Thinking About A New Year

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!

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805 Responses to “Thinking About A New Year”

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Comments:

  1. 601
    Judy says:

    Father, my first prayer is that you will help me grow strong in self-discipline. A lack of it makes so many things hard. I know I can please you more by becoming stronger in this area, so, I ask you, can we start here? I love you so much, Father. You are so wonderful!

  2. 602
    Beth says:

    Father, just recently you spoke to me and showed me where I have been at fault. I want to fix and change things where you have not called me to work. I now realize that not only have you NOT called me, but you may actually not even WANT me to involve myself in certain areas. (even if it seems the right thing to me at the time). Lord, as you have brought this to mind, I find myself with so much freedom when I listen for Your voice and respond to Your leadership and not some random thought of my own. My prayer for 2011 is this…………..that You would continue the work you have started in me. I want to do Your will and not my own. I had to get quiet in January of 2010 to listen to you. Hush my mouth Lord and open wide my ears!! Amen, yes Lord

  3. 603
    April Nicole says:

    My SSMT spiral arrived today – what great timing! SO excited to take this journey with all you ladies :O)

    HAPPY NEW YEAR

  4. 604
    Susan says:

    Dear Beth…this is the MOST IMPORTANT LETTER I COULD EVER WRITE YOU…PLEASE, PLEASE read it, PLEASE.
    Beth, I have love the Lord, and learned much about Him through studying with you for the last twenty years. My husband, like you and Keith, are only here together because He lives and loves so perfectly. We have raised our thirty year old daughter in Gods embrace and she has served Him EVER so faithfully for the past 17 years of her life. She married a young man of faith twelve years ago, they have also served Christ together for the last twelve years as a couple. We have three tremendous Grandbabies that you know I need not say more about, they are His sweet grace. Beth….PLEASE HEAR THIS from your “Mothers heart”, as mine is broken, shattered, and my husband and I know only Jesus brings our moment to moment breath. Yesterday…our baby girl came to us and told us they are ‘no longer believers and have denounced thier faith’!!! Beth, do you hear my cry, do you feel my tears…there are many ~ I cannot comprehend. I went to thier home while they were away for a few hours today and I prayed throughout that home. I came across a book on Darwinism ~ oh Beth, I thought someone had stabbed me and I would see blood at any given moment. My son-in-love is like the dream young servant hearted man to our Savior and my daughter. They did a study in an Assembly church three months ago on the “old testament”, and now they are almost angry at God. Beth, I admitt it, I know you have the ability to ‘feel’ my heart, we have been one so often through Christ, Tara and I have seen you so many times…if EVER there were a moment when I wish you could jump on a plain to save a soul with God, it would be now Beth. Melissa and Amanda are to you EXACTLY what Tara baby is to me…my little grands ~ OH BETH…please, pray. We have no church family, our split two years ago and we have tried to heal, my husband works EVERY Sunday so we can’t go together, but we love God and we serve Him and stay in His word, in prayer. We are active with our kids, they live only blocks from us now…I’m sorry, I don’t meant to ramble. I am sick at heart, I just need a word Beth, just a word. I love my baby so much, her heart is so good, so loving, her voice is Gods gift…I can’t fathom this, I can’t help thier anger and hurt over God in the Old Testament. Like you, our son-in-love is a ‘thinker’… only for him it has become a danger zone, too many books too much research and he’s overcome and hurt by Gods ‘character’ in the old testament, he’s intelligent and sensitive. I don’t know how to breathe…I love them so much, but it’s a death to us Beth, a mourning, a Godly sorrow like nothing I can express. I love you, in the Name above all names, I covet your prayers. Godspeed, Godspeed, Susan

    • 604.1
      Beth says:

      Dearest Susan, I am so sorry. My heart would be broken too! I pray in Jesus’ great and mighty Name that He will go fetch this child and the entire family back. Thank God His Word is full of His determination to do exactly that. Find Scriptures that speak to this holy pursuit of God and pray them with confidence over this family. Put the burden upon God who is able and don’t try to carry the responsibility for them on your own shoulders. It’s too big. We care so much!

      • Susan says:

        I am trying Beth…I am trying so hard to leave it with God. If ever He places it on your heart to make my life real to you, to put you in my place just on a heart level…please pray for Eric and Tara. Thank you.

    • 604.2
      Ada - Lovin Him says:

      Dearest Susan,
      God just brought me to your post in the most random way, I know he means for me to pray for you and offer the verse Beth shared in a prior post that will be my focus verse for this coming year – Romans 15:13 – May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and PEACE as you TRUST in HIM, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit!
      I know your mother’s heart too – been in the same pain you’re in. I’m here to tell you that we went through a decade of rebellion but, through the power of God, my prodigal was restored, returned home, and the Lord keeps telling me that He will use my son to strengthen others once he is firmly grounded in the faith! Remember God loves Tara and her husband even more than you do and will never cease wooing them to Himself – He reigns with wisdom, power and love – NOTHING is too difficult for Him! He works in ALL things for our good when we love Him. Don’t let the enemy steal your hope and your peace – God is still on the throne. TRUST Him to draw your family back to Him and to work something good of this! TRUST Him to fill you with ALL joy and peace so you overflow with hope by the power of His Spirit!
      You are in my heart and prayers

  5. 605
    Tisha says:

    My Dearest Father,
    Thank you for teaching me every day to trust you. Help me Lord in 2011 to replace fear with truth. I can only do this with You. My human efforts accomplish nothing. But Your Word-it is Truth! Bring it to my remembrance every time an anxious, fearful, untruthful thought pops into my head. Teach me Father to take those lies captive and demolish them so I can live freely through Christ, my Savior. I love you Father and thank You for Your constant work in my life and Your love that never ceases. You are my life! I ask this prayer boldly in Jesus’ name and thank You.
    Your daughter

  6. 606
    Jeanna says:

    Dear Lord,
    Please let me accept the aging of my children and parents, along with me and my husband. Let me not be fearful, but embrace today and tomorrow with hope and love knowing you are my Savior and Friend and you have everything in your hands, including illnesses and old age. Comfort our hearts when we are hurting, knowing You are there and will be there for eternity. Thank you for Loving us so much, that you sacrificed your son for us.

  7. 607
    KaRetha says:

    Lord please help me to be faithful in my Bible reading and preparation for teaching others about You and Your love for them through Your Word. I want to be the example they can look at and say “I want to know her God” for it shows in my life how you have changed me. Then Lord, help me to love those in my life the way You love me, unconditionally and extravagantly.

  8. 608
    lindsey says:

    I pray God would provide the finances for me to be at home for my husband and family. I feel like this is the best place for me to serve and submit. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, I know you Jesus will be my provider.

  9. 609
    Erin says:

    Dear Heavenly Father,
    Lord, I pray that as we come into this new year, I will truly bear the fruit of self-control. Lord, I feel You have been dealing with me on this, but I still have a ways to go. Lord, You have shown me how important this is in all aspects of life, not just things that I typically think of as sin. Lord, I want my mind to be completely devoted to You and to seek Your will so diligently that I long for nothing else. There are so many temptations that turn my focus. God help me to use Your Word as blinders that keep my heart tuned to You alone. Thank You, Father, for showing me this need that can only be filled by You. Thank You for going before me. I love You, Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

  10. 610
    Chesney says:

    Beloved Jesus,

    The desire of my heart for this year is for you to help me to “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Col. 3:12). Oh how I long to be like you in compassion and kindness. My hearts deep desire is to be kind-Oh Jesus, I want the law of kindness to be on my tongue. I love people so much, but in my flesh I am not patient, gentle, and kind like I want to be. I am unkind toward my family and Jesus I want to break that bond now so that I will not bring that into my marriage and future family. Lord, teach me to have a heart like yours that is compassionate toward others, patient with them, gentle and kind. I want to be a woman who brings forth life, who loves, who encourages. Jesus create in me a new heart, that your name would be glorified. I love you dearest Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.

  11. 611
    Carolyn Roberson says:

    My Heavenly Father,
    I pray for a complete renewal of spirit, mind, and body for 2011 and the many years to follow. This prayer is for my husband, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and spiritual family. I seek complete wholeness in God and his word. I seek you God so diligently and know you will be there for me.
    Thank you Father for all you are doing in me and for me. I pray to become more like you each day of my life. I pray for divine knowledge and wisdom to witness for you to all whom you send my way. I love you.

  12. 612
    Connie says:

    Father God,
    I repent of choosing my own way in what I eat, whether I exercise, forgive me for this sin. Wash me. Inspire me to dedicate this temple moment by moment, day by day, decision by decision that You alone are the true owner of it having purchased it with your precious blood, not the blood of bulls and goats.
    I’ve been a poor steward of my health and for that I am reaping a carnal death having sown to the flesh.
    Be glorified in this body, my precious Jesus.

  13. 613
    phyllis winn says:

    Dear God, You are everything…life, hope, truth, wisdom, eternity…I want to know you more!! In Jesus’ precious name, amen

  14. 614

    Hey Bethie… The coolest thing happened tonight at church. We have an annual prayer service on New Year’s Eve at 6:00 pm.

    When we arrived the greeters were handing out sheets of paper and envelopes. We were supposed to write a petition to God for the coming year and seal it in an envelope. I immediately pulled out the index cards in my purse and began filing through the Scripture references at the top of each card. (I’d only filled out the first three of four for SSMT in 2011.) I then began to look up the Scriptures looking for the Word to pray over my life for the next year – and there it was – Scripture 13… I wrote out my prayer and sealed my envelope. I placed in the basket at the altar after the service – with my name and address written neatly on the front. A Prayer Capsule. The church is going to mail them out to us next year after Thanksgiving so we can see how God answered our prayers. 🙂 Exciting times we live in. Thanks for spurring us on – It is already paying dividends. 🙂

  15. 615
    Teri says:

    It doesn’t matter how long since I’ve heard or shall I say, “read” you —-You still are a “kindred spirit”! Maybe it’s our common background experiences…I don’t know, but you always resonate with me!

    The prayer you prayed is going to be mine as well. I totally do a mental roller coaster ride, ad nauseum, when I’m offended or hurt.

    Since I know God asked you to stand on “the bridge” and you’ve done a great job to the glory of GOD….I’m sure as a Catholic Christian I would be welcomed anywhere that you speak, etc. I need to memorize 24 scriptures. The New Year is going to be the year of Abandonment to Christ Alone…
    Love you Girlfriend,
    Teri
    p.s. I am going to be sort of using some of your material for a Bible Study of sorts with quite a few of my Catholic friends. “Who Do You Trust”…. Just like you, I needed so badly to learn about trust and to realize that I can trust Our LORD…so they are going to get what I’m going through +++

  16. 616
    Paula says:

    2010 has been so hard! 2011 looms ahead of me dark and menacing. My Mom will begin cancer treatment in January. My siblings and I embark on this long journey with her not knowing where it will lead. Yet we are surprisingly focused on the good right now. I say “surprisingly” because I am very surprised how we can be optimistic in the face of such chaos. God has been the author of that surprise. I plan on embarking on a journey of scripture memory to make sure that I am continually surprised at the good that can come from the depths. Thank you Lord for all the love that you have poured out during the past few weeks and I pray that I am continually aware of every sign and wonder that you author. Amen.

  17. 617
    Pam says:

    Loving Father,
    I don’t believe that You want me to live a life filled with fear. I cannot overcome the fear on my own…I have tried but failed. I need to live a life of faith and trust in You. This is the one thing I need You to do in my life this year.

    I love You!

  18. 618
    Megan Cunningham says:

    Dear sweet Father,
    You know my hearts ache and desire. Please I give them to you and ask that you will give me all that I need and want inside Your will. In your precious name, your daughter, Meggie

  19. 619
    Puzzlepiecesista says:

    I echo those same fears as so many of my siestas. My dear, dear friend Lisa (Hisfivefooter) can seem to memorize scripture with but a mere glance at it, while I LABOR over it like a woman in child-birth!!! Sooooo NOT fair, but did God ever say life was fair?? The last thing I want to do is fail Him! But, true failure would be never to have tried at all. Anything worth having takes work and there is NOTHING more worthy of my attentions than hiding God’s word deep in my heart!! So my prayer is that the God who has called me will find me faithful! He knows I love Him so!!!!

    Happy New Year Sweet Beth!! I love You Siesta Mama!!

    Angela in Kirkland, WA

  20. 620
    Puzzlepiecesista says:

    Melissa and Amanda,

    I MISS YOU BOTH!!! Happy New Year to you both (u 2 Beth) and I pray our God Blesses you richly this New Year, this New Decade!!!!!!!!!! To God Be The Glory!!!!!!!!!!

  21. 621
    Cheryl says:

    Dear Father,
    “I want to let Jesus love me; put his arms around me; fill me with His perfect peace, and make me beautiful.” I pray that I might truly grasp the depth of your love for me. That I would believe it, receive it, relax in it and in it I would be free from the replaying of old wounds, old beliefs that I am unloveable — that I would, for once, be ok with just being me — and in your truth become the person you created me to be. Thank you that there is always hope in you.
    It’s a New Year and I am so ready for a New Beginning. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, my Savior.

  22. 622
    Phyllis says:

    Dear Lord,
    Thank you so much for your mercy and grace. They have helped me through these last few months caring for my mom. Thank you for the opportunity to have her live with us and for a husband who was willing to not only have her live here but also helped care for her in ways that I never would have imagined.
    Please forgive me for not spending more time with You this past year. Please grace me to grow more intimate with You. I pray that You will give me the desire and discipline to study Your word daily and memorize it so that Your Word will abide in me. Please let my response to any issues that I may face in this coming year be that of faith (and not disappointment).
    I love You Lord. Please help me to love you even more.

  23. 623
    Joanna Carver says:

    Going from living in South Korea back to the US took me through some mountaintops and unexpected pitfalls, but the blessings that Daddy God chose to pour out were amazing! As my husband does not want me to work this year, I am excited to see where the Lord will take me, what new path he will have me travel down. My prayer would be for the courage to walk this new path and a deeper relationship with my Daddy God.

  24. 624

    In July of 2007 I began a wild ride that has been painful, confusing, and an opportunity to recognize God’s constant presence and power in my life. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder this year after experiencing week- long bouts of depression and mania every month. While I find this diagnosis somewhat embarrassing, God his helping me to understand that my reputation and my future rest securely in His hands. During the summer of 2007 I worked through your book “Praying God’s Word.” God used that book to rock my world, and also to prepare me for the road ahead. I will begin working through the book again tomorrow….1/1/11. My goal for the New Year is to stay rooted and grounded in God’s Word and to memorize some Scripture prayers, that I may stand strong in the devil’s attempts to bury me in discouragement. Thank you for writing that book Miss Beth. God has used it mightily in my life, and I pray He will use it again to make me more like Him! With much love, Melody Joy King :0)

  25. 625
    Luain says:

    I am praying that 2011 will be a year of spiritual growth and maturity for me – starting with memorizing scripture with the Siesta memory team!! I have almost 11 year old twin girls that are growing up way too quickly that I want to be a Godly role model for them – to help point them to God in all areas of their lives: friendships, happy times, sad times, school work, maturity, purity – they are joining me in memorizing scripture this year (I even bought them a spiral and we’ve been talking about our what verse we each will pick first for a few days)

  26. 626
    Patti says:

    Here is my 1st scripture for memory for 2011:
    ” Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 Living Bible
    I am so excited to be a part of this! I know it will help me in the year to come, its a blank slate, its up to me how it ends.
    Happy New Year fellow Siestas! 🙂

  27. 627
    HarborMom says:

    Father, you promise victory over death, life where there was no life before. I pray for your breath of life and victory in my life this year. Death came to my family, and I still struggle to navigate through it. I claim victory and life. Show me how.

  28. 628

    My Savior, My First Love,
    I want to be the salt and the light…I want to make people so thirsty for You! Help me to be Your arms extended to the broken girls, for I have been one of the walking wounded that You have pieced back together.

    Amen

  29. 629
    shelly says:

    I have two prayers that have come to be asked.

    My neighbor Cathy. I really do not know her that well but she is struggling with a lot I do not know if she knows Jesus. She is depressed and cannot get the help she needs from what she tells me. She has insurance but no money for the prescriptions. Please pray God let’s me know what if anything I am to do in this situation

    Second prayer, learned it this morn when I called my sister for New Year’s. My brother Donny was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. This is all I know at this time. Pray for healing either in body or atleast spirit. TY, He says he knows the Lord. Please add that is is grown stronger as I feel he will need it at this time.

  30. 630
    Pam says:

    To be the one that shows forgiveness to hurts that I don’t understand.

  31. 631
    Lee Ann says:

    Dear Lord,

    It is my desire to make you the focus of my life for everything. My goals are to stay consistent with my early morning quiet time and memorize those scriptures! Lord, help me and guide me through the maze of family relationships. Let Your Word be my beacon, my guide, and my immediate go to place for living out my life, making decisions, and finding comfort.

  32. 632
    Brenda says:

    Lord, I pray that I will love my grown children unconditionally as You love me. That I will not think that I have all the answers and will be open to what You are doing in their lives.Lord, You know I have enough stuff in my own life to not be worried over someone elses. I pray to fully trust You in what You are doing in all our lives.I so love You Lord. Amen!

    • 632.1
      Kim says:

      Oh Brenda…Thank you for this precious prayer. I am in the same boat and I appreciate your tender heart. I am praying the same prayer for myself. <

  33. 633
    Kimberly says:

    A new year…with my Faithful God…I love that! Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness in the past. I have seen You do amazing things in my life that we know have no other answer than BUT GOD! As I have prayed about what it is You want me to focus on for 2011 it boils down to I need to be a better listener. Obviously, that begins by taking the time to listen to You…but I also need to be more concerned about what others are saying than planning my response…Proverbs 18:13 says He who answers before listening –that is his folly and shame. I have a tendency to be incredibly reactionary BUT GOD You are prompting my heart to be different… to be more like Your Son…I love you Jesus and more than anything I want 2011 to be a JESUS YEAR so have Your way with me…whatever You need to do Lord do in me and may Your name be glorified! Make me a woman who listens, trusts and waits for You!

  34. 634
    Melissa says:

    Hoping and praying for an improved and Godly relationship with my dad…and that it would impact my expectations and realities of relationships with other men in my life.

  35. 635
    Becky P says:

    Dear Lord,
    This year, use Your Word to change my words. So much of sin in my life comes out of my mouth- words of gossip, negativity, hopelessness, worry, bitterness, selfishness and much more. I want to be changed through the power of Your Word which is like a hammer that can break in pieces these rocks of stubborn resistance in my life. Change my words to words of blessing, encouragement, kindness, honesty, love. Make me aware of what I say this year, and do an awesome work in my life- so awesome that I will know that had to be You and not me at all. Amen

  36. 636
    Sandra Harvey says:

    Father, you have done so much throughout this whole year and there has and been alot that I really don’t understand however, your ways are not my way ways and your thoughts not my thoughts, thank God! LOL You have changed me! I want to continue changing and as Beth said in her prayer keep my mouth shut and open my ears to hear your voice and be obedient. I have been mean to the people closest to me with my mouth Lord I can’t change what I have done but I can go forward with you and your word says that you sent your word to heal us and to deliver us from our destruction please love them through me and heal the wounds that I have inflicted. Thank you for healing my family, thank you for restortation, thank you double for my trouble, thank you for tranqulity.
    Please have forgive me for my sins that I have committed and help me this year to change radically for you. Have your will and your way. You have shown me alot this year in the quiet. Give me your words to speak. I love you with my whole heart, your daughter Sandra

  37. 637
    Diane says:

    I am having a difficult time with my teenage sons who want to grow up the way the world says they should instead of the Godly way I am trying so hard to raise them. My ONE THING this year is to be a more confident parent through prayer and His Word and to ask God to show me where I need to stand firm and where HE wants me to change. I have felt so lost in the wilderness lately when it comes to parenting teenagers. I am seeking God for wisdom and discernment.

  38. 638
    allison says:

    Dear Heavenly Father,

    I come to you now asking that you guide me through this year helping me overcome my fears. Please Lord, help me to forget what lies behind and keep moving toward You. I have already started looking for my first memory verse and thank you for helping me find it. I love you so much and thank you for all you have redeemed and restored in my life. Please teach me more about grace and mercy. How to receive these precious gifts of Yours. And to not run away from them.

    In Jesus’ name,
    allison

  39. 639
    Tanya says:

    Holy Lord,
    I ask You for strength and joy in the daily things of life. I ask You to open my eyes to savor the moments and that my life glorify You. Whatever You allow in my life I want to respond with hope and faithfulness instead of fear and anxiety. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Amen and amen.

  40. 640
    Tracy Carden says:

    Dear Heavenly Father,
    I pray this year that you will be my guide in all that I do. I know Father you are with me in all times but help me to hear your calling and yield readily without hesitation. Lord, let my body be led by the Holy Spirit and practice self control in all aspects of my life. I want to lead a life of fruitfulness but not be driven just out of a need to please everyone. Lord not my will but thine be done.
    In Jesus Name,
    Amen

  41. 641
    jules says:

    Lord Jesus,
    Save my marriage. We need your grace and mercy. Give me courage, strength, wisdom and discernment. Help my husband maintain his boundaries and fill him up with your holy spirit. Keep our eyes on you. In your holy name, Amen

  42. 642
    Laura says:

    Lord, I pray that in this year of 2011 I will care for my body, Your temple, with faithfulness and respect for You, my Creator. Please remind me daily that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to rejoice in Your creation of me – my body, soul & spirit – instead of hating myself for my imperfections and weaknesses. Help me to always remember the truth that self-destructive actions such as over-eating or not caring for my overall health are in the category of “steal, kill & destroy” and are prompted by the enemy. They are not of You and Your Spirit. You love me and treasure me as Your precious daughter.

    As I begin this new year, I am grateful for all of Your grace and mercy up until now in this area of my life. Please heal the damage that has already been done and give me renewed strength to be victorious this year in eating healthy food and in the overall care of my body.

  43. 643
    Victoria says:

    Victoria, Fort Worth TX – For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NLT

  44. 644
    Judy Baggett says:

    Judy Baggett, Irving, Texas, “Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.” Isaiah 30:15 The Message

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    colleen says:

    Dear,Dear Heavenly Father-
    I need you so so much during this time of turbulance for my daughter. Anxiety and fear have become my food and then when I walk in this fleshly behavior I actually cause her MUCH tension and anger because my words to her are filled with nagging and trying to fix it all. Father,my words need to be filled with HOPE and PEACE. AND probably NOT so MANY words.(ABSOLUTELY!!)
    Please forgive me for this fleshly fear that has absolutely overcome faith. Cleanse me wth your blood and renew a right spirit within me.
    And please give me GREAT wisdom in how to do battle for my daughter. This is such a thing of the enemy in her life. Thank-you that you uphold her with your mighty right arm. Please give her all she needs for THIS day.
    I am sooooo sorry I get in YOUR way,Father. Help me to walk by Faith and not by sight.
    I do so want to love you through this and not keep asking WHY? Help me.
    In Jesus Sweet and Holy Name
    Amen

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    Keysha says:

    Lord, as many approach a new year they always say the resolution is to lose weight. Well, that is my please this year. Not to just lose weight to lose weight, but to become healthy. We get so caught up in business that we just eat what we can get our hands on quickly and forget nutrition. I have taught that to my children and for that I am sorry. As You know, Lord, my high school friend lost her husband on Christmas Eve to cancer. 39 years old, that is just too young, Lord, in our time frame anyway. It has taught me that I need to do what I can to be around a long time and to leave a healthy legacy for my children. John and I are not obese people, but we are not living a healthy lifestyle in front of others and our children. That is my prayer, Lord, that you will just help me overcome eating. At least eating what I eat. I need to exercise more and have the attitude that this is Your Holy Temple and I should treat it as such. Help me, Father, because this is something I cannot do on my own. In Jeus Name.

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    Joybreaks says:

    Hey Beth!

    I decided to post this thought on this post because I didn’t wanna interrupt the spiral. You’ve probably heard what I’m about to share (and I’ll be brief)(well, as brief as a redneck housefrau can be!..

    It all started with me catching a glimpse of my Facebook picture just now, as I was about to sign off. I laughed to myself because, like Ann Landers, I never change my profile pic. And the reason is, it’s the only one that I like. I don’t consider myself extremely photogenic, but that’s probably because I’m just too critical (or prideful!) in the first place. Then, I thought of all the pics you post on here, and how I see the Glory of God just exude right through the screen.

    Now, before you scroll, hear me out. Actually..it’s my point. You must hear compliments all the time and it made me think of something that Corrie Ten Boom said, when someone gave her a compliment. She said, (R.H. paraphrase) “I see compliments like beautiful flowers. I receive them, admire them, even sniff them, and then I put them in the vase and say, “These are beautiful, Lord, but they belong to You.”

    That would be my desire for the New Year. To “know” that all belongs to Him. God bless you, your family, and the entire LPM staff as you embark on a new year in Jesus. (What Corrie was really smelling was freedom!)

    In Christ,
    Carol in AL

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    Joelle says:

    Father, help me love and forgive so that I may seek forgiveness from you. The things I hold on to do me no good and in fact harm. Only you can fill those resentful worrying places in me, Lord, with hope and peace and joy. Put a song of praise in my mouth and love and joy in my heart for him Father. Renew my mind and my spirit. You are so good. Teach me to rest in You. Teach me to smile at him. All this I ask in Jesus name,
    Amen

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    Destee says:

    Father, as I read Your Word from John 14:21 I felt great prompting by the Spirit to know and obey each of Your commands. I felt this strong desire to research every command given by the mouth of Jesus in your Word and to be sure that in love for You I am doing my best to know it and obey it. Lord, reveal them to me through Your word, help me to etch each one on my heart. May the Spirit guide me in keeping committed to Your words. Lord, I love You, help me to be one who has your commands and obeys them. In Jesus’s Name Amen.

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    Tracey says:

    Tracey from Shawnee. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV)

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