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National Day of Prayer

As I gave thought to the National Day of Prayer, I wondered exactly what to pray for.  With the world more conflicted than ever there is plenty to pray about.  But I always seem to circle back around to my needs, those of family and friends that are near and dear to me.  It’s a never ending laundry list that seems more like begging that giving thanks.  Do you find that also?  Or perhaps you are in the middle of such of whirlwind of mayhem that you feel overwhelmed and without words to pray?

However you pray know that God knows you personally and what you are feeling. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”  Matthew 10:26-31 NIV.

He sent Jesus to show us the way and how to pray-

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
(Matthew 6:9-13, New International Version)

He also sends the Holy Spirit to be with you and speaks on your behalf.

“But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things.” John 14:26 AMPC

Through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit you are never alone.

While formal prayers are certainly helpful, sometimes it is good to recall that praying is simply talking with someone who loves you and knows you so intimately that nothing you can say will ever change their love for you.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.  In other words, God’s love shown on the cross allows the believer to be a conqueror in adversity.  God walks with us through every adversity and hardship.

If you have never prayed before here is a great link to get you started.  It is a Beginners Guide to Prayer at https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/prayer/how-to-pray.html

Here are some things you might pray about.  I have put them in categories called ACTS.  ACTS = Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

 Adoration:

• Praise God for who He is
• Praise God for what He has done for you, your life, your world.
• Praise God for His presence in your life.
• Praise God that He sent his only Son to show you the way and to die for you so that you could have eternal life.

 Confession:

• Pray that you are able to love your enemies
• Pray that you would give up your bad habits, hangups, and hurts
• Pray that you would use your time, money and energy positively and not as a priority in your life.
• Pray for the ability to forgive those that have hurt you.
• Pray for kindness, obedience, and humility during difficult moments.
• Pray for hope and courage despite fear and insecurity.

 Thanksgiving:

• Thank God for what He has done for you, the world, and your life.
• Pray that you remember God’s love and grace for you
• Thank God for each day is a new beginning and an opportunity for your mind to be renewed.

Supplication (Requests):

• Pray for your neighbors
• Pray for those in need
• Pray for those who do not know Jesus
• Pray for your church or Christian Community
• Pray for your city, nation and civic leader

Adding prayer to my day has enriched my life in so many ways.  From realizing that I am not in control of many things in my life but that with God in my life I gain a strength that I know doesn’t come from me when I am facing mayhem.  Knowing that my strength comes from someone so much stronger, capable, and all knowing, relieves me of the fear and brings feelings of hope rather than hopelessness. “ Popcorn prayers” and “mini moments” with God help get me through a day of pain, sadness, fear and loss.

So will you make a commitment or recommit yourself to not just talking to God but talking with Him.  And make each day a new beginning.  May God bless you and know that I will be praying for you my dear readers.

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.