One weekend recently, my husband and I sat on wet metal tables outside Chipotle after an impressive rainstorm, discussing prayer. “I still don’t understand it,” I said, sipping his watermelon mint agua Fresca. Of course, there was a lot more to our conversation that led up to this confession—a whole backstory of dark nights and joyful mornings, of felt connection and moments of distance, of soft hearts and hearts hardened by deferred hopes.
Like you perhaps, I have read books on prayer, studied it, been on the receiving end, and pursued God through it. Yet there’s still this great mystery to prayer. It is always different and can feel new with each prayer because you and I are always changing. As our relationship with God transforms, so does our experience with prayer and our awareness of what it truly is—which is so much more than just asking God for things to happen.
In his prison epistle to the Colossians, Paul wrote, “At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should” (Colossians 4:3–4). Even though God can bring these results without us, Paul believed God wants our partnership through our prayer. Through prayer, God made Paul bold as he shared the gospel and helped him persevere in ministry. Later in the passage, Paul described his fellow prisoners who sent their prayers and greetings to the Colossian church. He mentioned Epaphras, a close friend who founded their faith community and faithfully wrestled in prayer on their behalf so they might continue to mature, despite growing heresy (v.12). I use the word wrestling a lot in life because I, too, find that prayer requires a lot from me, spiritually and physically.
Today, if you feel discouraged in your prayer life, be honest with God about it. It’s okay to be a believer and say, “I still don’t understand.” Doubts are a perfect place for God to meet with you and bring you to new levels of faith. But when we, God’s people, make our needs known to each other, we can also join in the ministry of prayer together—which is a great blessing!
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144 thoughts on "Speaking to God and Others"
I talk to God all throughout my day and always have. It’s as natural as breathing to me. But sometimes I wonder if that is not “good enough” so I have challenged myself for the month of October to get down on my knees once a day and pray more formally. It definitely feels different and I will report back at the end of the month. I’m a day late but hopefully someone will see this!
I may join you!
I think the main idea behind prayer is to be in communication with God. He doesn’t care what it sounds like. I sort of get turned off by those “eloquent” prayers, they sound fake to me. I don’t think God wants us to be fake, but to be real, just talk to Him like we would a friend. If you were sitting across the table from your friend, what would you sound like? If you were taking a walk with a friend, what would you sound like? That’s how God wants us to talk to Him. Prayer is suppose to be simple, not complicated. We make it more than it is. Just talk to Him. Tell Him what you are thinking, feeling, wondering about, thankful for… just talk
I agree with you 100% on the “fake” prayers. I don’t mind a previously written prayer when it comes from the heart. Thing is, I am kinda weird about someone listening to a conversation with a friend so same with prayer, BUT I have come to the understanding that there is a place for the sincere, “crafted” prayer and there is a place for the spontaneously spoken prayer. What fun it would be to discuss this with a cup of coffee or glass of tea! Thanks, Kris for calling out Pharisaical prayers! ❤
KRIS – Agreeing with you and Cee Gee. I have multiple types of prayer. In the morning I like to write my prayers down, as a reflection/meditation on what I read in Scripture. In the evening, my prayer is much more like a talking-to-a-friend kind of prayer. Including distractions and the sudden end when I fall asleep… Other times I read prayers written by someone else. One-sentence prayers, breath prayers, a Psalm, The Lord’s Prayer… I think these different types of prayer help me even more to communicate with God and to know Him (and myself..!)
Morning Sweet She’s! It is my birthday today but my heart is heavy hearing the stories of devastation due to Hurricane Milton and Helene. I continue to pray for all those affected!
Sophie, Happy birthday! This is a day the Lord has made, I pray you can see a piece of goodness in it though your heart hurts for all the devastation of these storms and hurricane..
Blessings dear sister..❤️
Happy Birthday, Sophie! You have every right to rejoice in another year!! But I do understand your heavy heart with the hurricanes. I can’t seem to get them out of my mind, either. It makes me pray constantly for all the people!!
❤
It’s ok to celebrate your birthday, sweet Sophie, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This may make you feel better about that: About 40 years ago we were gathered after my aunt’s funeral. One of my cousins, upon learning it was my sister’s birthday, started singing happy birthday to her. There were a few strange looks at first but she kept going. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOPHIE! Love and hugs! ❤
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!❤️
Happy, happy birthday!
Edited of errors, and my second attempt of posting…
Prayers: speaking to God and speaking to others. Prayers is such a powerful tool. Prayers is the last weapon of the armor of God, after we put on all the pieces (breastplate, belt, sword, shield, shoes, helmet), the last and the 7th one, (7 number of fullness), the last piece is our mouth with words of prayers in the spirit. Words are weapons, words of prayers are even mighty weapons against the dark forces. They who love the fruit of their mouth will enjoy the power of words that they speak. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Truly prayers is travailing, heavy lifting, prayers is a spiritual warfare, spiritual weight lifting, sometimes a dead lift. But that’s where praying in the spirit comes in. The Spirit will intercede when we don’t know how to go forth because of tears and hurt, but we need to break through. I remember in an old book of Kenneth Hagin, he shared that he prayed in the spirit when things were pressing in so heavily, he would keep on going, praying, and when he experienced a note of joy, a lift, he knew that it is done, and he ended with praising God. How incredible isn’t it. Have you noticed that we get attacked during prayers? We can stay up watching a favorite show for an hour or more at bedtime, but starting to pray, we can get sleepy and slumbering? The desire is not there? It’s an attack. I love praying now. It’s not always that way. When I was a baby Christian, still in the carnal ways, prayers were not attractive, and I struggled so much. I got books from Stormie Omartian that she taught how to pray for children, husband, marriage, and a small book teaching prayers 365 days according to scriptures, which later I gave away to another lady who was a recovery drug addict. I am thankful for the teachers of prayers. God was so gracious that He took me under a new shepherd for a season, and the man of God just loved to fast and pray. Fasting and praying was his lifestyle, and he implemented that in the church, and it changed me so much. Prayers is a spiritual discipline like many have observed, that needs constant cultivation, and our devotion. I honestly don’t worry when I pray out loud. Used to though lol. But it’s like any skillset, we need to do our 10,000 hours on it. And then one day, even on the microphone in front of the church, I could pray out loud and call on God for the sake of the congregation. I surrendered that stupid fear of public speaking to God and it was gone. Worry will kill prayers, but that stems from “what will people think of me?”, and that’s “what about me” mindset, we reach within when we think like that. Prayers are to reach outward, ushering God’s power into people’s problems, into the atmosphere, with issues or not. It’s never about us. When we pray God’s wills, we know and we know, it’s done, with confidence coming to the throne, proclaiming to the congregation. Fear not shes, pray loud and clear, declaring scriptures as we pray, in front of how many it should not even matter!! since our focus is to reach the King. I love including Isaiah verses in prayers, one of the most powerful verses. So that’s a small glimpse of my prayer journey. I’m joining in prayers for our dear shes today. We pray over Florida, we ask the Lord to send His angels to dissipate this storm, for the sake of the righteous, the state will be spared. Be blessed dear sisters.
Morning shes, I wrote a long post but it’s being held in moderation. I will check back if it’s available. What did I write? :)
❤❤❤ looking forward to it!
CEE GEE dear, how is the infection you were dealing with? I hope it is gone? I attempted to post the second time too, but failed, hee hee. Thankful for SRT.
I am slowly improving, MERCY, thank you! As far as I know the infection is gone, but still tired and slow getting back to normal . Thank you for checking on me and praying! This was tough. Love you, sister! ❤❤❤
❤️
Waiting patiently for your words!❤️
Prayers: speaking to God and speaking to others. Prayers is such a powerful tool. Prayers is the last weapon of the armor of God, after we put on all the pieces (breastplate, belt, sword, shield, shoes, belt), the last and the 7th one, (7 number of fullness), the last piece is our mouth with words of prayers in the spirit. Words are weapons, words of prayers are even mighty weapons against the dark forces in the heavenlies. They who love the fruit of their mouth will enjoy the power of words that they speak. Dath and life are in the power of the tongue. Truly prayers is travailing, heavy lifting, prayers is a spiritual warfare, spiritual weight lifting, sometimes a dead lift. But that’s where praying in the spirit comes in. The Spirit will intercede when we don’t know how to go forth because of tears and hurt, but we need to break through. I remember in an old book of Kenneth Hagin, he shared that he prayed in the spirit when things were pressing in so heavily, he would keep on going, praying, and when he experienced a note of joy, a lift, he knew that it is done, and he ended with praising God. How incredible isn’t it. Have you noticed that we get attacked during prayers? We can stay up watching a favourite show for an hour or more at bedtime, but starting to pray, we can get sleepy and slumbering? The desire is not there? It’s an attack. I love praying now. It’s not always that way. When I was a baby Christian, still in the carnal ways, prayers were not attractive and I struggled so much. I got books from Stormie Omartian that she taught how to pray for children, husband, marriage, and a small book teaching prayers 365 days according scriptures, which later I gave away to another lady who was a recovery drug addict. I am thankful for the teachers of prayers. God was so gracious that He took me under a new shepherd for a season, and the man of God just loved to fast and pray. Fasting and praying was his lifestyle, and he implemented that in the church, and it changed me so much. Prayers is a spiritual discipline like many have observed, that needs constant cultivation, and our devotion. I honestly don’t worry when I pray out loud. Used to though lol. But it’s like any skillset, we need to do our 10,000 hours on it. And then one day, even on the microphone in front of the church, I could pray out loud and call on God for the sake of the congregation. I surrendered that stupid fear of public speaking to God and it was gone. Worry will kill prayers, but that stems from “what will people think of me?”, and that’s “what about me” mindset, we reach within when we think like that. Prayers are to reach outward, ushering God’s power into people’s problems, into the atmosphere, with issues or not. It’s never about us. When we pray God’s wills, we know and we know, it’s done, with confidence coming to the throne, proclaiming to the congregation. Fear not shes, pray loud and clear, declaring scriptures as we pray, in front of how many it should not even matter!! Push past the fear shes, don’t stop there, since our focus is to reach the King. In our prayer closet, or in front of people. I love including Isaiah verses in prayers, one of the most powerful verses that build me up. So that’s a small glimpse of my prayer journey. I’m joining in prayers for our dear shes today. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver them from it all. We pray over Florida, we ask the Lord to send His angels to dissipate this storm, for the sake of the righteous, the state will be spared. Be blessed dear sisters.
Doubts are a perfect place for God to meet with you. AMAZING
I echo all of your comments about not being able to pray eloquently. I used to really just dislike prayer. I recently just figured out why…I felt like I was too small for God to notice and there were much bigger things for Him to take care of. I just always assumed He wouldn’t show up for me like He did others. How awful and prideful a thought is that, though?? Last year the Lord opened my eyes to what a blessing prayer is. I was at a meeting and a sweet friend closed out in prayer. Before she stared she paused for a bit. And the first statement that came from her mouth was “Father thank you for prayer. Thank you for this gift to be able to approach your throne boldly” and while she prayed she wept. She was overwhelmed by Gods gracious gift of prayer. I had NEVER thought of prayer as a gift before, but now I do. I’m so thankful that the God who created the entire universe wants to hear from ME. And while I don’t completely understand how prayer works, I know that it does work. I know that it changes things! It has certainly changed my relationship with the Father, being in a mindset of prayer throughout my day and keeping that line of communication open with Him. Praying for all of you She’s, especially you Maria and those in the path of Milton.
Leslie, you just expounded beautifully what I wad attempting to express in my comment. Thank you and thank you for sharing about your friend’s prayer. I could picture that moment as you described it! So thankful you had that opportunity and awakening! ❤
Oh my Maria. So thankful for all to be alive, but so very sorry for the loss of all your belongings.
Maria, how best can we pray for you and yours? Praying that peace that surpasses your understanding continues and that you will see the move of God in the steps to a new home and a life after this trauma! Oh, sending much love covered in prayers for rehousing and provision and things to move quickly for you and yours.. hugs,
Tina..❤️
Praying for all!
Pls join me in praying for my state of FL today!!
Intercessors in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tenn arise and pray for Florida
NOW IS THE TIME TO PRAY
Personalize Scriptural prayer points for anyone in the path of Milton or who have friends and love ones in the path of Hurricane Milton:
1. Ask God to cover Florida with His tendermercies
2. Apply the blood of Jesus to Milton storm clouds and wind as it forms in the Gulf of Mexico through out the day, today
3. Declare: Peace, Be still to Milton in Jesus name, continuously as led by the Lord
4 Ask the Lord to let not flood waters enter your state, your city and your home – Declare the waters will not sweep over you- Is 43:2
5. Rebuke storm, rebuke the wind, rebuke the formation of tornadoes . Jesus said, Greater works shall you do- They said this about Jesus, “What kind of man is this, even the winds and the waves obey him- Matthew 8:24-27
6. Lord calm Milton, minimize the storm surge – Psalms 107: 29
7. Deliver everyone in the path of Milton from devastation and trouble -Psalm 34: 17-20
8. Lord God be our stronghold in the midst of the storm- Nahum 1:7
9. In Jesus name, I declare that my house, my family, my neighbors, my church dwells in the shadow of EL Shaddai
10. O Lord of Host, as mighty as You are with Your faithfulness surrounding you, neutralize the wind, the rain, power outages , fallen trees – Still the waters – Psalm 89:8-9
11. Lord preserve my property and my city, surround me and family with shouts of deliverance – Psalms 32:7
12. Release your angels to become angelic highways around my city, my home and family in Jesus name – Deliver us from all damage from the storm – Psalms 34:7
13. I declare the Lord is a shield around Me and the horn of My salvation -Psalm 18: 2
14- Psalms 12l , Psalms 91 and Psalm 23
Share this with some one who is in the path of Milton- Don’t wait for the storm to approach your city and state, be proactive and join intercessors far and wide!
South Carolina folks are praying too! Many I know have family members in the path and are very concerned and asking for prayer. I lray notbjust for the people, but for the farmers whose livelihood could be endangered as we just saw in Georgia with Helene and in NC where the tourism industry, orchards, Christmas tree farms…the hits just keep on ciming…are greatly impaired or completely wioed out. A house can be rebuilt – as horrible as that would be, but agriculture takes years. That’s my big take-away from Helene. I live an hour from Hendersonville so wr arevbeing affected as well. Two of our main grocery chains are based in NC. Even our local big box store is having trouble keeping shelves stocked. So much to lray for!!! ❤❤
Beautifully said. I just texted family in Sarasota area. Many are staying, but are inland. They are asking for prayer.
Amen. I so love love this! Praying alongside with you dear faithful and mighty daughters of God.
Joining you in prayer, dear sister..
Many of my friends and family in Michigan are praying for Florida. We know so many people down there. My small group is praying round the clock, there is so much prayer going up for Florida!
Amen! Praying!
Each day I start my morning prayer the same way of thanking before asking. It always starts the same and I change a little as I go along. Sometimes I wonder if God as he hears, thinks you say it the same so much. I guess I pray the same because there is much to be thankful about, even more than I say, and I don’t want him to think I’m not aware. So many of you have a the gift of prayer to share and I “borrow” them and add to mine each day. Thank you. Lifting all in harms way today as yet another storm come in.
Are you in Florida, Donna? I apologize for not remembering if you have said that. ❤❤
No, Rhode Island, but family and friends there. Keeping in contact as long as power. My cousin said lots of tornado warnings, over 100.
Praying for all that are in the path of the hurricane and praying for all the requests mentioned.
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I love how I don’t have to have met you in order to pray for you. I don’t have to know all the missionaries personally to pray for them. I don’t need to know those in positions of authority in order to pray for them.
But in praying for all of the above, I become a part of it all. I am a “partaker” because of and through prayer.
Every time I hear of an answer to prayer that I have prayed for others, it thrills my soul to know that God heard, God answered and that every prayer – mine and yours, is heard and answered by God!
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God always answers prayers in one of four ways:
Yes
No
Wait
Different
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I John 5:14-15, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
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Thank you Father God for always hearing and answering our prayers – to You be the glory!
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Have a blessed Wednesday! Those in FL – be safe! Love you all! ❤️
❤
My prayer life has had its up and downs. I’m not sure why, but prayer and church bring me to tears so often. I think that sometimes I just don’t want to cry. So I hold back. But I’m sure God is working through something in me. Those tears are probably needed to release emotions that I’ve held down for so many years; trying to look strong in front of other especially my son. Maybe God is telling me it is time to let go. To hand it over to Him. I do not have to carry these emotions all by myself.
Traci, may this truth comfort you today and every day…
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“Our tears are not futile. God knows each of His children intimately, and every tear we shed has meaning to Him. He remembers our sorrow as if He kept each tear in a bottle. In the end, He will share His joy with us when “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
(From gotquestions dot org)
Love you! ❤️
Traci, I have been right where you are, and I just want to encourage you to embrace the tears. The Lord wants all of us – our tears, our anger, our joy, our confusion, our doubts. There is no shame in bringing those things to the Lord, and tears are a natural, human response to emotions. Two years ago, I didn’t want to pray in public for fear of crying (whether in joy or sorrow). But the Lord has been working in my life consistently, opening up moments that required me to pray out loud – whether with my small group or in front of the whole church -and in that time, I have been blessed by the response to my often tearful prayers. Joining together in moments of sincere and heartfelt prayer – people appreciate and respond to the power of emotion and it opens up the space for stronger relationships, both with others and with God, when we humble ourselves and allow our true emotions to shine through. That being said, it isn’t easy and you’re in my prayers as you continue to work through this season. May the Lord bless you and keep you, Traci!
I think tears are proof that God is doing a work inside of us. I often cry when listening to a teaching, or singing a song, or reading scripture… and I figure even when I don’t know why I’m crying, God is doing something inside… and I just let myself cry so God can work, He is always cleaning us up, changing something, healing some wound… let the tears flow!!
GM!
Oh, me and prayer have come a long way in the last few years. Growing up a Christian, in church, you would think you would be comfortable praying out loud?! But like Tina, went asked to pray in a group of 3 a few years ago, all the sudden it was like NO…I don’t know how to pray! Since then began quite the journey of “trying” to be better and comfortable praying in front of others. I mean..I pray now several times a week for opening..closing..specific…food blessing…all kinds YET still it doesn’t flow eloquently or beautifully! BUT–It’s okay. My faith and want is there. We don’t need to sound like preachers and those gifted with prayer. We just need to love Jesus and want to lift others up.
I find when I don’t know how or what to say and pray to God that journaling helps me. Once I start, the pen just keeps going. So maybe try that if you aren’t sure how to pray. If you are trying to get better outloud…start by saying your own prayers outloud daily, it helps get used to hearing them spoken. Then in groups, I have my ladies that don’t like to pray out loud to read prayers. Also there is Acronyms to help remind you how to pray. When in doubt I pray the Lords prayer and add as I go what comes to mind.
Thank you Cee Gee for the verse you put today! That will be my prayer today and tonight as the hurricane comes closer- “I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, he is right beside me!”
❤️
Praying for you, sweet Rhonda. I just got a message from my sister Patty. You’re all covered in prayer.
You are welcome, sister!!! We are all right there beside you in spirit holding you clise through our prayers! ❤
*close!*
Amen to practicing out loud. I was thinking about you, Stacy, and your church, and many lives that you have touched and shared so we could pray for them. I felt such connection and i could not hold back tears. I was really praying against the brewing storm. “Peace be still” as the Lord rebukes the storm that His disciples were in. May His name and power be made known, even now.
Hello Shes
I feel my praying sometimes is my “gnawing on a bone” instead. Picking at a problem or need or question rather than simply turning it over to Him completely.
I also call it “worry-ation in disguise. Maybe this is what Bailey meant about “wrestling” with prayer, spiritually & physically. Tiring & self defeating. Not relaxing & relating.
I want to learn to “lose” my struggle & “gain” His strength. Not perfectly, but purposefully. That sounds like a good beginning, yes?!
Wishing everyone a Wednesday filled with the wonder of His Love. In safety, in assurance. Fortressed from all harm.
Amen & Amen
“Tiring & self defeating. Not relaxing & relating.
I want to learn to “lose” my struggle & “gain” His strength. Not perfectly, but purposefully.” ❤
I get this!! So often it’s a worry just circling and circling and I don’t even realize it. Hours will pass by and then I’m like “wow, maybe I should pray?” I’ve been really working on stopping this cycle and have some questions I ask myself. What am I carrying that is too heavy? Is there anything I can do about it? (Usually it’s a no) Is this for me to carry or can I lay it at the altar? (Lay it down) And finally, will worrying about this change the outcome? No! I then write it down and put it in my “worry box” and say a prayer, leaving it to God. It’s been very helpful and I’m making it a daily practice.
Good morning, She’s. I need prayers boldly. This morning around 3:00am, our house caught on fire, and we lost everything. Thankfully, we are all safe— humans and pet. And looking back, it is by a set of miraculous circumstances that we are all alive. God was most definitely watching over us. I’m in shock but also have a peace that surpasses my own understanding, so I’m holding on to that. Thank you in advance. Hugs and be blessed everyone.
Oh my, Maria. Will pray!
Oh Maria!!! I’m so sorry! I can understand the paradox with the relief and thankfulness that you’re all ok, but the devastation of losing all your earthly possessions. Know you are in my prayers today!
Oh my Maria. So thankful for all to be alive, but so very sorry for the loss of all your belongings.
Maria, how best can we pray for you and yours? Praying that peace that surpasses your understanding continues and that you will see the move of God in the steps to a new home and a life after this trauma! Oh, sending much love covered in prayers for rehousing and provision and things to move quickly for you and yours.. hugs,
Tina..❤️
Tina— the best prayer is for continued peace as we navigate this.
Oh my @Maria Baer. Praise God for His protection. I am praying for you as
Praying for you and your family, MARIA BAER. How awful, but praising God that you are safe.
Maria, praying now and thanking God you are safe. Praying that you can find a place to live, and that people sound you with love and help. Praying for Gods direction over you and your family.
Oh my Gosh Maria..how awful!! So glad you and family are SAFE!! Wow! Scary. I am sure you are praising and overwhelmed. Prayers for when this elation wears off in the coming forth time of the hard. Big hugs and love though that YOU are safe!!! THANK GOD!!! Fires have always scared me to death, a big fear.
Maria, praising our God for keeping you all safe! I can’t imagine how hard it would be to lose my home. Praying for everything to go smoothly with the insurance company, finding accommodations for living, and continued peace
G
Oh my! I am so sorry to hear this, Maria. Have prayed right now.
Maria, so sorry for your loss and so very grateful to hear that your family is safe. That is a very scary thing to go through. May you feel the Lord’s presence in the days to come as you look to rebuild and process it all. Hugs and prayers.
Oh Maria, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! How scary that must have been, but praise God you all got out safely!!…I can not imagine. Praying God grace and peace on you and your family. ❤️
Oh my Maria! So thankful you all are safe. We lost my dad to a house fire. It was so difficult. Most things were lost, but it didn’t matter. Losing my dad that way was horrific. I pray that you will find peace in the loss. I’m sorry I don’t mean to minimize it, but there is a book titled,” It All Goes Back in the Box.” Our fire let me know to hold onto things loosely. I pray that you have help in navigating your way through this tragedy. That you will find comfort from God. He is holding you in His hands. He will get you through this.
Maria, I’m so sorry. I am praying for peace as you navigate this loss and wisdom in the countless decisions in the days ahead. So glad you are safe.
Oh Maria, I’m so sorry!!! I’m so thankful that God was looking out for you and your pets, but it is so devastating that you lost your home and everything in it. Oh Lord, please send Your helpers to restore to them what they have lost. Draw them to Your loving arms, meet the immediate needs that they have. Thank You for sparing their lives, but now we ask that You be there to help them rebuild their lives.
Oh Maria! So thankful all are safe, but the loss is overwhelming! Praying for all the details of recovering, rebuilding, etc. Hugs to you! ❤️
Oh Maria, I am so sorry for the profound loss of your home and possessions. Praying for you and your family as you navigate and thankful you are safe. ❤️
Maria, thanking God for His mercy in you all being safe and praying for His peace as you move forward. So sorry for your loss!
That is so scary! Thank God you are all safe. Keeping you in my prayers! ❤️
Maria, How devastating for you!. I join our sisters in THANKS and GRATITUDE for your safety!!!❤ Praying also for that PEACE to carry you through finding suitable housing, all the red tape of insurance claims, restocking, etc. You must be exhausted and running on adrenaline. Prayers for wisdom in decisions to be made! Love you and sending hugs, too! ❤❤
So sorry Maria. I am praying for you and your family. May God strengthen you and bring you through by His faithfulness.
I am so sorry Maria! Praying for you!!
Oh my! Praying Maria!
Maria, I will pray for you… that is both tragic and miraculous. Thank God you are alive.. and your family/pets. Thank you, Jesus. I will pray you stay near to the Lord and seek His peace.
Oh my goodness, MARIA! So thankful all are safe! But still … so much to process, especially in these early days of figuring things out and regrouping. We’ll be praying, and if we can do anything else please reach out. ❤️
I am praying for you Maria, for your future home and for continued peace knowing that God is right there with and will never leave you. Thankful for miracles.
My heart goes out to you and your family, dear sister! Praise God that your family is okay! I’m praying God’s peace for you! ❤️
I don’t know that I serve the Lord with gladness as I should. Nor is my speech is as gracious as it should be. Maybe those are issues for myself that I need to be praying for, hmmm? (Yes!)
❤❤Any updates on medical tests, etc.?
Thanks for asking. I need to be praying for ME on this…I have no answers. Makes me want to not keep seeking them. I’m thinking of cancelling my 3-month follow-up appointment with the neurologist. (I didn’t love him anyways.) But I am also thinking of finding a functional medical doctor. I do have an appointment with my gynecologist to discuss hormone stuff. I am making myself read out loud… kinda my own speech therapy. I’m starting to feel pretty anxious, and feeling like it’s “all in my head”. I get that feeling from medical staff, and I’m tired of no answers after an MRI, a CT scan, two ultrasounds and a bunch of blood work. I’ve invested more time and money than I would like. I’m feeling like I just let it all go until only gobley gook comes out of my mouth! I don’t know what to doooooo. I feel like I sound like an idiot and one that s intoxicated at that. Grr!! Keep me in your prayers, please?
“Doubts are a perfect place for God to meet with you and bring you to new levels of faith. But when we, God’s people, make our needs known to each other, we can also join in the ministry of prayer together— which is a great blessing!” I can personally vouch for that first sentence!!!
The second part- Does that not sound like this community?! I also noted what Bailey said before that. Prayer is more than just asking God to do things. We honor Him when we pray, acknowledging His Sovereignty with truly humble spirits. He certainly doesn’t need us to remind Him of Who He is, but each time we are reminded it builds relationship with Him. I hope that makes sense!
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Praying God is revealed in a mighty way through Milton, Helene rebuilding, and every storm of life. Love you, SHES!
❤❤
Dear Shes,
Would you pray for me. It is a work issue. I wrote a grant to receive a large sum of money. This grant will benefit a lot of people but one small detail may cause me not to get it. My boss’s husband works for the institution granting the funding but neither he,me, and my boss will benefit from the money.I did not know it would be an issue. A lot of poor disadvantaged people will benefit from these funds. She told the truth on a form we had to fill out. I worked very hard on that grant application. I was told I would get the money but when she disclosed where her husband worked it changed everything! He has no affiliation to the department distributing the funds. Hypothetically he works in the cafeteria. He just works at the location where the grant office is.
That is a tough one…but not to tough for God, praying His will be done and that you might get the needed funding.
Wow, Tanya! Praying the powers that be will have the wisdom to decipher this issue and the grant will go through. ❤
GM She’s! Before I read today’s devotional I was up early thinking about the approach – avoidance stance I sometimes take towards prayer. It is comforting to know that I’m not alone in my struggles!. This morning the Lord let me know that the enemy
wants to derail our
prayer lives because he knows that prayer is how we gain wisdom
and direction in order to follow our example
Jesus!! The enemy knows that without our daily marching orders that we receive in prayer we will be tossed about by every wind and doctrine!! So sisters though we struggle let’s persevere in prayer! We know He hears us , we need to hear from Him and it is the only way to insure that His
kingdom will come and that His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Praying for all who are in
Milton’s path today!
Amen and amen!
Wow, this is something I’ve been asking God about so much- does prayer even work? Do I really need to pray if God’s going to do what God’s going to do? – thank you for writing this!
I totally understand your dilemma, but I think we need to reframe what prayer is. Do we ask if talking to our children or our parents “works”? Of course not! We know know that talking is about building a relationship, and prayer is no different. That’s why it’s not just a laundry list of “I need some…” (which my mother rightly accused me of doing as a teen. And I still plan my wardrobe that way, only she’s not buying, and I’m taking my time before I buy.) When we present our requests to God, sometimes we are surprised beyond our wildest dreams, and sometimes we learn to listen, and wait, and maybe gain a new perspective. I sure don’t do this as well as I’d like to, but it’s a journey we are on together.
Wise words! ❤
Thank you, Jillian, for mentioning what many people feel. We are here for you! ❤❤
If God was screaming in a megaphone one thing he wanted me to focus on right now he would say devote yourself to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. I have been talking a lot about prayer recently, I have been distracted, and missed my prayer team Monday. I went to skip it in my bible study yesterday, but my friend asked me to please close in prayer. It is so so obvious that prayer is an area of attack in my life, because I love it! And yet, somehow I keep “forgetting” about it. Until yesterday when I found out I need prayer. Baby girl is breech, so prayers please that she will flip before my ultrasound in 2 weeks! And may this be the refocus I need to stay alert in prayer!
Lanie H, praying baby girl responds to prayers for turning. Isn’t that a great symbolism to what Michelle and many of us pray for the lost?! Thank you for letting us know!
Praying baby girl will turn and joining with you to stay alert in prayer!
Praying for that little one to flip before the ultrasound!
Praying she will! I’m the same way, love talking to God but somehow forget to do it, or dread praying for others.
Praying your sweet baby moves in the right direction.
I’ve been struggling with prayer for over a year. I definitely have put myself in the desert. I hope I’m not wandering for 40 more years.
I really feel that honesty, Mary.
I struggle with prayers for others. I pray a lot for myself and what I am going through but rarely pray for others. I know how selfish that it. I am asking God to help my heart desire to pray for others.
On the flip side… I am better at praying for others and not myself. I am trying to remind myself that BOTH are important! ❤️
It’s alright Lydia. Jesus will work all that out. Just stay willing ♥️
My prayer today is that those in America who do not know the Lord would recognize Him through the tragedies and political tension we face. That they would long for a Savior who is the answer to their deepest pain and heart cries.
“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is us He who made us, and not we ourselves;” – Psalm 100:3
Lord, let people wake up from the deception that we are here by sheer chance or the theory of man that says we evolved from apes. What lies!! God, please cast down the lies of our nation and culture and expose them – ring in their hearts what is already in there.. Your Word says You put eternity in the hearts of man… let our people, loved ones, neighbors, friends… let them understand You alone are God and have died in their place. God, have mercy on us. Thank you, Jesus, Amen.
Have been praying so much for those in the path of Milton. Praying God’s peace to you Shes who are facing this storm. God sees you. He is with you. We love you so much. Stay strong in Him! ❤️
Amen to all ❤️
Amen. ❤
A fervent amen to your prayer for our sister SHES in Milton’s path! God is right beside you❤❤
Psalm 16:8 -I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
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What lies, indeed!
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Yes, prayers for those in the path of Milton.
Yes, Lord and Amen.
Yes and Amen! ❤️
Amen! Thank you for this beautiful and timely prayer. ❤️
Amen and Amen!!
I am praying because it all I can do…and it is so much. Father, let Your Kingdom come. Let Your will be done, LORD, here and throughout this world.
Hugs, desr Colleen! ❤❤
Dear Colleen. You put it so well!
“I am praying because it is all I can do…and it is so much.”
That small expression of ginormous faith!
It’s good to have everyone on the same page today! It took me awhile to catch up with all the comments from yesterday spread out over two days. So grateful for our faithful sisters who post no matter what. Love that! And thank you, SRT, for posting these devotionals for all of us to read, even with technical glitches once in awhile.
Gosh, prayer. I have grown a lot in my desire and discipline to pray. I originally put, “in my ability” to pray. But I think my “ability” is the same, I’m not an eloquent wordy person who prays out loud and people think, wow, that was a beautiful and powerful prayer. So no, my ability is the same. My prayers probably sound choppy at times, and possibly uninspired. Definitely not flowery or beautiful. BUT…I do love to pray. Because I love God. And that’s the point, right? To talk to someone you love. I’m not what you would consider an overly talkative person. But if I’m with someone I love, I am. And if I am passionate about something, I can be pretty forceful in my speech.
When I was in the deepest pit of my life, that is when I learned to pray. It was like water to my parched body. I woke up each morning longing to talk to God. Because I knew He was the only one who could lift me from the pit I was in. I didn’t want to talk to anyone else. Just to God. And since then, I believe God has continued to develop that discipline within myself. But not as the person who will grab someone and start praying for them on the spot. (I want to be like that, but I am not, sadly). But quietly, within myself, when I am driving by myself, when I am walking by myself, that is when I love to talk to God.
I want to work on becoming better at “when two or more are gathered” praying. Because if God said it, it is important. That is what I also want my heart to long for.
Laura, I GET you! Same here! ❤ But I have seen God working on this in me, so just let Him guide. The day I reached out and grabbed a lady’s hand to pray for her- that was definitely not something I planned! It was a special divine appointment. I am confident you will have that one day and it will open that door just a tad. Just keep on prayin’ those choppy, less than eloquent prayers! I will, too. ❤ I just had a thought. When a child has a speech challenge, we still live to hear their voice! God, our Father, loves to hear ours, too!
❤️❤️ I have one in preschool with speech issues. Thank you for that connection.
❤
God shown your presence and power through the prayers of Your children. In Jesus name, Amen
❤️
Another weepy day for me, sisters.
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Reading all of John 17, which recounts Jesus praying not long before His arrest … not just for His disciples, but for us!
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who WILL believe in Me through their word; (emphasis mine)
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I loved the HRT devo today, especially where Bob Bunn writes: As Paul closed his letter, he challenged his audience to continue learning to pray. While he had never met most of them face to face, he did feel a special bond with them and wanted them to grow in both their understanding of Jesus and their practical application of His teachings.
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That’s us, sisters! I’ve never met most of you face to face and definitely feel a special bond with you as we seek to draw closer to the Lord each day, to grow in our understanding of Jesus and to lift up each other, our needs and concerns to the Lord in prayer. ❤️
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This time, my area is not in the path (thankful). Praying!!! For all in the path of Milton :(
For those of us who have spent nearly our entire lives dreading hurricane season each year (crazy to think that means 1/2 my life as the season is 6 months long), most are, I think, a little skittish when one has formed and headed their direction. With 2 monster storms back to back, my heart was already breaking for what happened with the first one all over the southeast, and breaking all over again for what seems likely to happen overnight tonight in Florida. Lord, we pray for your protection and guidance to safety!
Right there with you, sister! Praying for God’s mighty power to work in this storm. I, too, lived many seasons in the scenario- should we stay or should we go, especially when we were issued mandatory evac, but the folks across the highway were not.
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I wrote a devo to share with a group last year on those verses and brought out the same point: we are included in His prayer! Amen! ❤. I, like you, couldn’t get through it without tears.
Yes, searching – praying along with you!
From HRT today:
“In a culture that worshiped idols and belittled Christianity, the Colossians would experience a lot of pressure to compromise their faith. Paul reminded them that a devotion to prayer would equip them to stand strong in the face of those temptations.”
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May we be encouraged to stand strong via prayer as well in our similar cultural situation.
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Prayers for the protection of lives in the path of Milton. Prayers for those recovering from Helene. Prayers for those living ing war zones around the world. Prayers for the persecuted Church.
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May the Lord have mercy on us all.
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SUSAN B – joining SEARCHING in prayers for you and your family as you miss Andy.
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying for you and your family as you remember your dad.
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Prayers for all who are grieving the loss of loved ones. May the God of all comfort be near to your hearts.
That section from HRT stood out to me also, Kelly (NEO).
Adding my amen for those prayers! ❤❤
Me too. Joining in those prayers..❤️
Thank you Kelly for always remembering to pray for us all! ❤️
Thank you, Kelly. I took time yesterday to look at the pictures and listen to the testimonies of the young people Andy’s life touched. I let myself reflect, cry and grieve. Then I balanced that pain with the great joy my son has being in the presence of His Savior. Thank you for speaking His name and remembering! Praying now for all those in the path of Milton.
This so reminded me of a story of mine that I am sure I have recounted before..
The time our pastor asked us to get in twos and threes and pray for each other and encourage with pictures and scriptures as they came to mind..
Ahh, I felt I needed to leave quietly as I did not feel confident prsying out loud in company, let alone face to face with a recipient!!!
Oh boy! I got caught by the pastor who asked where I was going, not able to lie, he told me to join the two over in the corner.. Lord have mercy! The two in the corner were the pastors wife and the associate pastors wife.. Great! I am now going to be shown up!
As I approached the ladies I told them I didn’t believe God spoke to me so not to expect anything from me in terms of words and pictures., but also I do not pray out aloud… to be honest, who would, in front of these women who commanded an audience of thousands at the church conferences!
They showed kindness and said not to worry, but they would like to pray for me.. in my disobedience God still wanted to bless me!
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BUT GOD..
Honestly, after blessing me and covering me in prayer, we prayed for the associate pastors wife, when asked if I had any words or pictures, I told them what came to mind in prayer.. she burst out crying, saying she had been looking to God to speak to her in a situation and I had just confirmed the answer!
A few things I have learnt from that day, long ago..
1)I lied! God does hear the silent prayers as well as the aloud prayers. And yes, he does put words on our heart for the recipient/others.
2) my distrust of God and myself to be a prayer, aloud or silent, changed.. it was about the length of prayer, it was the trust and that I believed in Him.
3) the low opinion I had of myself to be a prayer of any consequence, also changed, as God gave me clarity that I was as good as the next woman, as He saw us all EQUALLY, when praying and in other kingdom matters with a pure heart..I never believed that!
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My recent journeying with Abbi has revisited those days of fearfulness in prayer..
BUT GOD, really has kept His promise never to leave nor forsake either Abbi or myself.. I am learning to lean into Him even more and Abbi, is holding fast to Him like never before..taking each day with God alongside.. Most days of this journey has been, “I’ve got through the day..” “it was okay..” “I’m here right?..” “it truly is a struggle, BUT GOD.. “( I felt to tell her there is always a BUT GOD in any situation)
Yesterday, Abbi said “this has been a happy day!” This morning, she said she woke up happy and was excited to drive to uni..
God is moving and not only in and for Abbi, but in me too.. I am in awe..
ALL PRAISE TO GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Wednesday dear hearts. Happy Wednesday covered in much love and gratitude for YOU!❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Oh, Tina. Such a great report about Abbi. Baby steps, but happy to see glimmers of joy.
I love this story, Tina! And I am rejoicing with you about the change God is doing in Abbi’s heart through your faithfulness.
I do remember that story, Tina, but don’t stop sharing it. So glad you are there for Abbi and that God is growing you through this also. Yoh have such a gift with words, I can’t imagine you not being a beautiful pray-er! Love, hugs, and prayers for you and Abbi ❤❤
Tina, thank you for sharing your story about praying. It is a great reminder for me to continue to step out in faith and pray out loud for people who need prayer.
Tina love this story! I have found Prayer is about obedience. When we feel we should pray for someone, we should step out in faith.
Even if we are not great at praying. God doesn’t care! He calls us to participate in His work. He has just been showing me this lately. Obedience to Him and trust in Him.
Cheryl, I hear you! I get it, as God has shown me what obiedience to Him can lead to..
Thank you for your encouragement. ❤️
That’s powerful Tina how the Lord revealed the vision for the other lady, that’s like a word of knowledge, at that moment when you felt inadequate, then a powerful gift was unwrapped. I agree with all your points. I used to be confused, felt less than, even got stuck at smallness, thinking smallness is humility (devil’s cunning lie). God revealed the Great I Am that He is and He wants to burst out through us, the yielding vessel. What great lessons Tina!
Praying early this morning for God’s hand of protection on our state today as we face Milton.
Joining you Susan, in prayers for protection as the storm comes.., Lord, in your mercy hear our collective prayers..
AMEN. ❤️
Joining you too in prayer for those in the path of Milton
I too am praying for all of you sisters here, friends and family that are going to be in the midst of this storm. ❤️
I’ve been praying for this storm to quiet.
Amen