I believe in the power of prayer. Period.
I've been going to 5am prayer at my church for months now. I got off track when we went to Orlando. The kids started school and I'm just now getting back to it.
I LOVE 5am prayer. I love my prayer time but there is something about GOING to pray. Putting forth the effort to get up and get dressed and leave your home to pray with a group of believers.
This has been a tough week for me emotionally. I'm learning that I can NOT depend on my "feelings". They are fickle and when it comes to prayer, don't mean much at all.
I'm learning that when God places someone or something on my heart. I need to go ahead and handle that, no matter HOW I feel.
I am starting to see some of the things that God is doing in my life. It's humbling AND scary lol.
I'm thankful that He is trusting me with such things and it KEEPS me on my knees because I don't want to mess it up.
It's amazing when I see my prayers come to pass. AMAZING.
Let me set the record straight. I'm NOT a selfish prayer. NERP. Of course I have needs/wants/desires but God's Will for my life is the thingI pray for DAILY.
I don't want to do ANYTHING that isn't in God's will for ME.
There are things that I want that God is CLEARLY showing me He doesn't want for me. The LAST thing I want is for Him to give it to me ANYWAY. That would be horrible lol.
He's able to see things I have NO idea about, so I'mma trust HIM.
I started keeping a prayer journal in January and it's been amazing to go back and read some of my prayers. I try to write down when God answers a prayer also. That prayer journal has been THE best thing for me.
We have a family prayer box. It's this BIG pretty box. I'm teaching the kids to pray. The importance of prayer. When we have something super special that we really need GOd to do, we write it down, fold it up, date it and put our name on it. No one can read what anyone else wrote, but when God answers the prayer, we go back and find ours and date it and put ANSWERED on the outside.
Talk about a good track record.
Live a life where you KNOW God hears and answers your prayers. Don't be the type of person that just prays when things are going wrong. Have a RELATIONSHIP with God so that He knows you.
Don't be like that person you know who ONLY comes to you when they need something. Don't you roll your eyes and ignore their call when they do?
Just something to think about.
I'm not perfect, just striving to be the woman God wants me to be. Keeping my life lined up with the WORD!
Moe/ 11.09.2011
Love it !!!
Vanessa/ 11.09.2011
How inspiring! Our pastor spoke about the difference between believers and disciples this weekend at our church. Approximately 78% of our country claims they are “believers,” but of course all 78% of those that claim this are not digging deep in the word of God and allowing it to change their life–these are the disciples. Your post sounds like you are a disciple. Thanks for sharing!
Pam W/ 12.09.2011
Adrienne………..this post was so timely. I am going though some things right now in my life. Your post has given me pause and is making me really rethink some things. Thanks so much for being such an inspiration!!!!
Pam/ 12.09.2011
Sooo inspiring. I too keep a prayer journal and I write down every.single.thing I “want” for myself and others. It’s amazing to go back and see the prayers that have been answered – even the small stuff. Thank you for these posts Adrienne!
Kisha/ 12.09.2011
Great post!! We also have a prayer box, have had it for about 12 years now. Our box can not be reopened, once the prayers or concerns are inserted (given to God) they can not be taken back out. God is SOOO good!! Isn’t it a great feelin to live for Christ
Susan C/ 14.09.2011
Adrienne – this post truly touched my heart. Thank you. Susan
Roxann/ 15.09.2011
Adrienne,
As the others have already stated, this is a great post!!! I will share that my pastor asked the congregation a question a few weeks ago, “How many have faith in God”? Many hands were raised then he asked, “How many trust God”? Interesting thought…..faith vs trust.
would prefer to remain anonymous/ 28.11.2011
Am loving your blog posts on belief. I too am a seamstress and a believer, this idea about the boxes has a lot of appeal.
Interesting too, how you mention that relationships are a two way street.
If we wait for God’s timing we’ll have what he wants for us. Makes me think of weddings that never should have happened. But it is also important to remember that “what man intends for evil God can use for good” Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
Someone told me once that her own family only called her when they needed favours, and no one seemed to see that as a problem at all. Ever since then, I begin with an apology if I’m forced by circumstance to ask for a favour. She committed suicide, and I heard the very people who hadn’t valued her, state that her death was the ultimate act of selfishness. I too am prone to depression, and suicide is a selfish act. My thoughts on hearing their comments were many. One was, you have clearly never felt as unloved as she did. When you feel that way, you literally feel as though your presence on this earth would not only not be missed, it would go unnoticed. Secondly, we never know who feels that way, and so every word we say does matter. Thirdly, a person who is depressed like that needs a listening ear. Preferably they ought to be the ones listening to and helping someone else. Nothing takes you away from your own problems like helping a person in need.
Go play checkers at the local seniors home. Volunteer to wheel them to and from their mealtimes. It’s needed. Going where you are needed is one of the signs of faith. Go with God, go on your knees, go where you are needed.
Thanks again for your lovely and inspiring posts. Nice to see a fellow believer online.