Hey, Sweet Things! I’ve been praying for you this very day. I’ve especially been praying for those of you who’ve commented about how much you want to do the Scripture memory but you’re scared of failing. First of all, I pray that God is going to give you a glimpse of what your brilliant little mind is capable of doing when doused in His Word. Second, if you spend the year meditating on 24 verses, I pray that you’ll realize that you cannot fail. It will produce a harvest whether or not you get each Scripture down word for word. The captivated mind that tears down strongholds is what we’re after. Keep that before you. Pray for a supernatural unction to internalize Scripture then thank God for it in advance. He makes a way for us to obey what He wills for us to do.
Now, on to something that I keep pondering this morning. Like many of you, I’m a thinker. Years don’t come to ends or beginnings without me getting caught up in what’s behind or in front of me. That’s good if it leads to change. That’s bad if it leads to dread. We’ve all heard this definition of insanity: doing the same thing the same way and expecting something different. Yet, for the most part, we live life in that maddening loop. One of the things God has taught me along the way is to try to hear from Him about one area at a time that He’s pinpointing for change. Much more than that is too overwhelming. Anyway, He’s a God who’s into process with the lives of His children. We need look no further than Philippians 1:6 for proof of that. What He may begin in an instant He may complete over a lifetime. Instead of making a list of resolutions for 2011 that are broken by the time they’re spoken, is there simply one thing about us we really wish to change? I could think of a dozen things I’d like to change but this is the one I think God is pinpointing as our joint effort for the top of 2011: a mental loop I tend to get into when I get offended or hurt by someone I love. I have come to believe that my first minute’s reaction is what determines the cycle of the next (usually miserable) two days. So, here’s my specific prayer for the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.
My Dearest Abba Father,
I’ve lived long enough to know that any 12-month period of time on Planet Earth winds a pathway through thicket and thorns. It’s just too long a period of time not to get hurt or offended. I also know that You have tucked many joys in the oncoming year and I don’t want to miss them because I can’t quit obsessing over what’s hard. You’ve gone to measurable lengths in the last year to show me how the enemy of my soul operates in one specific area: he can’t block You from blessing Your children so he tries to block Your children from enjoying it. I do not want him to cheat me of reaping from anything rich You send my way this year. Even the treasures hidden in darkness. As this year ends and a new one begins, I am so thankful that I have Your Spirit without limit in my life and that, with You, change in a long pattern really is possible. You’ve done it before in my life. Come do it again. I am asking You in particular, Abba Father, to run to my aid in that first moment when an opportunity for offense happens and urge me by Your Holy Spirit to head into a thought-loop that spirals upward rather than downward. Simply put, help me to get over things fast. Honestly, Lord, sometimes I just make life harder than it has to be. Some things that wound me aren’t even about me. Help me to see where I’m jumping into somebody else’s loop and to quit getting hung by my own. I choose joy in resting this petition at Your feet, Lord, and I refuse self-condemnation or fruitless regret. You never would have brought this to the forefront and called for it in prayer if You didn’t have something good in mind. You began this work. Now come and take it to the next level. I’m excited about it, Lord, and see a glimpse of liberty on the horizon. Thank You, Father.
If you also want to post a prayer about ONE THING you’re asking God to do in you toward a more victorious 2011, feel free. There’s something about writing it down in a public place that makes it memorable. A record you can go back and read can be a beautiful thing. Try to resist wallowing and writhing in these public requests. It’s Satan who tries to make prayer a dreaded exercise in self-loathing. In God’s economy, even when our prayers are mostly pleas of repentance, they lead us to relief.
Hey, Siestas, let’s not respond to each other’s comments this time. By all means, let’s pray for each other but let’s leave the response space to God.
I’m honored to walk with you into 2011, dear sisters. We’re getting closer to the 1st! Hold your head up or you might miss your new beginning!
I am praying that I will have the discipline I need to get up early enough each morning to have my quiet time & also time for the physical exercise I need before going to work each morning. I usually start out the week doing pretty well & then I find myself running late and making excuses. I’m needing to lower my cholesterol & would like to try to lower it without taking medication. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Thanks Beth for always being an encouragement to us! I pray huge blessings from Heaven for you & all my Siestas in 2011!
Lord,
How I love you so much. You have really shown me unbelievable mercy and grace. I thank you for the things you have shown me in the last couple of months and how far you have brought me in my faith. How I desire to be more like you…
In this next year please continue showing me who you want me to be and direct me where to go.
Lord, My prayer is to become so rooted and grounded in your love that I will be so secure in you and your love for me that no matter what outer or inner circumstances take place I cannot be shaken in that knowledge.
Bless you Beth for your optimism and your transparentcy. We had a glorious and wonderful, difficult and trying holiday all at once. I needed to know that others struggle with bad “thought loops” and other families have some struggle, I am not nosy about details just feeling a little defeated and alone. God is so good and faithful and He has used your blog today to boost my faith and hope once again. Shalom
Heavenly Father and Creator,
My prayer for 2011 is to live by the Spirit so that I will not gratify the desires of my sinful nature and that I would instead bear the fruit of the Spirit:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Ephesians 5:16-26)
Galatians 5:25 states, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” I desire this in my own life, DAILY. In John 10:10, Jesus shares, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Amen! By the grace of God may I learn to say “No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” I am your own Lord and I am eager to do what is good! (Titus 2:11-14) Amen.
Sweet, sweet Lord, thank you for your guidance in my life. Thank you for that your word says you will continue to guide me in 2011; that you will satisfy my soul and strengthen my bones. Let my life be like a watered garden this next year, like a spring that your living water flows from without fail. By the grace and power of your precious name, let it be done in me.
I am so excited to tomorrow and to start the SSM for 2011. I am still pondering what scripture I will use and have been meditating on the Lord for his direction…..
Father, thank you for Beth, who so often puts into words for my mouth to say aloud what has been rolling around somewhere deep inside without clarity or a voice. I want to be Christ to the hurting I see, and when they lash out (and I think its all about me) I can be gentle and focus on YOU and what YOU want to happen next. No more internalizing and restless self-pity or fear. Thank you for how many victories You freely give, to me and those all around me. I ask for this one this year. In Jesus Name!
Dear Lord, help me to give up the need to control so that I can truly feel you peace; a peace beyond all understanding.
Father, I am so in awe of your grace and the things that you have taught me about your grace in the past year. I am so thankful that I am not to old to learn. Thank you that you are so present with us that you know our thoughts and desires of our heart because somedays I feel as if my thoughts are all prayers all the day long. Lord, you know how unfaithful I have been, and my struggle to do better seems to always fall short of the faithfulness which you give to me. For this I am truly sorry.
There is a list of things that I would love for you to do in me this year – this I pray will be a year of CHANGE for me. Father, I desire more of you, less of me and to be a vessel that you can use for honor in this coming year. Father please plant your word in my memory as well as my heart and help me to follow through in my prayer life as well as my own personal study time. Oh, Jesus help me to choose to be who you have created me to be, to imitate you & you alone. I want to walk in the anointing you have for me, guard my heart & my mind from those distractions that would take me off the path. I love you Lord.
Oh, Lord Jesus,
I pray that You will fill me so much with Your Divine Love, that it may “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that I may be able to discern what is best, and that I may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, and that I may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” [taken from Philippians 1:9-11]
I pray these things in the name of my precious Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ…
Jennifer O.
Janesville, Wisconsin
Sooooo ready to do this!!!! God be glorified!!!
Father God, I thank you for 2010. It has been one of the more difficult years for me and my children, BUT YOU have been so faithful, You have provided and protected us! I praise You, praise You!!! And for the upcoming 2011 I pray that I would follow real close after you. I pray for health as I return to work in January, that I would be able to provide for my family again. But above all, Father, I want to know you more! May You be honored in my thoughts, words and deeds! I love you so much! Amen
Thanks for the encouraging word.
Beth, you are a gift to our community. Thanks for serving.
Father I ask you now to stand ready and able to come rescue me from my destructive thoughts and how I let the enemy use them against me. I want this year to be my New Year of thinking right and therefore responding right. Come do a new thing in me Lord and be HUGE about it!! I thank you and wait as I move forward in your service. I LOVE YOU TOO, Carla
Oh my Lord, my sweet, sweet Lord it has been a YEAR. I never thought on New Year’s ever last year this one year later I would be where I am today. Lord you have brought me through so much this year and yet we still have a way’s to go. I know You are doing a work in me, an eternal work and I am holding on to YOU and YOU alone. So many things that I have tried to hold on to in the past have let me down and brought me to the place of absolute surrender where I am now. On my face before you Daddy, broken, humbled and vulnerable. Right where you want me. This year the place I want to go with you is knowing that I am who YOU say I am. Nothing more, nothing less. I need to accept YOUR love and not a cheap, worldy substitute. No more idols, no more broken affairs with worldly lovers. No more seeking love from food, sex, shopping, sleeping, anger, rage and addiction. This is my year of contiued FREEDOM. My year to fall more in love with Jesus, the lover of my soul, the Savior of my heart.
Father God I just come to You with just a humble spirit. One that just seeks to go deeper. Deeper in Your word and deeper in my relationship with You. I desire to push everything else aside and just get to know You. My God, my Lord and Savior who has saved me from so much. This is our year God to claim VICTORY!!!!!!
I love you Abba Father I love YOU
Bethany
What’s my one thing, Lord? It’s on the tip of my heart-let it out lest I be discouraged….”discipline. You are my disciple, so work on your discipline. Discipline is not punishment-toward yourself or your children. It is love, so love yourself. I’ll be right there to help you.”
Dearest Father,
For too long I have treasured and taken pride in my stubbornness, calling it perservance. Thank you for showing me that the difference between the two. Stubbornness is selfishly persisting in my will, where perservance is selflessly and by Your strength persisting in Your will. Give me this year a more submissive spirit so that I can truly be your servant of love to others. Thank you for your love, mercy, patience, and faithfulness as you work with me in answering this prayer.
Thank you Lord for my children. Help me to release the tight grip I have had on my boys (men) and turn them over to You. I am so happy they graduated college this past year. I can’t wait to see what You will do in their lives.
Grow compassion in me and show me practically how and where to demonstrate it.
Dear Beloved Abba Father,
You are the reason I am alive and draw breath. For this I am grateful. Thank you Lord for my life, my family, my mentors, and my friends. Father, please do a mighty work in me this new year. Take the lead in my life, Lord. I am your willing vessel. Help me to stay focused on you as my One and Only. Please help me to surrender all things so that I can live fully in Your presence. Specifically, Lord, I pray for discipline to rejoice in where I am at today. Help to stop looking ahead and looking for this or that. I want to live in the here and now. I want to fully experience where I am at today and every day and rejoice no matter what. Lord, I pray for discipline to study Your Living Word sincerely and for memory recall as I begin a new journey with my Siestas in etching scriptures into my mind and heart. Lord, I lift my hands to you in full surrender and worship. Help me to be a Leader that makes you proud. Thank you, Jesus, for promising to complete Your works in me for your Kingdom Building purposes. I love you, Lord. It is in Your son’s holy name I pray. Amen.
Lord, I’ve spent much time in 2010 trying to be organized and structured enough to get that “daily quiet time” into a routine. And yet, I’m still not faithful with it. My heart’s desire is to know you more, to love you more, to serve you more. So, I’m asking you to give me a longing for you and your Word that’s so strong that I can’t help but meet with you every morning before the choas starts. I long to be so acutely aware of your Presence. Thankyou, Father, for being with me, in me, over me, and around me! You are AWESOME!!!!!
Looking forward to it!
Lord i pray you will help me to let go of my reactions, ensuing hurt and anger and instead live with your peace, grace and joy!
Dear Father,
This year I want to be consistent in my devotion to You each day. I hate when I get away from daily devotion and prayer. Help me to get there,even if it means waking up early. Please, please make me a morning person. I know you can work miracles . I do know that Lord, thank you.
Love,
Sarah
Beth: I had to laugh when I read your comment on this post, sharing that when a “miserable mental loop” of yours lasts two days following an offense or hurtful words, it’s far too long. Just two weeks ago I shared with my close friends that I was so encouraged that my emotional funk and obsessing over a recent offense lasted ONLY two days and not two months or more. Having read your post, it seems that God might be encouraging me to set my sights a bit higher. How wonderful it would be to have such a funk last only two minutes — better yet, two seconds: One to glue my lips shut, and the next to offer the offense and temptation to obsess completely to the Lord in prayer.
Blessings on you this New Year’s Eve night, sweet Beth. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. You are loved.
Father,
This will be the year of Spring for us. We’ve spent so long in the desert we feel as if we’re surrounded only by bulrushes and dirt, wilderness and weariness. But You have led us here, and You are leading us out. You’re taking us out of the death of the desert and the barrenness of winter into a year of Springtime. There will be much blooming in unexpected places, new life will be coming up in every area of our lives, and there will be MUCH joy in beholding the fruit You planted and are causing to grow. I can’t wait, Father, for 2011. I know it will be good.
I ask You to please make me secure in Your parenting this coming year. That’s my one thing I want. I know You’re already doing it. I want to know the safety of Your Fathering and the nurturing of Your Mothering. I want to know family this year – spiritually and naturally. Make me secure in Your parenting. Do it Lord, and make Yourself shine brightly.
Jessica
God bless us and help me to understand exactly how this works.
Dearest Jesus,
I’m so looking forward to seeing what You have on Your agenda for 2011. I turn 40 this year, Lord, and you know that I’m struggling with that a bit. I also know that You have created me to be a “people person”, to prioritize relationships over tasks, however, I feel like You’re about to deal with me on Proverbs 31:27; “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” I refuse to turn this into a false guilt thing, but I confess that I have allowed homeschooling to become an excuse for laziness in other household tasks. So Lord, I’m praying for increased discernment and discipline for myself this year. Let “40” become a blessing of maturity. I love You, Jesus!
Mama Beth,
This is a question for you, and it is very hard for me to write this in a public forum, but I really want to clarify something you mentioned in this posting. You mention obsessive thought patterns, and getting over things fast, and a mental loop that you get into when you are hurt or offended by someone. What I am wondering is this: What if being hurt repeatedly by someone is also the Holy Spirit urging you to NOT get over it, to walk away, to NOT let it go, and let the person go… is that possible?
The most discreet way to share specifically so that it’s not a stab in the dark over something vague is: My husband… well, due to him serving me final divorce ppwk while I was under anesthesia, 4 hrs out of surgery, which I signed, he said he wouldn’t turn in,he just needed to see that I would give up control and desperate hope after fighting for 2 years for our marriage, then did turn them in, but said that he’d just need some time then would turn around and go get re-married, but that hasn’t happened either.(It’s been 4 mos) He had said that he would support me financially until I got on my feet (although it wasn’t in the ppwk he had me sign, it only obligated him to pay my cel phone and car pymt for a yr) and then he made me move out after 1 mo. of the divorce, even though I didn’t have a job yet. He helps occasionally w/ small things if I beg, and I really struggle financially. I know there is no one else in the picture. (Trust me, I have done the sluething) We still spend much of our time together…but important things like tonight, New Years… he is choosing to spend it with a guy friend, going to a NYE event and he knows I’m just horrified I’m so hurt, and things like this happen all the time, and I just…get to the end of my ‘turn-the-other-cheek-identify-with-the-sacrifice-of-Christ’ attitude, and I think “This is too much. Enough is enough.” And I only get like that if I replay all the things, over and over on a weekly basis that are selfish and hurtful that he does, and then I read what you say, and I think, “Is this me being obssessive about negative, hurtful things? Being that it was a marriage, is there still hope? Is this the Holy Spirit telling me that I should be humble and patient and sacrificial and just focus on the Lord and hope for reconciliation?” This is so intensely personal, and might affect my own ministry by asking publically, but I’m desperate to know if you think what you said applies to my situation, or if I’m being a doormat. I really hope you can clarify. It’s hard for me to not be confused right now. Thanks. Sorry if this is wallowing.
My goodness, have you been eavesdropping on my home in the last few weeks. One thing I have struggled with constantly is being offended. Sometimes people intend it other times, I read way too much into something – -either way, I need to change my reaction and actions to it. I am looking forward to the Siesta Scripture Memory in 2011. I did it alone last year and I think it was easier the year before, doing it with a group.
After my 25 year marriage ended in divorce on November 12, 2010, I’m praying that in 2011 God will show me HIS plan for my life, that I will seek HIS face and know without a shadow of doubt that HE is with me always even through these dark days.
Beth when is roll call for SSMT 2011?
Father,
As I read through the comments of the vast group of ladies, I find a bit of comfort in seeing that I am not alone in the challenges and struggles that seem so big at times that I can’t see around them to see you. How the Satan must laugh when he sees how I let him block my view and trust in you. I am also not alone in the group to have a deep longing and desire to have you in complete control of my life. You have so faithfully delivered me from a pit of despair in the past and while I don’t go back to that same pit to fall in…I seem to be able to dig another and wallow there. Clear my mind and prepare my heart as I start 2011 and begin with Beth and the SSMT, of the garbage that only makes a chasm between you and me. Take and make me yours my Abba Father….
Dear Jesus, Please free me from worrying about money. I do not want to be a lover of money and I am your servant. You have told me not to worry and to trust you – not leaning on my own understanding. Give me Godly wisdom in managing my family’s finances. Thank you for being my Provider and reminding me that it is only through your glorious riches that I have anything. I want to find my security in you alone Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithfulness and for the direction that your Word and the Holy Spirit gives me. Amen
Two thousand and eleven
Our time for JOY
This side of Heaven!
Praying for God’s purposes and will to be accomplished in my life and my husband’s life this year
For truth to triumph over false accusations
To see and know that my children are following and walking with Jesus
To experience a full measure of God’s peace, love, and joy
Lord, Help me to become the encouraging and supportive wife my husband needs and that You’ve called me to be.
Lord, I want to know you more!
I believe the deepest desire of my heart right now is to lead others to You. I am sorry I have not been living out my salvation with the zeal and passion You deserve and are worthy of. Turn my eyes off the things of this world and my worldly desires. Break my heart for the poor, the fatherless, and the widows of this world. When You mend it, fill it with compassion and generosity so that I may live my life each day to Your glory. Amen.
Oh, how grateful I was for this post yesterday. I have a guest staying in my computer room so I can only check in sporadically, and not for long–but this was like finding a pearl in an oyster. I just wept. I am so grateful to have a Godly sister-leader in the Lord praying for me–even though the prayers are for all of us, God knows each of our individual needs, and I can sense His presence and strength and encouragement. Thank you so very much! May it all come back to you in abundance, and then some.
My prayer: Lord, please help me believe you in those deep places where I’m not really sure if I do or not. Sometimes I start out with mountain moving faith, but over time it erodes into wishful thinking. Please continue the healing you have been doing in my heart, and keep me safe from the enemy’s fright through those who are forceful. And help me be obedient in every way–fast to obey You, like Abraham was. Please don’t let me be deceived because I only listened (which, I have to confess, is my downfall). I want to submit fully to Your way of doing things; when you want me to do them. AND please keep changing me! I love your discipline, I love what You are doing, and the worst and most unimaginable thing in the world would be to remain the same. 🙂
God, i pray for renewed strength and trust in you alone as my ROCK. i thank you in advance for your faithfulness, even when i am unfaithful.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for blessing me, transforming, and bringing me through another year. You have been so gracious. I thank you for answers, provisions, protection, and peace for my family and me. Help me, Lord, to set routines this year that bring a lifestyle that will bless me to enjoy the life you gave me to live and bless me to help others to have a relationship with you.
Wow…Did God bring me to your blog today or WHAT!!!!! I felt like you were praying directly to me. Thank you so much. It is New Years Eve today and I pray that I will be able to follow closer to God! I pray that I will NOT live in my ugly past. I pray that my sins will be forgiven and I can move on. I hope that I can be used in 2011 to help others and sit still long enough to listen to what HE is calling me to do. I pray for health and happiness.
In Jesus’ sweet name,
AMEN!
Cathy,
California
Beth, I wanted to email you but couldn’t find another place to send this..I have been on an incredible journey since Feb. 09 when I first did “Believing God” followed by Breaking free, and then Patriarchs, Fruit of the Spirit and so on….so much more to share, but I put this on my FB tonight to give God Glory for my 2010 year of transformation..You have a big part in this..God has used your studies to get me in His Word more and more! Thank you! 2010-My Year of Transformation..
by Kathy Templeton Patterson on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 5:19pm
I am 58. I am a first grade school teacher in a non-denominational Christian school. I was saved in 1984 while watching Christian TV. In Feb. of 09, I did my first Beth Moore Bible study “Believing God” when I was at a place of complete hopelessness to a struggle with food/dieting/compulsive eating that I had dealt with my entire life.I believed God could do anything, however I didn’t think this problem/bondage was ever going to be conquered…In May 09, I began the Bible study “Breaking free”. At that time, He led me to do the Nutri System program and begin walking..By April 2010, I lost 90 pounds, got to my dream goal and for the first time in my entire life am learning how to maintain the weight, work on the healthy habits I have and am learning. working with Him to keep the weight off, and more importantly…continuing to be emptied of the things inside that have kept me in captivity to food and so much more….How…He and His Word..He uses his Word in our life to transform our ways into freedom..Freedom to receive Him, His love deeper and deeper, security in Him and so much more!! This year He has restored so many things back to my life, the greatest year of peace I have ever experienced and so much more….I want to encourage others to keep on keeping on..He will work all things together for good in your life! No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has in store for those who love Him!!
My prayer request for this year is that I will not lose my focus. Too many times I get overwhelmed with my schedule and demands of life. I lose my focus on God and have trouble seeing and hearing Him. I get in the routine of just surviving and not thriving in Him. My prayer is that God will help me to keep focused on Him every day.
Thank you Beth for finding words to voice my own struggle. I have been appalled this year at the extent of evil I have experienced from the enemy. I am fighting hard and I don’t want to give the enemy one single piece of ground. Oh please pray that my strength may not fail. I trust God to show me how to stay afloat and fight smarter to win this battle.
Praise God the war is won already.
That is exactly my prayer for 2011. I had been searching what I wanted out of this next year but could not put it into words. Beth, you have such a way with words that while I read, I knew that was what I was wanting. Thank you!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise you and thank you for all you have given me. In 2011, please instill in me a hunger for your Word greater than I have ever known. Oh Lord, help me to live my life in the way that pleases you.
In sweet Jesus name I pray.
Hello
A friend of mine sent me the link to this site. I am Jewish so my beliefs are a little different here. I moved back to the US almost 4 years ago after a man , husband after close to 30 years walked out of my life and our daughter’s because he did not want responsibility. For 4 years I have struggled financially. I have struggled to find love again and to go after my dreams and goals. I have lose my faith as the people and my religion have from what have felt turned their back on me. I am 50 years old and do not want to struggle but find faith that I will succeed and finish my law degree and that I will provide for my daughter and that I will find love in a good man , a decent man. I want to have faith but all I feel is despair.