Prayers For Oklahoma

Our hearts are saddened by the devastation that was left in the wake of the deadly tornadoes recently in the Oklahoma City area. Please continue to diligently pray for everyone in that area.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up the people of Moore, Oklahoma and those immediately affected by the tornado. We ask that you bring comfort to those who have lost friends and family and to those who are desperately searching for lost loved ones. Please be with any survivors that may be trapped or waiting to be reunited with their family. Send your Holy Spirit to give them peace and hope during this time. Lord we ask that you be with those who have lost their homes. As they sift through the rubble that was once their lives, we ask that you put your arms around them. Lead them in the direction to find shelter, warmth and solace. 

Lord we ask that you send your angels to comfort the children in that area. Give them loving arms to cling to, send them love and joy when none seem to exist. Also, preserve their innocence Lord, shield their eyes to the horrors of death and tragedy. Take away any fear or trepidation that overwhelms them. Fill their hearts and minds with Your love, Lord.

And Father, please be with the rescue workers who work tirelessly to uncover survivors. Give them the stamina and wisdom to seek life out of the horrific debris. Thank you for those that run to the devastation to lend a helping hand. Thank you to those who see a need and strive to fulfill it.

For those of us who stand from afar feeling helpless during times like these, may be hug our children a little tighter today. May we appreciate those little annoyances in life as we remember those who have lost so much.

Amen

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Mommy Mondays

"Being a mom is my greatest joy."

"I love being a mommy."

"Motherhood is my calling."

I'm pretty sure the moms who said the above didn't say them on a Monday - or maybe even a Tuesday or Wednesday. While being a mom has its joys, there are days when the joy just never seems to show up. Cranky babies, whiny toddlers, rebellious teenagers, and fighting siblings can happen any day of the week. How often have you woken to find nobody in the house is happy? Breakfast is denied. Shoelaces are broken. Car keys are lost. And somebody forgot to mention they had homework due that day. It's enough to wear a mommy out. Unfortunately there's no human resources to call in a personal day, a mommy must punch the clock as usual - even if she literally wants to punch the clock. Take a deep breath. Look away from the spilled Cheerios and focus on the Heavenly Father who is ready to scoop you up in His arms.

Father,

It's been a day when nothing seems to go right we are left feeling unloved, unappreciated and discouraged. Renew our spirit and give us the strength to handle the little stuff as well as the big. Give us patience with our children. Make our tone loving and kind despite how frustrated we feel on the inside. Let us look to our great provider to show us how to love with gentleness and lead with tenderness. Replace our anger with delight. Turn our dismay to gladness. Our journey may take dips and turns but help us to see the reward that awaits a faithful follower.

Amen

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." Philipians 4:8,9

On Our Hearts: Breaking Free

You might have seen the movie 127 Hours, or heard about the hiker Aron Ralston who found himself trapped when a boulder fell on his arm. Unable to move the boulder or his arm, for five days Aron was all alone and eventually he was forced to take drastic measures to save his own life. Fortunately, Aron lived to share his story and his tale of survival has been an inspiration to many.

You probably have not experienced a situation quite like Aron's, but you may find yourself trapped in a different way. Perhaps someone has put you in a circumstance that is out of your control. Or you may have an addiction to drugs, food, or alcohol. You might even be trapped in your own emotions of anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness. It might feel as though you have a huge weight of your own that is pinning you down, making you incapable of experiencing joy, love, or peace.

What "boulder" do you need to move from your life? And if you are unable to move that "boulder", what are you willing sacrifice to get yourself out from under that trap? God can help you escape whatever has bound you. He has the power to move mountains and release us from bondage.

Heavenly Father,

We ask that you open our eyes to whatever it is that has us pinned down. Show us the circumstances or people that have put a weight on our ability to cope and deal with life. Lord, we want your Holy Spirit to enter our lives so that we may experience its fruit. Replace worry, anger, and sadness, with your peace, love and joy. Reveal those things that which we may need to sacrifice. Give us strength to let go of the vices that have been holding us back. Pour out your power to overcome our weaknesses and cover our imperfections. Lord, we desire freedom from our own binding emotions. We long for you to break the chains that have been holding us back from doing your will. We thank you, Jesus, for your ultimate sacrifice that can cut us loose from all that confines us. We praise your Holy name so that you may do good works through us. We submit our lives to you, Lord. We humbly lay ourselves down so that you may claim the victory.

Amen

"You reached down from heaven, and you lifted me from deep in the ocean.You rescued me from enemies, who were hateful and too powerful for me. On the day disaster struck, they came and attacked, but you defended me. When I was fenced in, you freed and rescued me because you love me." Psalm 18:16-19 (CEV)

On Our Hearts: You Are a Warrior

This week our prayers have been focusing on the lies that we are deceived into believing about ourselves. The devil's persistence in trying to break us down may be strong but it is no match for God's absolute truth. This week we're going to expose just some of the devil's lies that cloud our thinking and interfere with us having a triumphant life in Christ.

Unlike what we see in the movies or on television the devil doesn't just appear to us with red horns and a pointy tail. He is more cunning than anything we have ever known. The Bible warns us repeatedly of the dangers of his schemes. And just when you think you've got the devil behind you, he sneaks back up and tries to tear you down, especially with our own thoughts. Hopefully this week as you have been praying God has shown you the places where the devil has set traps for you. Don't let the devil get in your head and try to deceive you. Stay vigilant. Be prepared. Put on the whole armor of God and be ready for the attack.

Gracious Father,

Thank you Lord for being our protector against all that is evil. You have covered us with your righteousness. The devil cannot get to us when You stand in the way. Lord just help us to keep You front and center in our lives. Don't let us become ambivilant toward sin and complacent in the world's ways. Keep us ever mindful of the ways that we are being attacked and give us the strength to stand up and stay strong in our faith. You may have delivered us from sin, but we not immune to it. Thank goodness where we are weak, You are strong. When we feel attacked let us not be ashamed to get on our knees and cry out to You, God. A battle cry that breaks through the darkness and shines Your mighty light for all to see.

Amen

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11

"Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are." 1 Peter 5:8-9

On Our Hearts: Rejection

This week our prayers are going to focus on the lies that we are deceived into believing about ourselves. The devil's persistence in trying to break us down may be strong but it is no match for God's absolute truth. This week we're going to expose just some of the devil's lies that cloud our thinking and interfere with us having a triumphant life in Christ.



We've all been there. Call it denied, overlooked, or ignored - it's still rejection and it still hurts. No one wants to feel unwanted or worthless. And it is especially painful when someone you love rejects you. It is in our nature to want to be accepted and valued. And yet how do we deal with the daily rejections? And let's face it, rejection happens to each of us daily. Our co-workers, our children, our friends, and even our own spouse will reject us at times. Jesus understands how you're feeling when others dismiss you, He felt it too.

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful that you understand just exactly how we are feeling. Like us, you felt rejected, forsaken, and discarded by people. We've been told we're unqualified, unworthy and unlovable. But your word tells us that we belong to you, Lord. And You have not made us inferior. You have given us Your Holy Spirit and You have equipped us to overcome tribulation. You never overlook us, You never forsake us, and You never reject us. Thank you Father, for we are perfect in Your eyes. We have no need to look for acceptance here on this earth when we have Your unfailing love and devotion. Holy Spirit prepare us for the disappointments that we will encounter and strengthen us when we feel defeated. Remain in us to stand strong and to not let the devil steal our faith. Let us courageously stand up when we are told we are unlovable, and shout - Jesus loves me! When we are told we are disqualified, may we proclaim - I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God! And when we are told we are unwanted, may we declare - My Father accepts me just as I am!

Amen


"Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away." John 6:37


"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

On Our Hearts: Back To The Basics

Do you ever have days where you feel like the Lord is leading you but you don't know where? Or when life is so overwhelming you just don't know where to start praying? Sometimes we just need to get back to the basics. Lay it all down and let your Father pick it up. He knows what you need. He can work in us despite how we feel, what we do and where we're going.

"... for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"

Matthew 6:8-13

Amen

On Our Hearts: Financial Crisis

Heavenly Father,

We want to lift up those families who are hurting financially. This is such a wonderful time of year, but it can also be a financial strain for many. Home foreclosures, bankruptcy, and financial failure are unfortunately heard all too often. Job loss and debt have caused families to give up their homes, and make sacrifices they were not prepared to make. Adding the pressure of the holidays can be just too much sometimes.

Lord, we ask that You bless those who are struggling. We ask that You send the Holy Spirit to walk with them as they make financial decisions. Give them wisdom and show them how to be good stewards. Father we pray for financial miracles for those who are on the brink. And as they walk in faith, Lord, may You give them peace and patience for Your perfect timing. And Lord, for those who are financially secure, we ask that You show them how they can help others. Whether it be a monetary gift or just a shoulder to lean on, Lord, we ask that You open their hearts to be givers. May they be a blessing to Your people and to the world. In Jesus' name,

Amen

"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it." Proverbs 10:22

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7

On Our Hearts: I Am Human

I am going to break format today and be a little vunerable. I have not posted a prayer in more than a week. I confess I have been struggling, conflicted, and have a heavy heart. Last year I had a wake up call, a 'close call' if you will, the scare of the reality that we are mortal. At that time I grew alot and was affirmed in my faith. Now I have a good friend in this serious situation. I know in this situation I should be turning to my Lord, and I have, but what is on my heart I have not been able to put into words. Until now.

-Micki

Father,

I cry out to you, I fall on my knees, I have no choice but to turn to you. There are situations we are faced with in life we just don't understand. To us they just don't make sense. This is our human nature - our desire to have control, our desire to understand what without a doubt is not meant to be understood. Whether it is us personally in this situation or others we know and love.


I pray for peace, I pray for reassurance, I pray for healing. Praise Jesus for our salvation, I am so blessed. I am blessed.


Amen

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

On Our Hearts: Strength

Heavenly Father,

There are times when we just seem to be struggling. We're struggling with deadlines, housework, our children, and the motivation just to get things done. Everything seems to be a challenge these days. Every time we think we're on the right track something comes along and derails us. We feel defeated, down and exhausted.

Lord, give us the will to keep going despite the setbacks. Give us the courage to confront the enemy and finish the task. Father we can't do it alone, we need a soverign God to guide us and direct us. When the labor gets difficult, give us strength to endure. When the burden is heavy, give us energy to carry on. And just when the task seems impossible give us the will to follow through.

Amen

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13