Crazy Prayers

‘Everything is possible for one who believes." Mark 9:23

Do you ever pray prayers that if people heard you would think you were a nut case? I have. Bold prayers where you are believing for breakthrough or something only God could do. 

Not a name it and claim it thing but sincerely believing God is at work and you don’t know how He will do but then His timing is perfect and His ways beyond any of us finding out. 

You know God heard you and what you are praying isn’t crazy it is having faith and trusting God still is God of breakthrough and miracles. Do you believe? 

PRAYER: Father you know what I need and when I need it so I trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hurting Hearts

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18 

Everyone has experience heartache before for various reasons. No one is immune. Maybe the reason for your heartache seems trivial compared to say someone who just buried their child. But all pain is real and God cares. 

What has your heart hurting? When you hurt if you can try to find a way to help another person you too will receive a blessing and maybe joy. 

Whatever burden you may be carrying try to find a trusted friend or family member to share it with. I say ‘trusted’ because you don’t want to share details of something then hear about it in a gossip circle. In Moms in Prayer we have a motto ‘what’s prayed in the group stays in the group’. 

PRAYER: I pray for those people who need a prayer partner to share life with. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I’ve Never Prayed For Robots Before

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians  4:6

Do you have an active prayer life? Do you know you can pray for anything? In the movie ‘War Room’ Miss Clara character played by actress Karen Abercrombie had a true heart for crying out to God in a literal prayer closet she affectionately called her ‘War Room’ as it is there she went to war against demons of darkness and cried out to God for so many things. 

She later had a small role in the film ‘The Forge’ where she made the comment which is today’s title. It was about a factory needing to meet quota to win a contract and yes Miss Clara cried out for the robots and the people who programmed them. 

What or who do you need to go to prayer for? Is prayer an after thought or is it vital everyday? There are prayer apps that you can get to help you. You can journal prayers or put them on sticky notes on your closet wall if you have a space for your own ‘prayer closet’ war room. Now go have a prayerful day. 

PRAYER: Father when my heart is groaning or breaking help me not forgot to go to you in prayer. I lift up all those I pray for who need you in their life or back in their life. You know who they are. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I highly recommend both movies I mentioned in this devotion. ‘War Room’ and ‘The Forge’ both products from The Kendrick Brothers and Sony Pictures. 

Work Hard

 “Every man also to whom God has given riches and possessions, and the power to enjoy them, to accept his lot and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God”Ecclesiastes 5:19

Labor Day was first celebrated in the US in 1894. Started by trade unions and labor movements to celebrate work. Work is good. If you don’t work you don’t eat simple as that. 

Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Labor Day itself is a secular holiday celebrating work designed by God. Imagine had God not put ideas in man’s brain about how to build and create things what a shambles we would be in. 

As believers you serve others through your work. The ability to work is a gift from God. Jobs are a gift from God. Initially after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden came toil but all in all mankind can prosper for himself and help others through his labors thanks to God. So if you have a job be thankful. 

PRAYER: Thanks for each and every hard working person who makes up the labor force and for prospering America so we in turn can help the less fortunate. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hit Pause-Ponder God

 "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."Psalm 119:15

Ah the good ole days. For many of us over 50 we can understand that. Before technology took over and everyone was carrying their portable life saving device everywhere, aka cell phone. Maybe it is time for a pause of your life and reflecting and pondering on what God has done on your life. 

No televisions, no phones, no gaming devices, no checking social media  just you and God maybe your Bible and a notebook. Think of the blessings in your life and push away any negative thinking that might try to interfere with pondering good things. 

Try to sit and be still and give thanks. 

PRAYER: Father I choose to eliminate distractions to include distracting negative thinking and rest in your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Upscale Jesus-Say What?

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."Romans 5:8

Humans like to be made to feel special treated like royalty in their pampered upscale establishments and brand name clothing but will you find Jesus hob nobbing there amongst the elite and famous. Yes and no. 

Jesus first is everywhere.  He is with the homeless man under the bridge. He is with the widow who doesn’t know which way to turn. He is with the prostitute. He is with the alcoholic. He is with the drunkard. 

Sometimes the more you have materially the less you care to need or want a relationship with God but he is always knocking on the door of your heart you just have to answer. (See Revelation 3:20). It is God who gives the power to get wealth just don’t forget to share it with others and those less fortunate. If you are blessed don’t spend it all frivolously but share with others. 

PRAYERS: Father I give you my life help me to listen and follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Patience

Wait for the Lord;   be strong and take heart

 and wait for the Lord.Psalm 27:14

Just how do you get patience? It is so very hard to not jump ahead of God’s plans and orchestrate your own but so very heart warming when you have waited and see a miraculous result. 

What do you need patience for? God does care and His ways are greater than yours so just be still. When you get overly anxious to play God it could backfire and make things worse. 

What are you believing God for? God’s ways and timing are not ours. Be still. Trust God. Hang on. 

PRAYER: Lord how marvelous are your ways and I just need help navigating through each day you have blessed me with. In Jesus’ name. Amen.