Pray for Families (Blessings Worth Treasuring)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ, just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and immaculate in his sight. Ephesians 1:3-4

Blessed are you. You are chosen! Now is the perfect time to ponder all the ways the Lord has blessed you non-materially. What has the Lord done for you than makes your heart burst with gratitude? Who or what are the true treasures in your life that have enriched it immeasurably?  

On the news recently was a clip regarding the widespread California wildfires. The story highlighted a firefighter, who battled multiple blazes only to find out his own home burned down. He and his wife went to view the remains of their home. The wife explained her emotional state perfectly. “‘All this”, she said gesturing to the former site of her home filled with possessions, “can be replaced. My husband cannot. Thus the loss of him is what would have been unbearable.”

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Philippians 4:12-13

While we all have trials in our lives, let us pray for those being crushed by them, especially family members. Then praise God for all that is good.  

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

When you feel the heat in life, the Lord is right beside you.  That’s worth sharing, so pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Love, Patience, and Perseverance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Fear not, for I am with you.  Isaiah 43:5

The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he made the marriage covenant indissoluble. Since feelings ebb and flow over time, without a covenant bond it would be easy when one’s relationship is in the valley to make a quick exit downstream. Yet, without the valley, would we ever feel a need to draw closer to our Lord? It’s as if at the lowest point of our marriage He wants to pull us close to His heart and teach us how to love again.

Love one another as I love you. John 15:12

Christ loves us passionately; enough to die for us. Treat your spouse as if you are madly in love with them, and soon the feelings will follow. Love is always an action.  Our actions change both the recipient and us. Thus as your relationship rises back up, when you are on the mountaintop you will want to praise God!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation! 

Psalms 68:19

Good and gracious Lord, grant us all the grace to weather the ups and downs of the marital relationship. Teach us to love our spouses as Christ loves us: without reserve and unconditionally. Grant us the virtues of patience and perseverance, so that we can remain faithful to our vows and faithful to You. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Encourage one another to continue the journey. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Prepared for Joy)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

With the realization of December, stress goes up. Whether one is a stay-at-home parent managing the household, a working parent dealing with end of year business deadlines, or a family where both parents work, adding “preparation for the holidays” to your to-do list can be overwhelming.  Rarely does one then project their best self. During the holidays we more easily become on edge, reactive, snippy, emotional, and exhausted.   

As we enter into Advent, let us prepare ourselves for Joy as we focus on the reason for the season. God sent us the Gift of a Savior, so let us also be generous and give the gifts that are most greatly needed by all: Love, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and hope. Do not be derailed by external pressures, but rather, with joy do what is necessary, and forget what isn’t. As a result, your own joy will increase.

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Lord, let us not be overwhelmed by external preparations, but renewed by the internal preparation of our heart for You. Grant us hope when we feel overwhelmed, patience when we feel short-tempered, and love when we feel depleted.  Fill us with joy! May we in turn gift it to others, especially our family, so that they may sense the true gift of the season.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Share your Master's joy. Pass it on!