{Day 31} ~ Wrapping It Up

To say I was apprehensive when I first started this 31 Day series on prayer would be an understatement. As I linked up my first post to The Nester’s blog, questions bounced around inside my brain. Could I really blog for 31 days on the same topic? What if I didn’t complete the task? Am I even qualified to write on this spiritual discipline? Who do I think I am?

Hmmm… I have an answer for that last question. Who do I think I am? I’m a daughter of the King, created and loved by the Almighty, and qualified through Jesus’ work on my behalf to bring my requests to God. In fact, He wants me to pray; He commands me to pray! So why not explore the amazing gift I’ve been given in prayer?

Of all the things I’ve learned through blogging about prayer for 31 days, one thing stands out: In order to have a relationship with God, I must invest in my prayer life. It’s not an option. And unlike the stock market, this investment is 100 percent guaranteed to reap eternal rewards.

So, I guess I would say that my perspective on prayer has changed quite a bit during these last 31 days. I have come to realize that prayer is not so much asking as it is listening; it’s more conversation than it is monologue.

This quote by Dutch Sheets pretty much sums it up:

Prayer is not a check request asking for things from God. It is a deposit slip – it’s a way of depositing God’s character into our bankrupt souls.

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This is the last post in my 31 Days to a Powerful Prayer Life series. Find all the posts in the series here.

{Day 30} ~ Luke 24:38 ~ Examining Our Doubts

“Why are you frightened?” [Jesus] asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” Luke 24:38 NLT

Have you ever read something and said to yourself, “Yes! This is exactly what I’m feeling! And I thought I was the only one…”? This has been my heart’s exclamation for the past three weeks, as I’ve been reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope for this fall’s Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study.

Through Renee’s writing, I’ve realized the main source of my doubts – worrying about what others think of me. Here’s what Renee says:

We find ourselves in the shadow of doubt many times because our thoughts are mostly about ourselves: how we’re performing and what others are thinking about us…. When we focus our attention on ourselves, we turn our attention away from God. We leave no room in our thoughts to listen to what He is thinking about us, because we have given that place away to be occupied by other people’s opinions. We become overly concerned about what others think of us instead of what God thinks about us.

In order to shift our focus, we have to turn our thoughts completely toward God “by thinking about His strengths instead of my weaknesses,” Renee says.

The example of Gideon is one Renee uses in her book to brilliantly illustrate her point. At one point, Gideon was paralyzed by fear and insecurity, and during his conversation with God, he listed all the reasons why he couldn’t do the job God had asked him to do. Check out this conversation – I love Gideon’s honesty in this passage:

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon asked, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:12-15)

Well, at least Gideon was polite when he questioned God with his “pardon me, but…” How many times have I talked to God and said similar things? “But God, I can’t do that! That takes too much time, or faith, or talent, or (fill-in-the-blank)! Ask someone stronger – I’m definitely not the one you want!”

But, you ARE the one God wants. And so am I. If He chooses me for a particular task – no matter how hard that task may seem or how unsuited for the task I might be – He will follow through. Not because of my strength, but because of His.

So, starting today, I am actively moving forward and turning away from my doubt, worry, insecurity and comparison. With God’s help, I am turning toward Him and focusing on His truth.  His truth says that because of Jesus, I am loved, I am cherished, I am valued, I am good enough, and I am His child. Nothing can ever change that!

Father, thank You for Your truth. Help me to remember that if You call me to do something for You, I have everything I need to complete that task. Your faithfulness is my refuge. Deliver me from my doubts and fears, and help me to rest in Your plan for me. You have begun a good work in me, and You have promised to complete it!

 

{Day 29} ~ Needing Direction?

A few months ago I was driving down my road a typical sunny summer day. Out of nowhere, I was faced with a sight that took me off guard.

Cows.

What’s so unusual about cows? You might ask. If you know me, you know I live in the country, so seeing cows shouldn’t be a surprise.  

But these cows… these cows were standing on the side of the road. Roaming free, but looking quite lost. They weren’t inside the fence in their usual pasture.

When they saw me in my big SUV, they looked a bit surprised as well. And then, as I made my turn onto the next country road, they followed me! When I decided to pull into the driveway of the farm house where I thought they belonged, they ran right up to the gate of the pasture.

These cows needed some serious direction. And you know what? So do I.

There are times in my life when I feel like those scared, directionless cows. Lost. Alone. Needing someone to point the way. And yet, instead of praying and asking the One who promises me direction, what do I do? I fret. I worry. I try to fix things myself. Duh! I’m just like one of those stupid cows!

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This is awesome, friends! The God of the Universe is willing to offer His wisdom to us! He doesn’t say, “Oh, it’s you again? Will you quit bothering me? Last time you asked me for something, you really messed up.” He gives generously without finding fault in me or my request!

Thank you, Father, for not giving up on me. So many times I wander around, lost and without direction. Instead of running to You, I fret and worry. Help me to remember that You promise me wisdom and direction if only I will ask.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

 

One Prayer CAN Make a Difference

Israel was a dust bowl. Dry as a bone. It had not rained a drop for over three years. All because of the prayers of one man – Elijah.

Now, three years had passed and everything was about to change again. All because of the prayers of one man.

“Get up! It’s about to rain!” Elijah told King Ahab.

 Then Elijah climbed up Mount Carmel, got down on his knees and prayed.

At first, nothing happened.

“Go look toward the sea,” Elijah told his servant.

 Elijah’s servant did as he was told. “There’s nothing there,” the servant replied.

“Go look again.” Elijah said expectantly.

Seven times, Elijah sent the servant back to check. On the seventh time, the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”

That’s all Elijah needed. He told his servant, “Go tell Ahab to hitch up his chariot. It’s going to pour!” Elijah had prayed, expecting God to answer, and God did just that.

James 5:17 says, “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for over three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

Did you catch that? Elijah wasn’t a superhero; he was just a guy. But his prayer – one prayer – changed everything!

Think your prayers don’t matter? Think you’re just a guy or a girl, and your prayers won’t change anything? Think again! Your prayers matter. Pray earnestly. Pray expecting God to answer.

One prayer CAN make a difference.

 

Weekend Links

Wow. What a week! I'm ready for a break, so I'm definitely taking it easy this weekend! I hope you do, too! In the meantime, here are some great pins I found on Pinterest on my "31 Days" topic: Prayer!

Instructions for this DIY "Prayer Pail" can be found here.

Helpful tool to print out and put in your Bible!



What a great way to teach kids to pray!

 

C.S. Lewis on Prayer

 

Prayer for a Confident Heart

Last week, I started an amazing new Bible study through Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies. The study is based on the book, A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, and the truth and wisdom found in its pages is refreshing! Here's one of my favorite quotes from this week's chapter: 

"Our hearts leak and will always end up empty when we find our worth in anything but who we are in Christ."

Since my 31 Days series is on prayer, I thought it would be appropriate to pen a prayer about what I'm learning through this truth-filled study:

Father, I need you.

When doubts haunt my mind
And life seems so unsure,
I pray and nothing happens…
Every sentence feels stilted and forced
Like small talk with a stranger.

Emptiness creeps into my soul

With all of its despair,
And I try to find peace
Somewhere, anywhere
But where I should –
In You.

When these times come,

Draw me back, Father.

Fill my empty places with

The fullness of all that You are.
Remind me to run to You,
For in your perfect love,
I find refuge.

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This post is part of my series, 31 Days to a Powerful Prayer Life. Click here to view links for each day in the series. Bloggers everywhere are linking up their 31 Day series this month to The Nester's blog!

 

 

An Incredible Inheritance

Did you realize that you possess an amazing gift you can give to your loved ones after you die? It’s not found in the stock market or retirement funds, and it’s worth far more than fine gold or jewelry.

Your prayers are the most valuable inheritance you can leave for future generations.  

"Our prayers outlive us. They don't die when we die. They are the inheritance we leave to those whom we pray for. And the chain reaction our prayers cause will be the most startling revelation on the other side of eternity!” said Mark Batterson.

Think about it: Maybe you’ve been praying for your toddler, that someday he or she will grow up to marry a godly person, and together they will raise a new generation for Christ. You may or may not get to see this new generation, but your prayers can outlive you! Or maybe a grandmother or great-grandmother who is now gone to heaven (and who may have never even known you) prayed the same thing for you, and now you are reaping the benefits of a godly life because of her prayers. Isn’t this an incredible thought?

Are you discouraged because you don’t think God is listening? Don’t stop praying! Be encouraged by these words from Oswald Chambers: "As we obey the leadings of the Spirit of God, we enable God to answer the prayers of other people. I mean that our lives, my life, is the answer to someone's prayer, prayed perhaps centuries ago."

This gives me motivation to keep praying, to keep offering up requests to a gracious God who wants to give good things to His children. While I may or may not see answers this side of eternity, I am trusting that my prayers will become a priceless legacy for generations to come! So, are you with me, friends? Make an investment today in something that will outlive you for years, decades, maybe even centuries! Pray on!

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This post is part of my series, 31 Days to a Powerful Prayer Life. Click here to view links for each day in the series. Bloggers everywhere are linking up their 31 Day series this month to The Nester's blog!

 

He Is Praying for You

We're 22 days into this 31 Day series, and I often wonder what I was thinking when I chose the topic of prayer. Am I a stellar example in this spiritual discipline? Not even close. But, through this series, I have been forced to think more about prayer. I have been forced to pray more, just for the simple fact that I don't feel qualified to write on this subject. I am begging God for His words and His wisdom!

Ephesians 8:26 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

I don't know about you, but this passage gives me hope. There are so many times I don't know what to pray. I am merely standing before God with my mouth open but no words coming out. During these times, I'm so thankful the Holy Spirit intercedes for me! What an amazing thought!

Consider these words from Bible scholar Robert Morgan. This is one of the best explanations of prayer and God's will that I have ever read!
 

We are weak in many ways, but in this passage the apostle Paul is specific about the particular weakness he is addressing—our prayer lives. We are weak when it comes to prayer. In what way? Well, we are weak in many ways, but here again Paul has something specific in mind. We are weak in our ability to know what we should ask. Many times we really don’t know what we should specifically pray for. We are not omniscient. We don’t know everything, nor can we see into the future. So we don’t know whether the things we’re asking for will turn out good or bad for us.

An old story illustrates: A Chinese gentleman lived on the border of China and Mongolia. In those days, there was constant conflict and strife along the perimeter. The man had a beautiful horse. One day, she leaped over the corral, raced down the road, crossed the border, and was captured by the Mongolians. His friends came to comfort him. “That’s bad news,” they said sadly. “What makes you think it’s bad news?” asked the Chinese gentleman. “Maybe it’s good news.” A few days later the mare came bolting into his corral, bringing with it a massive stallion. His friends crowded around. “That’s good news!” they cried. “What makes you think it’s good news?” he asked. “Maybe it is bad news.” Later, his son, while riding the stallion and trying to break it, was thrown off and broke his leg. “That’s bad news,” cried the friends. “What makes you think it is bad news?” asked the Chinese gentleman. “Maybe it’s good news.” One week later, war broke out with Mongolia, and a Chinese general came through, drafting all the young men. All later perished, except for the young man who couldn’t go because his leg was broken. The man said to his friends, “You see, the things you thought were bad turned out good; and the things you thought were good turned out bad.”

And thus it is with us. We don’t know if the things we want will really be good for us, or bad. We can’t see the future. That’s why James tells to us to pray, saying, “If it be thy will....” But God does know the future. He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. He knows the end from the beginning, and He knows how all things will turn out. Verse 26 says that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God with intensity, with groanings that words cannot express. And God answers the Holy Spirit’s pleas on our behalf. The result is Romans 8:28! As the Holy Spirit prays for us, God answers His prayers, therefore all the things turn out for our good in the unfolding providence of the Lord. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook: 2002 edition. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers)

 

On My Knees

Today has been "one of those days." Crawling into bed after a particularly long Monday, I realized I had yet to post on my blog. This song by Jaci Velasquez came to my mind, and its lyrics ministered to my heart tonight. I hope they will do the same for you.

There are days when I feel the best of me is ready to begin
Then they're days when I feel I'm letting go and soaring on the wind
Cause I've learned in laughter or in pain how to survive

I get on my knees, I get on my knees
There I am before the love that changes me
See I don't know how but there's power when I'm on my knees

I can be in a crowd or by myself or almost anywhere
When I feel there's a need to talk with God, he is Emmanuel
When I close my eyes, no darkness there
There's only light

I get on my knees, I get on my knees
There I am before the love that changes me
See I don't know how but there's power in the blue skies, in the midnight
When I'm on my knees

I get on my knees, I get on my knees
There I am before the love that changes me
See I don't know how but there's power when I'm on my
Oh, When I'm on my
When I'm on my knees 

Congratulations, YOU Have an All Access Pass!

Do you ever feel like God is a million miles away? Like you just don’t feel His presence the way you should – or the way you think you should? Like your prayers are just so hard to pray, and you don’t even know what you’re saying? I do.

If you’ve had this feeling before, I have good news for you: It doesn’t matter how you feel. If you are God’s child, you have an all access pass to God, the King of Kings, Creator of the Universe!

Are you jumping up and down yet? Just like you would if I handed you a FREE backstage, all access pass to a concert featuring your favorite band or solo artist? Still not sure this all access pass is for you?

I have proof! A few days ago, I found this awesome passage in Ephesians 2:17-18 that just about knocked me off my chair. Check this out! I hope you love it as much as I do:

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

I don’t know about you, but when I read this verse, my heart skipped a beat! This. Is. Life Changing! Feeling far away from God? You have access. Feeling close to God? You have access. Feeling down in the dumps, depressed, low? You have access. Feeling happy, loved, content? You have access!

So, raise your hands if you have access! Yes, that’s right! You, my dear friend, are SEEN and LOVED by the Almighty God. Because of Jesus and His work for you on the cross, you have an all access pass to God through His Spirit.

No one can tell you that you are not worthy to go backstage with Him, to relax on the luxurious couches in the green room, to experience all the joys of knowing God up close and personal. No one can deny or restrict your access! No one!

Now say it with me: I have access! The God of the Universe has personally invited ME to His backstage, off limits, members only area. I have an all access pass! No limits! No restrictions!

What will you do with your access?

 

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This post is part of my series, 31 Days to a Powerful Prayer Life. Click here to view links for each day in the series. Bloggers everywhere are linking up their 31 Day series this month to The Nester's blog!

 

All Is Grace

Ann Voskamp, author of the New York Times best seller One Thousand Gifts, has a favorite saying: "All is grace. God is always good and I am always loved." In her book, she convinces us that looking for grace in everything is the key to joy. "As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible."

A prayer of thanks, or "grace" as it is often referred to at meal times, is one of the simplest, yet most profound prayers we can offer. Food, shelter, clothing, love of friends and family... there are so many things for which we can give thanks. This quote by English writer G. K. Chesterton so beautifully illustrates the concept "all is grace." I would do well to remember this:

You say grace before meals.
All right.
But I say grace before the play and the opera,
And grace before the concert and the pantomime,
And grace before I open a book,
And grace before sketching, painting,
Swimming, fencing, boxing, watching, playing, dancing;
And grace before I dip the pen in the ink.

~ G. K. Chesterton

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During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!

31 Day Links

 

In homes all over the country (maybe even the world), bloggers from all backgrounds have taken the 31 Day Challenge this month! We're more than halfway through October already (can I get an amen?), and I thought you might like to check out some other bloggers who are writing on the topic of prayer. Over 450 bloggers are listed in the Inspiration & Faith category at the Nester's website, where the 31 Day Challenge originated!

Here are a few blogs dealing specifically with the topic of prayer:

31 Days of Focused Prayer: http://littlehousebigworld.com/31-days-of-focused-prayer/

31 Days of Praying God's Word: http://blessingsformom.com/31-days-day-1-knowing-gods-love/

31 Days "Exprayeriment": http://www.rachelinbloom.com/exprayeriment-31days/

31 Days of Praying for Your Teen: http://intentionaldays.com/2013/10/01/day-1-praying-for-your-teen-it-starts-with-me/

31 Days of Praying for the Nations: http://nateandannesummers.blogspot.com/2013/10/31-days-of-praying-for-nations.html

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During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!

Christians, Remember This...

 

Captivate Me: A Prayer

During a writer's workshop last year, I penned this simple prayer. My word for 2012 was "captivated," and this prayer embodied what I wanted my year to be. In case you're wondering, my word for 2013 is PRAYER. :-) 

Captivate me, Father,

with your beauty.

The radiance

of Your holiness,

raining down

 like a million brilliant diamonds

   upon a world in need of Light.

 

Captivate me, Father,

until I am torn away

from the things of this earth –

useless, meaningless things

that keep me from experiencing

all that You are.

 

Captivate me, Father,

with your goodness

that never ends,

and your grace

that never stops giving.

 

Captivate me, Father,

until all that I see

is Your beauty,

all that I dwell on

is Your face,

all that I want

 is You.

 

Captivate me.

Pray by Sanctus Real

 

 

The lyrics of this song by Sanctus Real couldn't fit better with my 31 Days series on prayer! Please take a minute to listen to the video and read the lyrics. You'll be glad you did!

 

Pray (Sanctus Real)

 

I bow my head to pray, I don't know what to say

I'm not sure how to fix the things I'm dealing with
I'm in a desperate place, I need to share the weight
But I just don't know how, to let it all pour out
Though I'm silent, my heart is crying
Cause I was made to come to You

So I pray
God I need You more than words can say
Right here in this moment
You know my heart, You know my need
You know every part of me
So even if it's just to speak Your name
I'm gonna pray

I failed to find the time, but You've been calling out
I let the days go by as if I could live without
But it's gotta be here now, I won't be pulled away
Cause it's just You and I, so let the world around us fade

As I pray
God I need You more than words can say
Right here in this moment
You know my heart, You know my need
You know every part of me
So even if it's just to speak Your name
I'm gonna pray
I'm gonna pray

(Father)
Will You meet me here right now?
(Father)
I surrender, lay it down
(Father)
And every time I close my eyes
I know that I was made
To lift my hands and pray
I lift my hands and pray

You know my heart, You know my need
And every single part of me
So even if it's just to speak Your name
I'm gonna pray
I'm gonna pray

You know my heart, You know my need
You know every part of me
More than words, You are my life
Take it as an offering 

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During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!

Why Your Soul Needs Silence

The highway stretched out in front of me, a never-ending line of grey dotted on either side by newly harvested fields. Drowning my thoughts in its sea of endless melodies and occasional commercials, the radio offered up a soundtrack for my journey. But I felt restless, not because the trip was wearing me out but because my soul needed silence.

Finally, I switched off the radio. The peace that washed over me was as immediate as the silence. I could finally be alone with my thoughts and talk to God.  

Have you ever felt this way? Like there's too much noise in your life? Sometimes we choose noise purposely; it's just easier to dwell in the chaos than to be alone with our innermost thoughts. So we fill up every available moment with sounds – radio, TV, iPod playlists, text or telephone conversations, podcasts and more.

We have an audio smorgasbord available to us 24/7, yet our souls are starving.

If you struggle with a distracted prayer life like I do, too much noise may be one of your problems. During this 31 Days to a Powerful Prayer Life series, I have offered a few tips  on how to be more focused when you pray. If you missed these posts, here are links for Tip1 and Tip 2. Now on to the next tip...

#3 Eliminate excess noise.

I'll admit this is a difficult one for me. I'm a noise junkie. I like having background noise, especially when I'm alone. I've been known to have a TV on in one room and a radio on in another, just for the noise.

But you know what? I've found that switching OFF the noise is one of the best things for my prayer life. If I'm intentional about switching off the TV while I'm getting ready in the morning, I can focus so much better on the day ahead and on asking for God's help.  

This week, try eliminating just 15-30 minutes of noise from your life in order to focus on prayer. If you're alone in the car, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to pray when the radio is off! Or, at home, when you would normally turn on the TV for a quick news update, fill that space with prayer instead. You won't even miss the noise, and you won't regret the time you spend with Jesus, the lover (and quieter) of your soul.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

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During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!

Sunday Links

Was your weekend as busy as mine? After running a million different directions, it's nice to take a deep breath for a second before another hectic week begins.

Here are some great resources to supplement and encourage you in your prayer life this week. Don't forget your best resource: Cover your week in prayer!

Prayer: A Heavenly Invitation by Max Lucado (the text for this short booklet can be read at this link): http://maxlucado.com/read/topical/prayer-a-heavenly-invitation/

Five Ways to Keep a Prayer Journal: http://rachelwojo.com/ways-to-keep-a-prayer-journal/

Free Printable Bookmarks for Your Prayer Journal: http://rachelwojo.com/goodies/

Create a Prayer Board: http://www.raisinggodlychildren.org/2011/12/prayer-board.html

Prayer Is the Key

Something to think about...

This weekend, be encouraged by this! Our attempts may be feeble, but God knows our deepest needs and He hears our prayers!

Apron Prayers

Susanna Wesley

I have to admit it: My best prayers are often in the shower. As a homeschooling mom of three, it’s pretty much one of my only places to get away. Even though my kids are all teenagers now, the demands for my attention didn’t stop when they hit 13. The requests have just matured: “Mom, do you have my car keys?” “Can I have a friend spend the night?” “Will you read over my paper for my dual-credit class?” “I need help with pre-Algebra!” and the ever-present “What’s for dinner?” (If you have a teenage boy, you know this one will inevitably come up at some point during the day!)

Last week, I started a sort of series within my 31 Day series by giving my number 1 tip on how to stay focused when you pray. (If you missed that post, click here to read it.) If you’re like me, your good intentions often turn into making out a to-do list for your day, and you never get back around to praying.

So, here’s tip #2 for a less distracted prayer life:
 

Pray in the shower, or anywhere you can really, truly be alone (and don’t bring your iPhone)!

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742) was the mother of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist movement and hugely influential in the spiritual life of England. Susanna had 19 children – yes, you read that right, NINETEEN (sadly, nine of her children died in infancy). Her home was far from peaceful and free of distractions. Her husband, Sam, who was a pastor, was once put in debtor’s prison. Two times, their home was burnt to the ground, and they lost everything. It was thought that the fires were deliberately set by angry church members who didn’t like what Sam preached from the pulpit. If anyone had an excuse to be “too busy” and “too distracted” to pray, it was Susanna Wesley.

But instead of making excuses, she devoted herself to two hours of prayer a day! As you can imagine, she struggled to find a quiet place to pray. So she came up with her own unique “prayer closet.” When she wanted to spend time in prayer, Susanna would sit down in her kitchen and throw her apron over her head. Her children knew not to disturb her when she was praying.

No doubt, her prayers were part of the reason her sons were able to bring millions of souls to Christ. Susanna’s diligence and devotion to God is an inspiration and a rebuke to me! How can I, with my life of ease and modern conveniences, offer any valid excuse for not praying?  

Lord, forgive me for making feeble excuses for my prayer life – or lack thereof. Captivate me with Your presence, and renew a desire to spend time with You in prayer. You are everything. I need you EVERY hour. I am nothing without You!

(During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!)

Disturb Us, Lord

When I first read this prayer, the beauty and the poignancy of its message struck my heart. As present day Americans, we often talk about "getting out of our comfort zones," but is it something we would ever actually request from God?

British explorer and adventurer Sir Francis Drake must have felt a similar way as he penned this prayer when he departed on an expedition in 1577:

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our effort to build a new earth
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back

The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

This we ask in the name of our Captain,

Who is Jesus Christ.
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During the month of October, bloggers from far and wide are linking up their posts on one topic for 31 Days. Check it out at The Nester's blog!