One thing I have learned over my past 45 years of life is, things never quite turn out how you expect them to. Sometimes they turn out better than you could of ever dreamed, and sometimes...... not so much.
When the hard times smack you square in the face with such stinging force that you can barely breath, it can be extremely difficult to not question what is happening.
It can be unfathomable to comprehend how God works all things out for our good during these times.
The helpless feeling of seeming like you're out of control can be counteracted with only one thing.
Prayer.
When these seasons take over my family's life, I have to continually remind myself to pray, not only for me, but for each member of my family as well.
I do this by going on a prayer walk around our home.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
Just this past Monday, I went on a prayer walk around our home and anointed it with oil. I prayed over the olive oil before I began, asking that it would be acceptable to God. Then as I entered each room, I placed oil on the sides and top of the door frames. I prayed out loud for each person who lived in room. I prayed for their safety and protection. I prayed that they would have hearts to serve Christ and Christ alone. I prayed that all that they said and did would bring glory to God's name. I prayed that any evil plan that Satan had against them would be shattered by the touch of the Master's hand.
As I went along, I placed oil on their pillows and where they slept, asking God to give them restful nights sleep and that they would wake up with energy to serve him. In other rooms of the home such as the family room, kitchen and bathrooms, I prayed that everything we did would be honoring to God, and that his name would be glorified in our home.
Prayer changes things! There are numerous accounts in God's Word of the power of prayer being used to change important outcomes throughout the history of the Bible.
Not only do we need to pray during the hard times, but we must remember to rejoice and give God our praises during the good times as well.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that is we ask anything according to his will, he will hear us." 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Whatever your going through friends, whether it be sunshine or rain, stop and take the time to talk to the Father. He is just a prayer away, he's waiting for you to turn your hearts towards him and experience an everlasting love like you have never felt before.
It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.
Use hashtag #w2wwordfilledwednesday
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1. Must be a {Christian} faith post.
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Love love love love this! I've done prayer walks and Jericho marches and always see the power of God.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so powerful. I have prayed similar prayers, on a consistent basis, but I have never thought of doing a "prayer walk". This is a wonderful idea...I love Jenifer's idea of doing a "Jericho march", too!!!! I think there are some "Jerichos" in all of our lives that need to be praised down!! What sweet encouragement I have found here today. I leave refreshed in spirit and inspired! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link up. I have done this prayer walk around my home. I usually do the Psalms though. Maybe I will try this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this post - prayer indeed makes a huge difference in all we do. Our homes should be a place of peace and rest and by praying over our house this will be the case. Blessings. Visiting from W2W Link Up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this post - prayer indeed makes a huge difference in all we do. Our homes should be a place of peace and rest and by praying over our house this will be the case. Blessings. Visiting from W2W Link Up.
ReplyDeleteA prayer walk is a beautiful way to follow God's command to pray without ceasing! May we commit every aspect of our home and lives to Him! Thanks for hosting & God bless.
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