Are you like me and find it easy to pray for the BIG stuff but forget to pray for the LITTLE problems you experience every day? I have no trouble thanking God for the big miracles he performs but forget to show my gratitude for the multitude of small blessings I receive on a daily basis. I have to keep reminding myself that God wants to be a part of my life everyday and he wants to give me blessings all the time.
I have finally come to realize that God‘s feelings for me are a lot like my feelings for my grandchildren. I want to be a part of their lives in all things that they do whether it is ball games, band concerts, or any of their other interests and not just at birthdays or Christmas. I want to be in the stands cheering them on just like God is in heaven cheering us on. All my grandkids have to do is give me a call and they know that I will try to be there. All we have to do with God is just let him know we want and need him to be a part of our lives every day and in every way and he WILL be there.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Friday, November 27, 2009
Before I Sleep by Donna (Ensign) Woods
Before I fall asleepA moment with God, I keep.
To thank Him for the day
And the blessings along the way.
To tell Him how sorry I am...
When I failed in His plan.
I pray for those who crossed my path
Who shared a tear or made me laugh
I give to Him my dreams and fears....
And trust Him with my hopes and tears.
Before I fall asleep
A moment with God, I keep.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lookin' out my Window by Donna (Ensign) Woods
Riding down life's highway,
In one place, we cannot stay.
Lookin' out my window
Watching time fly by...
Fighting the urge to cry.
Speeding by...nearly out of control
...Daily trials take their tole.
Lookin' out my window
To a peaceful, woodland scene...
Rolling pastures...lush and green.
Homes, each with a story to tell,
...Some being built and some to sell.
Crossing lazy rivers and streams,
Lost in my own hopes and dreams.
Lookin' out my window
Framing scenes and changing fast
...No moment is made to last.
Roadside flowers...and a wooden cross
...In memory of precious lives lost...
With my destination no where in sight,
There's food and lodging, the very next right.
...But onward my journey goes,
On paths only my Lord knows.
Lookin' out my window
At trash along life's highway,
Old tires and food wrappers, tossed away.
...Like garbage in my very own past !!
...And memories...forever to last.
I pray for people in cars I meet,
Especially for children in each back seat.
As I listen to my engine hum...
I wonder what each is running to...or from.
Lookin' out my window
A big rig is broken down
Waiting for a tow, from nearby town.
Row after row of beans and corn
...And new baby calves that have just been born.
Drivers with families ...and some all alone
...A bicycle fastened to a motor home.
Old cars and new... trucks big and tall
...I wonder about the treasures they each haul.
A homeless man holds a sign...
Tugging at this heart of mine.
Through the window, I hand him a bill...
Praying for him as I top the next hill
A beautiful sunset comes into view.
God's promise....that tomorrow will be fresh and new.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Is Your Prayer Life Unplugged? by Theresa Zuber
I went to my bookshelf because I knew that I had a book about “prayer killers” (Sins that put a ceiling on our prayers.) Well – not only did I find “Partners in Prayer” the book I was looking for, I found “The Power of a Praying Wife,” “The Power of a Praying Parent,” “Lord, Teach me to Pray in 28 Days,” “Prayer”, & “The Prayer of Jabez.” Do you sense a theme here???
I know that I’m not the only one struggling with prayer. (Why would there be so many books about it?) I know that many people struggle with consistency in their prayer life, what to pray, how to pray, faith in prayer and the list goes on and on. I guess part of my problem is that I sometimes feel powerless in my prayers. I am willing to pray and do. If it is something that I feel is within God’s will, I have faith. But if it’s something I’m unsure about - I just feel like “if God’s will is what is best, and He is in control, then who am I to try to sway Him? And why would He change His mind for ME?” (I probably seem like the little child who says, “I know you’re not going to let me, but can I go swimming today, please?”)
On Max Lucado’s Worship CD “Opening Windows” he tells a story of buying desks with his wife and small daughters. His youngest daughter didn’t understand that they would not take the desk home that day. He tells how his daughter went about changing his mind. She didn’t nag him or whine until he gave in; she earnestly showed him, how much it would mean to her. The clencher came when she reentered the store with her arms spread open wide and said, “Daddy, I measured. It will fit in the trunk.” He goes on to say that her having the desk was within her father’s will. It was just going to be in a few weeks instead of that day. So, when he could see how much it meant to her, the Lucado family took home a desk that day. God loves us like that. God wants us to be happy. And sometimes, God moves as a direct result of our prayers to Him.
The book I mentioned earlier “Partners in Prayer” by John Maxwell mentions 10 Common Prayer Killers and the associated scriptures. As you read through them, see what areas YOU may struggle in. But don’t just acknowledge where your problem areas are – Do something about it!! And when you see me – ask if I am, too!
Prayer Killer #1: Unconfessed Sin
Psalm 66:18 “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #2: Lack of Faith
Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (NLT)
Prayer Killer #3: Disobedience
1 John 3:21 “Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. 23And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #4: Lack of Transparency with God and Others
James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #5: Unforgiveness
Matthew 6:14"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #6: Wrong Motives
James 4:3 “And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #7: Idols in our Lives
(The author points out that idols come in many forms: money, careers, sports, pleasure. It’s an issue of what is more important – or gets more attention - than God.)Ezekiel 14:3"”Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that lead them into sin. Why should I let them ask me anything?” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #8: Disregard for Others
John 13:34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (NIV) 1 Peter 3 exhorts husbands and wives to be considerate to one another “so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (NIV)
Prayer Killer #9: Disregard for God’s Sovereignty
Matthew 6:9"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.” (NIV)
Prayer Killer #10: Unsurrendered Will
John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (NIV)
God I am ashamed at my lack of faith in your promises to answer my prayers. I know that my lack of faith takes the power out of my prayers, just like unplugging the TV. Help me to comprehend that I am THAT important to you; important enough that you would not only listen to me, but that you WILL REACT to the cries of my heart. Help me. Just like an alcoholic going back to the bottle, I keep coming back to this same problem: Ineffective prayer, Hopeless prayer, Helpless prayer, Surface prayer. Change me. I am looking with great anticipation for what you’ll do in my life next!
I know that I’m not the only one struggling with prayer. (Why would there be so many books about it?) I know that many people struggle with consistency in their prayer life, what to pray, how to pray, faith in prayer and the list goes on and on. I guess part of my problem is that I sometimes feel powerless in my prayers. I am willing to pray and do. If it is something that I feel is within God’s will, I have faith. But if it’s something I’m unsure about - I just feel like “if God’s will is what is best, and He is in control, then who am I to try to sway Him? And why would He change His mind for ME?” (I probably seem like the little child who says, “I know you’re not going to let me, but can I go swimming today, please?”)
On Max Lucado’s Worship CD “Opening Windows” he tells a story of buying desks with his wife and small daughters. His youngest daughter didn’t understand that they would not take the desk home that day. He tells how his daughter went about changing his mind. She didn’t nag him or whine until he gave in; she earnestly showed him, how much it would mean to her. The clencher came when she reentered the store with her arms spread open wide and said, “Daddy, I measured. It will fit in the trunk.” He goes on to say that her having the desk was within her father’s will. It was just going to be in a few weeks instead of that day. So, when he could see how much it meant to her, the Lucado family took home a desk that day. God loves us like that. God wants us to be happy. And sometimes, God moves as a direct result of our prayers to Him.
The book I mentioned earlier “Partners in Prayer” by John Maxwell mentions 10 Common Prayer Killers and the associated scriptures. As you read through them, see what areas YOU may struggle in. But don’t just acknowledge where your problem areas are – Do something about it!! And when you see me – ask if I am, too!
Prayer Killer #1: Unconfessed Sin
Psalm 66:18 “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #2: Lack of Faith
Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (NLT)
Prayer Killer #3: Disobedience
1 John 3:21 “Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. 23And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #4: Lack of Transparency with God and Others
James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #5: Unforgiveness
Matthew 6:14"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #6: Wrong Motives
James 4:3 “And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #7: Idols in our Lives
(The author points out that idols come in many forms: money, careers, sports, pleasure. It’s an issue of what is more important – or gets more attention - than God.)Ezekiel 14:3"”Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that lead them into sin. Why should I let them ask me anything?” (NLT)
Prayer Killer #8: Disregard for Others
John 13:34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (NIV) 1 Peter 3 exhorts husbands and wives to be considerate to one another “so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (NIV)
Prayer Killer #9: Disregard for God’s Sovereignty
Matthew 6:9"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.” (NIV)
Prayer Killer #10: Unsurrendered Will
John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (NIV)
God I am ashamed at my lack of faith in your promises to answer my prayers. I know that my lack of faith takes the power out of my prayers, just like unplugging the TV. Help me to comprehend that I am THAT important to you; important enough that you would not only listen to me, but that you WILL REACT to the cries of my heart. Help me. Just like an alcoholic going back to the bottle, I keep coming back to this same problem: Ineffective prayer, Hopeless prayer, Helpless prayer, Surface prayer. Change me. I am looking with great anticipation for what you’ll do in my life next!
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Prayer Life by Tana LeMay
Last summer, Susan wrote about a book she had read, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I recently finished the book and like Susan, I was deeply touched. The story line is about a friendship that develops between a wealthy white man and a homeless black man. Ron and Denver weren’t interested in a friendship, but it couldn’t be stopped due to the prayers of Ron’s wife and God’s intervention.
The prayer life of Debbie was what spoke to me the most. Debbie’s first reaction to every circumstance was prayer. Do you know any prayer warriors? I do and I’ve always been in awe of that aspect of their spiritual life. They always pray first when a need or praise arises. How do they do that? Is it a gift? A discipline? I usually remember to pray – later. It’s typically not my first response to a situation or need.
First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually. This verse has been on my mind lately. I’ve struggled with this directive. Life is busy. How can we possibly spend it in continuous prayer? Just finding time for daily prayer has been a challenge. As I’ve studied this verse, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is speaking of a life style. By being in daily communion with Jesus, not only during regular prayer times, but throughout each and every day, we develop a habit of continuous communication with him. After all, isn’t that what prayer is – a conversation with Jesus? If my thoughts are centered around Him, my every action or reaction would habitually include Him.
Does this seem too lofty of a goal? By my own power, it definitely is. I’d fail before I even began. But through the strength of Jesus and the power of His word, it is attainable. Otherwise, the command wouldn’t be there. Is it attainable in one day? No. But I believe it is in one life time. It begins each morning as I set my focus and thoughts on Him.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
The prayer life of Debbie was what spoke to me the most. Debbie’s first reaction to every circumstance was prayer. Do you know any prayer warriors? I do and I’ve always been in awe of that aspect of their spiritual life. They always pray first when a need or praise arises. How do they do that? Is it a gift? A discipline? I usually remember to pray – later. It’s typically not my first response to a situation or need.
First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually. This verse has been on my mind lately. I’ve struggled with this directive. Life is busy. How can we possibly spend it in continuous prayer? Just finding time for daily prayer has been a challenge. As I’ve studied this verse, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is speaking of a life style. By being in daily communion with Jesus, not only during regular prayer times, but throughout each and every day, we develop a habit of continuous communication with him. After all, isn’t that what prayer is – a conversation with Jesus? If my thoughts are centered around Him, my every action or reaction would habitually include Him.
Does this seem too lofty of a goal? By my own power, it definitely is. I’d fail before I even began. But through the strength of Jesus and the power of His word, it is attainable. Otherwise, the command wouldn’t be there. Is it attainable in one day? No. But I believe it is in one life time. It begins each morning as I set my focus and thoughts on Him.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tears of Change by Donna (Ensign) Woods
Much of life is seen through a Mother's tears,
Flowing from the heart, over the years.
Tears of change streak her face,
In every sad and happy place.
Beginning with tears of joy at her baby's birth,
The most precious delight found on earth !
Followed by prayer-filled fatigue,
As she struggles to meet each child's need.
...As the bus drives away on the first day of school,
Mom stands waving good-bye, in a tear-fed pool
Her tears console may little heart-breaks
Through the twisting turns each life takes.
When her child is hurting, tears fall as she prays,
Asking God to heal them, as He blesses their days.
Flowing over disappointment, pain, and fears...
Is a Mother's love, reflecting through tears.
When teenagers forget all they've learned,
A Mother cries tears, that frustration has earned.
Prayer filled tears combat the evil they fight.
As she paces the floor late at night.
As children grow up and leave her home,
A Mother's tears fall, when she is all alone.
Her tears remember each wonderful child
And each little face that lovingly smiled.
Mother's tears are often very hard to explain...
They are wrapped in joy, desperation and pain.
But a Mother's tears always mean love...
Another gift from God above !!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
OVERWHELMED !!!!! by Donna (Ensign) Woods
HURRY!!...Get in the car.
Taking Madison to the E.R.
So much discomfort and pain,
Pray for no traffic or train.
Fever won't break...
How much can a baby take ?
Blood tests and x-rays...
Seem to take days !
My stomach...turning, churning...
As my mind is burning.
Feeling like I can't breathe
Praying God will answer and relieve.
Her tiny body swelling...
Waiting...waiting...no one's telling.
CAT scan reveals the news,
There are no choices in which to choose.
...Big tumor....must come out !
What is this Dr. talking about ????
She's only 14 months old...
Hanging on every word we're told
For an ambulance...there isn't time,
...They helicopter Life Line !!!
So weak I can't stand !
This was never planned !!
Waiting for Maddy...a surgery team...
This must be some horrible dream !!
Her fearful, pleading eyes...
Hearts breaking with her cries...
Reeling from shock, this can't be true
So desperate...nothing we can do !
I fall to the floor to pray...
"Please dear Lord, don't take her away !!"
Cry so hard and pray so much,
For our Savior's healing touch.
Taking Madison to the E.R.
So much discomfort and pain,
Pray for no traffic or train.
Fever won't break...
How much can a baby take ?
Blood tests and x-rays...
Seem to take days !
My stomach...turning, churning...
As my mind is burning.
Feeling like I can't breathe
Praying God will answer and relieve.
Her tiny body swelling...
Waiting...waiting...no one's telling.
CAT scan reveals the news,
There are no choices in which to choose.
...Big tumor....must come out !
What is this Dr. talking about ????
She's only 14 months old...
Hanging on every word we're told
For an ambulance...there isn't time,
...They helicopter Life Line !!!
So weak I can't stand !
This was never planned !!
Waiting for Maddy...a surgery team...
This must be some horrible dream !!
Her fearful, pleading eyes...
Hearts breaking with her cries...
Reeling from shock, this can't be true
So desperate...nothing we can do !
I fall to the floor to pray...
"Please dear Lord, don't take her away !!"
Cry so hard and pray so much,
For our Savior's healing touch.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Dear Lord by Rachel Pitcher
Dear Lord
Hear my prayer
Know that I
need You there
beside me all the way
each day
I need you there
hear my prayer.
I fall
and confess my sin
you forgive
and draw me in
hold me close and say, "You're fine,
you're mine."
I need You there
hear my prayer.
Sorrow comes
and with it fear
I'm far away,
you draw me near
so I can feel You lifting me
up to see
You were there
You heard my prayer.
Joyful feelings
flood my soul
you are there
to make me whole
creating within me life anew
to honor You!
Lord,
I'll be there
with You in prayer.
Hear my prayer
Know that I
need You there
beside me all the way
each day
I need you there
hear my prayer.
I fall
and confess my sin
you forgive
and draw me in
hold me close and say, "You're fine,
you're mine."
I need You there
hear my prayer.
Sorrow comes
and with it fear
I'm far away,
you draw me near
so I can feel You lifting me
up to see
You were there
You heard my prayer.
Joyful feelings
flood my soul
you are there
to make me whole
creating within me life anew
to honor You!
Lord,
I'll be there
with You in prayer.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Friendship by Rachel Pitcher
A friend of mine and I have often discussed that we wished we could just have microchips inserted in our brains. This would enable us to talk to one another whenever we wanted before we forget what it is we had to say and so that it wouldn't be interrupted by children or daily duties. We live 45 minutes apart and with small children don't get much time together. Often when we are together we say, "Go ahead with your story but remind me to tell you about _______ (fill in the blank)." We have so much to say to one another and so little time to say it in. If we are together, the kids are there too and it's hard to keep our train of thought going. Without exception, we can never get enough and the time simply flies! Our husband's marvel at how much we can talk about and for how long.
For us, it's like being at a buffet and having all this good food staring at us but only a dessert size plate to put it on. So we fill up once and when we come back it's all gone; time's up—kitchen's closed. We have so much we want to share and say and we just can't fit it all in!
Sadly, that isn't really at all how my conversations with God are. Judging from human measures it might even appear that we are only acquaintances. Maybe we seem like we used to be friends but haven't really seen one another in awhile. Maybe we don't seem to have anything in common at all anymore. Maybe, we've just lost touch. Correction: Maybe I've lost touch. Ever felt like that?
I always tell our children that "to have a friend, you have to be a friend." We make and keep friends by spending time with them. The way we get to know God is to spend time with Him, because we want to, not because we have to. Praying, worshipping, reading the bible, coming to church, attending bible studies or reading Christian books, these are all ways that we can get that microchip installed with God on the other end.
The bible says we should "hunger and thirst for righteousness" ( Matthew 5:6 ) and I know God wants me to hunger for conversation with him like I do with my good friend. Other friends of mine whom I don't get a lot of time with may think I don't make the time. I'm sure that's how God would see it if he were human. Thankfully, he's not and he knows me better than I know myself. So, even if it's been awhile, my "old friend" - my Redeemer, Savior, Friend - is always ready and waiting for me to slow down, quiet down and have some good quality time with Him. What a friend I have in Jesus. If you haven't met Him, I'd love to introduce you two sometime!
For us, it's like being at a buffet and having all this good food staring at us but only a dessert size plate to put it on. So we fill up once and when we come back it's all gone; time's up—kitchen's closed. We have so much we want to share and say and we just can't fit it all in!
Sadly, that isn't really at all how my conversations with God are. Judging from human measures it might even appear that we are only acquaintances. Maybe we seem like we used to be friends but haven't really seen one another in awhile. Maybe we don't seem to have anything in common at all anymore. Maybe, we've just lost touch. Correction: Maybe I've lost touch. Ever felt like that?
I always tell our children that "to have a friend, you have to be a friend." We make and keep friends by spending time with them. The way we get to know God is to spend time with Him, because we want to, not because we have to. Praying, worshipping, reading the bible, coming to church, attending bible studies or reading Christian books, these are all ways that we can get that microchip installed with God on the other end.
The bible says we should "hunger and thirst for righteousness" ( Matthew 5:6 ) and I know God wants me to hunger for conversation with him like I do with my good friend. Other friends of mine whom I don't get a lot of time with may think I don't make the time. I'm sure that's how God would see it if he were human. Thankfully, he's not and he knows me better than I know myself. So, even if it's been awhile, my "old friend" - my Redeemer, Savior, Friend - is always ready and waiting for me to slow down, quiet down and have some good quality time with Him. What a friend I have in Jesus. If you haven't met Him, I'd love to introduce you two sometime!
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