psalm 119:72

PSALM 119:72

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

We can actually be blessed from bad things that happen to us, or, as the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. 

Lord,
You are my loving Father, here now and in control of everything. I pray that I would be Your helper in the circumstances of my life.

I pray for Lee, who is suffering. I pray for his mental health, that You would restore him to a spirit of calm and peace and happiness. I pray for his faith in You, that You would show him Yourself, the real You. I pray that he would see You in others. I pray for a spirit of optimism and strength and confidence.

I pray for myself, that I would be Your helper in helping Lee. Show me opportunities to make things better for him, and for us. 

I pray for this week at the lake with Grammy and Grand Daddy.

I pray for my girls, that they would both find their true gifts and learn to look to You in all things.

I pray for my book, which i plan to return to after a week away. Lord, please lead the way.

In Your son's precious name I pray,

Amen

purpose

Each person has a purpose on earth. What is your purpose?

We have a purpose. In fact, we were called according to God’s purpose (Rom. 8:28), and the purpose for believers is that we were  called; then justified; and, finally, glorified (Rom. 8:30) to become the very children of God and to be conformed into the image of the Son of God (Rom. 8:29).

So my purpose ultimately is to be conformed into the image of the Son of God.

Since God created us to be His handiwork, He set up for us in advance good works for us to do that would glorify God (Eph. 2:10).

Thank you Lord for Lily's play. You are in control, and You know what the future holds for Lily. It's all according to Your plan. I pray that I would peacefully guide her with You in mind always. I don't know what You have planned for Lily, but I know You have something, and my main job is to point the way towards You.

I pray for Lily's purpose, that whatever You have planned for her will be to Your glory, and that she will fulfill the purpose You have for her. I pray the same for Isabel. Whatever her purpose is, I pray that she will fulfill it in due time, and that I might guide her to look to You, always.

I pray for our time with Grammy and Grand Daddy at the lake, and then for our time in France with Grandma and Papi. Please remind me of Your presence, and that You are a source of wisdom and comfort, always. I pray that You would smooth our way.

I pray that Isabel and Lily would learn their division and multiplication tables.

I pray for our country in light of the same sex marriage equality law passed yesterday. This is a deeply confusing subject, and I am in no position to make any judgements. 


But I pray for the people who still don't know You, that they may not be disengaged from You because of this debate.

In Your son's name I pray,
Amen

prayers for lily

(Rhetorical Jesus)

Satan will tempt you with lies, but do you believe my way is better?


Your way, Lord, is peaceful. It's forgiving. It allows me to breathe. I pray today for Lily, who acts in a short play today at the end of acting camp.

Lord, I remember that You are in control. I pray to You, the One in control, that You will give Lily a spirit of peace. I pray that she would be her usual delightful self. I pray that there might be no misunderstandings, and that she might simply be helpful and loving towards the other kids.

I pray that You will bring her lines to her mind, and that she will feel confident and joyful as she delivers them. I pray for my Lilybug, Lord. I pray that You would be with her, and that she would know this.

Lord Jesus, You are in charge. The devil would have us feel nervous or uncomfortable or suffer from misunderstandings among friends. I pray that we would keep our focus on You. In You, there is peace, and no reason to sweat the small stuff. Or the big stuff. 

I pray that You would give me the words. I pray that You would give Lily a spirit of peace and happiness so that she will be able to say the lines that she already knows very well.

I pray for Diana, Marina, and Aurora. For Marina and Aurora, that they would remember their lines and have a wonderful time, too.

I pray for our play date together afterwards, that we would have a time of love and joy together.

Thank You for the opportunity to write and act in the VBS skits. 

In Your son's precious name I pray,

Amen

We are Christ's body

Why the church is called the Body of Christ–we’re to do what He would do if He was still here on earth.


Lord, 

I pray for wisdom in how to guide my children toward You and towards loving others in Your name. I am going to take Isabel to pick out a backpack and school supplies for a child in need today. I pray that she will see WHY, which is that we are the body of Christ. We are to do what He would do if He was still here on earth.

I pray for Lee, for his emotional, spiritual and physical health. I pray for healing. I pray that he will see a way forward in forging a relationship with Chris and being part of the worship band. I pray that I might figure out how to help him.

I pray for the bathroom fixes that need fixing. Lord, I don't know if I'm more of his servant helper by not nagging him about it, or by being more proactive. I know that if I try to do it myself, he will feel emasculated. I pray that I would be reminded of all Lee does for me, and the fact that I'm living a charmed life because of his effort. I thank You Lord for Lee! I am so grateful for him!

I pray for Your help in writing my book. It's Your book, not mine. Please guide me.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen

examining my heart

I know my own heart is deceitful, and I know my own motives and attitude are anything but always pure, but I strive to have Christ’s mind and am constantly examining my intents. 

Lord,
I strive to have Christ's mind. I strive to do the things Christ would do if He were here in the flesh. He would take care of Lee today, and also find a way to get in touch with Dad in a way that won't upset Lee. On this Father's Day, He would strive to serve You first and foremost, by loving them.

Lee may or may not present frustrations and obstacles to my desire to serve him. I pray that he does not! But if he does, that's not my concern. My job is to love, love, love him. That's what I will do.

I pray for the VBS skit dress rehearsal today, that we will remember our lines, and learn how to act with the microphones, and that we will most of all remember that what we are doing is for You and in Your service. I pray that the children will hear our message and learn about You.

I pray for this busy week ahead. VBS, of course. I pray for the swim meet on Monday, that both girls will do their best and learn quality lessons about good sportsmanship. I pray that You would show me ways to arrange their lives around You.

I pray for Lily's acting camp this week, that she will thrive and blossom and LOVE IT. I pray that Lily will find her thing that she excels in, whatever that is besides being a pure delight to me.

I pray for a spirit of capability and usefulness to serve You.

In Your son's name I pray,
Amen

Galatians 6:7

There are consequences for our actions–either blessings or curses. 

Lord,

Have mercy on me, a sinner.

I pray for this day, that You will lift me out of my negative feelings.

I pray for the pool volunteer who disappoints me. I pray that You would change my heart towards him. What I perceive isn't always the case. Also, what I perceive in him are sins of omission that I myself can and do commit. I pray that I would not be so tightly wound, but that I would be gentle in spirit, both when I speak and also in my heart.

I pray for VBS, for the whole endeavor, that Your spirit will hover over the church and protect all who are under its roof, and that the children will learn.

I pray for our skit team, that we will have Your peace, and not be frazzled. I pray for Leigh, that You would heal her of her cold, and that You would protect the rest of us from catching a cold before we take the stage to serve You.

I pray for Lee and for my feelings towards him. I pray that I would not depend on him for my happiness, but instead that I would see him as one I've been called on to serve and to love. I pray that You would enable me to lavish him with love, and to want to do it.

I pray for Isabel and Lily, that You would make a space for us to have a devotional and talk about You.

I pray for this book, that Your spirit would pour through me and into my hands on the keyboard.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen

party plans

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Lord, I don't want to slip away, and yet without a daily bible study that is just what I do. Please forgive me, and bring me back. I need You desperately, though I don't give You my time.

You are in control, even as I spin out of control. The book is Yours, not mine. I can see each day as a new opportunity to hear what You want me to add to it, how You want me to form it. I am in the building the bones phase, just getting the story down. I am not at a loss, or anxious, because You are in control. I just put down one paragraph at a time, one segment at a time, chapter by chapter, as You lead me.

You are in control of Ella's party today. Only You know whether/when the pool will be fixed. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve You, by helping Heidi to create a Plan B.

I pray that the situation will be resolved.

I pray that I will be able to talk to Papi and Grandma today with the girls, and that the conversation will go well.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen

Psalm 138:7

The same God Who performed miraculous healings with Elijah is the same God we worship today.

New International Version
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

The same God Who performed miraculous healings with Elijah is the same God we worship today.

Lord,

I pray that I will feel You and hear You and know that You are by my side. I pray for Your guiding hand as I write this book. I pray to follow You, and not expect You to follow me. Show me, Lord. I am weak and also, ironically, strong-willed. I pray for humility. 

I pray for more of You. Please just step in and give me peace! 

I pray for Aunt Terri, that she would come to know You.

I pray the same for Sara and Andy.

I pray for Mom and Dad, that You would put people in their path that point them to You.

I pray for the VBS skit, that we will remember our lines, and that Your message will come through and reach the children.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen

prayers

But each day we grow closer to eternity, so we shouldn’t boast about what we’ll do tomorrow (Prov 27:1) because our life is like a vapor. It comes and goes so quickly, and then suddenly it’s gone (James 4:13-14). Our days are in the hands of God (Psalm 31:15), and each of us had a time to be born, just as we’ll also have a time to die (Eccl 3:2), so we should make each day matter.


Lord,

I pray that I might heed this advice and make each day matter. Today I have my beautiful girls. I have a book to write. I have grocery shopping and a meal to prepare for my family. I pray that I would carry out my day in a way that matters.

I pray for Dad and Mom in France. I pray that Your spirit of patience will fill me when I talk to Dad. I pray that You would protect them while they are abroad, and that You will lead them to know You better.

I pray for Lee, who needs You. I pray for his physical health, his emotional health and his spiritual health. Lord, I pray for Your spirit of peace and honor to come over him. Show me the role I need to play in this.

I pray for Isabel and Lily, that they would want to do our devotional today or this week, and that I would do it justice.

I pray for our VBS team and our skits. I pray for Carter, that You would give him a spirit of cooperation and the ability to remember his lines and deliver them well. I pray this for all involved.

Lord, I pray for our nation and our society, because people don't know You. I don't know the answer to this, but You do. I pray that those in my immediate family will know You, and beyond that, I pray for the larger swath, a seemingly endless number of people who don't know You.

I pray for the BSF leaders as they prepare for the upcoming year. I pray for Cindy as she decides which Children's Leaders should be paired up, and with what age groups.

In Your son's precious name I pray,

Amen

HE>i

Is your life’s motivation wrapped up in the pursuit of the glory of God? I believe it should be since even what we eat, drink, or anything else we do should be for His glory (1 Cor 10:31).

Lord,

Thank you for answered prayers yesterday, as Lee was happy with his meetings with the president and CEO. I pray for continued success for Lee at work. I pray that Lee would seek You first, and that both Lee and I would be motivated first and foremost by the pursuit of Your glory.

Lord, show me how to do that in this book. How can I hold up Your glory like a light to the world? I can't, but You can. I pray for less of me, so much less of me, take me practically out of the equation as I write this book. I pray that this book will be for You and by You.

Just like I am for You and by You.

I pray for the VBS skit, that it comes together, and that we all learn our roles.

I pray for Sara in Amsterdam, for healing for her cold. I pray for Mom and Dad and Sara and Andy, for protection in Amsterdam. 

Lord, less of me, more of You.

Amen

listen

Pride is the lack of having a godly dialogue in our minds because we are told to esteem others better than ourselves and do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Phil 2:3), but we sometimes esteem ourselves higher than others.

Lord Jesus,
I am meant to esteem others as better than myself and to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. I pray for Your spirit to guide me in this.

I pray for Lee today, that he will be confident in his presentations, and that the President and CEO will look favorably upon him. I pray for Lee's mental state, and his emotional, spiritual and physical health. I pray that You will enable him to get back into shape, and to regain his confidence. I pray that Lee will yearn to know You better.

I pray that I will yearn to know You better. I pray that I will think of You and consider You in my decisions today. I pray that You will guide me to revise past chapters and move forward with Chapter 11. I pray that I will know and feel You communicating with me throughout this process.

I pray that I will listen, that this book will be the spiritual exercise I want it to be, and not something I'm writing out of vain conceit. Lord, will You block those vain thoughts from my mind? I want only to think of this book as Your book, which You are writing through me.

I pray for Isabel and Lily, that they would listen when we do devotionals. I pray that You would clear spaces for us to do the devotionals, and that they would want to do it. I pray that they would learn good things from me. Godly things.

I pray for a productive day today.

In Your son's precious name I pray,

Amen

Please help me with my faith.

Jesus would ask you, “What about your faith?” Do you need Jesus’ help with your disbelief or lack of faith? Just ask because God meets us in our “small faith” place and can increase it.

Lord, please increase my faith in You, that I will know that You are with me as I write this book. It's Your book, Lord. Please show me how to write it.

I thank You for Isabel's safe return to us. I pray for Isabel, for her spiritual development and for her physical and mental development. Lord, I pray that she will have the will to become gracious and kind and strong and lean and aware of You.

I pray the same things for Lily. I pray that Lily will find the thing that she excels at. She is my bright shining star.

I pray for Lee, that his money management skills will improve, and that he will turn to You for help for healing physically and mentally and spiritually. I pray for Your hand to move in the situation with the worship band. It's Your band, Lord, and I pray that You will move Your band forward as You see fit, and that Lee will recognize his role in that.

I pray that You would fill my head with ideas on how to proceed with this book. Lord, I wait expectantly upon You, in full faith.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen

bless me

Nothing else matters except the glory of God.

How can I glorify You while dealing with Dad? I can do my best to be loving and to respect him. I can remember that You are my true father, and that You are perfect and love me perfectly. 

How can I glorify You while dealing with Lee? This is a tough one. My main purpose is to be Lee's helper. He is very sensitive to criticism and hyper-sensitive to criticism about money. Lord, I need Your help to show me the way forward with dealing with things like apple watches. Lord Jesus, please step in and show me. How do I reign him in? How do I not hurt him? Show me, Lord, please show me the way out. 

I pray for our Paris trip, that You would help me to get more invested. I will, today. I will look into it.

I pray for Isabel on her last day of camping. Please, Lord, please protect her and keep her. I pray for traveling mercies tomorrow.

I pray for my girl drama solutions group. Should I invite Carly and her mom? 

I pray for my book, which is Your book. Lord, I am ready. Show me what's next.

I pray for Lily, sweet delightful girl.

Lord, help me, keep me, please, please bless me.

In Your son's name I pray

Amen

Girl drama solutions group

You are the salt of the earth.  -- Jesus


I know You are holding firm to me, but I feel like I'm slipping away. I am Yours, please redirect my thoughts back to You.

Isabel is on her second day away from me. I pray that she is growing and learning, and that this is an experience she will draw on in positive ways. I pray most of all for Your protection over her, please keep her safe. Please bless her and all the children on the trip. I also pray for Casey and the other parent leaders and for Mrs. Neal, that You would direct their steps and be with them.

I pray for Lily, my sweet wonderful delightful child who is home with me these days without Isabel. I pray protection over her as well. I prayed that she would learn her math facts, and it's coming along well! I continue to pray for this. Of course I pray for her to learn to walk with you.

I pray for the Girl Drama Solutions group. A bit of a mess, yes, with Lucia and Robin dropping out because of Beth and Leah. But You are in control, Lord. They bought the book and have been going through it. That is You. As I move forward, I pray for the girls in the group. I pray for each one, and I pray that You will prepare me so that I can lead the group well. Lord, please stretch my time so I have enough of a chance to practice. I pray that the girls will be responsive to what I have to say.

I am doing this group in obedience to You. Please guide me as I prepare the lesson.

Lord, please show me the way with Chapter 11 of this book. It's proving hard for me. But nothing is hard for You. I put my trust in You that You will show me the way forward, and I will not worry about it. You have the book in Your hands. I just have to be faithful to sit down and put in the time.

I pray for Lee. You know what he needs. I pray that You would position me to help him, and show me how to do that.

In Your son's name I pray,
Amen

protection of angels

Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now, and sin no more."
John 8:10

Lord,
Isabel is in a car right now heading for a camping trip. I pray for Your angels to go with her, watching over and protecting her. I pray that You will keep her safe, and that she'll remember You. I pray that she won't be homesick, and that she'll learn and learn and learn. Lord, You are in charge of Isabel and not me. I pray that I will remember that, and that You are in control and not me. 

I pray for Your presence, that I would seek You and know You are with me, that I would recognize You working, answering my prayers. 

I pray for my book. Oh, this Chapter 11! Please help with Chapter 11. Please write Chapter 11, and I'll just type what You say.

I pray for Lee, who needs You spiritually and mentally and physically. I pray for his health, and that You, who know exactly what he needs, will step in and show him. I pray that You would show me how You've planned for me to be his helper.

I pray for Lily, that she would come to know You. I pray that for Isabel, too.

In Your son's precious name I pray,

Amen

rescue

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91

Lord, this is what I long for. I am scattered and frustrated. I pray for Your spirit to guide me. I pray for focus. I pray to wake up and realize what is really going on around me. I pray for Isabel and Lily to get along and treat each other well. I pray for them to use their free time wisely, and that they would allow me to get work done.

I pray for Lee today as he goes through the hard work regarding Jackie. I pray for her, that she will take the news well. I pray for Lee, that he will show grace and wisdom. I pray for all involved. Lord, please ease Lee's mind, and allow him to know and feel Your presence throughout the experience. I pray that You would calm him, bring his stress level down. I pray that You would lead him to recognize that he can take measures to counteract his high stress levels. Lord, please please show him Your will for him. I pray for spiritual healing, and emotional healing, and physical healing. I pray for Your spirit to enter into him and guide him in the right direction. I pray that You would answer these prayers, and that I would see Your answer, and that it would help me in my belief.

I pray for my book. Lord, what's next? I feel stagnated. Please show me what You have next. What does the next chapter look like? 

I pray for Mom and Dad in France, and for a desire to talk to them.

I pray that You would help me to figure out Father's Day and birthday gifts for Dad.

Lord, I feel so anxious. I pray for help with Dad-related things!

I pray for the swim meet tonight, that I would serve You graciously, and that my girls would do well in the meet.

In Your son's name I pray,

Amen