Well, I know that prayer is the most effective way of maintaining the line of communication with God active an open. It is the way we keep tapped into His source of infinite strength and power. It is the way of miracles…then…why is it that I so often neglect it?
As a frazzled woman, I neglect prayer because I get distracted by the busyness of life and the many worries that occupy my mind.
Lately, however, the Lord, in His compassion and patience, has been leading me back to the way of prayer. Throughout the last several months and due to the many changes and challenges I have been through, Christ has helped me rediscover the power of prayer. It has happened mainly guided by the example of prayer warriors who surround me and cover me with their persistent prayers which never cease. One of those prayer champions is my dear friend Helen.
Helen is a very special lady, whose many gifts include a huge heart for prayer. She keeps a list of petitions and praises which she goes over twice a day. Needless to say, most people who know Helen, make an effort to get in her list every time they have a need. I have had the privilege of being in her list for a long time now, as well as the rest of my family. I think our names are in with permanent ink by now. And I praise God for that.
But through Helen’s dedication, the Lord has taught me, or reminded me, rather, the importance of a life of consistent prayer. Ever since I began to follow Helen’s example and started compiling my own modest list, I have seen the hand of God in action more than ever! In my own life as well as in the lives of those whose names I have in my prayer list, I have seen the power of the will of God in action.
It is not that we can manipulate God into doing what we want Him to do by praying. It is that through prayer we get to see what He can do as He unfolds His will in front of us. It is the way that we remain tuned into His “program” for our lives so we don’t miss a thing. It is the way that we stay aware and watch Him be on the move.
As a frazzled woman, I need to be extra intentional in my prayer life. That’s why I need to pay attention to women like my dear Helen, whose frazzled years have long stayed behind, and now is dedicated to a life of prayer that constitutes a vivid reminder of how Our Lord uses each one of His children for the furthering of His Kingdom and the unveiling of His plan.
Prayer is wonderful gift from God. That He allows us into His presence is a beautiful gift. For me I have my 'official' prayer time and over the years as my relationship with Him grew deeper, I have found myself talking to Him all day. Whether I'm cleaning house or buying groceries or driving down the road, I talk to Him. I enjoyed your post and visiting with you today. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou are right..we get to a point that our whole life becomes a life based on prayer and we do it as part of our day, wherever we are. I am trying to become more intentional about my walk with Christ, and I long to be there, at a point where it is a constant and continuous conversation all day long. thank you for visiting! Blessings to you!
DeleteLove!...and I have needed that reminder too! Thanks for sharing :) I am thankful for all of the "Helen's" out there!!!...I hope to one someday!! :)
DeleteI would love to be one someday too! We are blessed by those prayer warriors in ways we may not even discover until we are on the other side of the river...
DeleteWe all need prayer warriors like Helen in our lives. My mother-in-law's name was Helen and the thing I've missed most since she went to heaven is her daily prayers for me and our family. I do find I'm much more purposeful in my praying when I have a list.
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela, I know what you mean...my Mother was another of my big prayer warriors and ever since she went to be with the Lord, I've felt the void...but the Lord is merciful and He has given me others to help fill such a gap, like my Helen : ) thank you so much for your words and yes, keeping a list helps us be more intentional about anything. I'm a big list maker : ) Blessings to you always!
DeleteHi Gisela! I have a friend who is also a wonderful intercessor. I don't think I 'get what I want' any faster, but the grace I will receive to accept his will is priceless.
ReplyDeleteCeil
Yes, Ceil, it is not about getting what we want, it is about keeping the line of communication with our Lord open so His grace can freely flow. Thank you for your words and for visiting! Blessings to you!
DeleteFrazzled is such a perfect word for the state I too often find myself in. Helen sounds like a wonderful example, friend, and person to have your name in permanent marker on her prayer list :). I'm trying to be more prayerful throughout the day instead of just a morning and evening prayer. I love the idea of actually writing out a prayer list. I have always just kept one rolling in my head, but I think there is something special about having it down with pen and paper. I always take away something wonderful when I visit you Gisela!
ReplyDeleteThank you Candace, I really appreciate your visits and your comments. The Lord provides with what we need at the exact moment when we need it...He is never late...He is always on time, regardless of how we may feel in the realm of the material. His timing is not ours, that's for sure...and prayer teaches us that, among other things...since many times His answer is "wait." Big hugs to you and stay strong in your journey!
DeleteThis is a challenging post. I liked your honesty. Thanks for sharing this as it is a precious reminder to pray continuously.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Judith and yes, it is a challenge. A life of prayer doesn't come easy. But nothing worth our while does, right? Blessings!
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