Prayer Champion

Psalm 7: 1-14 - O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!. . . . .

Several years ago Ed and I took a course that identified our spiritual gifts. I had always thought my gift was teaching, but discovered one of my spiritual gifts was intercessory prayer.

I joined our intercessory prayer group at the church. I felt uncomfortable at first, because I had no experience praying in a group. I learned that prayers do not have to be eloquent but to simply pray what is in your heart. God already knows so all I needed to do was share it with him. Talk with God as if I saw him sitting right there in the room with me.

The psalmist shows us how to cut through fancy language and get to the heart of the matter: save me, rescue me, hear me and do not forsake me.

God is the source of salvation, protection, comfort and victory in times of great need. He is a rock of refuge, a strong fortress. Jesus taught us that when he prayed in the garden.

When I pray I ask God to help me, Jesus to guide me and the Holy Spirit to comfort me. It brings me peace and knowledge that Jesus is ever present.

Gratitude

1 Thess. 5: 16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

What will you thank God for today?

Sometimes I get caught up in the giants that I face each day. My mother always told my brother and I to look for good in every situation and it would out way the bad.

Do you take your blessings for granted? I have and I do! I have a journal that I write down answered prayers in; but I get busy and forget to write all of them down. Jesus healed ten leapers, but only one remained and gave thanks for his healing. Do I give thanks for one and not all the others that have been answered? Do I forget nine times out of ten to notice and give thanks for all my blessings?

I want to have a sensitive, grateful and loving heart. I want others to know that I value their friendship and kindness they have shown me. I want to thank God for all the gifts / blessings I receive each and everyday. I pray that I can live each day with gratitude.

Communication

Psalm 139: 4 - "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."

Today modern technology has become the main way we communicate: memos, e-mails, texting, computer, facebook, twitter, and of course the phone/answering machines and voice mail.

All of the above methods represent opportunities for messages and request to be lost, or simply; ignored.

The old way of face to face - eye to eye communication is a lost art. It is hard to know exactly what others are feeling or what is meant by their messages.

I am confident that my prayers reach my heavenly Father. He has assured me that they do. God knows my thoughts/petitions before I ever whisper or speak them out loud. I don't have to wait for a reply to know He received them. He may not respond in the way I expected, but I can trust and have faith that He will respond.

communication may break down on earth, but communication with God never fails. I can rest assured that my message - prayer - will be received.

"Our words to God never go astray." Upper Room