 5. In order for our prayers to be effective, we must pray fervently as described in the topical Bible: “The term “fervent” in the Bible is often associated with intense passion, zeal, or earnestness, particularly in the context of spiritual devotion and prayer. It is derived from the Latin word “fervent,” meaning boiling or glowing, which conveys a sense of intense heat or ardor. In the biblical context, fervency is a desirable quality in the life of a believer, reflecting a deep commitment to God and His purposes.”
…which leads me to ask myself, “do I pray in this way, with intense passion and zeal?”
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Once again there is much to ponder in today’s reading, and especially thanking God for 1 John 1:9!
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Happy Friday She’s! I’ll be back later to read the comments and requests. ❤️
Yes, I LOVE the word Fervent! Passionate, all in, abundantly…powerful!!
Thinking of Jesus in the garden re:FERVENTLY-
Luke 22:42-44
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.-
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Love when Lauren mentions, “prayer keeps us grounded….” Its prayer and trusting Jesus that He has us all!
Our Jesus “does” hear us even when He feels silent. He’s not. And never will be. Its not in His nature. Its a huge part of why I am where I am today! I trust Him!
Happy Friday!! I can’t wait to sleep in tomorrow! It’s been such a blessing to be acknowledged by students and parents this week for Teacher/staff Appreciation Week. I’ve been blessed beyond measure. My favorite part is seeing those sweet little faces when they hand you their gift! Just precious!!
It’s Friday for Mari!! That’s what I think first off when seeing your name!
I am so glad parents and students have honored you and other teachers…Ya’ll ARE VALUABLE beyond measure. I pray God will lead you to any kids like my grandson that didn’t receive any praise or value at home. Maybe those are the ones that act out? Or don’t speak up? I know you care for them all!
❤ amen!
The podcast is great this week and if it’s not part of your regular engagement of SRT studies it really is such a great additional resource. Jen Wilkins perspective on this passage are very insightful.
So, so many great comments and insights this week. I haven’t had opportunity to respond as I would like, but as always just so appreciate this wonderful SRT community and have prayed for your requests.
I know I can always do so much better on focused prayer. The ongoing thoughts in my head throughout the day, are generally conversations with the Lord and I do feel like I’m always talking to Him. When I go for walks I most often prayer and usually out loud. But, there is something to be said for stopping whst we are doing, getting on our knees, head bowed down, hands lifted high in bringing things to the Lord, confessing, praising, crying out, asking, seeking Him. Prayer changes things – our hearts, our minds, our perspective and moves us into a deeper relationship and love for the Lord.
Thank you Lord that we can come to you and let my first thought always be to turn my face towards you, to lift my voice to praise you, to humbly confess, to seek you no matter the circumstances, request or need. Amen ❤️
(heart!)
Amen! ❤ Thanks for mentioning that Jen is on the podcast. I will attempt to listen since I recently finished her James study.
I struggle with prayer.
I did a class last summer at church called “Practicing Prayer!” I had been a Christian my whole life, but yeah, didn’t really think about prayer deeper than yeah, we need to do it! But we do need to study the practice of prayer in the old and new testament. How Jesus prayed is a practical study too. But to know, that through him is what gives us personal access to God is just amazing. So a good book we used was by Max Lucado “Before Amen” (I think) and also “The Battle Plan for Prayer by the Kendrick brothers (I think, lol).
But also, in the group we actually literally Practiced praying. So many Christians don’t pray out loud and think they couldn’t sound right! We are shy, or embarrassed. But simply, we need to practice! Now you can’t stop me from praying out loud, and for and with people. And in my own time with God! :)
Thank you for sharing the book titles, Rhonda.
Praying like Monks, living like fools by Tyler Staton has helped me a lot with prayer.
Praying during extremely hard times in Tanner’s illness popped into my mind. The memory made my stomach clench and tears come to my eyes. I was constantly in commune with God. They were desperate prayers.
Lately my prayer life is lacking. But I’ve noticed and been getting back to it. I think it is because I would pray as I walked, drove, etc. My husband is usually with me now that he is retired. I need to think of how to get my alone time with God.
Traci, my husband is retired now and I get up before him. He knows that’s my time with the Lord. If he is awake he will stay in our bedroom as I am on the couch or if he comes out here I go into our room. For me, once the habit started it became easier and I find if I miss my day is out if whack.
That’s funny. My husband has 3 days off…and he talks so much in the mornings right smack in the middle of my study. To me, and to the dog mostly. I am always shushing him!
I hear ya! I tried getting up before my husband but he always got up when he heard me. Even after I explained that I needed that time alone. Now I just say good morning, get my coffee and my Kindle and settle in on the couch. He comes and goes but mostly doesn’t distract but it’s not the same! Some days, it’s more like Rhonda mentioned!
Same… I am respectful of HIS time with God, but hubby interrupts ME a lot during my quiet time. It is so aggravating. And, like Traci, this retirement stuff has us all messed up. Need to create a routine, but I don’t do it. I am a slacker!
Same! Although if I get up 4:30-4:45, I can get some quiet time for praying & studying.
Amen!! Kelly
Oh so much again in such a little scripture! I really love when we tackle books of the Bible rather than topical. James gives us so much relevant, meaty nuggets of gold! Prayer is huge. It’s a privilege, a joy, connection, cleansing and renewing, and more. It draws a close to the God of the universe. Gives us a relationship when we have a diverse prayer life meaning we have multiple, many ways of praying. There are the quick prayers of thankfulness, but there the powerful, raw on your face prayers. I, too, often sing songs but are praying those words, especially going to sleep at night I sing like “The Goodness of God” or another song that has been on my mind. But I’ve also learned the power of praying with and for people in the last few years. It’s not just a “I’ll pray for you” in passing, no, it’s a lets pray now. Speaking of, how wonderful that a Butterfly I haven’t talked to in awhile ask for a favor in a text last night…and I thought, uh-oh- what does she want/need. I said sure, and she asked for prayer for someone that had had a stroke. Instead of saying Yes of course, I sent back a prayer I prayed. When I say to my leader when she asks how I am, that I have a headache, she lays her hand on me and prays for relief. It is powerful when we go to prayer immediately.
In the Psalm scripture, we are to pray our transgressions and we are forgiven. Amazing that God so quickly forgives us. But the word Repent. We kinda have laxed in that, for we don’t want to change our direction. 1 John says, that we “cannot walk in darkness and say we are of the light.” I can’t help but to think about how many Christians I and we all know that say they love the Lord and are living in an ongoing sin. We will all fall short of course, and can’t be without sin…BUT with sanctification and being in the word, we should be convicted by the Spirit, and want to obey ALL that God tells us. We can’t be of the world and of God. Yet many seem to be okay with just that. What do we do with that? Even churches make more and more allowances these days, no wonder I am perplexed! lol. I know we are all on our own path and God’s timing, and people love to say we aren’t to judge! Yet we are to hold each other up (those in Jesus) to his words and truth, and accountability. I know I am not wording this right. I know ya’ll will have good wisdom. I, too, was right there in my 20s and 30s, saying I was a Christian, but not presenting it by my lifestyle. No wonder we are called hypocrites by the world.
I think we will be surprised when after the rapture the churches will still be full. With preachers as well. I think more than half live as the world. We have compromised. I love preachers like PAM, and others, that say we have to quit playing church and truly get right and all in. Time is short, things are heating up here in the west, persecution is coming, and we need to be ready. All in. surrendered. Would I give up everything for Jesus?
Good thoughts!
In Nick Vujicic speech yesterday, he too was quite direct in this. That we don’t take accountability to change and lay down our ways in repentance. He has a new book where he talks about all the stuff that STILL plagues our country- the high rates of homeless veterans and foster kids, the sex-trafficking in schools, porn and sex in the church…and on and on. With so many churches and Christians…shouldn’t these issues be declining and not growing. He challenged us to be a part of solving and doing, and to make change. “Champions for the Brokenhearted” is the title.
Great point, Rhonda-“Yet we are to hold each other up (those in Jesus) to his words and truth, and accountability.” I would add ‘and with compassionate grace’. ❤
Yes, Amen!
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Up for an early check in for my graduation from grad school! In awe and praising the Lord this morning for His sustaining grace to accomplish what for the last two years has seemed impossible.
Congratulations!! Hope and pray you have a blessed day and yes, it is such an accomplishment!!
Congratulations, what an accomplishment
Yay, you! Congratulations! Enjoy this special day.
CONGRATULATIONS on this major accomplishment! ❤
Congratulations on this great achievement, Rachel! ❤️
Amen. Lord forgive me for not running to prayer as my first resort.
Too many times I say: “The only thing we can do is pray.” I’ve tried to break myself from that habit because it makes prayer sound like a last resort when it should be our first resort. Or, and I think even worse, it makes it sound like we’ve tried everything else in our own strength and nothing has worked, so now we will finally bring it to God. May I always bring it to Him first and foremost.
Amen ❤️
Yes, I have turned that around too! Prayer has gone up to First resort!
Jordan, I am so sorry for your loss. Loss is always hard, especially when is someone so close. Sending prayers for comfort and strength to you and your family.
Jordan? Am I missing a comment?
I know in the past people have said that on the app it shows more comments then through the website?
“But prayer is a gift God has given us to help expose the parts of us that need healing and forgiveness, letting go of our belief that we have control.” This. Help me Lord to always truly give it all up to you. Especially right now. I am again asking for prayers for my mom, who is in memory care. Found out last night she is being treated for MRSA. I do not have any other details right now, so of course that made for a stressful night. Hoping to learn more today. Thank you ❤️
A bit of an update (and answer to my nighttime and morning prayers) to my above prayer request: Mom has declined steeply mentally in the last month or so and they ran some blood work to see if there was a medical reason for it. Although she is not sick, and they don’t see anything, MRSA was indicated in a blood test so they are treating her for it. It’s so hard being far from her, and now that she doesn’t answer her phone very often I miss her even more. Good to know she is not experiencing illness right now.
I’m sorry for your mother’s decline, and I understand the part of being far away from a sick parent. My dad has gone down hill for awhile now. I am thankful he does video with me often which makes me feel closer to him. Could someone help her to video with you?
Thanks Rhonda. Unfortunately her phone does not have video capabilities. Our daily chats were our main connection between my trips up. We do get to video chat when she’s with someone with their phone. Will be able to do it tomorrow as she celebrates Mothers Day with my sister and her family. Really looking forward to and grateful for that ❤️
Praying for you, Cat-Tee
My heart goes out to you, Cat-tee! So hard to be far away! Prayers for your family especially your mom. ❤
I’m so sorry for your mom’s decline. I’m sure it is hard being far away. Praying for both of you! ❤️
Amen
I often fall into the same habit Lauren mentioned in the devotional of praying before each meal and at bedtime. I’ve been trying to challenge myself to pray on my morning commute as well. I never want prayer to become another to-do on my daily checklist. I want it to be personal & intentional each time!
I have been getting on my knees at night and praying out loud. It really changed the routine of just the saying things in your mind in a routine kinda way.
I also found that writing prayers (journaling prayers) has helped expand my prayer life. And you can also be still and see what God gives you to write out.
BG verses Colossians 4:5-6
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
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What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Joseph M Scrivener, 1855,
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What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
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Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
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Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
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Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
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Sharing again James 5:16b from The Message
– “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”
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Never forget or doubt the power of our prayers, sisters!
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CAROLINE BRIDGES ❤️ we are all learning His word and learning to serve Him right along with you ❤️
HEIDI ❤️wondering if the time spent on your first comment put you in the best place for the most assistance yesterday
MERCY ❤️ that song was sung at a peppy speed with much joy in that little country church growing up, thank you for sharing the rest!
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Quoting CEE GEE, gotta run!
Oh, a love hymn! I need to add it to my hymns playlist, I had forgotten that one! I was singing it in a new, fresh way this morning!
Another wonderful hymn. Thank you for sharing
Searching you nailed it!! lol..! Yes- if I had chosen to just jump into the morning without taking time to read the James verses first, I’m not sure I would have been so intentional. I can get into a “why me” SO FAST these days (that’s never who I used to be) when the truth is we should always be asking “why NOT me?” I mean, what have I done to deserve to be the only person who doesn’t have to deal with annoying life circumstances?? Who am I to prioritize MY needs and wants, engaging in spoiled bitterness for not getting my way? And I want to be super clear because I never want to paint a false picture, I could’ve done better. There was an internal spiritual battle going on the entire morning. But baby steps, right?!! :)
Agreeing with you and Searching on this! ❤
A favorite old hymn and great shares as always! ❤
Great encoyragement for Caroline and Heidi, too! ❤
I love that hymn. He WANTS us to come to Him in prayer. Let’s all make prayer a priority, sweet She’s!
I second what SALLY B said, I would really encourage ppl to LISTEN to this week’s PODCAST with Jen Wilkin, :) especially the section on prayer and healing. These verses have been misunderstood in such harmful ways for generations, it is worth the time to listen and recognize the context and meaning :) She lays it out very well! :)
Good to know! I have fallen off listening to the podcast now that I don’t ride my bike like I used to! And I know what you are alluding to I think with believing and healing. Since I lead a chronic pain group we have that discussion often!
Uhg, Rhonda, I’m sure you have heard/discussed this topic so so much! We (as in ME!!) so easily prioritize physical healing over spiritual healing forgetting Jesus’ words- what’s the harder thing, healing physically or spiritually— curing disease or forgiving sins (my paraphrase)?? His number one always priority will forever remain our hearts and souls. I’m so grateful he does allow for physical healing sometimes, but how much more gratitude that he offers his love and faithfulness to EVERYONE for always?!!! ❤️
Yes, I am often so glad I have had my back problems…It MADE my career! And it gave me empathy and helped shape my path to help others! When we lean into our purpose rather than our problems..it becomes beautiful and a blessing. Yes it’s hard and a struggle, but God gives us strength!
I am excited to lead a class this summer (this just happened…oh yes, I forgot I asked for prayer for direction! He gave me direction!!) on Balance and Strength in Jesus!! I will put verses and thoughts with some light stretching and balance, and memorize the scripture each week and end with 15 minutes of popcorn praying. (heart!) Thank you all for those prayers!
Rhonda, I want to take your class! Sounds wonderful!
“How joyful is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!”
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“Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee”
Author: Henry Van Dyke (1907)
Tune: HYMN TO JOY
1 Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
2 All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!
3 Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
4 Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
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Thanks be to God that He has made a way for our sin to be forgiven and our unrighteousness to be cleansed!
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Praying for your requests❣️
Good song!
Always uplifting! ❤
You and Searching, both, posted two of my fave hymns… thank you!
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Amen
“..prayer is a gift God has given us to help expose the parts of us that need healing and forgiveness, letting go of our belief that we have control. If we keep these things to ourselves, we give room for darkness to take over.” Great reminder for the day!!
The podcast had an interesting perspective on James 5:14-15 that I had not heard. Definitely worth a listen.
Happy Friday, Ladies!
Thanks for the reminder to listen to the podcast. I started it on my way to work but I need to finish it
Amen. Amen. Amen.
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So beautifully and wonderfully said Amen!
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Thank you Lauren Eve..
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Absolutely going into my day in thankful praise and prayer and gratitude for the victory won for us.
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BUT GOD.
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Amen.
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A hectic few days, but have been here.
Sending out love, hugs and prayers across the pond to reach each of you where you are at, hopeful that they lighten your load and uplift your day.
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Much, much love..
Tina ♥️
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They did and they are- sending them back to you! ❤