Refuge for a Single Mom

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 18:19

Do you feel guilty for asking people to pray for you or your family or friends?  Do you hesitate when the pastor calls for prayer requests?  Why is that I wonder?

I think most of us have trouble asking for prayer.  Does it make us feel weak?  Like a burden of some sort?

Lately, it seems like I`ve requested so many prayers and there are still so many more needs!  I have church friends that are suffering, people my Mom knows at work, and then there are my family`s needs!

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.Psalm69:13

Personally, I think that prayer is SO important.

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  Colossians 4:2-6

I wonder how often we speak with our Earthly parents?  Before my mother moved in with us, I know I talked to her daily.  Sometimes 3 or 4 times a day!  She was apprised of all of the happenings in our lives!  In fact, if I didn`t get to talk with her for some reason, I felt an emptiness!  How many of us even miss God when we `don`t get to speak with Him`?

Throughout the day I spend time with God, including Him in the day-to-day activities, thanking Him for something or asking Him for clarity, patience or tolerance.  Often, I will address prayer requests right away instead of waiting for my nighttime `chat` with Him!  *wink*

My evening prayer time is such a special time for me.  This is when I talk with my best friend!  I thank God for all that He`s doing in my life, all that He`s done and all the He`ll do!  We talk about the day, my children, my family, my church family, my internet family, current events, prayer requests ~ really lots of different things.  Often, after I`ve finished my `main` prayer, if it`s been a particularly trying day or if there are some particularly serious prayer requests, I will just lie there in bed and talk to God until I fall asleep.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:18

Prayer can be a very simple way to minister to someone too.  I think that if you truly pray like you claim, when you tell someone in need that your prayers are with them or that you`ll pray for their needs ~ they know it ~ deep down inside!  Even people who won`t admit their belief in God, or pray themselves, they know that with your prayers, things can improve ~ it gives them hope and reassurance!

"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  Acts 6:4

There is so much going on in this world today.  Look at your own trials and struggles!  Some people may only have a few of the problems you do, but so many have more than most people can even imagine ~ let alone cope with!

Ask for Prayer!  Pray!  It`s our connection to our Heavenly Father until it`s time to go home!

Labels: Prayer