Seven Prayers A Day

I was just catching up on my friends' blogs and was intrigued by a link on Jen's blog. I think the title of this post is a link to it (first time trying to link something, I hope it works). Anyway, I was directed to Angie Smith's blog, Bring the Rain - beautiful story of a family, their faith and trust in the Lord through such pain and heartache. The blog was started in January 2008 as a journey through the Rain, and has since blossomed into wonderfully insightful, inspiring conversations. I have only read a few of Angie's posts, but can easily see why she has a large following.
In this particular post she challenges others to pray 7 times a day for 7 days for our children. She has given us specific verses for specific times of the day. She suggests praying aloud so our children hear us bow before the Lord on their behalf.
I have to admit that I prayed "over" Jared, Molly and Travis much more when they were younger (they are only 8, 6 and 4 now). It was easier to lean over their cribs and whisper prayers over them. Now, it seems I so much want to have my kids do the praying (wanting them to "grow" in their faith) that I don't pray "over" them much (for them, yes, but not so much in their presence. But, I think I need to do more of what Angie suggests and let them hear me pray over them with God's Word. I have enjoyed doing this during my Moms In Touch prayer time. It brings a certain peace when I speak to God through His Word. I do not doubt that my children would also find peace and comfort in hearing me pray these verses over them.
So, I have begun praying 7x7 for my children and I hope this link works so you can begin also.

No Worries

I just have to take a moment and express the transformation I have been through in the past week or so. Last Monday I sent out a message asking my friends to pray with me for our nation. It was a forward of an email calling people to pray for one minute every night leading up to the election (today). Here is what I wrote last week:

This morning I was feeling fearful as I thought about the media stories, polls and predictions about the upcoming elections. My fear is compounded by the fact that I know some people are voting based solely on economics and not thinking about the social, moral and Biblical aspects of issues. My heart was heavy, I felt alone -- imagine how heavy God's heart is and if He is feeling that His people have left him.
Then, I received this email that renewed my energy and put my fears aside. My hope is in Christ - not the voters! This message calls us to unite as the body of Christ and humbly pray and seek His face. God wants us to reach out to him . . . so, please join me in praying for our nation for one minute (or longer, if you like) at 6pm EVERY night.

Some of my friends responded (thank you) with commitments to pray, and also with reminders that God is in control. I prayed, read scripture and asked Him to take away my fears and worries - and guess what? He did.

I have been filled with a hope and peace that I could not find last week. In fact I was able to help another friend push aside a fear and focus on seeking God's face, something I could only do after allowing the Holy Spirit to change my heart (and head). This is the message I sent to her:

Yes, things are happening now that cause us to think of end time prophesies - the complacency of Christians, the undercurrent of accepted immoral practices, etc. But, these things were also taking place 50 years ago - it is just steadily getting worse. So, no one can say that THIS presidential election is the beginning of the "the end." But, we do know that we are not going the "right" way if we keep getting further from God. Although, the "right" way in God's eyes may mean that we do have to keep going further "down" until we hit that bottom God tells us about in Revelation. But, there are also all those times in Israel's history that they "hit bottom" so to speak (slaves, captivity, losing wars) but then they turned back to God for a time and then away again and so on for years, until God's plan of salvation came into fruition through Jesus.
I know that is saying it could go either way, but I am not trying to predict anything. I am just trying to ask God every day what He wants me to do.
We don't need to be consumed with worry and fear, but we should be on guard and do our part in trying to live for Christ every day (which includes voting with God's will in mind - that's what I did today).

I also gained a sense of peace and hope through attending the Solemn Assembly - call to prayer event held in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff Sunday night. I happened to be in Flagstaff with some girlfriends and felt so blessed to be able to attend the event with them. The event was led by Pastors from 12 different churches in the area. There was a sense of unity coming together, not under denomination or doctrine, but simply as God's children, calling on Him to forgive us and asking for His will for our country.

I am hopeful for a spiritual healing of divisions within our churches and our nation - and especially for a healing and unity as a nation - no matter the outcome of today's elections.

I am also committed to continuing to pray for our nation as fervently as I have been after the election. The need for us to pray for country does not ever end! But, I will be praying in trust and hope in Christ, not out of my worries and fears!