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Showing posts with the label prayer

Talking to God 101

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Photo courtesy of Christianity Today (After the horrific events in El Paso and Dayton last weekend, this post seems uniquely timed.) 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. "How do I pray? What do I say to Him?" she asked. I have had this late-night conversation more than once in recent days. Actually, I used to be this person--without a clue how to talk to God. The big secret on how to talk to God is no secret at all. Talk to Him like He is your friend because you'll never have a better one. Check out the prayers of Jesus in the New Testament. He spent long hours alone, before the Throne of Grace. When you're feeling upset, confused, anxious or just plain mad, tell your Heavenly Father how you feel. He can't wait to hear what's on your mind. Pr...

The Power Source

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We made prayer boxes in our small group on Friday night. So much fun! Matthew 21:21-22 (KJV) 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  "Have you ever said, 'Well, all we can do now is pray?'...When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God."--Billy Graham "The reality is, my prayers don't change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit onto authentic connection with God himself."--Lysa TerKeurst "Prayer is where the action is."--John Wesley

Pray Without Ceasing

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Last week, I started a Scripture Series based on I Thessalonians 5:16-23. I was blessed to have a whole bunch of people praying for me in the last year and a half. I felt every one. It is an amazing feeling, knowing that you are completely covered in prayers from God's people. Now it is time for me to return the favor. There is someone I love who is suffering. Instead of feeling helpless, I can take action. I can pray. Praying is something I have developed over the years. When I was a kid, I only prayed if I was in a tight spot or really wanted something badly. After I became a Christian, I spent more and more time in prayer, as I realized it made things happen. Today, I have a near-constant exchange with the Savior. I know this about prayer: It is powerful.                              It is intimate.             ...

Friday Colorful Face

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Here's my Friday Face! I have always liked bright colors and it seems like I like them even more now that I'm bald. The good health is holding. I'm feeling pretty strong and mostly energetic (thanks to regular exercise and loads of sleep). My attitude is also good. That's due in large part to all of those folks (you know who you are) who are praying, encouraging, sending cards, messages and emails, bringing food and cleaning (our own personal angel!). I am humbled and honored and radically blessed by your love. Thank you, from the depths of my soul. I get an extra week off between chemo treatments for the Thanksgiving holiday. The next infusion is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 26. Thanks in advance for travel safety and return to health prayers! *** Creator of All, I am in awe of your great love and mercy towards me. Strengthen me, I pray, for the battle that is before me. Bless each one that lifts me in prayer. In Jesus' precious name, Amen. ...