Every year as I begin a new Bible study, the book chosen speaks to me in my circumstances. The book of Acts begins with the disciples and a group of believers facing many challenges. Prayer is mentioned frequently.
All these [disciples] with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14
The news today is full of unrest, globally and in our country. My family needs wisdom in providing for my mother and brother—their health is declining. I have a leadership role in our church and we need wisdom in making decisions. I need to pray with my family and with my church. The words of the Psalmist resonate with me.
O Lord, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! Psalm 88:2
A verse in Micah is both a comfort and an admonition to wait on the Lord.
But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7
Paul gives more instruction in his letter to the Ephesians.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6: 16-17
Prayer should be woven through my day, a pattern in my life. When I have joined hands with family, friends and fellow believers in prayer, we have experienced a bonding, a deepening of our relationship.
Are you stressed? Can you join hands with another believer and pray?
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards. Give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out. Give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Thomas Aquino)
Linking with Titus 2sdays, A Little R & R, WholeHearted Wednesday, the Art of Homemaking, Weekend Whispers and Sunday Stillness
Thank you for sharing the power of prayer on the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week!
You know the older I get the more I understand that I need prayer everyday, every hour, every minute. Waiting on the Lord is sooo hard for us humans who are taught industry from an early age but I’ve found that when I truly was able to wait on God it reaped but benefits. Thanks for sharing your heart.