**UPDATE: We are just so happy to have all of you 20-somethings flock to requesting prayer! Our faithful God surely hears, and cares to His core! If you do not see a specific partner reply to your request, know that the LPM Staff have adopted you. We will pray for each of you, joyfully!
One of my favorite things about Twitter is that we can come to really love someone we wouldn’t have even known to like. Someone from an entirely different part of the country or the planet. Someone from a totally different tradition of our faith. Someone in another generation who serves God in a way that is fresh and exhilarating to us. I have a whole mental list of those and just this morning prayed for a number of young women that I’ve gotten to “know” there on that ridiculous stream of social media that I love. It is a young man that I’ve come to appreciate so much, however, that prompted this post. His name is Jefferson Bethke. I didn’t know anything about him until 6 months ago when Melissa, my youngest daughter, told me she enjoyed following him on Twitter. He is a great communicator God clearly has His hand upon and a poet who creates fantastic thought-provoking videos. I’m glad to have the privilege to tell you about him but that’s not why I’m bringing him up today. A week or so ago on Twitter he mentioned sitting on the airplane, moved with emotion over various testimonies he’d been reading of lives dramatically changed by Jesus Christ. It hit me right then that one of the things I loved best about him is that the young man simply has a pure heart. He just flat-out loves Jesus and loves people. It’s consistent in everything he says and writes. I felt an urgency right that moment to ask God to protect that holy passion and sustain it the length of his days.
And that’s when I thought of all of you in his same generation who really do want to honor God and fulfill the purpose for which He planted your feet on this earth.
Here’s what I want to say to you: you really can maintain a pure and fiery heart toward Christ and His mission on earth but make no mistake: you will not do it by accident.
If you want a pure heart, you better be willing to fight for it. You will not keep it any other way.
The first big relief is that we can’t conjure one up on our own. God alone can create in us a pure heart and renew a right spirit within us. (Psalm 51:10) He alone can set it ablaze with holy passion. But out of God’s sovereign wisdom, He determined that guarding the heart He formed and lit within us would, in many ways, fall to us. We’re to own part of that job.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Our second huge relief is that we can have a pure heart whether or not we have a pure past. Thank You, Jesus. If not, I and many others would be stuck for a lifetime with dark distorted hearts and deformed desires.
There are many other things more effective voices could tell you about guarding your heart toward Christ, toward people He’s sent you to serve and toward His mission on this planet. Ask them and learn from them. My purpose today is to pitch into the mix a couple of things that I’ve learned – and keep learning – in case any of it resonates with you. I also want to pray for you and call others to do the same. Here goes:
*Your heart will cool off if you do nothing to guard it. Jesus warned us in the 24th chapter of Matthew that “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (V.12) We’re exposed to so much suffering and violence, pain, pretense, and wrongdoing in the world that, even as a defense against feeling so much, we’ll naturally thicken up. I’m certainly not suggesting we be less informed. Uninformed Christians can be a waste of light in the darkness. What I’m suggesting is that, if you want to keep a warm, feeling heart, you better be prepared to fight like mad for it.
*Over time, you can get really cynical. For one thing, cynicism can be really funny so we get drawn to it. It also tends to be cooler. You have to be willing to be one of those that the cynics could make fun of.
*You have to realize that guarding your heart means guarding its willingness to love and be exposed out there where it can get wronged or wounded. A couple of years ago I was researching God’s self-disclosure in Exodus 34:5-7 and stumbled onto something that totally changed the way I looked at guarding my heart. Here’s the segment so you can see it for yourself:
5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love…
See that word “maintaining”? It is a form of the same Hebrew term used in Proverbs 4:23 for “guarding” our hearts. In other words, a huge part of guarding my heart is maintaining love. It was a total game changer for me because somehow I had associated guarding my heart with keeping it sheltered. Try to fathom that God actively maintains His love toward us. He guards it. Using that same concept, He calls us to maintain our love toward other people. If I want to stay in love with my husband, for instance, I better actively practice maintaining it because, left to its nature, it will grow cold.
One of the things that God keeps teaching me to do is pray with everything in me and on an ongoing basis to love Jesus more than anything I can see or touch in this human realm. He promises in Scripture to grant us everything we pray in His will and in His name. (1 John 5:14-15) Since His greatest command was that we love (Mark 12:30-31), you can pray for it with absolute confidence that He’s going to do it. In fact, every time you ask God for it, go ahead and thank Him in advance that He’s going to accomplish it. He will. Then when He starts doing it, you start guarding it with all your might.
Ask Him continually to stir fire in your bones for His Word and for His mission. Ask Him to sustain it in you and teach you how to guard it through every inch of your lifespan. Only put up with a sense of spiritual flatness for a matter of days. That’s completely normal. But when it begins to turn into weeks, go face-down on that floor and ask God to give you insight into what seems off and to revive your heart. Don’t just accept coldness. Fight for love.
What is it you want from God? Pray for it feverishly! “Pursue love and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.” That’s what 1 Corinthians 14:1 says.
Also ask others to pray these things over you. That’s what I am hoping this blog post will be about today.
Here’s what I’m asking all of you to do if you’re willing:
*Those of you in your 20’s, tell us at least your first name, where you’re from, and a little bit about you in a comment so that we can personalize our intercessions for you.
*The rest of you choose one of them to pray for (or two, if you have the time), let them know in a reply under their comment that you are adopting them for intercession for the next 14 days. Tell them where you’re from as well. I think they’ll like knowing that, too. As long as every 20-something gets signed-up for, it doesn’t matter if a number of you are praying for the same individual. If they’re like us, they’d be ecstatic to have the extra prayer covering. Pray as you feel led by God but, within that intercession, pray particularly for God to stir up and sustain a holy passion in them for Himself, His mission, and for people on this planet, and that they will be alert and proactive in guarding their hearts to last a lifetime. Ask God forthrightly to deliver them from any area of bondage, strengthen them in temptation, and deliver them from evil. Love them with all your might through prayer.
Let’s partner with this generation and intercede powerfully for them. They are the rising future of the church of Jesus Christ at this tumultuous time on the Kingdom calendar. Let’s pray them out there.
Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV
PS. To our regular blog community: I put this in a comment but I’m afraid many of you may not see it.
I am grateful beyond expression for your participation on this post. Please move at the same pace that you see our 20-somethings sign up. In other words, if at our first moderation there are 15 of them, see that all 15 are spoken for then, instead of doubling and tripling up on the same small group, watch for others to be posted and claim those. Assume in about 48 hours that we’ll probably have around 80% of the 20-somethings that will end up participating. Still, check every couple of days for about a week to make sure everybody gets covered if you don’t mind. Sisters, this woman right here KNOWS how powerfully you pray. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. You are solid gold in the Kingdom of God! Pray for these young people like you’d want somebody to pray for your own children, whether or not you have any. Take them on as blood. Pray with faith and holy fire. Pray like the near future of the church depends on Jesus revealing Himself through them. They are so worth it. JESUS is so worth it.
I love you guys madly.
Beth
Oops… The moment we decided to live together I told him I would do so temporarily until we could afford a wedding. Two years later and he still says he wants to save more $before we wed. I love him and feel that we would have a perfect life if we could just conquer this one thing. I want to live according to gods word, he doesn’t seem to mind being unwed. We attend church together, he and I both love Jesus, but why won’t he commit? I don’t know what to do, please pray for clarity, and strength to do whatever The Lord asks of me. Thank you so much
Cassie, dearly loved, I will be praying for you. I live in Jackson, TN
Thank you, Keri. I am overwhelmed by the response on here. I can surely say I feel the love from all of you today!
Dear one, out of the love that your Heavenly Father has for you, leave that man immediately. If he’s for you, the Lord will bring you together again. Get yourself ready for the one God has for you while you’re apart. And while you’re single, live single. No compromise. God will bless you for it. Get your home in order, your finances in order, and utmost, your heart in order. Your Heavenly Father has given you a good desire, and you need to fulfill it for the future He has for you. Focus on your Savior and spend time in the Word. Let Jesus be your man. Even in marriage, you need the relationship of you and Christ to be foundational. Praying for you!
Thank you for your prayers 🙂
My name is Lisa, I live in Wilton CT and I will
be praying for you
Thank you Lisa!
Cassi,
It would be my joy to pray for you in this! I’m willing to bet He will make the way clear very soon. I will pray for strength to do whatever He speaks to you. He loves you so, precious girl.
And I live in the Kansas City, MO, area 🙂
Thank you, Ashley. I am so grateful that you have taken the time to pray for me.
Cassi,
My name is cyndi and I will pray for you for the next 14 days that you can get clarity of mind about what you should do in your situation. God will answer your earnest questions with His truth. You then will need to trust Him with the rest. I can’t wait to hear what HE does in your life.
Thank you, Cyndi! The prayers and thoughtfulness of your post are greatly appreciated. I can feel these prayers covering me today.
Cassi,
I am going to bring you before The Lord. I am confident He will show you the way to go. Draw near to Him day and night. Remember, as you sleep, He’s awake and moving in His people. I’m honored to be able to pray for you and with you.
Humbly His,
Elizabeth
Thank you dear sweet Elizabeth! I have been brought to tears at every reply today, I never imagined this many women would care enough about my (seemingly silly to me) situation. This is the first time I have EVER expressed my concern to anyone but my boyfriend.
Dear Cassi, my name is Cindy and I live in Kearney NE. I would be honored to pray for you. I will be praying that God will speak to you in the coming days and weeks, that He will grant you the clarity and wisdom that you are seeking and that you will have the courage to do what He calls you to do. God bless you my sister!!
Thank you thank you thank you!! Your prayers mean so much to me!
Hi Cassi,
My name is Sherri and I live in Memphis TN. I am 46 (ugh…I like to think I’m hip and cool for my age…) and the mother of three young sons, the oldest of whom is 14.
Ok, so I feel underqualified to pray for you, but I know God was pointing me to your post! It will be a privilege to pray for you for the next 14 days. I will pray for God to give you wisdom as you face your situation. He loves you so very much and wants to give you that wisdom! I pray you will have the courage to do what He leads you to do, and that the path will be crystal clear. I’m also praying that your boyfriend will be receptive to what you say & do, and that he will desire to honor God through his relationship with you. And I pray for you, sweet Cassi, that your heart will be protected. You will be at the front of my mind and I’m calling on the name of my Jesus to guide and strengthen you!
Thank you for your kind sweet words, with all of this encouragement I am feeling totally blessed!
Dear Cassie,
You got me so burdened with this request because I used to be in a similar situation and then God caused me to read a book “A Voice in the Wind” by Francine Rivers through which I finally got strength to do the right thing and God bless that decision so much. I don’t have time to tell you how much but it was beyond what I can imagine or think. Trust Him. Trust Him that He knows what is best. I am praying for you.
p.s. “God cannot bless fornication.”~ a quote from Voice in the Wind. Read it–it will change your life.
Thank you so much for praying for my situation. The book is on my wish list! I will purchase it Friday! I need all the help I can get with this decision!
Cassi,
My name is Suzanne and I live in Michigan. I was in your same situation when I was 20. I will pray for both clarity and obedience to what the Lord calls you to do!
Hugs and prayers,
~Suzanne~
Thank you Suzanne!
Hi Cassi, my name is kitty. I live in bend Oregon. I’m a mom of two adult sons, one daughter in law and blessed with 2 granddaughters. I will be praying for your decision that is heavy on your heart! That God would make it clear what would honor Him! I also pray that for strength to be obedience as you trust Him for all that you will need to make the right choice to bring Him honor and glory! Be strong in our LORD and Savior Jesus! I’m His name I pray! Huges hugs, in Christ! Kitty
Thank you kitty 🙂
Dear sweet Cassie, My name is Mary. I’m a 56 year old Grammy with 3 grown kids and 2 grandsons. I’ve seen in the lives of my children the struggle you are going thru. My daughter did the right thing and got married. Her husband was mean and a thief and he cheated. She knew God wanted her out of that marriage. Now she’s in a relationship with a wonderful man who is a baby Christian. They live together because my daughter is still afraid of giving into another man. They to feel God moving in their lives. They find the closer they get to God together the more the excuses seem silly. I’m praying God will work on you boyfriends heart and help guide you. You, Cassie are mine for the next 14 days. Miracle days. May God wrap His arms around you and give you love n peace. Mary
Dear Mary, I believe some of his fears are because he has seen his mother marry three times and every time she divorced, she uproots everything and leaves the men penniless…. So he sees that and doesn’t want it to happen to himself…. How do we make them understand we are not their mother?! Lol thank you for your prayers!
Cassi, I found a long long long time ago, you can’t change men or convince them of anything. An elderly preachers wife told me when I first started out to “go up and let God come down”. In other words- tell God to fix him and change him then it’s God’s job and all you have to do is wait for God to work out the details. But! God may change everything and He wants you to let Him be in charge. I’ve seen God “fix” my husband. And like most he needed lots of fixing. Lol. But in the process I needed fixing too. My daughter has many fears, but since she’s been with her boyfriend he has rededicated his life. They never miss a service. He is taking charge of their spiritual life and she is seeing that God is taking them in the right direction. She knows now that God wants to use her but is now waiting for her to take the next step. I believe she will soon. Just keep taking him to God. It was the best advice I ever received. Love, Mary
Cassi, I will be covering you in prayer! He is so faithful and such a loving Father, I know He has the very best for you… I’m asking Him to give you wisdom, a heart that seeks Him and desires to please Him and that He makes His presence so real to you as you walk this out!
There is NOTHING better than a life of obedience to Him:)
Christine, SLC
Thank you Christine thank you so very much!
Cassi, I very much want to pray for you.
I don’t know how much wisdom I might have on your situation and I’d like to know more before telling you what I think (based on God’s Word) on this subject. I’m very grateful my husband never put me in this situation and that my parents, being very traditional, very much wanted and expected to pay for my wedding. I know every set of parents is in a different situation than my parents were at the time. My parents were willing to spot my husband on the part they had expected him to pay for as well, since he didn’t even have a job at the time. We were probably young and stupid to get married so quickly, but somehow we’ve managed to keep it together so far for 16 years and still love each other by choice, even on days we’re not so sure we like each other, if you know what I mean 🙂 And for the most part we really are best friends most of the time still. So on determination and love for God and each other it’s working for both of us. We’ve had some really rough spots, but we’ve always come out still madly in love in the end! Marriage is hard, but Josh Paparazzo is sooooo worth it!!! Anyway, I’m praying for you and contact me if you’re okay with it. If not, I understand. Online contacts can be scary.
Please email me if you like, my email is cassilbrooks @gmail .com. This is such a long story and being new to town really have no girlfriends to talk with about it. Thank you for the continued prayers
Cassi. I am Alesa in Malvern, Arkansas. I will commit to pray with and for you for the next 14 days. I will also pray for your boyfriend. You know that the way God leads may be a path that requires big change in your life, right? I think you do by reading your request for strength. I would ask you to please, please reach out to the staff at the church you attend for support. I want to reach out and hug you. I want you to know that you are so much loved and your value is higher than the money that you might be “saving” in preparation for a wedding. How much does it cost to buy a license? I know lots of couples who have had the “wedding ceremony” years after they actually were wed before God and country. I keep hearing the voice of my grandson, who at the age of 7 told me that I needed to remember that marriage was a covenant before God, and you don’t break those. He was right. I pray that you have the courage and strength to make the changes that God would have you make in your life. Amen
Thank you Alesa! I wish he would just buy a license and just get married, I’ve told him I am fine with that and we can celebrate later but he says he does t want me to regret it in haste to marry…. Ugh this all sounds so elementary and petty when I spell it all out!
Hey Cassi, I don’t think it’s an accident that your post was the first one I saw. I’m 27, but I’m going to pray for you even though Beth is having the ladies 30 and over pray for us. Your situation is close to my heart because I have a passion for healthy relationships. I’m actually a counselor who works with couples before they are married to provide pre-engagement or premarital counseling for them. I pray that God gives you the wisdom to do what you need to do and the strength to do it. I just prayed what Beth said to pray over you as well. I’m from St. Paul, MN. If you want to be in touch more, let me know. I’ll be praying for you! God bless!
Please email me cassilbrooks @gmail. Com I would love some advice on how to talk to him about this and on making some decisions
Praying for you Cassie! God knows both your hearts and also requires His children to be obedient. Fight for this obedience! Be the salt of this earth. Also, fight for a pure Godly life; take steps to correct the living situation and I bet you will be surprised how soon an answer comes your way from your boyfriend on whether you two are to get married. Remember, we plan our steps, but God’s purpose prevails.
Thank you for the wise words and prayers!
I will pray for you and your boyfriend Cassi. I know that God has put within your heart the desire to be pure in heart and body and to make the right choices. So I pray that He will with great clarity make you aware of even small steps in the direction of His will and give you the courage to take those steps. You are not alone, though it will feel like that at first. But remind yourself “I am not alone. God is right here with me.” Others besides me will be alongside you as well Cassi and we will not forget our promise to be your prayer champions. When you lie awake at night with anxiety. I will be awake praying for you.. I ask God for that privilege. And I can’t wait to see the adventures Jesus has in store for you. He who has called you will be Faithful for He can be no less.
Love
Donna
I forgot to tell you that I live in Laguna Niguel CA. I have two children who are now grown with families of their own. I have a new granddaughter, Keira who is 2, from china that my daughter and son in law have just adopted.
That’s enough about me because this is all about you Cassi. And I love that I get this privilege to adopt YOU for at least the next 14 days.
Don’t give up… God has been waiting for this moment to hold you closer.
Donna
Thank you so much Donna!! Congratulations on the grand baby! I have such a heart for adoption and can only hope and pray that adoption is in the plan for my life! Kiss that sweet baby as much as possible! 🙂
Hi Cassi,
I wanted you to know I’ll be adopting you for intercession prayer for the next 14 days, which I consider it an honor to do. I’m 46 years old, with 2 sons, ages 19 and 20 1/2. I will be praying for the Lord to give you clarity, His wisom, knowledge and guidance and discernment. I will also pray for you to have the strength to do whatever it is the Lord asks of you. Facing some of these struggles, please know, you are not alone. My son is not in these circumstances, but has been weighing a similar decision. My pastor gave me this scripture just last week, when I asked him about my son: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil”. Easier said than done, impossible for me…without the Lord’s help. Impossible for my son to make the right decision, without the Lord’s help. I have been a Christian for the last 12 years, alot of those spent in defeat and hopelessness, which is the exact opposite kind of life Jesus died to give us. I have learned, in the last 7 months, that receiving the love God has for you, spending quiet time in His presence, and getting in His Word as much as possible, is the only true, free way to live, the only way to live, period. He has set me free in ways I never could have imagined. I came to the end of myself…and started relying solely on Him, not anyone or anything in this world, only Him. When you put your trust, only in Him, it is then, you are truly free!! He makes you free. There isn’t anything He can’t do. My eyes are welling up, at the pure knowledge of this fact, and the knowledge of how much we are loved, by Him. You will be in my nightly prayers for these 2 weeks, and I am blessed to be able to intercede for you. I KNOW, as we stand together in agreement for all these things, that the Lord will guide you, give you clarity, and enable you and give you His strength, to do whatever it is He’s calling you to do. He is so faithful. My heart is with yours…
Your prayiing sister,
Debbie
Thank you Debbie!
Cassie, My name is Courtney Bethany, from Chicora,Pa., Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your wonderful love and grace! I lift up Cassie today Lord, that the Holy Spirit who You send will comfort her and remind her of all that You have said! I pray you give her clairty, make her strong and courageous, steady her steps, guide her in all wisdom and discernment, in Jesus name and for His sake, Amen and Amen
Thank you so much Courtney!
Cassi,
I will pray for you dear sister. I will pray that God lead you in EVERY thing that you do. I will ask him to give you boldness to follow through with what his word teaches you and what his Holy Spirit instructs you to do. From this day on, love him with everything in you! Stay faithful no matter what comes your way! You won’t regret it!!! God bless you and keep you!
Thank you Annette! Thank you so! Tonight I will rest well in the comfort of our heavenly fathers arms wrapped in so much wonderful prayer.
Cassi,
I will be praying for God’s direction and blessing on your life, and that He gives you power to guard your heart for Him. He will never call you to do anything that clouds your witness, or that conflicts with His Word! I say this completely without judgement, but from past experience when I was in a similar situation. God has a person for you who will love you as Jesus loves His church. And that person will encourage you to live purely as God calls you. Move out! And focus on how much God loves you, and you love Him. Trust in His plan for you. He will bring it to pass. I will be praying! Love from one of your big sisters in Christ!
Pam
Thank you Pam!
I’ve got you covered, girl. Praying hard for God to reveal His heart and will for you.
Nikki in Richmond, VA
Thank you, Nikki!
Hi Cassi. Pam here in Missouri. I will gladly sit with our Father and chat with Him to hear His heart for you His beloved daughter.
THANK YOU!!!!! 🙂
thank you, Cassie, for being so open and vulnerable in your request. it is an honor to pray for you and your situation. i wont over-share but let me just say i have been where you are. i do pray fervently for clarity and strength for you to stand strong. i pray that you will feel the comfort of your Father God, that He will give you certainty in your next steps. i pray you will be reassured that you are not alone and that you will know Jesus is with you, that He wont leave you. i love the verse that says God didnt give us a spirit of fear.(2Timothy 1:7) when anxiety and fear comes we can know it didnt come from Jesus.
Father God thank you for protecting Cassie’s heart. please be with her as she makes hard decisions. Hold her up,Lord and help her be strong. in Jesus’ name, Amen
Thank you so so much for interceding on my behalf!!! You may never know how much this means to me!
Father God I praise you and thank you for your presence in Cassie’s life and the calling you place on it. Lord, continue to grow and deepen her love for You. James 5 says You will grant us wisdom if we ask for it and I thank You for the wisdom You will give her as she cries out to You. In Your great mercy, reveal to her the knowledge she requests. Give her clarity over her situation so that she can follow Your direction. Lord, let her see Your path for her as clear as a picture and let that further be confirmed in Your word, in her prayer time and through others, so that there is no question in her mind of how to proceed. And Lord, I pray you give her strength to follow the steps You reveal to her. Let her not grow weak or weary. She has a heart for you. Grow and strengthen it to beat for You as she desires ro follow and please You. In the name of Lord Jesus. Amen.
Cassie – just as a note of encouragement – I was in a somewhat similar situation several years ago. I got to my knees and cried out to our Lord and, of course, He DID answer me. It took time to see clearly…and sometimes I was so very unsure of my steps…but I kept going. Have great courage in all that you do!! He was faithful to me and He will be to you to. Blessings to you Cassie!
Thank you sweet Lori! I am overwhelmed by the acts of kindness shown here today!
Praying for you this morning. Just a simple word for you: Trust Him. You are His, therefore, He is for you. All His ways for you are good.
Thank you so much!
Cassi,
I will keep you both in my prayers! Praying that you both will have God’s clarity and strength to pursue His will.
Thank you!!!
I will earnestly pray for you every day. I will pray that god give you the wisdom to make the right decisions and choices on how to move forward. God bless you.
Thank you Sheri!
Cassi,
I am “prayer adopting” you over the next 14 days. I pray you receive the clarity and strength you are looking for! You are a beloved child of God, loved more than you can imagine!
Stacey
Omaha, NE
Thank you so much!!!
My name is Susan and I am from Denver Colorado. Your post jumped out at me and I feel so Much love and compassion for you. I have been in your shoes. I am now 52, and will be 53 next week. I am going to be praying for you my dear sister.
Thank you ms Susan! You prayers are so needed and appreciated!!
Cassi,
I will pray for you Sweetie. Your story touches me as I have been there. I will pray that God will reveal His will for your life.
Suzy, Grove City, Oh
Thank you 🙂
Hi Cassi, my name is Connie. I have a son and now a sweet daughter-inlaw that were in your same situation. I will pray for you and your boyfriend like I prayed for them, for Gods good and perfect will to be done in this situation. And for you both to hear clearly from our Father who loves you so!
Love to you Sweet Sister.
Thank you so much 🙂
Oh how wonderful this is! Thank you in advance for going before the throne on my behalf!
My name is Lauren! I’m from Asheville, NC and I’m 27 yrs. old. I’m currently wrapping up my last school year as a kindergarten assistant. Starting in June I’m going to be working full time with Vision Nicaragua (www.visionnicaragua.org) as a full-time missionary both state-side and in Nicaragua.
I’ll be mainly focusing on relational-discipleship with a small group of young believers; teaching/equipping them how to grow in their faith so they can go and make disciples in their own community and culture. These girls have captured my heart and it’s one of the greatest joys of my life watching them grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus.
Also…I’m also going to be helping run our sponsorship program. Helping find sponsors for the students, widows and men (suffering with chronic kidney disease from the herbicides used in the sugar-cane plantation where many of them work.) that are in our sponsorship program. This also includes updating our donors on the individual(s) they support through up-to-date pictures and correspondence.
My main prayer request right now is that my faith would grow strong as I’m trusting in Jesus to provide all of my financial needs. I’m raising support currently. It’s coming in, but I need to continue to trust that “He who calls you is faithful, He will surely do it!” (1 Thes. 5:24). It’s a great gift and adventure He’s invited me on! Your prayers make you a part of it as well 🙂
Thank you so much for praying for me!
Lauren, I will be honored to pray on your behalf. My 17-year-old daughter spent a week in Nicaragua last summer and had a life changing experience there. I also know first hand what it is like to raise financial support for the long haul, so I will specifically be praying for folks to join your team and remain committed to helping you stay strong in the field to which you have been called. Thank you so much for sharing! God is faithful, and He WILL do what He says He will do in your life and through your life to reach others for His kingdom. Praising Him for you and your obedience to His call, sweet Lauren!
I forgot to tell you where I am from . . . I live in southwest Louisiana right now. I have prayed for you today, dear one, and will continue to do so, Lauren.
Pam,
Thank you SO much! I cannot tell you how encouraged I was so see that you are praying for me!! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! So incredible to see the lengths the Lord goes to show us He loves us and He’s present…your prayers and encouragement demonstrated that to me today! Thank you for responding and being sensitive to the Spirit to respond to my post! I’m so grateful! 🙂
Hi Lauren, I am 57 years old and from Walterboro, SC. I wanted to let you know I chose you to pray for. I looked for a connection and chose you as you do not live too far from me!! It is my promise to you to pray for all your concerns and for you to feel God’s power play out in your life. Keep us posted!!
I also signed up to follow your blog !! Praying for you!!
Annette,
Thank YOU so much for praying for me! I’m so blown away by God’s goodness and how incredibly loved I feel by Him that He’s placed people like you to walk alongside me in this journey through prayer! Thank you so much!
Hi Lauren,
I am committing to pray for you for the next 14 days…and longer. I am a 63 year old retired teacher from Greencastle, Indiana. My husband and I make annual trips to Honduras to work with a school there so I feel a kinship with you and your mission work!
Sandi,
Thank you SO much for praying for me!! I’ve been blown away today and just feel so incredibly loved and encouraged that the Lord has put people in place that I may never meet to pray for me! He has such a bigger picture! Praise God! Thank you again! May He bless you and your husband as you serve the people of Honduras!
I will be praying for you Lauren! My degree is in education, I’m coming to visit family in gorgeous Asheville next week, and I was raised as an MK in Central America so your story touched me on many levels. May you finish this year strong, raise all the funds you need, and feel energized about the changes ahead. God bless you! Thank you for serving Him! I am praying for YOU!
Sarah,
Thank you SO much for praying for me! It seriously means so much! Your words were such a sweet encouragement and couldn’t ask for more appropriate prayers for the start of this journey! Thank you again! 🙂
Hello, Lauren…my name is Debbie and I am from a town in the Foothills of NC. I love being an hour away from Asheville because any time I take a drive that way I am overcome by God’s beautiful creation. I am a retired school teacher (2nd gr) and I would be honored to cover you in prayer. Prayer is so powerful and I have lived long enough 🙂 to see how God works through the prayers of his people. I will specifically pray that your faith increases as God provides for you financially as you work with Vision Nicaragua. I am already so proud of you for your desire to serve God. Take care and remember that you are so loved by God.
Remember you are wearing my prayers like a shawl around your shoulders. Love in Christ, Debbie
Debbie,
I want you to know that your words were such an encouragement to me! This has proved to be yet another way that God goes to such great lengths to be personal and show us that we matter to Him. Thank you for your willingness to pray for me! It means so much!
Hi Lauren,
My name is Ruth, and it would be my honor to pray for you. I’m 66 years old, and a retired high school teacher. I pray for your generation continually…I love them! I identify with your passions…I’m a grandmother of 7, who I want to be invested in their generation. I will be praying for you!
Ruth,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this post and for committing to pray for me! It has blown me away today to see the responses to what He’s doing! So much happens when He calls His people to pray and we respond! Thank you for your willingness to pray for me 🙂
Hi. My name is Emily. I am 29 and single. I am currently finishing my last few weeks of law school in Lubbock and will be preparing to take the bar exam in July. I was diagnosed with MS about a year and a half ago and the relationship I was in at the time ended a few months after my diagnosis. I struggle to remember that my worth is found in Christ and that He defines me, not this disease. He has been so faithful to teach me what it means to walk with Him through the past few years.
I would greatly appreciate prayers that I can share what I have learned with my family and that I would remember His faithfulness and my true identity as I prepare to take the bar, search for a job, and move to a new town.
Emily (post 603), I commit to pray for you…much love! Find yourself in your Creator 🙂
Precious Daughter of the King, May God fill you to overflowing with gratitude for the desire He has placed in you to serve Him and depend upon Him. He loves to know His child wants to lean on Him. Please get a hold of a copy of HIS PRINCESS BRIDE: LOVE LETTERS FROM YOUR PRINCE
by Sheri Rose Shepherd and devour it daily after you spend time in the Word with your King. Find it online, along with her website, and http://www.yourheartsdesirebook.com. Invite your Lord to heal your heart, and focus your affections on Him. He will never leave nor forsake you. Praying for you, Lauren.
Emily, my name is Christy. I am from Texas too. I will be praying for you for the next two weeks and beyond. Prayers for your exam, job search, health, new relationships, and your walk with Christ. Love You!
Emily, Hi, my name is Beth from Wynnewood, OK. I am 48 and also have MS and you are so right: we are not defined by the disease. You have a lot going on, but I am so proud that you are so close to the bar exam, and I will be praying for you every step of the way. If you are like me, I knew nothing about MS until I was diagnosed, and while we have our struggles, God shows Himself to be so faithful every day. Stay in the Word, seek scriptures that speak directly to how you are feeling that day, and watch how God will use you to greatly influence others. Let your light shine in the midst of adversity, trust me, people take notice! But more importantly, God notices, and He will supply you with all of your needs every day! Much love & prayers.
By the way, if you ever want to chat with someone who “gets” what you are going through, my email is [email protected]. Have a blessed day!
Hi Emily!! I am Amanda and I currently live in Lubbock, recent graduate from tech and fixing to move to San Marcos for graduate school come August.
I consider it an honor and privilege to pray for you. Please email me ([email protected]) if you ever wanna grab coffee and chat!
I am currently doing Beth’s siesta scripture memory and my verse a few weeks ago was Song of Solomon 4:7 “You are together beautiful my darling, there is no flaw in you” as a women it’s often difficult to remember that our beauty is in Christ alone, but his word sends us sweet reminders of that so often.
I have that verse on the bathroom in my mirror, so I always remember.
Praying for you sister.
Much love in Christ to you!!
Emily,
I would be delighted to pray for you and with you. I have lived with chronic disease and pain most of my adult life so I truly do empathize.
Congratulations on your tremendous achievement in completing law school. I will be in prayer for you each day as you study for the bar and search for employment.
Remember that you are treasured by God and that he cares about every last detail in your life. His grace is limitless and is sufficient. It sounds like you have your priorities in the right place. I will also keep your family in my prayers.
Blessings and love,
Melinda Hohenberger
Eugene, OR
I’m praying for you, Emily! I have someone close to me who is later in the stages of MS and another who was recently diagnosed, and I grew up in Austin/have been to Lubbock several times. I also know very much how painful a breakup can be during seasons like that. You are incredibly valuable. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9 NIV) John 15:1-17 has been really helping me in my walk lately. And he promises to never leave us nor forsake us. I pray you come to learn and sense just how much he loves you and holds you in his everlasting arms as you prepare for exams, etc. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut 33:27a
Hi Emily,
My name is Debbie. I wanted you to know I’ll be adopting you for the next two weeks, for intercession prayer. I love this idea, and feel honored and blessed to be praying for you. Sometimes we feel helpless to change ANYTHING, but Beth has given us a tangible way to help. I’m 46 years old, and I have two sons who are 19 and 20 1/2. I too, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease last year, Sjogrens Syndrome. I remember how I felt then…sad, confused, angry, hurting…and I know how the Lord has delivered me…emotionally and spiritually. In these last 7 months of my Christian walk (I’ve been a Christian for 12 years, alot of that was alot of sitting, not walking:) He has freed me more in the last 7 months, than in the last 12 years. It did have alot to do with completely putting all of my trust in Him and Him alone. I frequently pray and tell Him that I put my trust only in Him, not in anyone or anything here, especially not in me. He has shown me my true identity…it is your identity as well…You are His. Three small words, so much power and meaning. It literally means more than you could ever think or imagine.
I would like to share 2 songs with you, that I literally listen to regularly, to remind me…when doubt comes…because it will come…to not stay in doubt, to grab hold of my Savior, who I belong to, who loves me so well. The first one is by Hillsong, The Power of Your Love. There is power in His love, and He can break any bondage. Your identity lies here…in just how much He loves you, beyond what you can imagine. The second song is by Casting Crowns, Who Am I. The perfect song for you to hear. Your identity…You Are HIS. Believing that truth, will set you free.
You have plenty going on in your life. I hope it brings you comfort…that I’ll be doing the thing God put it on my heart to do…pray for you…He loves you THAT much!! He will equip you and enable you to do all that He sets before you to do…and give you the peace that surpasses understanding, and joy unspeakable, you just have to put your trust in Him alone. I will be standing in agreement with you…there IS power in prayer. My heart stands with yours:)
Your sister, in Him
Debbie
Hi Emily, My name is Desiree and I am 38 yrs old. I will be praying for you! Always remember who God says you are. I am deaf with Cochlear Implants and it was a struggle for me not to let it define me as well. I am praying in that for you as well. He will use it for good. I will be praying with great expectancy for His presence and movement in your life. You are more than a conqueror in Him!! love in Christ, Desiree
Hi Emily,
My name is Ginger and I am from West Virginia, I want to tell you that it will be my honor to pray for you these next 14 days. I work in a legal setting and understand the depth of the sacrifice that your schooling has taken. I am praying for your preperations for your bar exam and that Our Papa will guide your decisions and really show you the depth of His love for you! I will pray for His strengh to be yours both physically and spiritually. I know He has a perfect plan!
Hi Emily! My name is Cheryl and I live in West Virginia. I have children around your age, so your time in life is precious to me. Please know that you truly are precious to God. He sent his One and Only son to redeem you and you are the apple of His eye. Remember that nothing is impossible with God. I have a friend whose daughter is in her early 30’s and was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago. She is married and has two beautiful children. Continue to delight yourself in the Lord. He will give you the desires of your heart. I’ll be praying that he will send you a man who will love you as Christ loves His church. The marriage vows include in sickness and in health. You deserve a man who will cherish you. I know you’ve worked hard for your education and it’s a stressful time. I will be lifting you up in prayer. God bless you. I know there’s much joy ahead for you in Christ!
Emily,
My name is Barbara. I’m 45 years old from Prospect, KY I am an attorney, and I remember (like it was yesterday) taking the bar and the fear and trepidation that went along with it. I would be honored to pray for you!
Emily,
Oh my word sweet Emily. SO much on your plate! Praise God He is our Rock and holds the future…YOUR future in the palm of His hand. Make no mistake…you are exactly where He placed you “for such a time as this” and you sister will be victorious in ALL things through Christ who gives you strength.(Philip.4:13)
It will be my honor to bring your physical and emotional needs to the Throne of Jesus for the next 2 weeks, or as long as you need it!
I have four daughters and I pray every single day that they too would find identity in Jesus Christ alone. No man or woman or degree or job or social status will EVER fill the hole that is intended for Christ. It is Him alone.
You were made in His image…fearfully and wonderfully (psalm 139) and He plus you equals ENOUGH.
When and if a man comes into your life he will be an addition to an already complete woman.
New cities can be scary but they can also bring fresh and beautiful change. I’ve moved 5 times sooooo I got your back on this.
I already love you…I’m praying starting now.
If you want to contact me feel FREE!
[email protected]
In Christ…
Allison
Hi Emily. Pam here in Missouri. I will consider it a privilege to sit and chat with our Father about you, His beloved daughter.
Hi Emily,
My name is Kris and I live in St. Petersburg, FL. I have a chronic illness and used to treat MS (and other) patients. My husband is an attorney, on staff at a law school, and very involved with helping to prepare students for the bar exam. We have two children, one married and one in college. I would consider it a privilege to pray for you. I give you some of my background so that you know that I understand a lot of what you are going through academically and physically. I will be praying for those things. More importantly, though, I will pray for you to KNOW and LOVE Jesus with your whole heart and to trust Him beyond measure. He Is faithful and good and nothing that you face is bigger than He is. He’s got your back and so do I (in prayer, that is)…
Emily,
I will be praying for you these next 2 weeks! That God will let you find your value in Him! (I’ve been there and know that He is faithful, so trust Him!). I will also pray that He will ignite a new fire in you for Him, and that He will assist you in guarding your heart for Him! I will also pray for your ministry to friends and family, for peace, recollection, and passing the bar exam, and for His divine direction related to your new job and location. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV). Love, Pam
Hello sweet Emily,
I am Holly, age 51 and I live in Charlotte NC. It is my privilege to pray for you. Life can be so confusing at times but you are so right that the only way to be grounded in the midst of the turmoil is to be grounded in Christ. He loves you more than anyone ever will. He has a plan for your life that is more than you can ask or imagine. He will guide you every step of the way and will shine his light through you to your family.
I’ll be praying for you every day.
Father, be with Emily today. Help her to feel your presence right by her side as she finishes these last few weeks of school. What an accomplishment to graduate from law school! You have sustained her through that and will continue to empower her to finish well with the bar exam. Let her willingness to rely on you and who you say she is be a shining testimony to her family. Keep her body healthy and strong. Keep her heart and mind focused on Jesus, as we pray these things in his most powerful name. Amen.
Emily- I too am in Lubbock, and have already prayed that the Lord guide and comfort you in this challenging season. I love to hear that you are spending time with Him– that is how you will know His voice above all others. I pray that God will give you strength and hope and endurance to do the Mighty work he has prepared for you as His Qwn. Hugs and Blessings!
Emily, God led me to your post when I asked Him who to pray for, so please know that I will be lifting you up to Him. His word reminds us “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” in Phil. 4:13 and “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8. God sometimes guides us down a pathway that doesn’t seem to lead us to the destination we visualized only a short time ago. That’s when we need to hold even tighter to His hand and trust that He knows the way to another beautiful place that we didn’t realize was out there. Emily, hold tight to His hand and trust Him to give you a bright future, and I am praying for His blessings on you.
Kerry
Hi Emily! I will pray for you for the next two weeks! My name is Christy, I in Omaha, Nebraska and I also have MS. I am 44 years old and have likely had it since I was your age (though not diagnosed until 10 years ago). I know that MS affects everyone differently, but I want you to know that the first year was the most difficult for me, but now, most days I don’t even think about it. And no one would have any idea I have MS if I don’t tell them. Your calling is in Jesus Christ and I will pray that you feel his steady leadership in your life POWERFULLY. He is trustworthy. Blessings Girlfriend!
Sweet Emily- I am so sorry for your MS diagnosis. Please please consider this information- if you have not already, remove gluten completely from your diet. MS is an autoimmune disorder as you know- and gluten is being found to be a MAJOR culprit and instigator of those inflammatory diseases… I have 6 AI diseases and recently had genetic testing to confirm my genes for gluten intolerance. I have eliminated gluten and have seen improvement. My meds are down to half…plus I just feel better. Just this week on Dr. OZ- there was a piece on PAleo… and there was a woman with an MS diagnosis who went Paleo (gluten/grain and dairy free) and she is now symptom free for 4 years…..)
Also- Vitamin D is critical to you. The only way to truly abosrb and increase is to take it in LIQUID form…. These are things that most MDs do not know, or do not share. Please trust me.
I will be praying
Blessings to you today and all days
Marla (Austin TX)
My name is Lauren, and I’m from Scottsboro, AL.
I’m 21 years old, and I’m just about to finish my junior year at the University of Alabama. This post was so relevant to me. I really do want to serve God with my life, but the past couple years my heart has grown cold, because I haven’t been fighting to keep it warm. I’ve been finding myself growing more cynical about God and viewing missions as a hopeless effort. Never would I have imagined myself having that attitude two years ago. In fact, I’ve always felt called to full-time missions, but at this point I just don’t know anymore. I miss the way I used to trust God. I would really appreciate any prayer. Thanks so much.
Lauren, my name is Teresa Collins. I’m from Bessemer, Al, right up the road from the University. I’m 60 and am a nurse at St Vincent’s. I have two boys and 2 grandsons. I would love to pray over you each and every day. Please feel free to contact me ([email protected]) if you have a special need I can add to my prayer time or just a praise report I can thank Him for.
I look forward to watching The Lord set your heart afire.
Teresa
Lauren, my friends call me “E”. I will be privileged to pray for you. I am trusting God the Holy Spirit to lead me as to how He wants to do that. I believe you are describing an attack of the enemy, who hates God and therefore hates His children. If he can stop one who feels called to missions, nothing would give him more pleasure. I think if you will go to Ephesians 6 and be reminded of the tactics and purposes of the devil, and how we stand against him, you will be greatly helped. Our fight is with the powers of darkness, our protective armor is described there, and the fact that he can be defeated by the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. My main prayer for myself and all my friends and family, all that I love, as well as the entire body of Christ is Mark 12:29-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and others as yourself, and Psalm 119:111-112 which says we love God’s word and will live by it. They are not a statement for me, they are a prayer to God for that kind of love and for a hunger for His word. I hope you will pray these same Scriptures for yourself, in agreement with me. We are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him, who said I will never leave you nor forsake you. My love for Him was sadly lacking for many years, but He never left me, and He didn’t allow me to stay in that indifferent state. He won’t allow you to either because it is not His will and as Beth said, He always answers prayers that are according to His will!!!! Love in Christ, “E”
Hi Lauren,
My name is Rhonda and I am a native of Alabama. Although we moved to Tennessee several years ago, Roll Tide is still our football mantra!! We have four grown children and six grands! From one Alabama girl to another, I will commit to pray for you, sweet girl. That God would set a blaze in your heart and give you clarity on His direction for your life. He loves you SO much!!! 🙂
Lauren,
My name is Teresa, and I live in Spring Hill, TN.
I can understand your feelings and want you to know most of us go through these times of uncertainty and ‘coolness’ with our relationship and desires toward our path with God. I have found the best way to help this is to dip yourself deep into Bible study! There is nothing like a good study to stir up those longings for more of Him.
Don’t forget that the whole world is a mission field, even home. I truly believe that one soul can be God’s mission for us, as well as the vast many of unbelievers in our hometowns, our country, and out beyond our borders.
God will lead you to your destination and direction. Stay in His Word. Stay on your knees. Surround yourself with good, sound advice on your interests for your field of vocation.
Know that you have someone praying for these very specific things for you. I am happy and honored to pray for you in this. May God bless this very day. May He bless your week and fill you with His desires for your life. May the One and True Living God cover you with His warmth and lead you to trust only Him. May He stir up a Godly passion for Him that only He can do!
Lauren, I believe that my seeing your name tonight is a divine appointment from God. I have not read Beth Moore’s blog for a long time, but was intrigued to come here by something I read on another blog. I scrolled down to read comments and the 4th one I read was from you. Here’s why I know God planned this–I grew up in Scottsboro, AL many years ago! I am a good Auburn girl but it will be my pleasure to pray for you. Don’t give up the fight to keep your heart warm! It is hard in a college bubble to keep your focus on what really matters, but trust God and trust your heart to him–you will never regret following his plan for your life! You matter to God and you matter to me! I am praying for you!
Hi Lauren, I know how hard it is to keep God alive and present, daily, while in college. But He hasn’t moved any further away; He’s there. And He loves you just as much now as He did two years ago. It’s ok. Take a breath. Stop in the quiet of your room and your heart and just let Him know exactly how you feel. He understands. He really, really does.
I will be so happy and honored to pray for you, Sweet Girl.
And Roll Tide, Girlfriend. I live in Texas now but went to my/your beloved Bama!
Dear Lauren, My name is Desiree Taylor. I am 38 years old. I will be praying for you!! I would encourage you to meditate on those scriptures about trust. Read on or two every day. Allow God to penetrate that heart and soften it again. DO not let satan condemen you for where you are!! As for forgiveness and allow God to rbing you back to that place. He IS faithful!! Praying for God’s direction for your life!! Love in Christ, Desiree
Hi Lauren! I’m from Athens, AL not too awfully far from Scottsboro, AL. I would love the privelege of praying for you over at least the next 14 days. I have two daughters, 24 and 19. You naturally just popped off the page at me!
AL – Lauren, i have a 21 y/o who is finishing her jr. year this wk at UWGa. I’ll be praying for the next 14 days for a spirit of wisdom & revelation to tabernacle w/you. May HE make His face to shine upon you & give you His peace, and the favor of the LORD show up and show off just for y-o-u. HE who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it (and start it too 🙂 get your praise music on. Roll Tide.
Hi Lauren!
I’m Tomi and I am honored to get to pray for you 🙂 I’m 39 and I live in Des Moines, IA. One particular Scripture I’ve been praying in my own life these last several months is from Psalm 143:8 out of the NIV and I’ll be praying it over you too…
God cause Lauren to hear Your loving kindness each and every morning as she trusts in You and cause her to know the way in which she should walk as she lifts up her soul to You.
From one sister to another, I encourage you to give God access to your whole heart. Lay it open before Him and let Him tend to you over any cynicism you have toward Him. He will forgive you and He can and will change what’s going on inside of you if you bow low and seek Him for it.
I’m praying for you sweet sister!!
In His Amazing Love–Tomi 🙂
Hey Lauren! Roll Tide! I live in Hoover, Alabama now, but grew up in Scottsboro. I’ll bet we know some of the same folks. It’s great that you’ve felt called to missions! Me too. It just doesn’t look like I thought it would. 🙂 I work at a church as the IT Director and get to help folks share the Gospel all over the world from here – along with travelling some myself. It’s pretty cool how God has orchestrated my path. I’m praying that He will give you enough light to see your next steps – and that He will make you thirsty for His word and presence. Thanks for being so honest about your relationship!
Lauren,
Praying this week! I think you’re about to finish up this year at school. Praying you will finish strong – and that your summer plans are fun, productive and honoring to Him.
Hi Lauren,
My name is Rita and I live in Roswell, Georgia – just outside Atlanta. My husband and I attend all home football games at Bama so I am very familiar with Tuscaloosa. When I married I was working full time and going to school at nights. I was overwhelmed and the part of my life that suffered was my church life. I never quit believing but I quit “doing”. About 9 years ago I returned to active participation in a church. I feel that I missed out on so much so I will be especially praying that God will show you how much you can trust him. Sending you love and prayers, Rita
Hi! My name is Lauren and I am from Addis, Louisiana. I am a sophomore in college studying Early Childhood Education. God has been moving in amazing ways in the hearts of the people at my church. I am blessed to get to witness God doing immeasurably more in my life and in the lives around me. My desire is to be a reflection of Jesus to everyone around me. Please pray that my faith and trust in Christ would be strengthened daily and that my life would be an outpouring of His love to others. I am thankful tonight to have read this post and the encouragement that I’ve received from a sister in Christ whom I’ve never even met. Mrs. Beth, thank you for the amazing example that you are as a woman of God and for always pointing me towards Christ. Words cannot express my thankfulness for the prayers! To God be all the glory!
Hi Lauren,
My name is Megan and I’m an Early Childhood Teacher in Sydney, Australia. I’m delighted to pray for you for the next few weeks, confident that God will continue to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!
Dear Lauren, My name is Desiree and I will be praying for you!That God would strengthen you and encourage you daily!! Praying for your church and that God would allow you to be a light shining in that place as well as you love the people there. What a blessing it is to be a part of that!! God WILL continue and finish the work He has begun in you! love in Christ Desiree
My name is Mary Beth and I’m 28 years old and live in Birmingham, Alabama. My husband and I have been married for 5 years. We have a three year old daughter and a baby boy on the way (due August). I currently work full-time and am having a hard time trying to juggle everything in my life right now. I want so badly to do Gods will for my life, but I’m struggling to figure out what exactly that is. Prayers would greatly be appreciated!
Mary Beth…..I am the mother of six children and almost 12 grandchildren. I can only imagine what you are feeling as you struggle with being wife, Mommy( with another on the way), and employee. I am praying that you will hear Jesus speak to your heart and maybe even more importantly, your husband’s heart, as to how to be everything to all of those who need your time and attention. I am praying that you would rest in Him and cast all of your fears on Him. Blessings to you in this really wonderful season of life!
Hi Mary Beth, I’m Kaitlyn – I’m 20. Was looking through the comments for anyone else in Birmingham. : ) I go to Samford. Would love to connect with you one day.
Mary Beth,
I am so honored to pray for you and your growing family! My hubs and I have 3 children (13yrs-2yrs) and live in the Houston area. I am (mostly) a stay-at-home mom and know very well the effect young family chaos has on a woman’s clarity regarding what God has purposed for her to do in life. I wish we could meet in person so I could hold your sweet hand as I lift you to the Father (and maybe pat that baby belly, too).
Mary Beth – I am happy to pray with and for you over the next few weeks! I could have written your post myself but I’m 31 (with a 2 yr old and no second on the way yet living with my husband in MD)… So I’m on the praying side of the line!! Keeping drawing close to God and asking for His perfect will for you… Whether that’s to continuing working full time or something else. Trust that he will make that Will clear to you… Remember He has a FUTURE and a HOPE picked out just for you!! Keep up the fight but don’t beat yourself up, let God be your strength when you are weary and rest in His grace, its ok if the dishes or the dusting aren’t all done!! God Bless!
Mary Beth, I want you to know that I will be covering you in prayer over the upcoming weeks. Reading over the different comments the Lord led me to yours. Press in to the Lord and seek Him daily cry out to Him and I believe and know with all my heart that He will reveal to you what it is He has for you. Lifting you to Jesus!!!
Hey Mary Beth! My name is Kacina and I live in Athens, Georgia. I just want you to know I will be praying for you. I can definitely appreciate what you are dealing with right now. My husband and I have been married for almost four years and will be starting our family soon. I, too, want to follow God’s will for my life (whether that is at home or in the job field), but I also know I have my preferences and it is hard to balance that. This time is so confusing and things are so up in the air. I hope you feel peace and support from my thoughts and prayers!
Hi Mary Beth,
I’m Maryjo from Chandler, AZ and I consider it a privilege to pray for you. Being a young mom and working full time AND trying to follow God’s plan for your life can be a bit overwhelming at times. I remember it well. I will pray for YOU. . . and your family. .. and that new little guy on the way.
May God’s peace surround you today!
In His Love,
Maryjo
Mary Beth ~ My name is Julia and I live in Springfield, TN (outside of Nashville). I am 36 with a soon to be birthday in May. I have felt what you are going through so many times in my life and as I was talking with a good Christian friend one day, she said something that was just crystal clear to me….an awha moment. Sometimes our service to God looks like a mother teaching her children about the Lord and living as an example of Him to our children. That may be the season you are in??? Take a look at Deuteronomy 6: 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. You may be called by God right now to do His kingdom work in your home with you children. And you may be in that season for several years, who knows. But I encourage you to pray about that as I will be in prayer for you and your request. If I could be so bold as to give you just one more hint of advise, it would be this….My daughter is now 19 and in college and my son is 8. Girlfriend, the years FLY by. Live in the moment!!! When you feel like you are at wits end, just sit down, breathe, and pray. The house can wait, it will be there in 20 years, they however will only be the age they are now for today. Todays come and go, and tomorrows fly by. Before you know it those babies will be graduating, as mine did….enjoy today with them and teach them to love the Lord your God with all their heart!!! See the gift in just an ordinary day.
My name is Anteneshia and I’m 21. I am a junior at Murray State University in Murray Kentucky. I love Jesus a lot and I’m confident that God wants to use me in ways unimaginable for His Kingdom. But for a long time now, the enemy has been seeking to choke out the fire I have for Christ by hounding me with thoughts of inadequacy and incessant temptation. Pray that I would remember that Christ has already overcome and that I am a co-heir with Him. Pray that this flame burning in me for Him name would spread like wildfire.
Thank you for your prayers!
Anteneshia
Anteneshia,
I’m Karissa, from West Virginia. I’m praying for you already girl! I pray that the love God has for you will outshine all the distractions that come your way. I pray that you will see the Lord filling in the inadequacies you see, and know He sees you as beautiful, redeemed, more that enough. He has chosen you and is excited about what you and He will do in your life. He is proud to call you His daughter. He has already won the victory over temptation, I pray you will walk strongly in that victory. And that others will see the passion you have in your relationship with Him, and be drawn to want the same.
I’ll be praying for you every day these next two weeks.
Your sister in Christ, Karissa
I’m a fellow Ky girl and thought about going to Murray, so I chose you to pray for! I’m 32 and live in Ky too. I will pray for you and can relate to what you are going through. Absorb your mind with the truth of God’s word. Jesus loves you exactly where you are and can work in a heart that’s willing to be honest and open to change. You are complete in Christ!
Anteneshia-
Your request caught my eye because I am a graduate (many years ago) of Murray State University, but not for that reason only. I know what it is to be overcome with feelings of total inadequacy and also know what it is to deal with temptation. Jesus is the one who makes us adequate and equips us for what He has called us to do. As long as we are following Him, we are safe. He also is the one who is able to give us victory over temptation every time it faces us. In my own experience Jesus has comforted me with a particular scripture which is Micah 7:8. “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy. When I fall, I shall arise. When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” Please know that I will be praying fervently for you for the next 14 days and afterward as God brings you to my mind. Be lifted up, my sister. I love the way you described how you believe God wants to use you – “in ways UNIMAGINABLE for His Kingdom.” Stir up the flame within you and let nothing or no one quench that most holy fire. Be lifted up!!
Dear Anteneshia, My name is Desiree and I will be praying for you!The enemy is persistant and nasty in all his ways. I do now this..he never fights for something that isn’t his. Use God’s word to fight off the temptations. God says He always gives us a way out. Praying for strength and a dying to the flesh in each of those situations. YOU ARE who God says you are. YOU ARE NOT who satan and the world says you are! Praying His truth is written in your heart! Expecting God to use you in many powerful and wonderful ways!! Love in Christ, Desiree
Hey there, my name is Ashley, I am 26 and live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I absolutely love and appreciate this idea! I feel as if I’ve grown in my relationship with God more so in the last two years or so than any other time, but I struggle giving up control and completely relying on Him. I tend to think that my issues are simply too small (and I KNOW He cares for them) and that rather than “bothering” God, I’ll just trying to wade through on my own. In hindsight, I know it has been the Lord that has carried me through, but I want to make sure I’ve given it to Him at the start rather than remembering to give it to God at the end. I want a strong relationship and I want to grow in my faith…I guess I’m asking for prayers to keep Christ at the forefront of my mind; to constantly lean on Him; and to make Him known in every area of my life. Thank you, thank you for your prayers.
Ashley, It is my priviliege to pray for you! I believe our Father smiles huge at those of us who take matters into our own hands and then turn them over to Him. He loves your heart and your desire to seek Him. Enjoy the sweetness that our Father will pour on you today!
Hey Ashley!
My name is Rebecca and I’m in Owasso OK….we are practically neighbors! 🙂
I will be praying for you specifically over the next 14 days. I love how you said you want to give things to God at the start rather than at the end, goodness! I wrestle with that as well.
Sending you a big hug today.
I would love to lift Ashley up in prayer. She lives in my part of the world which makes it all the more special to be praying for a neighbor.
Hi Ashley,
My name is Michelle and I live in Zionsville, Indiana – a small northside suburb of Indianapolis. I have also struggled with giving control God instead of “trying” to handle the situation on my own. I will be praying for you to release control to God and for the ability to keep focused on Christ each and every day and for Him to fill every crevice of your life. God bless!
Teresa, Rebecca, Jennifer, and Michelle:
I don’t know if you see this, but I just had to stop back by and say that I am so grateful for y’all’s prayers. It brought tears to my eyes to see your sweet notes of encouragement and pray. Thanking God for each of you.
Courtney – 28 years old, living the life of a gypsy it seems. Been bouncing around the country and the globe for about the last 10 years, chasing after Jesus as he leads. I really just want more of Him. Not just his blessings, not just what he can give me, but Him. I want to purposely and intentionally pursue Him, to put my “yes” on the table and to be all in, whatever he calls me to.
Sabrina~Houston,TX
Courtney,
It will be an honor to pray for you. I pray now that Jesus will anoint you with His presence and show you His will for your life.
Thank you, Sabrina! You are appreciated!
Hello! My name is Emily and I am an almost-22-year-old, almost-college-graduate from Baylor University. I’m excited about graduation, but unsure of what exactly God has planned for me, and which passions He wants me to pursue…I would really like prayer for some definitive direction for the future (specifically for summer plans since I don’t have anywhere to live after May 22), a place to live and work in Seattle (where I feel called to be), and a whole lot of patience and discernment for what is the right path!
Thank you ladies so much! It really is a blessing to be covered in prayer by such amazing women/prayer warriors!
Hi Emily! I live just down the road from you in Temple and I’m happy to pray for you!
Sic ’em Bears, Emily! I’m Sherri and I graduated from Baylor in 1989…seems like yesterday. I’m praying for you at this exciting, and a little scary, time in your life. Praying for peace as you go down the road ahead, and for very clear guidance from the Lord. I’m praying you will trust fully in Him, and will have the courage to follow His leading. And finally, praying that you will always be aware of His presence..He’s right there with you! I’m so thankful to be able to pray for you!
Hi Emily. I work at Baylor and want to commit to praying for you as you finish your Baylor career and begin the “what’s next” phase of your life. Sounds like God has given you a heart for Seattle so try to network with Baylor alum in that area.
Lifting you up,
Sandra Northern
Hi, my name is Cameron. I am 28 and I’m from New Mexico. In my late teens I became part of a dance ministry from my hometown that shortly after, started overseas missions to Asia. Putting college and other aspirations aside I took a leap of faith and poured my heart into serving on them. For the next 5-7 years I spent my life working towards multi-month mission trips every year. Never since have I ever felt as belonging, or as in the right place and calling than during that time. However, issues began to arise and many choice words, endless meetings, and wounded hearts later the team as it was, ended. Caught in the crossfire the stress and frustration took it’s toll on me to the point that I felt, for my own good, I needed to leave. A year later, most of my friends having been married and or left my town, I found myself back at my family home listless. A short time later early one morning my mother passed away. I spent the next year trying to be strong for my father, being that I was his son, but ultimately failing. A little later he decided to get remarried and moved away. Now I find myself here living in my childhood home, alone save for my two dogs, desperate to see God moving in my life again and to find some direction and purpose. I am my own worst enemy, an unrelenting perfectionist when it comes to myself and am constantly plagued with anxiety. I know God has a plan for me but right now I can’t see it. My faith and hope are tapped out and my prayers seem to bounce of walls. I genuinely need something to be healed or change or break in my life and honestly that might need to be me. Either way, I need a divine touch of God in my life.
Cameron, I will be praying for you. I know how it feels to be in something that you know is God’s will and then somehow get caught in the middle and find yourself kinda in limbo. God has great plans for you. I believe it!
Love in Christ,
Mindy
I am from Gloster, Louisisana
Cameron
am wiping tears away as I type to tell you, “my prayers offered in your name, have penetrated the walls of this room. I know this cuz the HOly Spirit is warming my spirit for you and your request.
Father, most Holy, affectionate God:
We daughters require a touch from you. We ask for protection against anxiety over doing things perfectly. Remind Cameron in ways uniquely personal that through YOU she can do all things because of whose she is.
And as she lives daily seeking direction that is clear and motivating, reveal a path that is obviously from YOU so she can confidently walk and sing praises of thanks as she goes.
Hi Cameron! My name is Lucy and I am 39 years old. I live in a northern subarb of Dallas, Texas. I am adopting you, my dear. I will cover you in prayer and ask The Lord to lift you up. Your testimony rings loud and clear within me. Since my 20’s, the Holy Spirit has moved me towards mission trips. This summer, after many years of heart-tugging, I am embarking on my FIRST mission trip to Mexico. Don’t allow the enemy to diminish your work in God’s kingdom, my brother. I am so proud of you and KNOW that Jesus will reignite passion back in your life. There are dry seasons and then there are rainy seasons. Keep your heart open. It will rain again.
Oops! Suburb not subarb. Eek! It appears that we have more in common, Cameron. May God bless you, keep you, strengthen you and shine through you. You’ve already touched me and encouraged me. Praise Jesus. 🙂
I would like to be your prayer warrior brother.
Thank you for being open and transparent.
Crystal Hood
Portland, OR
Hi,
I am 31, from Cape Town South Africa. I will be praying for you this next two weeks.
Lease know, that it doesn’t matter how lonely you feel, Jesus never leaves you. I hold on to Romans 8:28 when times get tough, because even in death, God works it all for good for those who love Him.
I myself am going through a time of fighting to keep my passion, I so love my God, but it feels as if there is a strain on our relationship. I am praying that Jesus will help me with Ps 139:23&24. This I will pray for you as well Cameron!
God bless!
Karlien
Cameron,
As I read your post, I sensed your heartache but I also sensed our Father’s great love for you. Right here. Right now in your childhood home. Read Col 3:1-4. I will be praying for you that you would feel the Presence of God again, His joy, peace and direction. Please know our Father sees you and knows you.
Charlotte, Houston
God bless you Cameron! First for your courage to raise your flag up for Jesus and second for your courage to lay your heartbreak and your concerns at the feet of the Lord through this site. Please know that you will be high on my prayer list beginning today. Let me encourage you to NEVER stop praying, God hears every single whisper from your believing heart and He will be faithful to answer you….He is allowing you time to develope patience! (I’ve been there). Hold on to Jesus, do not let go for He is your Rock in every storm. Cameron, I have three sons of my own. They have all been through seasons when I have prayed hard for devine relief from one of their struggles….GOD ANSWERS PRAYER! You are loved and you are chosen. (Ephesians 1:4)
Cameron: I am from Wyoming, where it continues to snow and snow and snow. I am the mother of two boys age 29 and 31. I will be praying for you daily for the next 14 days. May God bless you and keep you. May you feel His Presence and hear from Him during this time. I pray that His message to you is powerful and that you will know beyond any doubt that what you hear is from Him.
I ‘m lifting you up Cameron. As a dancer, I know how the wounds can pile up. Praying for healing in ur soul, and a good church family for you to have a safety net and a soft place to fall. We all fall, just keep getting up, learn from it, and ask the Lord who loves u to help u keep running the race set b4 u. God is with u and loves u sò much.
Cameron,
I live in Tx, happily married, with a 14 yr old son. If my son ever finds himself in your place you can know- with certainty- I would want people to pray for him. I want you to know -with certainty- that I am praying for you.
When ministries end in messy ways it’s easy to lose sight of all the good that was accomplished. Your work for the glory of God during those years is not erased. Nor does past ministry take away from any future ministry God has for you. It seems the ones filled with sympathy, empathy and struggle are the ones He can reach the most people with. You are His child and He has many more things in store for you.
Churches need people with your experience, knowledge and wisdom to lead and disciple. Our all seeing, all knowing God sees YOU. He knows YOUR heart. He has heard YOUR prayers.
I’m praying that Jesus will make all your crooked paths straight. That He will give you peace, healing, and hope. That He will let you know you are not alone. That He will fill the very center of your being with a passion for Him, stirred up and sustained, filled with direction and purpose. That you will guard your heart like crazy. That you will be strengthened and held tight in grace as you love Jesus and love people.
Don’t lose heart. He is fighting for you.
Always Love,
Sherry Harmon
Thank you all! I am truly humbled. I pray that Jesus will answer your personal prayers doubly so. I was very reluctant to make the post but am glad I did and thankful for the opportunity Mrs. Moore. God Bless!
Hi I’m Chelsea from Atlanta ga and I’m 25. I would love prayer as I am 2 weeks or less away from having my first child (a daughter) and I’m plagued with fear about everything… The delivery and birth, her health, the first hard weeks, and being a mother. I would love prayers that I could lean fully into Jesus and trust Him in all these things!!
Chelsea, I’m Becky from Ohio,and it would be my priviledge to pray for you for the next 14 days! God put me here today,so that I could read Beth’s post. I don’t comment here very often,but I’m glad God brought me here today. I will lift you and your baby up to the creator of life!
I should say too,that I’m a grandma with 3 beautiful grandkids. I have a son your age,and knowing that your journey in life,like his, is just beginning,I’ll love praying for you!
Thank you so much Becky! Knowing you are praying for me is so comforting! My due date is May 6th. 🙂
Hey Chelsea,
So honored to pray for you dear. I will commit to praying for you for the two weeks starting today. I know I am a little late but all of us can use prayers, as many as we can get. I am going to be praying for you: Psalm 145:20 and Phil 4:6-7 and finally Joshua 1:5 in the NASB which says “…Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you, I will not FAIL you or FORSAKE you.” Did you hear those words Chelsea, they are for you Sweetie!!!! The Lord will watch over you, don’t be afraid. Will be lifting you up and praying for a safe delivery.
I am Terri and I live in Baltimore and love kids. I have one son but he is older than you. Was a missionary in Guatemala for 5 years until I had to come home to take care of my elderly parents. Stand firm in your faith Chelsea. God bless you dear 🙂
My name is Cheryl and I have 2 kids – ages 6 and 8. I completely understand how you feel as I felt that way about having kids also. God is faithful. He will be with you in this journey and carry you through. He will guide you as you teach your baby girl to live Him as well.
Hi Chelsea!
I’m Leslie from Harrisburg PA and its my honor to pray you through the last two weeks of your pregnancy. I have 3 young boys of my own and vividly remember those last weeks of each one. No advice here, I promise 😉 Simply a prayer for reliance on the One who carefully formed both you and your child and cares for each of you more than you can imagine!
Hi Chelsea, my name is Mindy. I will be praying praying over you. I have had 4 kids(2 girls 2boys), and I know it can be very frightening and overwhelming. I just want you to know God has given you everything you need to be a great mom to that baby girl. Just trust him to lead you, and ask Him for wisdom, He will surely give it. I know and believe that you can do this!
Love you in Jesus
I am from Gloster, Lousisana
Oh chelsea….a baby girl! Wow….I am so excited for you, but also cant imagine how scary it must be….but I dont have to imagine how wonderful she will be, because HE (her real and holy and powerful and LOVING DADDY) has promised that HE not only made her, but LOVES her, and is continuously watching over her, and is always with and all around her, ans made her perfect, and that HE takes care of what HE makes, and HE will complete the good work HE has started (inside of you!), and one day will transform her into the likeness of HIS Son….not to mention the promise that HE sent HIS first Child to die for your lil baby girl! Wow! She has a great DADDY and HE sure Loves her and her mommy! I will be praying you can feel HIM holding her and holding you in HIS warm, strong, loving hands! Youre gonna b an amazin mommy….i can tell you luuuuv this baby girl! 🙂
Hi Chelsea! My name is Mary Beth. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and I’d love to pray for you over these next two monumental weeks. I have three kids — 21, 19, and 16 — and I remember so well being absolutely petrified with my first child. Just try to remember two things: God loves your child more than you ever could, and he will give you absolutely everything you require to do whatever he asks so you, regardless of what the future holds. (2 Peter 1:2-3) Don’t let the enemy rob you of the joy that is unfolding for you right now. God is completely trustworthy. Trust him with all your heart!
Chelsea,
I will be praying for you and the precious baby girl who will soon change your life! Yes, having a baby and becoming a new mother are scary things.. but she will bring you more joy than you can possibly imagine right now. I am the mother of three grown girls and Mimi to 7 grandchildren. I will pray for God to calm your fears, for you to have a safe, normal delivery and a healthy baby girl. I will pray that those first hard weeks you will have the strength and patience that you will need. They can be hard but just remember to tell yourself that they will be over before you know it! And I will be praying for your you to trust Jesus in everything! He will be there as you navigate these new waters and everyday of your new adventure with your baby girl! Trust Him!!
With love,
Martha
Hi Chelsea.
My name is Tanis and I am a mom of 3 teens. I would be honoured to pray for you over the next couple of weeks, and beyond. I am going to pray for God’s peace to be on you and that you will not continue to worry about everything. This is a wonderful time in your life and you truly will be blessed by it. I will pray everyday. Just to let you know I had a 16 month old and then I had twins. I have survived and still love being a mom. Praise God. He is amazing.
My name is CJ and I am from Liberty, Missouri. I am honored to pray for you as a new mom.
My Dear Sweet Chelsea, you jumped out at me cuz I lived in Atlanta 4 years as a young student, but the rest of my 54 years have been in AZ. The young women that “hides my grey” is named Chelsea so I feel as tho I’ve already bonded to you! : ) I have two boys myself and can relate to your worries. I do believe that is what bonds all of us momma’s, – you are totally normal to be worried. During the next couple of weeks, – everytime you begin to feel fearful, stop and say: Dear Father, You are with me and my baby girl right now. You are in control of everything. You remain good. You are watching over us. Thank You! Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for Your Spirit within me. Fill me to the brim with Your love and cover me with Your blanket of calmness. Turn my worries into praise and thankfulness right now. Thank You for Your presence as my sweet little girl enters into the world. May she feel Your love, – swelling out of me as I first gaze upon her. May my words sooth her as I begin a new journey of being her mom. Thank You that I can always pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Hugs!, Lori
Dear Chelsea,
I am Mary from Virginia Beach…..a grandmother of 3.
You are about to enter a wonderful time of your life! I will be praying for your safe and easy delivery, a beautiful, healthy baby and rich blessings for you and your new and growing family. Jesus is faithful and trustworthy and He will always be there for you. I pray that He will show Himself to you in a new way and that you will know with certainty how real His presence is. I am praying for God to release you from the bondage of your fears so that you can rest in Him. Loving you through prayer!
Dear Chelsea,
My name is Debra and I am 56 years old and I live in Florida. As a mother of a 26 year old son and a 20 year old daughter, I can remember having the exact fears you mention and would be honored to pray for you! As I am sure you know, being a mother will change your life forever. Hold on for an exciting and, at times, exasperating adventure, but an adventure it truly will be! And you are right, leaning on Jesus is the only way!
I will be praying for you, your baby, a safe delivery, an easy recovery, smooth adjustment for your family and for God’s blessings and protection.
Sending you my love and prayers,
Debra
Chelsea- I would be honored to pray for you. I am from Lubbock, TX and a mother of 3. I had 2 children by the time I was you age, and know how challenging and also sweet this time can be.
Hey, Chelsea! I would be honored to pray for you. I am 33, live in Macon, just south of you. I have a little girl who is almost three, and I know all too well the anxiety you are feeling. You are about to embark on one of the most amazing journeys of this world! God will provide every step of the way…. Through the pain of labor, the worry of feedings, the tears, the sleepless nights….. He provides. And it is beautiful!!! My email address is [email protected] and I will be happy to pray specifics over the next few weeks for you if you wish. Know I am praying hard for you in the coming weeks! Rest in Him, sweet one!
Melissa, 27 from Salem, OR-I went to school to be a worship leader, but due to unhealthy circumstances, the performance anxiety I developed as a child seeped into the one area of music I had been completely free in. With a semester left, I dropped out and finished with another degree. I felt like a complete failure. A few years later I listened for the first time to Beth teach a series on Ps. 37. After years of frantically searching for a career, I knew right then God’s calling-to passionately teach the Word of God to women and one day do it in retreat/conference settings. Shortly after, I was promoted to Business Office Manager for a surgery center-not what I wanted, but knew God would use it to develop me as a leader. This week my church asked me to become a worship leader. I wanted to say no, but after 5 years of no’s, I finally said yes. I wait with expectation for God to use this opportunity to continue developing me, and see this as another stepping stone toward a teaching ministry. Please pray for a man to do life and ministry with, healing my heart, mind, and restoring my joy in worship ministry, and for opportunities/mentors to help develop me as a Bible teacher.
Hi Melissa!
I’m Debbie from Pittsburgh, PA and I will be praying for you! I am also a worship leader and I serve in the church my husband pastors. I will pray that your passion for leading worship will return and that God will lead you to a man who will encourage and protect you in ministry.
God has a plan bigger and better than anything we could ever imagine – keep trusting Him!
Thank you Debbie! Your words/prayers are very encouraging to me:)
Melissa: Can I pray for you my dear? I know the feelings you are having and have had to overcome them at a much older age than you. I am 51 and have been leading worship at my church now for about 7 years. I would love to ADOPT you
Absolutely! Adopt away!:)
My name is Allison, I’m 21 years old and living in Spokane, Washington.
I will be graduating in May from Moody Bible Institute – Spokane will a BA in Intercultural Ministry. I plan on using those skills in a Hispanic church plant that some members of my church and I started last week! I would love prayer for boldness in witnessing and passion in ministry.
I will be starting nursing school in the fall as EWU. My main desire there is to become an oncology nurse and serve cancer patients. My mom’s nurses really made an impact on her when she was sick. Likewise, every time my mom’s cancer came back, she knew it was because someone in her doctor’s office needed to hear about Jesus, bless her heart. I would love to be as strong a testament as she was each and every last day she lived.
Finally, I’d love prayer as it has been hard for me to have God leading me so far from home (2,500 miles from Michigan). I need a lot of reassurance of his plans for me.
THANK YOU!
Hi Allison, I’m Suzanne from Georgia (metro Atlanta area), and I will be praying for you. I know it can be tough being so far away from home, but I also know that God has amazing plans for you, and your desire to walk in them brings Him so much joy! I so appreciate your tender heart for cancer patients and your desire to serve them; God will work mightily through you, I just know it! Stay close to Him, get on your armor (Eph. 6), and remember that you are loved by the Most High God. I’ll be praying for you every day, and don’t forget, Jesus Christ, Himself, intercedes for you!
Thank you so much for your encouragement
Allison, it would be my privilege to pray for you! Your post spoke to me as I am Hispanic and also lost a mother to cancer. You already have a heart for God and serving His people so it is obvious you will make a fantastic nurse. You are in my prayers!
Gracias amiga querida por tu rezo!
Allison, I will pray for you! My name is Debbie George and I live in Marion, IN. I, too, am a cancer-survivor and know how important it is to have great nurses who not only give great care but who are kind and compassionate…especially when they love Jesus! “) I will pray for your long-distance…and for His reassurance that He has great plans for you and that you know how much He loves you. Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you so much for your prayers. I’d love to connect with you at some point to learn how to best interact with cancer patients. If you see this, I’d love if you emailed me at alperr09 @ Yahoo.com
Hi Allison! My name is Gerri and I’m from the midwest too (Indiana). I would be honored to pray for you as you face such big choices in your life! I’m so tickled to be a part of your support- and I will lift you to our loving Heavenly Father- to give you a light into your path! 14 days of intercession coming! (I have lost a mother to breast cancer and am a nurse as well!)
I love hearing from other RN’s. Thank you so much!
Allison, I would love to pray for you and your future plans! I am a nurse also, and know what an impact you can be to your patients. God has his hand on you and I will pray that He will be close to you and direct you. I will also pray that he will be close to you and help you when you are lonely and discouraged to lift you up! Funny part is, I believe I know your Aunt Marie and having been praying for you for quite a while now! God bless you, Sandy
I could swear that my Aunt Marie knows EVERYONE on earth. That’s so awesome that you know her. I really appreciate the prayer support 🙂
Allison,
I will be praying for you in all the areas that you mentioned. I am a retired
RN and know the challenges ahead for you in Nursing School. Maintaining a solid
walk with Christ will be essential during the coming months as you seek to integrate
your ministry and school pressures. Hang in there! The Lord is near!
In Jesus our Lord,
Linda Hammett
Wake Forest, N.C.
Thank you so much for your prayers! nursing school, ahhhh, i’m going to need them 🙂
Hi Allison! I’m Allison, a nurse, and have also lost a mother (in-law) to cancer. Due to the similarities in our lives, it seems fitting I would have the honor of lifting you up to our Father for the next 14 days.
I commit to pray for you every morning (starting today) when I wake up. I will pray for boldness and passion for Christ and the ministry HE has placed in front of you. I will pray for your next step in education. I will pray that He will send you a group of people to surround you, to be your family away from home. I pray He’ll give you strength to endure the attacks Satan will launch against you as you seek to serve and honor Christ.
Blessings Allison 🙂
Thank you so much, Allison! It is pretty strange how much we have in common, right down to our names. Thank you for your prayers.
Hey! My Name is Amanda! I am 21 years old and I live in the greater Houston area! I am about to graduate from college with a degree in middle school education! If you could pray for a job. I feel so clueless about what I am to do besides teaching! I am so excited and nervous about this up coming time of waiting! Definitely learning how to trust God in a completely new way! But at the same time I really wonder if I am doing the right thing. If you could also pray for my adjustment to living at home, it is so different from being in a semi-college town. Thank you so very much!!!
Hi Gorgeous One! I’m going to pray for you. I’m an upper primary school teacher from Australia & am passionate about kids too. Keep me posted to pray specifically for you. Such an honour xx
Carly thank you soooo much!!! I will keep you posted! I have a job fair Saturday afternoon! Excited about the possibilities but trusting God 🙂
I’m Deborah from Katy, TX. It will be my privilege to pray for you Amanda. We need Christians teaching and loving kids in every school. He has a plan for you. I am an elementary school principal in the Houston area. Email me at [email protected] and maybe I can help.
Hi, Amanda. My name is Lisa, and I live in Boerne, TX. I am going to start praying for you to guard your heart and rely on Jesus Christ. I’ll certainly pray for guidance for you in the coming weeks. Stay strong!
Thank you Lisa! Your prayers are much appreciated! 🙂
I’m Brandi, I’m 28, and I live in Pittsburgh. I have a few current struggles in my life and appreciate any prayers I can get! I have dealt with depression for several years. It affects my relationship with Christ every day. I struggle to find Him and hear Him most of the time. I question what His plan for me is and whether I’ll ever be out of a dark place and truly happy. I thank you in advance for any prayers and thank you, Beth, for doing such a beautiful thing for us!
Hi Brandi. I’m Carolyn, in Austin, TX. My prayer for you is that you will feel God’s presence in your life through music, Bible study (perhaps with older women in your church)and service to the point that your focus is on Him only — so that you will be more sensitive to the Spirit. May He bless your efforts to hear His voice.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27.
Hi, everyone. My name is Jessi and I’m in Kentucky. I will be turning 25 next month. I am struggling with this because I thought that I would be a mom of at least one child by now. The Lord has placed a special cause on my heart- orphans. I want to be an adoptive mom, and have know that this was my calling in life since I was a small child. I remember telling a teacher once that I wanted “a kid from every continent!” Since I got married over three years ago, I have watched my friends have baby after baby (and a few have adopted.) My husband and I finally bought a house about a year and a half ago, and we thought that we could officially start fundraising and filling out paperwork, now that we had a home of our own. We have hit so many obstacles, though. Financial issues keep popping up. I had to have surgery unexpectedly, which in turn created another financial issue. The country we were planning to go to changed some policies and we can no longer adopt from there. Since then, God has called us to expand our family, at least at first, through the foster care system- but we just keep hitting more and more delays that prevent us from saying “yes, our home is now ready for children.” It’s extremely difficult, particularly around Mother’s Day (which is the day after my birthday this year, coincidentally.) Prayers for God’s peace in this situation are what I desperately need. I need to learn to be content where I’m at right now, and try to understand that God’s timing is perfect, and when he wants me to be a mama, it will happen. It is so very, very hard, though.
Beautiful Jessie, My name is cheryl, and I am in Brisbane, Australia. I’m 33 and have a 3 year old and it’ll be an honor to lift you up in prayer over the next couple of weeks. The Lord sees your beautiful heart that just wants to be a mamma and serve Him and make Him happy – remember that He is already so pleased with you. He delights over you and longs to bless you with your hearts’ desires. I see a picture of Him just singing over you. I pray for PEACE to flood you and remove any anxiety that tries to overwhelm you. Remember that God is working behind the scenes, for your good, and one day you will look back and see that His timing is perfect and that His hand was at work all along – he hasn’t forgotten you beautiful one. Place your burdens at the throne of grace and trust Him to sort it out, because He will, in a way that is more wonderful than you can ever imagine!
“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” (Romans 15:13).
Blessings, Cheryl
hmm I tried to do this earlier and I don’t think my comment went through! I am from Indiana, and in just 1 month I will be graduating college and moving to Texas! I have a neat summer job at a special needs camp and then I’m starting grad school in the fall. So, big changes in seasons of life. Can you pray that I would find community and welcoming into the church in TX? I struggle deeply w/ shame, feeling undeserving of everyone and everything, believing lies told to me in past years. Pray that I may drink deeply the beauty of the Gospel, to know that God delights in knowing and loving us.. That in Texas I may be known and be loved & know and love. Thanks for praying y’all. xoxo
Hi Katie! This is Niki Chiles I’m from Va, please know I am praying for you! I saw your previous post and have been praying for you starting last night, and throughout the day today! Love ya sister! Niki
I just found the other post its around 490…if I remember its 495. There’s more of a response there too 😉
Hello! My name is Ashleigh and I’m 21 living in Murray, KY. I am about to graduate from Murray State University with a degree in Youth and NonProfit Leadership and French. I’m really struggling lately with God’s plan and purpose for my life. I don’t know where He is leading me. I have so many interests and passions such as music, children, mentoring, mission, and languages that I have become confused in the midsts. There are many different directions and places I can go and through this I’ve found myself in a state of fear and not being able to trust the Lord completely in His plan for my life. Lately I’ve been so concerned with the next step, due to the many times I hear the question “what are you going to do after you graduate,” that I have not been able to discern God’s voice and to see what He’s trying to tell me. All I know is that I want to serve the Lord with my life but what that looks like is not clear.
Please pray with me as I search for God’s voice above all the other voices in my life, including my own, and through that growing in a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. As I’m on this discovery, I pray that I can experience the power of prayer. I also pray that I will find the strength to fight for a pure heart.
I’m so overwhelmed by the community I’ve seen displayed on the comments and thankful that other women are willing to be vulnerable and encouraging with one another. Thanks to everyone!
I will pray for you, Ashleigh. For direction, for fulfillment, fearlessness, clarity and peace along with so much more!
OK, Everybody! I’m going to stop moderation for tonight but as soon as the ministry opens back up in the morning, we’ll start moderating again. Do not worry in the least if you have left a request but no one has signed up for you yet. They will definitely come through over the next few days. They’re just waiting for your to get posted and their replies to get moderated. Have sweet sleep tonight, everybody! We are so blessed to serve you and will get back to the blog by 9:00 AM Wednesday. Love to you all.
PS. Gentlemen, it is a rare opportunity around here to get to actively serve you. Thank you for trusting us with it.
Thank you for doing this. I know it’s God, but He’s doing it through you, so thank you.
I am 22 I got married June 30, 2012 to a wonderful man.This February I had brain surgery for a colloid cyst that could of killed me at any moment. We lost our apartment, and also learned that God is calling us to attend seminary school in Fort Worth Tx. My prayer request is that I would have a deeper relationship with The Lord. I also pray that I would follow his plan for my life, always.
Dear Shawna, I am praying for you from the Oregon Coast. I am praying for you that you would know God in a deeper way. God never changes. So through all the change in your life you have a solid foundation, Jesus. Praying for you “wonderful man” too.
My name is Allison from Minnesota and I’m 26. I am currently in graduate school getting my PhD to be a professor. Through a variety of circumstances over the past year, I have felt led to spend this summer (May – August) focusing intently on my relationship with Jesus and my husband. Part of this season is also to pray earnestly that God would show me how He wants me to live out these next few years as I write a dissertation and prepare to start teaching. Please pray for the Spirit of God to lead me and speak to me as never before, and that Jesus would bring deep and significant healing from the pain in my past.
Thank you for your prayers!
Allison, I am praying for you from Charleston South Carolina that the Lord show your the path he wants you to follow. I will also pray this summer for both of us to become closer to God and our husbands. I truly feel like I am with the man the Lord intended me to spend my life with, I hope you do too. I have 2 daughters so praying for another young women will be a pleasure.
Teresa
Teresa,
Thank you so very much! I will be praying the same for you, too. Your prayers are a blessing to me.
Allison
Allison, I have a daughter graduating with a Masters of Education in Special Education and working on BCBA. I know how much hard work goes into school work, life and marriage all at once. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hello 🙂 My name is Andrea and I am a sophomore at University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. I am studying elementary education with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and God has called me to be an inner city teacher; to work with those who too often get passed along and ignored and to invest in them and show them that someone cares and believes in them, and that they have hope.
I also recently went through a breakup with a guy I dated for 2.5 years. My heart is absolutely broken but God has used it in the most beautiful way. I attended Passion 2013 and when they said God wanted to do immeasurably more in my life, I had no idea it included this. God is wowing me with his immense love for me and how He is opening doors for ministry. However, I am still so broken and hurt. I struggle so much with trusting God as I am still in love with my ex-boyfriend. I’ve been learning that healing is a choice, and I want to choose healing and fully embrace all God has for me, even as life is chaotic and I don’t understand all he is doing in my life currently. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!
Andrea, my name is Sherry, I’m 33 and I live in the Houston area. It is my honor to pray for you over the next 14 days. I pray that the Lord continues to ignite your heart for the children that are often neglected. We are so blessed to know that you attended Passion and I pray that the Lord does in fact do immeasurably more in your life. He is for you and loves you!
Hi Andrea, I am honored to hold you up to your most gracious Father’s heart. My 22 year old son went to Passion 2013 also and he and his girlfriend of 2.5 years broke up last week. I have been praying Matthew 6:33 over him and will you too. As you seek God with all your heart He will add everything else…right relationships, direction, provision, etc. he is teaching us Jesus is all we need and everything else is just icing on the cake:). Making the choice to be healed is a great start! One of the names of God is El Roi – God Who Sees. He sees and cares and has a plan. May you rest in the peace of His loving presence. God bless, Dana
I will pray for you, Andrea. For restoration and contentment. For vision and direction. And for God to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or think! He sees your future and has a path.
This is such a lovely idea. My name is Melissa and I am 27 years old. I am a stay at him mom of one little boy. I love staying home with my baby but lately I have felt like I’m coasting through, not putting as much energy into being the kind of mother I want to be. I am also struggling with the decision to have another baby. I feel there is another child waiting to come to our home, but the idea of being pregnant right now sends me into a tailspin of anxiety. I could use prayers for peace and comfort in making that decision. Thank you so much!
Melissa, I would love to pray for you! I am a mom, too, of little boys. What a joy they are! I am praying that He increases your confidence as a mother as He equips you to do it!
Hi Melissa,
I am a stay at home mom of one boy and one girl. I understand the coasting. Some days are just hard. Many times the enemy has me believing the lie that I am not making a difference. You are making a difference. One day at a time. Cling to the promises in God’s Word. I will be praying for you as you continue to do the daily task with your little boy. I will also pray about peace for you as you consider bringing another child into your home.
You are loved 🙂 and prayed for 🙂
I am from Hickory, North Carolina 🙂
Hi, my name is Rachel. I am a 27 year old wife and mama to a beautiful 2 year old boy. My husband, son, and I live in Ohio.
In December, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. It’s been a long process complete with a 6 hour surgery where we were told that I have the second worse case of endometriosis they’ve ever seen and we will not have more children barring a miracle. My tubes are scarred shut.
I love Jesus with all that is within me, but my greatest earthly joy besides salvation has been being a mother to our son. We had hoped and prayed to fill our home with children and now, we are left wondering how and why. I am wrestling with understanding God’s goodness to us. It has left me both confused and at peace… very confusing.
I’m devastated, scared, sad, and a whole range of other emotions. Secondary infertility is a very awkward thing. I am so grateful for the gift of our son, but my pain is still very real and deep. I’ve been told countless times to just be grateful for our son, and I most certainly am! But that doesn’t make the almost certain death of a dream any less painful. I don’t want to be led by my emotions, which is the easy thing to do here… to shrink into a pit of despair and sadness and let it eat away at me.
Please pray that I will stand firm in my faith, that I will not give into the enemy’s attacks and lies. That we will be able to get pregnant– not only do we want a baby desperately, but we were advised to have our children (with medical help) and have a hysterectomy as the endo will surely come back. At 27, that is hard to hear.
Please pray that God will blow our socks off, but more importantly, that I will trust in His plan and know that anything He allows into my life is for His glory and my good. Please pray that I will find peace and comfort in that.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless each of you deeply and widely.
Hi Rachel,
I will pray for a miracle from God for you. He loves you so much. God gives us strength in our weakness.
My son and his wife have one little boy, 6 years old, and they want another child almost as much as their son wants a brother AND a sister!
So, my dear Rachel, I will pray for you right along with the desires of my family. I live in East Texas.
God bless you,
Avis
Hi! I’m Amy, a month shy of 23 and living in Dayton, OH. I’m a first year kindergarten teacher and we have about 5 weeks to go before the school year is finished. It has been one of the most difficult but most rewarding 9 months of my life. I teach at a Christian school and absolutely love it, but with teaching at a Christian/private school always comes the worry of enrollment numbers. I am currently dealing with a lot of fear and anxiety over whether or not I will have a job next year. It was an amazing gift to be able to have a job my first year out of college, and I truly believe that the Lord has kept me in Dayton for a reason (I’m a Wisconsin transplant)-whether to teach at my school, a different school or something completely different, although I’m not sure what else I would do besides teach! I know that if I seek Him daily, He will lead me- I just need someone to pray that I would stand confidently in the promises of God and find my strength in Him alone…that Christ would be my joy, my Rock and my identity. If you could also pray that I survive the last month of school in one piece, I would love that too! 🙂
Hi Amy,
I live in East Texas and am a retired teacher. I will pray for you to have an amazing victorious ending to this school year!
God is faithful and will show you the next step in your journey at the exactly right time. He loves you so much!
God bless you,
Avis
My name is Alicia and I am 26 years old, living in central Florida. I’ve been married for almost a year to the most godly, honorable, hard-working man I’ve ever met. Thankfully, our first year has been (mostly!) bliss … because everything else has been pretty difficult. My job is so hard – I feel stuck, unwanted, and lonely. I’m an extrovert working in an office with very little people interaction. I get to write and design for a nonprofit serving the underprivileged which is an incredible opportunity … but the job isn’t the right fit and it seems to suck the life right out of me. I feel so distant from God and so very discouraged that I will never find my life’s calling. I have that itch, you know? The itch (and the deep-down, crazy hope that it just might happen) to impact people for Christ. To love Him and His people well. But my job has been so discouraging that I fear I have become timid, unsure, and bland. And I don’t even know what I really WANT to do. A few years ago I felt like God spoke directly to me the words of Isaiah 61:3 “…they will rebuild the ancient ruins that were destroyed long ago…” as a calling to my life. But that seems the exact opposite of my reality. On top of that, I know that my identity is very much wrapped in my career and achievements … so maybe I’m in this position to keep me from pride. Please pray for me when it comes to all of this .. that God would give me the patience and perspective needed to endure along with a swift kick in the bootie so I don’t fall into a rut. OR that He will lead me out of this ASAP and continue to give me clarity for the future.
Also, my husband and I are going to India this summer for a wedding. I have a feeling this trip will be much more than a wedding. God is going to move in our lives and hearts in a big way … pray we will be open and attentive to His Spirit.
Hi blog mommas! My name is Beth and I’m 24 years old from Wisconsin. I need prayers for my heart to be warmed!! Praise God, I can feel Him peeling back the layers on my hardened heart already, but I know that this is the time to be praying for MORE- so I am so very grateful for your affectionate prayers! I deeply adore Jesus and have love for Him, but surely am not IN love with Him. That has got to change. Please pray that I can respond with a full heart to the unfailing love of God. I believe and know that He loves me more than I can wrap my little human mind around.. but somewhere along I gave way to legalism and prayerlessness and my heart has become cold. Please pray that God would ignite the ability in me to love Him wildly! I want to be wrapped up and wholly consumed with a passionate love and divine romance with JESUS. I wish I could better express my gratitude for your prayers.. thank you so very much!!!
You got it, Beth. Prayers are lifted for you and will continue to be over these next two weeks – and probably longer. 🙂 I live in Prattville, AL, but have lived in Wisconsin prior: 4 years in Green Bay and 6+ in Appleton (Go Pack). I have been a Christian since the womb but didn’t fall in love with our Father until the early 2000s. Now I’m so in love with Him, I can’t imagine what took me so long. I will pray for your passion, prayer time and openness to God’s unfailing love. Much love in Him.
Thanks for adopting me for prayer, Jill!! 🙂 I am feeling so encouraged and well loved today. Thank you so much for your time and prayers. I really appreciate you!
I’m Teresa, 45 from Tennessee. I felt led to pray for Christa, 27 from Minneapolis and also other young moms who feel overwhelmed and inadequate. I have shared these struggles since I was pregnant with my first 13 years ago.
I pray for you to strive to ‘set your mind’ on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8). You can sort your thoughts like you would laundry. 🙂 They can be rejected if they aren’t a blessing or magnified if they honor God. One way that I have learned to magnify the good thoughts (if unsure, look up Phil 1:9) – is to keep a ‘Blessings’ journal. Any blessings that God brings our way, as a family, I record in my journal. This can be financial, cute things the children do or say, times when God revealed himself, etc.
One rule, thoughts that aren’t a blessing get discarded, and NEVER go in my journal. Now, if I’ve been down about something, and God answered my plea for help, then I will tell about it briefly, but the focus will be on what HE did in my life and how awesome He is, and how much He loves me! Praise God!
Blessings to you, Christa! God wants to be magnified in your life.
Hi! I’m Mary Beth from Mississippi. 🙂 I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant with my second child (another boy!). My oldest is 2 and testing every boundary he can which is wearing on me as containing him is physically difficult for me now. Personally, I’m trying to figure out how much of a ministry God wants me to have outside if my home. Currently I woke very part time as a marriage and family counselor, serve in the preschool ministry of my church, and *try* to blog. I love all three of those things but my utmost commitment is to my husband and boys as wife and mommy.
Well that’s me in a nutshell! Thanks so much for praying.
Hi, Mary Beth! I’m 31, single, and live in Ohio. Since you’re in the same stage of life as many of my friends, I can understand just a little with all that is swirling in your sphere! I’ll be praying for God to give you much wisdom for raising your precious boys and for how He wants you to serve Him during this stage of life. Much love to you this weekend!
I got so excited reading this post! The Lords timing is so perfect and he know just what we need! Thank you Lord!
I’m Becca from Rogers, Arkansas. A big prayer recently has been that God would give me the “want to”, as Mrs Beth so wisely put it in Breaking Free . I want to want it and need Jesus same me from myself. I desperately want the desire to fight for a pure heart, one that needs nothing but Jesus. No comfort, no approval, no satisfaction in anything but him. I want to love Him and His Word so much that I can’t help but speak it and live it to others.
Thank you!
Hi my name is Jessica. I am 22 and I live in central Arkansas. I live at home with my parents. Which is not an ideal situation. My dad verbally abused me when I was little and still does from time to time. It’s not bad, as in fear for my life, but it cause me to have self image problems. It is also hard to deal with because it is very hypocritical; my dad is a pastor and a “great” family guy at church and angry, disconnected dad at home. And I have some issues with realizing who God really is because my father has misrepresented what a father really is. Many time I feel like God is just waiting for me to mess up to jump on me, like my dad does. I feel like God will never love me, unless I am perfect, because my father shows me very little love even when I try to please him with all my heart. I know that God is not this way but I struggle with these feelings everyday. I long for the day when I can have my own home, a home that I can feel safe and where God can be glorified. Not like where I am now, where we say prayers in commercial breaks and and hear curse words whispered when it is thought no one would hear. I just need encouragement that God hasn’t forgotten me here, and that He has a plan for this, and that one day I won’t have to live in the place. Thanks!
Hi Jessica, please feel free to email me at [email protected] I’m 26 and dealt with a lot of that too. My parents were not in ministry but I grew up in church and saw something very different at home. Remember, God IS good and His heart is always for restoration. He wants to heal you and restore your relationship to your earthly Father. My Mom was a christian but severely alcoholic and not ‘there for me’ during my teen years, in which I was suicidaly depressed and then dealt (brought on myself!) a teen pregnancy. When I came to Christ I prayed for my mom all the time but didn’t have much hope. God IS faithful. My mom is now sober, stable, loving and a huge part of my life. I love her to death. He can change your Dad’s heart. Don’t give up hope. Meditate on the scriptures pertaining to God’s love for you and your worth in Christ.
Oh Jessica, my heart aches for you. My father wasn’t like this, but my (now ex) husband was. It is so devastating, especially when it comes from someone that is supposed to love you. I will be praying that God will overwhelm you with His love, that you will feel it pour over you and remove the doubt. He loves you so much! GOD has NOT forgotten you and He will be with you now at home and when you get your own place.
I will also be praying that GOD will work in your father’s heart so that you will have a better relationship with him going forward.
If you need a break, I have lots of room and I love to have visitors. I live in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada (west coast) and would be thrilled to have you come for a visit. ([email protected])
Hi my name is Alyx I’m from Regina Saskatchewan, Canada! I’m 22 years old and I am about to start full time ministry as a Director of Christian Education. I am coming off of 4 years of university plus 1 year of internship. I have learned so much in the last 5 years and am very eager to put it all into practice in the parish setting. As I make this transition in my life, away from my friends and family, I ask prayer for a few things. First, that I would be able to focus 100% on the people in my church, love them, serve them, and lead them into a deeper relationship with Christ. 2) That I would not feel lonely, being a part from my friends and family, but that I would meet new friends and move deeper into my relationship with the Father. 3) That the Spirit would fill me to the overflow and give me, and my churcb, vision and guidance in ministry. 4) That as I become insanely busy writing and preparing bible studies, sunday school lessons, youth, and family materials, I would have the desire to continue faithfully in my personal devotional life.
Thank you so much for prayers, it is so powerful, and such a blessing to be a part of the family of God.
Hi Alyx. I’m Carol, from Ontario. I love that you’re starting out in ministry serving Him. I will be praying for you, especially to remain rooted in Him and in His Word. If you want to connect I’m on Twitter at @CarolHulin
Hi,
My name is Stephanie and I am 27. I am married and have 2 boys who are 14 months apart. One is 5 and the other will be 4 next week. I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. We have had so many major changes in the last year and a 1/2. I was a stay at home mom until about a year ago (I am a substitute teacher now). Within the last year and a half my husband left his job to go on staff at our former church, that did not work out and we ended up leaving. Long emotional story. I went to work. We moved back to our home town and returned to the church he grew up in. We feel we are called to be there, and are very excited to be apart of the ministry there. In the meantime, he decided to take his part time business and make it full time. It’s not going as expected. Our goal is for me to go back to being a stay at home this summer and begin homeschooling in the fall. He is looking for a job to make that happen. We have had to learn to trust God so much during this time, as He had provided for us one step at time and daily through this whole thing. We can only see a very short time ahead at a time, but he always provides and always has a plan. I just know He will take care of things. But I am so exhausted I feel like I have lost my passion. I have so many opportunities for ministry in both children’s ministry and outreach, not to mention ministering to my husband and kids, but I am just so worn out, I am not giving God or my ministries everything I could be. I want the passion back that I had before. I want to be on fire for God again. Right now I am just wiped out. I would so greatly appreciate prayers for that, and for my husband, and for clear direction as we continue to make major life decisions. Thank you so much!
I will pray for you Stephanie. I know what you are going through as I am just a little older and in the same boat. Life is a whirlwind. Whew. The days can be long but the years are short. Praying starts now.
Hello, my name is Christa. I’m a 25 yr old single mother. 4 yrs ago last month I was taken advantage of by someone who I loved and thought loved me, which Resulted in the conception of my son. While I was carrying my Son in the womb, God began to speak to me about His destiny. See, I am a preachers Daughter and a preachers Grandaughter. I am the oldest on both sides of my family so a lot of responsibity was placed on my shoulders at a very young age. By the time I was 12, I had bestowed upon me the opportunity to teach an adult Sunday School Class regularly. A great love and devotion to The Word of God was something that was instilled inside me long before I could ever read. But somewhere along the road, the church and the people associated with it became a joke and a turn off to me. So I began to search for something that seemed real, instead of fake and hypocritical. What I found was very far from truth. I got involved with people who were honest, transparent and present when I needed them. However, their lifestyles and philosophies on life were rooted in lies. The Word of God, I knew so well, removed bitter scales from my eyes that allowed me to see the face of truth looking me square in the eyes. My journey since that moment, has at times, seemed like an uphill battle I wasn’t prepared for. There have been times of deep passion and intimacy with Jesus, and times of rebellion. But through it all, my Anchor in Jesus still keeps me secure in Him and His unchanging love for me. So, when The Lord spoke to me about my son, He instructed me to name him Elisha. His words still have such a sweet place in my heart. The Lord took me to the Old Testament to refresh my memory on Elisha and Elijah. Elijah was a man who loved God. He had seen Him do things others had only dreamed of. He knew His voice and was able to follow it. He was even a man of great faith. However Elijah’s biggest hindrance was Himself. He would have Great Highs in God and then flee to the wilderness in fear and doubt. Even though He intimately knew God and His power, He was a man who allowed Himself to get inside His head and derail him for a while. Elisha was the complete opposite. Nothing Shook Him. From the moment He met Elijah He ran after Him to receive His anointing. Just like Elisha in the scripture, My Elisha would have a double portion of the anointing God had placed on me. However, unlike Myself, He would be unshakable in His faith and devotion to God. I had the privilege to lead my Sweet Boy to Jesus last week after our nightly devotions. At four I can already see a twinkle in His eye that wasn’t there before. He’s so hungry for God and the Love He has for Him astounds me. His favorite thing to do is worship…and take it from me, when that Child worships, The Presence of God shows up!! I desire your prayers. Fear and doubt seem to, at times overwhelm me. Sometimes, Satan tries to get my eyes fixed on the past. I need to be Strong, Courageous and unshakable, because there is a Child watching my walk with God, desiring to Experience Him in the ways that I have. Life is not easy, in the natural or the spiritual, especially for a single mother. But I know God is faithful and He will supply our every need according to His riches in Glory. My prayer is, that in good times and in bad, my eyes will look into the face of truth, and I can show my Son, Jesus IS exactly who He says He is. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our very present Help in time of need. Thank you in advance for your hearts of compassion and your faithful prayers. We love you and we will be praying for each of you. May God bless You and Keep You. And May He cause His face to shine upon You!
Hi Christa !
My name is Marie and I am a single mom to one son too. There are many similarities in our stories…I was taken advantage of and used by someone I thought loved me. I went through I very long hard divorce that I wondered how I would survive. I have a really special son too who is a little old sole and wise beyond his young age. I will be praying for you. I know how hard being a single mom is and the unique challenges we face. I have never experienced more growth or healing as I have this past year in seeking Him. He will make something great out of what you have suffered. I will pray that God will give you his peace, his comfort, his courage and his wisdom on how to move forward and the best for you and your son.
He is faithful… Keep hanging onto who He is… It never changes no matter how we feel.
I say that for myself as well ! Know that I will be thinking of you and praying :0)
Hi, my name is Mindy, I’m 28, and the mother of four beautiful children. My marriage started falling apart almost 2yrs ago. My husband, had some baggage that I had no idea how deep it ran. It all came bubbling up and now is going down an extremely bad path. He is saved but has never surrendered to Christ, and Satan’s attack on him is very severe. I asked for God to give me a love for him like 1Cor talks about, bc I want so desperately for him (Corey) to know Jesus like I do. To know in the depth of his soul how much God loves and wants him. Anyways I know I need to shorten this… God has more than I ever thought possible, given me a love for my husband, and I can truly say what a blessing it is to love someone in a truly Christlike manner. Although it is the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, the relationship I have with my Savior is worth every minute of suffering. I am getting weary though. Please pray that God will sustain that passionate Jesus love in me for him. I want to love him, but it is so hard waiting for him to just let go and fall into the arms of the Savior. It is so hard to watch is misery day in and day out seeing Satan just beat him up. I know he made the choices he did, but it still hurts to see him suffer. Thanks so much. Mrs Beth you have know idea how bad I have needed some strong intercession praying for me. I love ya’ll
Mindy
Howdy! My name is Meghan and I am 23 years old. I live in Spring and work in downtown Houston for a youth development organization. Since graduating for college I have moved back to my hometown and have gotten plugged into a church but have yet to experience real community. I really miss being known by a close group of friends who will push me and encourage me in my relationship with Jesus! I am about to move into the city soon and so desperately want to find a group of women to chase Jesus along side. Please be praying for God to provide real heart friends! I would also love prayer for my relationship with Jesus to grow deeper and more dependent on Him as I wait for God to provide this community.
While I like my job, it is a very secular environment. I would love prayer for wisdom on how to love my co-workers and students well and them to hear and see Jesus through my actions and words. I have though about going into ministry, I was really involved in several ministries in college and miss pouring into college women. I have been leading a high school bible study this past year, but with the move will be saying goodbye to these girls. I keep going back and forth if I should pursue fulltime ministry or be a dedicated volunteer within the church. I would love prayer for clarity on this 🙂
Thanks you so so so much for this!!
Good Morning! My name is Kylie, I’m 24, originally from the Pacific NW, and currently living in a foreign country for work. This post about guarding one’s heart is so timely for me. I have been committed to purity and loving Christ and people for most of my life. Recently, as my relationship with my Savior was growing very intimate, Satan really attacked the area of relationships and trust for the future. I work around a huge group of males and non-believers and I desperately desire to show Christ’s light to them (which is tricky as a single female). Guarding one’s heart is such an active battle and (for some reason I’m just realizing this in my life) it isn’t just about relationships… it’s about being able to give your whole-self to your Maker whatever your situation in life!!! Oh and I would also LOVE prayer as I dare to dream big for Yahweh and his perfect plan for me 🙂 Thank you!
My name is Megan. I am 27 and single. I’m a cashier for a grocery store in Katy. A few Months ago, I lost my younger brother unexpectedly and since then I have struggled on and off with depression but with the help of my friends and small group leader at church I have been about to give it up to God but every once in a while I try and take it back. I also struggle with maintaining my identity in Christ and figuring out what my purpose in life is suppose to be.
Dear Megan,
I lost my younger sister. It takes a long time to heal. God provides.
I will lift you up in my prayers. We can all do this together through Him.
Sincerely,
Ann
ps I live in Spring!
Hi! I’m Rachel. I’m from Columbus, Ohio. I’m 27 years old, and I have a Master’s degree in Social Work (which I am using!). I’m single (yeah, start the praying there!), and I serve as a worship leader at my beloved (very large) church. I have for some time now felt strong call toward ministry in worship. God has gone out of His way to confirm this call over many years of my life on many occasions. I continue to struggle at times with believing God’s *choice* to use me in this way. Having struggled with rejection often in life, it’s tough to believe and truly walk in the reality of being chosen by God to serve Him and His house this way. My big fear is that I’ll have some major leadership blunder and dishonor Him and He’ll, for want of a more theologically astute way to say this, fire me from ministry. My request for prayer would be strength in security and a continuously deepening resolve to love Jesus, follow Him, and serve Him no matter what.
It’s a tough thing to be living at our age in our world when you’re trying to follow Jesus–no, *really* follow Him seriously. The cultural tide is not friendly to such a quest. Our eyes are fixed on Him but there is no end of distraction around. So grateful to be held up in prayer this way. xoxo
Hi! I’m Lindsey….I’m 27 years old, single, and living in Birmingham, AL. I am an elementary school librarian. Being honest, I struggle with this particular season in my life. I would really appreciate prayers for contentment during this season. I know that God in his sovereignty has me here for a reason and I want to be open to what he has for me instead of wishing for the plan I have for my life. I also would appreciate prayer for my relationship with the 270 elementary students I see each week….that I will be intentional in showing them the love of Christ through my actions when what I can say to them about Christ is somewhat restricted.
Thank you!!
Hi! My name is Meghan and I live in a suburb of Houston. This could not have come at a more perfect time for me. Over the next two weeks, I will be switching jobs. I am moving from a job that I know and love and have been at for over six years to a new career and I’m very scared. And extremely sad to be leaving behind my current job. I know that I am following God’s path on this, however I could use some extra encouragement. I want to be a light in my new job and to my new co-workers. Specifically, I need prayer to overcome my sadness and reservations so that I may be a good witness.
Thank you (!!) for taking the time to pray for me.
Meghan, I am Judy. I live in Tyler, Texas. I will be honored to pray for you for two weeks as you change jobs. I was a hairstylist for 35 years in Tyler. God just laid on my heart that it was time to quit. I had started a small gardening bussiness and I did that for a few years. God is so awesome. As we strugle with the unknown, we need to reliaze God can see all that is ahead of us. The devil’s only hold on us is our past. He does not want us to do what God wants us to do because the devil knows that as a witness for God, he (devil) will be loosing followers. So the devil fills our minds with doubt and makes us anxious.
I will be praying for you to keep your hand in the hand of Jesus, your eyes looking up and to cement the devil behind his door.
As I was packing up my station, I keep hearing the song “No turning back…” a few times I would think I needed to go back to work. I went to church and guess what the song was…I knew I was right where God wanted me.
I will be praying for you. In Christian love, Judy
Judy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to pray for me. This reply has been such an encouragement to me. Thank you for reminding me of the hymn, “No Turning Back.” I will be humming it/singing it over the next few weeks as I adjust.
Thank you again,
Meghan
Oh and I am from Stephenville Tx! I also need prayer for my desire to serve people who have been through similar hurts I have been through.
This is such a blessing, I have been desiring to seek someone who could intercede for me! We have been through so many trials, and though I have been learning I still have fear.
God bless!
Shawna I will be praying for you! My sister in law lives in Stephenville! So I just felt the Holy Spirit wanting me to pray for you! I have been through many trials I NEVER thought I would EVER go through but it gave me a whole new perspective on so many hurting people! So I would be glad to pray for you. And remember fear is NOT having Faith! So do not fear! God has everything under control! God will bring the people into your life that you are supposed to encourage!! He is so amazing that way!! 🙂
Your prayer warrior,
Colette
Hello! My name is Courtney, I’m 26, and from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thank you so much for doing this, Ms. Beth; I feel so honored to have my wiser, “more mature” sisters covering me in prayer! What a blessing.
I got married a year and a half ago. Last year, we suffered a miscarriage. We found out shortly after that I have endometriosis and a couple of other health issues that are causing infertility as well as putting a huge strain on our marriage. Pardon me for being so blunt, but my husband and I have been unable to have any kind of intimacy for most of our marriage due to the endometriosis. He has remained a faithful, patient man throughout this; God please honor his integrity in this and continue to give him strength. We are standing in faith for a baby, but it has been a heartbreaking journey. I just pray for faith, strength.. and a baby. I am in the process now of making changes in my life to become as healthy as I can be- in my eating, fitness, nutrition, and sleep. I just ask that you pray for my healing and wholeness in Jesus name. I have also gained 80 pounds in a couple of months due to all the hormones I have had to take to try to get rid of the endometriosis just to try to get pregnant again one day. I am going to get this weight off, get to a healthy weight, get off all my pain/sleeping medicines/hormones, and get pregnant, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME!
I also pray to just be consumed with love for Jesus and to better comprehend His love for me. I want to live for Him and be a light. I want to have a pure heart. I want to show others Jesus and allow Him to prune all the selfish characteristics I have. I want others to see Him in me more than they see Courtney.
Thank you all so much for leading us younger girls in the way we should go; we are truly lucky to have your generation of women leading the way. Love you all!
Darling Courtney,
I’m Adrienne, and I live in Jasper, TN, which is near Chattanooga. I’m going to be praying for you! My husband and I also dealt with infertility and all its viscious side effects, so I have some understanding of what you are going through.
Much love,
Adrienne
Courtney – Are you on facebook? If yes, send me a friend request – Adrienne McTaggart Hudson if you’d like to exchange messages or emails!
Much love,
Adrienne
Tracy Bennett, 22, Madison, WI
I am a senior at University of Wisconsin Madison learning to trust God with my Whole heart. I have no idea where God is leading me and could use some clarity! Prayers for continued transformation as I actively choose to maintain love, guard my heart, and transform my mind are much appreciated!
Thanks for loving me so well!
Hi! My name is Amy and I am a missionary kid from the Philippines! I live in Georgia right now and I just graduated from college. I am sensing that God wants me to have radical abandonment for him! (duh!) But this might mean going to an unreached people group overseas. If God wants me to do this, I somehow need to make connections and have courage. I’m not sure who will read this, but thank you for your prayers! 🙂
Amy, I also was a missionary kid (in the States) and it’s exciting that you have your heart open to obeying Him. I will pray for crystal clear direction for you as you follow Jesus. with prayers, Kimberly
Hi, my name is amanda, I am 27, married for almost 9 years and a mother to a 7 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. I recently just moved to the Houston area from Hawaii, where I loved my church and loved my Bible study group. Since I’ve moves to Texas I have felt far from God. I’ve cried out to him and when I’m sure I hear what I think he’s saying to me, I’m wrong. This has shaken my faith, wondering if I truly know him as well as I thought? I’ve lost my fire for his word and to come to him in prayer, I’m trying to get it back but I’m not ha Ingram luck. Please pray thar I may be able to get my fire back for the lord! Thank you
Sabrina~Houston
Hi Amanda! I will be honored to pray for the Lord to ignite a fire in your heart so big that you can’t contain it. Love you sister!
Hi I’m Katy. I’m 26. I’m from Fort Worth, Texas and who doesn’t claim being from Texas? I’m living and teaching Kindergarten in Auburn, Alabama. I am one that doesn’t normally ask for prayer and was so convicted in reading the post to be eager for others to pray on my behalf just as I am eager to pray for people. I have been on my face for awhile for favor at my school and with each kiddo in my classroom. I am also in a constant prayer for my future husband. I would be honored for anyone to join alongside me in my petition.
Thank you for your commitment to my generation through prayer.
My name is Katie, 27 years old. Wife and stay at home mom. I have a 3 & 2 year old and a 6 month old. Need I say more about what I need prayer for? Patience. Especially recently. I’ve been experience a spiritual coldness. I feel tension in many relationship. I thought a lot of spiritual growing had happened but I am finding myself back pedaling.
I’m feeling desperate. I can’t understand what happened. Beth your post is great, I often need words to pray and you have a gift with guiding prayer.
Katie,
My name is Sue and I am from Central California. I will be praying for you.
Sue
I will pray for you, Katie. I understand that feeling and I know that God can’t wait to reignite that fire. <3
Hi I am Jessica,I am 23, i live in Woodstock Ga. I am an American History student at Kennesaw State university. What an incredibly cool thing this is. I really cant begin to describe the peace that i feel in knowing that someone will be praying for me from somewhere in the country or beyond. I am graduating this year and the feeling is exciting and full of anxiety. I have been trusting the Lord in his leading of my life and i have definitely felt him creating a path for me to follow in. I am ending a season of my life in the next month. I have been a college intern apart of a leadership development program at Watermarke Church for the past 4 years. It has been an amazing experience that has brought me into a real, close, genuine relationship with our heavenly Father. I had thought for years that this would be where my life stays, that i would be hired at the church and things would be great, but i have felt God leading me in other ways and closing the door on that area of my life. I feel a strange contentment in this transition, but i am anxious of my future at times. God has always proved beyond faithful in my life, and i want to stay tuned to this, not forgetting what good work he has been working in me. There are many promises that i feel God fulfilling in me. Even this week this verse of guarding your heart, has been on my heart and mind. God is so cool how he intertwines his loving words into all areas of our lives. Thank you to whomever is committing to praying over me, i really am in awe of the peace that God is giving to me in this.
Love, Jessica
Hi Jessica!
I am praying Gods Best over you from here in Ca~!
Congrats on your upcoming gradution!!…i will be praying that God continue to guide your footsteps
and bless you more than you can dare ask, think or imagine! Enjoy some resting times as you ‘cast your cares’!
love, peace and joy in Jesus 🙂
Rhonda
Thank you Rhonda! I am so grateful for your prayer over me!
This is truly a blessing!
Love, Jess
You’re very, very welcome Jess!!
Enjoy your journey in the will of God…
I pray He pours out His love on you today and everyday!! It’s an honor to pray for you…He will lead you in ways everlasting 🙂
Love,
Rhonda