I have a small collection of beautiful scarves; some were my mother’s and I love them.  Last week, I shared about the need for patience in affliction.  For me, the mask mandate has required patience.  Patience means “to endure bravely and calmly the trials that come our way by holding fast to faith in Christ.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).  How is that even possible? 1. It is possible by God’s grace. 2.  It is possible through prayer.  I can, by God’s grace, endure bravely and calmly the trials that come my way by holding fast to faith in Christ through prayer, which is really just talking with him like you would talk with a friend.  For those of you that prayed for me this last week, I am happy to say that the scarves work.  I still prefer to stay home, but if I have to go out, the scarves allow me to breath while setting those in my presence in stores or at church at ease. Yeah!!!!

Relationships take time and intentionality to flourish and grow.  My marriage does better when Paul and I are intentional to spend time together by going for walks, out for coffee, out for dinner or what have you.  I want to encourage those of you who are married to tend to it by making time for each other.  My relationships with my children do better when I am intentional to spend time with them one on one.  This takes creativity as your children grow, but I am here to tell you that it can be done.  My friendships do better when I am intentional in making time for them. Marriages, relationships with children, and friendships fall apart when intentional time is not invested.  How much more with Christ?  My faith in Him is about a personal relationship.  He is not far off, but near.  How do I best invest in my relationship with Him?  By coming to Him in prayer about everything all the time; by being faithful to pray. 

Are you weary and heavy laden? Then PRAY!

Jesus says, “Come to Me (in prayer), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Are you excited and joyful? Then PRAY! 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Are you anxious about anything? Then PRAY!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Do you want to do God’s will? Then PRAY!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Do you want to be a Romans 12:9-12 person? Then PRAY!

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,serve the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:9-12)

I love praying God’s word to form my prayers.  Here is an example:

II Chronicles 7:14-15 

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

Matthew 24:44 

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

John 14:2-4 

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” 

Matthew 5:13-16 

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Dear heavenly Father,

I ask You to keep me humble.  Help me to pray and seek Your face in everything.  Help me to turn from my sin and be found ready when You come again trusting that, at this moment, You are preparing a place for me and will one day take me to be with You.  So, while I wait, may I be a salt and light to my husband, children, friends, family, and this world.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Blessings to you as you pray,

Heather

When You Pray…

Each day:

1. Pray for yourself.
2. Pray for you spouse.
3. Pray for your children.

Weekly:

Sunday – Government

Monday – Immediate Family

Tuesday – Your Church

Wednesday – Your Extended Family

Thursday – Your Spouse’s Extended Family

Friday – Your Friends

Saturday – Variety

Feel free to go back and review in more detail the weekly prayer points.

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