MM:"Prayer, Our Time Saver"

Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

I heard a great message yesterday that I thought I would share as this weeks Monday Meditation.

Dr. Charles F. Stanley, a true man of God, is just an amazing preacher. I love to hear him speak. He lets God lead Him, and it is very evident.

His message this week, "Prayer, Our Time Saver", was so good. Just what I needed to hear.

If any of the following apply to you--this is a must see/read...

1) Do you feel like you never have enough time?

2) Are you making the most of your life, and fulfilling God's plans for you?

3) Why is prayer vital for a Christian?

To read the outline of this message, see here.

To see the sermon, (at least this week) see here.

Also, to see more from Dr. Charles F. Stanley, visit InTouch.org . There is tons of great information, great sermons, great Bible studies, and great resources available there.

Now, hold don to your pants--cause this is some good stuff! : D

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A Weekly Prayer Guide

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

Today, my Thankful Thursday post is about how thankful I am for the new lady's ministry our church has started. Let me just tell ya.. It has been such an encouragement to me--such a blessing... I'm so grateful for it and am looking forward to it each month! (Thank you so much, Denise!)

This past Tuesday, the speaker brought a quick lesson to all of us about raising our children in this sin-filled, wicked world. I so wish I had that one on tape... or cd. : ) She did such a great job.

One portion of this particular lesson I really wanted to share with all of you was the importance of prayer. There is nothing more important you can do for your children than to pray for them--everyday!

They passed out a pamphlet to everyone called "How To Pray For Your Children--A Parents Weekly Prayer Guide". This is rich. There are 5 very specific things they list to pray about each day--for your children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren!

I want to also say here that these things can be used to pray for yourself or others as well... They are wonderful things to remember every time we seek the Lord in prayer...

This pamphlet came from a group called "Life Action Ministries"--a truly wonderful outreach ministry that came to our church many years ago (when I was still in elementary school!) You can go here to see another version of the pamphlet that I have.

I wanted to list these points for every one here--so we can all reference them regularly. Save them--print them out--put them in your Bible--use them!! : )

And here they are!

"A Parents Weekly Prayer Guide"

Sunday

1. Salvation: Pray that they would come to know God personally and intimately through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 1: 16

2. Spiritual Protection: Pray that God would hedge them about with His protection, and that they would be safe from the attacks of the evil one on their thoughts, minds, and spirits. Ephesians 6: 11

3. Physical Safety: Pray that God would keep them safe from harm, accident, trauma, and disease. Psalm 91:14

4. Walk in the Spirit: Pray that they would learn to trust God with each decision, concern, and situation, leaning on His Spirit for direction and responses. Galatians 5:16

5. Love of God's Word: Pray that they would love, trust, and cherish the Bible as God's authority in their lives, hiding His Word in their hearts and applying it's truth to their situation. Psalm 119: 9-11

Monday

1. Strength: Pray that God would grant them emotional and spiritual strength to overcome rejection, ridicule, or temptation. Pray that in times of crisis and uncertainty they would evidence the wisdom and power to obey God. Joshua 23: 8

2. Wisdom: Pray that God would teach them wisdom, and that they would learn to apply His truth to their lives, with discernment and understanding. Proverbs 3: 13-14

3. Brokenness: Pray that God would help them recognize their wrong behavior, and that they would take responsibility for their attitudes and actions. Pray that they would be humble. Psalm 34:18

4. Strong Character: Pray that God would grant them virtue and discipline, and that He would make them men and women of strong character and right choices. Colossians 3: 12

5. Courage: Pray that God would give them courage with their convictions, to stand strong even when everyone else is against them. Proverbs 1: 10

Tuesday

1. Respect for Authority: Pray that God would give them respect for the position of those He has placed over them, and that they would honor their teachers, pastors, employers, and civil authorities. Romans 13: 1-2

2. Servant's Heart: Pray that they would have a servant's heart, learning to minister to the practical needs of those around them, like Jesus did. Mark 10: 45

3. Moral Purity: Pray that God would keep them morally pure and keep them from the snare of lust, impurity, and wrong thoughts. Colossians 3: 5

4. Contentment: Pray that they would be content with what God provides, and that they would trust Him to meet their needs. Philippians 4: 11-12

5. Faith in Trials: Pray that they would develop complete trust in God, and turn to Him during times of trouble, fear, or difficulty. Deuteronomy 33: 27

Wednesday

1. Heart for Lost People: Pray that God would grant them a heart of compassion for those who do not know the Savior, and a willingness to share the gospel with them. 2 Peter 3: 9

2. Appreciation of Differences: Pray that they would come to appreciate the uniqueness in others, and be free of discrimination, judgmental attitudes, and hurtful comments toward people. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12

3. Salt and Light: Pray that God would expand their leadership and influence, and that they would be salt and light in their daily interaction with the world. Matthew 5: 13-14

4. Spirit of Gratitude: Pray that God would cultivate a heart of gratitude in them, and that they would demonstrate praise toward God and thankfulness to those around them. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18

5. Joy: Pray that they would be joyful despite their circumstances, and that they would smile easily, laugh often, and cultivate an attitude of appreciation. Psalm 118:24

Thursday

1. Perseverance: Pray that God would teach them patience and endurance, and that they would not give up easily when faced with major challenges. James 1: 12

2. Kindness: Pray that they would be kind to others, especially other children, and that they would not bully, taunt, or criticize others. Matthew 7: 12

3. Teachable Spirit: Pray that they would view each encounter with others as a teachable moment, and that they would be curious to learn from those around them. Proverbs 13: 18

4. Honesty: Pray that they would demonstrate a spirit of truthfulness in what they say and do, and communicate honestly, not with lies, deceit, or exaggeration. Colossians 3: 9

5. Prayerfulness: Pray that they would learn to be a person of prayer and that they would develop a disciplined and powerful prayer life, praying without ceasing, developing a lifestyle of communion with God. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17

Friday

1. Compassion for Others: Pray that God would develop in them a compassionate heart for those left out, mistreated, or bullied, and that they would defend the defenseless. Pray that they would respond to the physically handicapped or mentally challenged with grace and love. Matthew 25: 40

2. Peacemaker: Pray that they would be peacemakers in the midst of strife and turmoil, and that they would demonstrate justice, fairness, and mercy in their dealings with others. Romans 12: 18-19

3. A Godly Mate: Pray that God would prepare the heart of the person they will someday marry to be godly, to be exactly what they need, and to be a person of character, commitment, and conviction. 1 John 4: 7

4. Right Friends: Pray that they would choose godly friends, and that they would influence their friends to make right choices. Proverbs 13: 20

5. Love for Siblings: Pray that they would learn to love their brothers and sisters and treat them with kindness, respect, and caring. 1 John 4: 20-21

Saturday

1. Forgiving Heart: Pray that they would be quick to forgive and free from bitterness or resentment. Colossians 3: 13

2. Generosity: Pray that they would be generous with their resources, giving to meet needs, and proving that God gives back to those who are unselfish. Luke 6: 38

3. Humility: Pray that they would demonstrate a spirit of humility, not arrogance or pride. James 4: 6

4. Love of Beauty: Pray that they would love God's creation and respect all life. Pray that they would appreciate beauty and think about things which are pure, lovely, and admirable. Philippians 4: 8

5. Godly Parents: Pray that God would help me be a parent who models these godly characteristics for my child, and that He would grant me patience and love for each child He has placed in my care. Ephesians 6:4

God is such a great God. He answers prayer. Pray these things for our upcoming generation! They certainly need it more now than ever before!

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1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him."

Lord, Thank You.

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved."

Have you ever stopped to think about what the Lord has done for us? For you?

1 Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

He suffered greatly so that we could be saved... So that we could have eternal life in heaven with Him! His sacrifice was the ultimate--His perfect life, for our sinful one.

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Seek Him. He is not far away.

Acts 17:27-28a "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us: For in Him we live, and move, and have our being"

Call unto Him.

Romans 10:10-13 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

He will save you. You can have eternal life with Him.

John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

We are free! Saved by Him from death and the punishment of sins!

Romans 6:17-18 "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

It's a forever thing.

John 10:28 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

Thank you, Lord!

1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We have the victory! Celebrate! Thank God for it!

2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

I am so thankful for my salvation! Don't ever miss or forget what was done on the cross for you!

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A Spectacular Prayer

Col 1: 9-14 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"

I came across this prayer, while searching The Word for some encouragement. As afore mentioned, there has been hardship in my family, which is seemingly ever growing right now... But I know that God is SO MUCH BIGGER than any problem I'm facing.

I found these verses to be so powerful ("powerful" not even being the half of describing His Word). Just read them; let them sink in. Think about this prayer.

This prayer covers so many aspects of the Christian life:

*Never ceasing in your prayers

*Gaining wisdom and spiritual knowledge

*Being fruitful

*Growing in His strength

*Learning patience and joy in your longsuffering

*Remembering the phenomenal sacrifice paid for us on Calvary

*Realizing that the battle is won--we will be partakers in the heavenly inheritance, because of redemption through the blood and His ever forgiving of our sins!!

Whew! This prayer is so amazing to me. I have decided to start using this prayer for others and myself--to gain these wonderful things in our lives!

1 John 5:14-15 says "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

God answers prayers. He is a wonderful, merciful, and astounding God. He has saved me from hell, and I will be bounding in "the inheritance of the saints" one day!!!!

I would like to challenge you to pray this prayer. Watch what God will do. Let Him and His Word do a marvelous and miraculous work in you.

Acts 16:31 says "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Also Romans 5:8 says "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".

I want you to know that He cares for you; He can and will save you. He loves you so much!

Look to Him. Prov. 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

God will lead you if you let Him. He will reveal the truth to you, and fill your heart if you let Him. Please let Him.

Thank you, Lord, for all that you have done for me. Thank you for Your Word and how it reaches me. You're the best!

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