On Our Hearts: Praying For Haiti Day Two

This week we are dedicating our blog to the people of Haiti. Among the heartache and devastation we are praying for those who are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake. Join us as we lift up the Haitian people and the rescue workers.

Father,

The people of Haiti are suffering, they are hungry, they are desparate. They are hurting because they have lost family members either by death or by chaos.

There is so much to pray for.. for food and provision, for shelter- as most have been destroyed or unlivable, for medical aid and supplies, for peace in their hearts, that they are being prayed for and You are there.


It is hard to imagine what they must be feeling as most of us are blessed to have what we have. Live where we live. And to believe what we believe. Father I pray that through this they may see kindness, and in that kindness- Christ.

Amen

"I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!" Phillipians 4:19

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: Money

Heavenly Father,

Your word has said that we should not be focused on those things that are material in nature. We should be confident that You will provide for all our needs, but Lord all too often we forget that. In today's society money drives our daily lives, it is has become an integral part of us. They way we live, give, fellowship, and raise our children all seems to be dependent upon how we use money. For so many of us, money has become our identity or the way in which we associate with others. Are we driving the right car? Are we wearing the right clothes? Are we giving our children the right "stuff" to fill their lives? It's time to turn it all over to You, Lord.


Lord only You can change our mindset. Shift our focus from earthly treasures to the heavenly ones. We pray that we ignore the devil when he starts to tell us that we don't have enough. Help us to be thankful for what we have. Give us financial wisdom so that we may be good stewards for You, Lord. We also pray that we can be an example to our children so that their financial decisions are based on faith not on the world's views. Let us invest in You so that we may receive dividends of righteousness.

Amen

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

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

On our Hearts: Our Priorities

Father God,

Being a mother, wife, and a woman means multitasking. Whether we are juggling a job, school schedule, visitation schedules, sports, or family, all of these obligations can create distractions and new priorities. Father, sometimes these other obligations seem more important than even our own children or husband. If our children are sick, we wonder how we are going to work. When we work late, we are spending time away from our husbands. When we fill our schedules with sports and extra curriculars, we are spending less time at home as a family

Father, help us to discern these "obligations" and remember what is most important. Help us to not feel guilty for letting others down - be it a boss or a coach. If our child is sick they need their mom, if our husband is sitting home waiting - where should we be? If there doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day, help us reevaluate our obligations.

Amen

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phillipians 1:27