I love praying for and with people. I'm not one of those "spend hours in prayer by myself" kind of people (really want to be), but I do absolutely love to pray with others and I thank You, Jesus, for the opportunities You gave me this past week to do just this.
Last Wednesday night was our monthly service night with the youth; so I took the group of students back to the Clark County Preschool for a literacy night. This is a challenging night for our students to really reach out to little kids and be energetic with them. Some of the youth weren't particularly excited about going and I knew we needed Your help to love on whomever was there and not think about ourselves. So, before we went in to meet the families I circled up the group and came before Your throne on everyone's behalf asking for Your eyes and Your love to be all over us. Thank You for helping me come to You instead of overly correct the wrong attitudes. I pray that the youth as much as the families at the preschool will see You more than they see me through everything I do. Thank You, Lord, for blessing the time there more than I expected. From 2 moms last month to 8 moms and grandparents this month!! Yay for the opportunity to dialogue about real life things about raising kids and caring for them well. Father, You were all over that time and I couldn't have done anything apart from Your help and direction! I pray that those relationships will grow deeper every month and that gospel conversations will happen in Your perfect time.
On Thursday, Matt was having a pretty significant meeting. We had been talking and reflecting about some things and You provided the time for him to discuss them with someone else. He and I talk so openly about questions, struggles, and desires and I know that this honesty is a gift from You and only something that You develop in Your children. Before the meeting Matt and I were able to pray about everything together. This time was short but so amazing to not just say we're praying about stuff but to really do that!!! Your presence provides such joy and comfort! Thank You, Lord, for orchestrating that time for us.
Also, on Thursday, I had a small recital for my piano students. Some students have been taking the whole 4 1/2 years that I have been teaching and some students just started this past August. I love the opportunity to talk and encourage them as a group in the gifts and talents that You have given them. Whenever I have them performing in any kind of recital I always pray for them, their nerves, and their memory of what they've practiced. I always connect the fact that You have blessed them in their music ability and we want to thank You and ask You for help. This may seem insignificant and trivial to some, but, Jesus, I trust that You can use even a time like that to remind children that every good and perfect gift comes from You! I know it reminds me of that!!
Father, I love opportunities to pray for a friend in their trust in and walk with You. There's no greater gift than approaching Your throne on behalf of someone else for them to love You and pursue You more. Thank You for the time (even over the phone) to pray for a dear friend that was struggling. It was used in my own heart as well to focus my thoughts on You and not circumstances. Thank You for friendship and how we can intercede for one another.
Over dinner Friday night, Matt and I encouraged the kids to think of something that they are thankful for about You, Jesus (not that You give them, but Who You are). Their sweet voices lifting up sentence prayers to You was warming to my soul. Thank You for the stillness of those few minutes!!!
Teaching the High School girls Sunday School class has become such an encouragement to me and a huge highlight to my week! The girls are so precious and I love the relationships I get to have with them! Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity. After encouragement from Matt, I decided to spend some extra time during our class yesterday just adoring You and coming before Your throne for more than just a few rushed minutes at the end of our lesson. I directed the girls to pray thanking You for who You are and remembering Your awesomeness!! To hear their hearts and pleas to want to be more like You was priceless and very refreshing. Please help me to treasure that time and commit to it every week.
Father, the time last night for accountability in our community group with the ladies was honest, humbling, and encouraging. Only You can do all of those things in 45 minutes! Thank You for helping me see Your gospel applied to all aspects of life! Hearing prayers of close heart friends and praying for them and their walks with You is something to praise You for! Thank You that I get to lift them up on a regular basis! Thank You for the cross and for being the foundation of all friendships.
Lastly, Jesus, thank You for stirring my heart to pray every morning for Your help for my day. You help me remember that You have things in store for my day and all those things are for my good. You remind me of the new mercies that are mine for the day. You remind me that I am nothing apart from You, and that it is in my weakness that Your strength is shown perfect!! Thank Your for caring for a sinner such as I!
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present our requests to God."
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