A Day With Prayrer

How many of us start our day with prayer? How many of us pray throughout the day? Praying doesn't have to be long. You don't have to close your eyes. You can even do it while you work. Without prayer, we are silent to God. All too often, we think of praying when things aren't going well, someone is sick or we need/want something. Praise is a wonderful form of prayer as we thank our Father for everything in our lives. This means the good and thebad.

One of our church members is currently in the hospital and she is not doing well. This godly lady is the one who founded our preschool and is a cornerstone in our church. She has had a rough 6-8 years. I remember visiting her in the hospital and seeing her praise God even as she is going through treatment. Seeing that will always be an encouragement to me when I pray. We had all been praying individually for this lady, but my sister decided we needed to hold a prayer circle for her. She was at work and could not leave, so I took the reins. I contacted a family member to get an update and to ask if they could be there. We set a time, put it out on the prayer chain and also posted it on Facebook. In spite of everyone's busy schedules, the short 1-hour notice was not a deterrent at all! I asked that whoever could come in person, come, but if not, pray where you are at that time. Heartfelt prayers were sent to God, and will continue until God's will be done.

When things get tough, we sometimes forget that ultimately, we want His will to be done. We pray for the family and friends as they maneuver through the decisions that need to be made. We pray for the doctors to have wisdom as they treat her. But, in the big picture, it doesn't matter. We prayed and followed God's will in the process. The outcome is in His hands. If He chooses to take her home to be with Him, praise God! If He chooses to heal her to stay on earth with us, Praise God! We, as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, are following God's will and desire His will to be done. It's not on our terms, butHis.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests toGod.

1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.

Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.