Just wanted you to know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I've got two things to share with you today and would love your feedback.
First, I'm about to post some reviews for books I've recently read. If you'd like to check out my opinions, here are the links:
Everything's Coming Up Josey by Susan May Warren
Fighting for Bread and Roses by Lynn A. Coleman
Wish I'd Known You Tears Ago by Stephen Bly
Cowboy by Staci Stallings
Feel free to leave comments but I've changed the setting so your comment won't show up immediately. I'm testing this out and may not keep this particular feature.
Second, I am working on an article about prayer and why people should pray. If you would like to share why you think we should pray (or for that matter if you think we shouldn't) please post a comment. This is the reason I've readjusted the comment posting feature for my blog. I want you to be able to tell me what you think yet still not have your comment posted if you prefer. Also, you can post annonymously. The important thing is to let me know if it is okay to quote you. This does not mean I will automatically quote you but I will contact you should I feel the need to for your permission. I may even contact you to expand on what you commented. Just soze ya know.
Have a wonderful week.
Abundant blessings!
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9 comments:
Jenny,
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective!!! I feel so strongly about this. My mother argues with me that God doesn't do miracles anymore, but I know he does! That is one reason I pray. I pray for miracles. I pray hoping to tap into God's infinite power to make a miracle happen.
Melanie Dickerson
This is a great topic. I actually never used to pray very much, but God told me that He was going to make me into a prayer warrior.
Slowly, He's been helping me to strengthen my prayer life--to pray not only more consistently, but also to learn to listen to Him when I pray and to learn what it is to pray in the Spirit.
Then I took the step of faith and started my "Sunday Prayer" posts on my blog, where I pray for anyone who wants prayer (people just post a comment or e-mail me privately).
The awesome thing is that I've felt how God has changed me inside through all this. In praying for others, I've strengthened my own relationship with God.
Camy
(quote away!)
Jenny, I've always been a constant pray-er -- it just feels natural to chat with God throughout my day: a thank You here, a petition there. But recently I've focused much more diligently on silent prayer. It's very hard for a writer to keep from "talking," right? But I've just tried to concentrate on finding Him. Just keeping my mind uncluttered and seeking Him. The results have been amazing, especially with regard to my writing. Lately I'm not even sure what, specifically, He's given me, but I know--with that certainty with which He sometimes blesses us--that He's putting future stories in my heart. That's an awesome sensation. And I can tell I need to continue that silent seeking in order to uncover those stories. They're like gifts He's placed in my arms--He'll unwrap each one if I keep my focus on Him.
So that's not only why I think people should pray, it's why I think people should try silent prayer.
Trish Perry (ACFW member)
[You may quote this.]
Why pray? Some would say, "To get what you want from God." Others would offer, "Because the Bible says we should." Or, "There are so many situations in life that only God can fix."
All those answers have threads of truth in them. But for me, the key reason is to bring my heart and life into alignment with where God wants me.
Prayer is two-way communication (both speaking and listening)with the One who created me, sustains me, and knows me better than I know myself. Stripped to its essence, prayer is my spirit agreeing with the Lord, acknowledging His majesty, and asking His intervention in the issues that concern me.
You may quote this.
Cynthia Ruchti (ACFW member)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
I pray because God is my Father and I want His guidance in my life. Like everyone, there are times when I should be praying instead of trying to handle a situation on my own. But He always reminds me that He is near and that He is in total control of every situation that touches my life. He cares about every aspect of my life—from my lost car keys to carrying me as I battle a disease or face intense spiritual warfare.
Praying is also a time of praise and worship. I try to thank Him everyday for the comforts that I sometimes take for granted. I thank Him for the small victories as well as the large ones. This time of praying might also include singing praise songs. God never tires of our reverance and adoration for Him.
He is the glue that holds my life together. He's the first one I turn to when troubles visit; and the only one to whom I offer worship and praise. When I'm walking closely with Him, through constant prayer, I have complete peace in my spirit no matter what I might be facing in this world.
Micki Roberts
You may quote
There are so many facets to prayer, and much about it that I don't understand. But what I do know is that at its most basic level, it's a conversation with God. Prayer keeps me connected to Him, sharing with Him, and learning about Him in the same way talking to a friend brings us closer.
I may not always understand why God does or doesn't appear to answer prayer. But I do know He always wants me to talk to Him.
Well, Proverbs says God created all things for His pleasure. Even me--which is mind-boggling! I know He loves a good relationship. And good relationships require talking. LOL, I can do that! I pretty much talk to Him all day long, in my mind or in my spirit. Silently, usually. And He talks back in countless ways. I just love Him.
And you may quote me. :)
Prayer...it seems like it should be so simple, but after 25 years of being a Christian, I still feel like it somehow eludes me. It's just talking to God, right? But I feel like it's a very one-sided conversation. I know that a big part of prayer is listening, but my brain just doesn't shut up long enough to hear what I know will be a still, small voice. Should we pray? Absolutely. DO I pray--or rather, do I pray effectively? I don't think I do. My consolation is God's promise to hear us--I claim that promise when I don't feel like he has.
You can quote me if you want. :)
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