Prayer Monday--2/21/2011

It never fails.  Start something, commit yourself to it and it will become difficult.  At least, that's the way things work for me.  It's been a difficult prayer week here. 

It's not so hard to pray over food, and not in that we're-getting-reading-to-eat-obligatory way.  I mean pray over food in the dear-Heavenly-Father-please-don't-let-me-eat-that way.  I've become mildly more conscientious of what I'm eating so we're going to call that a prayer success.

But there are a lot of requests I'm still waiting for.  Have you ever kept seeking and kept knocking and felt like you were going to wear the door out before anyone answered?  That's where I am right now.

This morning, the scripture in church was out of Ephesians:  "So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants" (Ephesians 5:15-17, The Message).

Prayer is a precursor to step-watching and head-using (my own terms.  You're welcome).  That makes it all the more necessary that we intercede for each other and for ourselves on a daily basis.  Of course, that thought was compounded because I kept reading (yes, when I should've been paying attention.  But put a book in my hands and I'm a hopeless case).  So following is the scripture I wanted to leave with you for today:

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own.

Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all

over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace,

faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need

them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same

way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your

brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that

no one falls behind or drops out" (Ephesians 6:13-18).

My Requests

1. I'm asking that God will heal my body so it functions the way it's meant to work.

2. My Favorite.

3. Women's Bible Study begins the first week in March. I'm praying that God will bring the women He has prepared for this season.  So far, I think 10 women are signed up.  Please pray for their hearts.

4. I'm praying for a deeper desire for God and less interest in what others think or the life circumstances they are living that may be different from mine. I don't want to spend my life living in comparison.

5.  Kate will probably mention this, but her uncle is still hospitalized and in need of prayers for healing.

My Praises
1.  My friend, Rin, came through her surgery better than anticipated.  Thank you for your prayers.

2.  I bought a scale on Thursday and have been more aware of my weight and what I have been eating since then.  I don't want to share a gain/loss yet because I don't officially track weight until Thursday.  But I'll keep you updated.

Prayer for this week
Father,
This may seem a strange medium for prayer to some, but we know that you are capable of working all things for good to those who are called according to your purpose.  I just ask that you guide our hearts and minds this week.  Draw us into a closer communion with You and drive us to prayer.  Bring each of our prayer requests into one another's remembrance so that we can pray and support one another.

This week, I am praying in particular for the hearts of the women who are joining Women's Bible Study.  I just ask that you prepare each participant so You can accomplish Your Will in each life.  Please continue to draw the women you have prepared for this season.

I also lift up personal and important requests to you, God.  Hear my heart.

I ask these things in Your name.  Amen.


Ok, Ladies.  Feel free to link up, leave a comment or whatever works for you.  And feel welcome to leave an encouraging comment/scripture for fellow participants.