Pray for Families (Suffering in Silence)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Most will agree, despite the many blessings in life, it is not without its challenges. While one can have numerous friends and family members, when tragedy strikes in any of its forms, one can still feel alone.

I turned every way, but there was no one to help; I looked for support but there was none. Sirach 51:7

For who can understand one’s hidden pain, that which is so hard to articulate? Who can comprehend the complexity of its origin, the path of its existence, and prescribe the antidote to ease the pain?

Then I remembered the mercies of the LORD, his acts of kindness through ages past; For he saves those who take refuge in him, and rescues them from every evil. I called out: LORD, you are my Father, my champion, my savior! Do not abandon me in time of trouble, in the midst of storms and dangers. Sirach 51:8, 10

Has the Lord unexpectedly put someone on your heart?  Perhaps he is nudging you to reach out for a reason?  Maybe the Lord is sending you to be His representative! Sometimes the  gift of our presence is all that is needed— a word, a note, a text, a call. While one can’t always know who is suffering in silence, each can be more attentive to the Lord’s promptings.  

Conversely, maybe you are the one in need of support. Ask someone for help/assistance if you can. But if that feels overwhelming, turn to the Lord of mercy and love, and know he will never abandon you.

Lord, we lift up our family and friends, and even those we don’t know, and ask you to bless them.  Allow us to be your hands and feet in service. Give us the ears to hear your call, the heart to spread your love, and the gentleness of your loving compassion. See the internal and external suffering of your children, and beckon them to rest in your sacred wounds, and bathe them in your merciful love.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:8

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray, listen, and pass it on!

PRAY!

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As life keeps pulling me in different directions, I hope you have developed a habit of prayer that needs little to no reminders.  

That being said, be attentive to those who ask for prayers, for it takes such humility to ask. Consider praying as well for those who may need prayer, but may not have the courage nor prayerful network whom they could ask. Then trust in the power of each prayer and God’s desire to answer in the way He finds most efficacious for that soul!

The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal. Ezekiel 34:16

The Lord is faithful, so be faithful to prayer!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Pray twice and pass it on!

Pray for Families (Placing in His Care)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In talking with friends, relatives, and acquaintances, there is no shortage of prayer intentions for one’s family.  Most Christians worry more about their families than themselves. Spouses, parents, children (young and adult), nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors - all weigh on our hearts as we want what’s best for them - to know and trust the Lord throughout whatever trial (short or extended) that they are going through. We desire that they experience His love and peace. 

While all of us here believe in the power of prayer, when we combine it with fasting, it becomes turbo-charged.  While I’m not so sure that is the terminology the Lord would use, scripture does show that in times of repentance or deep need, the petitioner both prayed and fasted.

I turned to the Lord God, to seek help, in prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. Daniel 9:3

So we fasted, seeking this from our God, and it was granted. Ezra 8:23

With prayer and fasting, [they] commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. Acts 14:23

When you feel your prayers are not bearing fruit (that you can see), consider adding fasting. Fasting comes in many forms.  It is a custom in the church to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Some people will choose a day and fast between certain hours.  Others may choose to abstain from meat.  Still others, from their favorite food. However, not all fasting has to be from food.  What is your guilty pleasure?  Perhaps you can fast from“screen time, video games, alcohol, gambling, pornography, or any other vice on behalf of your prayer intention. Then at least two people benefit!

Lord, our hearts are full of worry and sorrow regarding our loved ones. Help us to trust you more and place those we cherish into your loving arms.  We unite our prayers and sacrifices, however small, to your ultimate sacrifice.  Look kindly upon our petitions, and in your mercy, hear and answer us.  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray and fast for one another. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Faith and Trust)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Those who are close to Christ know that joy can be found even amidst sorrows. Crosses can strengthen us, yet everyday we need to renew our commitment to love our crosses! But for many who struggle in marriage, the journey can be crushing, especially if they are unyoked spiritually. They can’t unite through Christ. The Lord shows us however, that even He fell 3 times from the weight of believers and unbelievers alike, but through faith, He understood that the Father would give Him (and us) the strength to continue the journey. And on that journey, He will put people in your path to assist you.

Spend a moment thinking about those who have unexpectedly entered into your journey for a moment or more.  Praise God for his tender love!  He has a plan for you that is beyond comprehension.  It just takes faith and trust.  

If any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she is willing to go on living with him, he should not divorce her; and if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to go on living with her, she should not divorce her husband. For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through the brother. Otherwise your children would be unclean, whereas in fact they are holy. 

1 Corinthians 7:12-14

Consider that with your assent, you may be an instrument of holiness!

If the unbeliever separates, however, let him separate. The brother or sister is not bound in such cases; God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband; or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 1 Corinthians 7:15-16

Yet, even the unbeliever has free will. 

Lord, we pray that we may know your will, and surrender to it. Guide each one of us in our marriages, and make the good ones even better! Give light to the unbeliever. Grant us the wisdom and restraint we need in our words, behaviors, and actions. You are our strength, and in You we cannot fail.  Jesus, we trust in You!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray for fortitude in marriages. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Surrender and Trust)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Happy New Year! Another year where we can offer praise, adoration, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving before the Lord!

Regardless of your struggles, sorrows, and/or frustrations, focus on the positive and begin this year with praise.

“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13

Praise will change how you view your sorrows, for when you place yourself in Christ’s presence, He will generously give you the graces you need in life. Your crosses will feel lighter, and your sorrow will transform into joy.

It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 

1 Corinthians 1:30

Lord, as we pray for family, help us to trust in your love and care for them. Help us see that it is not our job to change others, but YOURS. Instead of worry and fruitless efforts to control, help to surrender our loved ones to You and give us the grace to be steadfast in prayer and fasting on behalf of our loved ones. Jesus, we trust in You!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer is the answer. Pass it on!