Category Archives: Prayers

Prayer for a Quiet Life

  By Rachel | May 8, 2013 - 11:16 am | Prayers
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Sitting With The Setting Sun - Plienmont, Guernsey

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

“But we urge you beloved, to do so more and more (love one another), to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

O Lord, as I read this passage in your holy Word, it was a reminder to me yet again- my purpose here- just as Jesus lived each day of his life- is simply to point others to you.  It is not for my fame, or my glory- but all, ever, only for my King.  And my mind floats to thoughts of Phil. 2, which my Bible calls Imitating Christ’s humility- and the way that passage strikes me every time- that the Son of God did not take what he thought he deserved or take advantage of his “connections” like so many in our world do, but Jesus emptied himself, became a slave to death, for us.  For the very ones shouting, “Crucify him!”
As I ponder all you have done, my heart wells with joy, love, and peace.  I am reminded of the hope I have in you, and I am touched in my spirit by that longing for my eternal home.  Sometimes it is so hard to remember, so hard to let go of all this bombardment of the senses in this temporal world, and reach for my home with you.  Thank you for small moments when I see glimpses of what is to come, and my heart draws strength.  You strengthen me according to your Word. Blessed be your Name in all the earth.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Philippians 2:5-11

 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
    taking the form of a slave,
    being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8     he humbled himself
    and became obedient to the point of death—
    even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
    and gave him the name
    that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
    every knee should bend,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
    that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Eyes to See

  By Rachel | May 1, 2013 - 7:19 pm | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
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Hummingbird

While saying goodbye to a friend, a hummingbird flew swiftly toward our feeder on the front porch.

It took only seconds for the tiny, graceful bird to swoop in, assess the situation, and rapidly depart- but I saw him and followed his flight away from us to a nearby tree.

My friend did not even notice him until I mentioned the hummingbird that had just come by.  Why?  My ears and eyes have been trained to look.  When I am outside or even pass by the window- I look to see if the hummingbird is feeding or simply perching on the hook that supports the feeder.

I have been trained to have eyes to see.

Just as my eyes have been trained to anticipate and look for the hummingbird, so our eyes must be trained to discern the work of God in our lives.

I wait in the morning in anticipation of the hummingbird’s arrival.  And when he flutters in and lands on the feeder, my heart is filled with joy and wonder that I get an opportunity to watch him.  I love noticing details about his outer appearance, but I also love to hear his wings hum and hear his sweet song.

Oh Lord, that I might anticipate you with such joy.  That my heart would be captivated by your song, and long to hear it again and again.

Oh Lord my God, help me be watchful for you- that I might be in tune with your will for my life.   May my ears listen to hear your voice, and my eyes look in anticipation of a glimpse of you. I don’t want to miss out on the blessings you have for me by choosing my own way.  Help me submit to your righteous, perfect will.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Matthew 13:14-16

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.  (see also Isaiah 6:9-10)

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

 

 

Still and Quiet Spirit

  By Rachel | April 16, 2013 - 11:23 am | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
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Field of Poppies

I feel very still and quiet today.

No questions lurking- as they pop up in my mind- I push them away.

I don’t know the answer.  Where the path lies.  And I recognize the crossroads here.

Following the path of the past- fix it, manage it, quickly.  Don’t admit that you are not sure where the future lies.  Have a plan- sound like you are in control.

And I wish to forge a new path.

For firm roots to sink deeper into my Savior.

To wait in trust.

To hope in Him.

To push all worry aside and simply say, “I trust you, those who put their faith in you will not be ashamed. ”

This is a narrow road.

Where losing a job can be seen as a blessing.

Where an uncertain future does not incite fear but grasped as an opportunity to grow in faith.

To live a life with God’s mark all over it.

All glory is His alone.

And when our lives take unexpected turns- we don’t lament- but we say, “what’s God up to?”

For the one who loves me more than any other…is also one who I can completely trust my life.

Psalm 131 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.

Only in you LORD, only in you do we find quiet rest and peace. In solitude and silence we find strength as we listen to your still small voice. Thank you LORD for the mysterious ways you work- gently speaking to us, urging us deeper in our intimacy with you- yet without demanding or pushing- in your mercy you orchestrate events in our lives to draw us near- to give us opportunities to choose you. I see your mercy and faithfulness as a string woven through the fabric of my whole life, always present, even in seasons when I failed to see. And now, when fears and doubts sometimes overwhelm, and I am tempted to seek comfort in old habits- oh LORD, help me cling to you. I never regret running to my refuge, my strong tower, the Rock that is my Redeemer. Help us to trust you today with what our eyes cannot see. To remember that You are love- full, abundant, steadfast love. We can trust you. Take our burdens LORD, we lay them down. Through your precious son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.

He Touched Me

  By Rachel | April 7, 2013 - 12:27 pm | Giving Thanks, Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
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IMG_3237

I open your Word, and you transform my reality.

The blurry comes into focus- your Truth touches me, and makes me whole.

I am satisfied as with a feast.

You know what I need, and generously pour words of comfort, discipline, and direction upon me.

I feel refreshed and revived.

Running Life's Waters Free

I rest.

And all the unanswered questions seem small in the light of your glory and grace.

You came to me during one of my lowest moments, when I was certain you had abandoned me- and left me in misery- and used all of the difficulties and hardships to refine me and give me a precious treasure in new depth of trust and faith in you.

This amazing and profound mystery- you touched me- you healed me and strengthened me-and made me whole.

I will never be the same.

Your Word speaks to me with power and authority- it shines light into my heart and brings peace.  It leads me in the path of life.

You live.

You walk with me and talk with me.

And I see now the greatest gift you give is simply- YOU.  Your presence.

Psalm 118:28-29

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

More precious than any prayer that you answer LORD, is the precious truth that you have given me yourself. Your abiding presence- Your love. May nothing in this world captivate me like you do. Help raise my eyes to look upon your face- to turn from the difficulties and struggles and simply gaze upon your truth. You are here- you are faithful- you are my rock and my deliverer. You hold my family in the palm of your hand. We are safe. I know I have the strength to face this unknown future when you are holding me- when you guide our steps and help us. Thank you for your promises- thank you for speaking peace to me when my heart is troubled. I am overwhelmed by your goodness and steadfast love to me. All praise and honor to our God and King forever, Amen.

In Times of Temptation

  By Rachel | March 9, 2013 - 1:14 pm | Prayers
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Woman prays

I have a particular weakness or infirmity that I am praying that the Lord would free me from.  I believe that we are given power when the Holy Spirit lives within us- and that the bondage of sin can be broken through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This habitual sin has always been a struggle.

Do you have a sin that just never seems to go away?  This one will ebb and flow- never fully leaving and sometimes the temptation is so strong- or it comes in times when I am weak and my guard is down.

I was praying this morning that God would help me to surrender myself completely to Him- that He would give me power to purge this sin out of my life.

Here is the prayer He gave to me, I hope that it will encourage you.  I am going to put it on a notecard and carry it in my pocket daily.

Psalm 86 (portions of verses 1-11)

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.  You are my God, be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you I cry all day long.  Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication.  In the day of my trouble, I call on you, for you will answer me.  Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your Name.

I was reading in Ephesians 3-5 this morning, and it was so convicting.  All aspects of my life are lived in the presence of God.  My secret sins are not secret from him.  He knows my heart- and any place in my life where I seek refuge or comfort in anything besides Him alone.

Ephesians 5:8-20

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Sleeper, awake!
    Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer for Hope

  By Rachel | March 5, 2013 - 12:49 pm | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
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New Growth
Looking for growth.

As I eagerly made my way to the window this morning to peer out at the pots planted with seeds, I cannot hide the jubilation in my spirit at the hope of spring.

I daily make a tour of the yard, looking for new signs of growth, reveling in each new flower or bud of green.

Am I that expectant as I wait on you?

Do I hope and anticipate your provision?

For you are more sure and steady than the hope of spring.

You never fail to keep your promises. 

Those who hope in you will not be put to shame.

Oh Lord, when answers are a long time coming-sometimes I lose hope.  I lose that expectant belief in my spirit- that eagerness to see your provision.  Strengthen my faith today Lord, as I wait on you.  As I remember your faithfulness through generations, may I hold unswervingly to the hope I have in you- knowing that you keep your promises.  You know what I need, and the time in which I will need it.  You have never put me to shame.  Let me say again with David- for God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us (Ps. 62:5-8).  In Jesus precious and holy name, Amen.

Psalm 130:5-6

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
 my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.

More Than A Taste

  By Rachel | February 22, 2013 - 12:24 pm | Mommy Moments, Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
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Fork!

In the silent stillness of the morning.

When the whole house sleeps, but one.

A Mom bowed low.

Praying desperate whispered prayers in the silence.

Begging for God to make her children hungry for more than a taste.

To make a Mom who helps lead them to the cross.

To the only feast that truly satisfies.

The bread of life.

O Lord, may they be hungry for you.

May all other things in this life never hold sway in their life like you do.

Thank you God, that you hear the prayers of a sinful, broken woman who longs to live and love like your Son Jesus.

May no other hunger grip me more firmly than my desire for your bread.

May my thirst never slacken for the nourishment and refreshment of your Word.

I come before you today, once again overwhelmed by the reality of your love- your provision- your presence.  How you meet me and refresh me in your Word.  You reward those who diligently seek you.  When we seek you with all of our heart.  Your Word is life and light to me.  You strengthen and uphold me.  In you I hope.  You give me joy in motherhood.  For every time I realize that I can’t, or I screw up- I remind myself that your power is made perfect in weakness.  I am brought on my knees once again.  I seek forgiveness and start again.  I am not discouraged for you are with me.  I do not fear for you will not forsake me.  You will strengthen and help me.  You produce fruit through me, as I seek your face.  You uphold me and hold me, you cover me.  And thank you God, you cover my children.  You lead them, you are present with them.  Even now you are working in their lives and it is so glorious to see.  My heart rejoices in God my Savior.  For you are faithful, now and forever. Praise your Holy Name.  Amen.

 

Prayer for a Tranquil Mind

  By Rachel | November 16, 2012 - 3:10 pm | Prayers
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Tranquil Sunset

Oh Lord my God.  Creator of the world.  Mighty Sovereign ruler of all- rule my mind.  Help me take every thought captive.  When I catch those glimpses of how my mind has conformed to the world, I grieve.  I cry out, help me Lord!  Change me, transform my mind- conform it to your will alone.  All my feeble efforts amount to nothing without your abiding presence.  Jesus Christ, I need you.  As I accept the yoke of your discipline, show me rest.  Give me a tranquil mind- filled only with peaceful confidence and trust in my Savior and God.  I believe in faith that you can accomplish this- without you I know it is impossible.  Oh Lord, I am so desperate for your help.  Every time I stray from your presence and strive in human effort (in my flesh) I fall, I fail.  And as I run back to you, I humbly come- grieved that I left you.  Holy Spirit, guide me- help me, counsel me and give me wisdom. I want the peace of Christ to rule in my heart and mind.  Transform me into your image- and may all fame and glory be Yours.  Take all the honor and praise Lord- guide my steps.  You are my rock, the true cornerstone- my stronghold.  In You, I will not be shaken.  Thank you God, for your mercy poured out- that you want to know me- that you sought me and love me.  My heart wells with thanks and praise.  Great is Your Name in all the earth.  I raise my voice to praise you- to lift a song of praise to my King.  You are worthy.  In Jesus Name and through His blood I pray, Amen.

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Steady My Steps

  By Rachel | October 22, 2012 - 2:34 pm | Prayers
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Slippery path

Ps 37:23-24 Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.

Lord, as I read these words this morning, I was reminded again how much I need you. Just as you told Cain, sin is lurking at the door, and its desire is for me, but I must master it. Oh Lord, give me boldness and courage today- to live in your Truth. To walk in confidence in your Word and never cease to abide in You. Let me be like putty in your hands- that you may mold me as you will. Empty me of pride and self-sufficiency- let me move and live and breathe only as you move in me. Keep my feet from stumbling. May all that I say and do bring glory and honor to you. When I stumble today, Lord may I be quick to seek you in humility. Thank you for this day Lord, for the precious boy sitting in my lap- for your love that never ceases to pour overflowing upon me. Blessed be your Name. Amen.

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Prayer for Patience

  By Rachel | October 3, 2012 - 11:33 am | Mommy Moments, Prayers
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Yellow Flowers

Lord, O my Savior and God.  Thankfulness fills my soul as I reach for you now.  As my soul seeks and humbly submits to its right place.  Clinging to your presence today I humbly ask, with passionate fervor, O Lord let me dwell in peace today.  When circumstances force the unexpected upon me- help me to handle it with grace.  May anger be far from me.  Holy Spirit, help me.  Convict me and move me toward calm and patience and away from anger and frustration.  Help me to let go of my desire to control, and to trust you with whatever comes my way.

My heart trembles when I think of my children always watching.  Even as I disciplined them yesterday, I was profoundly reminded that you discipline those you love, just as we seek to discipline our children.  I felt grieved in my spirit that my children might think that you discipline like I do.  Lord, you are so perfect in your patience and faithfulness to me.  How many times have I given you reason to throw up your hands in frustration or despair for me ever getting it right- and yet you always- always- graciously forgive me and tenderly lead me in the path of righteousness.

Please God cultivate in me love and patience like yours.  That loves with such passion and grace that anger is far from my lips.  Lord, let me not discipline my children in arrogance and superiority- but always with a humble spirit that recognizes that my children are also teaching me.  Let me be slow to speak; help me to listen and ask thoughtful questions.  To always be willing to stop and pay attention.

I know with a deep and penetrating certainty, like a shot through my soul, that my deepest regrets years from now will be my failure to seek You daily and petition your help as I guide these precious children you have entrusted into my care.  O Lord, I want them to love you and serve you all of their days.  Help me to model integrity and righteousness- for your glory- that they may serve You in joy and obedience all of their days.

Lord, thank you for always being with me.  For loving me even after days when I feel like I have failed.  Thank you for enfolding me in your arms and entreating me to leave yesterday behind and approach today in the confidence that you will never leave me nor forsake me and will guide me and place my feet on the right path.  My heart feels awash with love and gratefulness.  I know I can place my trust in You.

In the power of your Holy Spirit Lord, I submit this day to you.  By the blood of Jesus, Amen.

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