**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:
5Ā Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6Ā And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, āThe LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7Ā maintaining love…
See that word “maintaining”? It is a form of the same Hebrew term used in Proverbs 4:23Ā 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)Ā 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.Ā 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 weāll 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 donāt mind. Sisters, this woman right here KNOWS how powerfully you pray. Iāve seen it. Iāve felt it. You are solid gold in the Kingdom of God! Pray for these young people like youād 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
My name is Rachel. I am 27 & live in the greater Philadelphia area. God has been blessing me beyond my wildest dreams. He has opened up many doors to ministries I’m passionate about serving in, a new church, missions, relationships with my dear girlfriends & family members. Unfortunately, Satan seeps into my mind when I think about my singleness. I adore children and family and long to have my own 1 day but I find myself losing hope that The Lord has a man out there just for me. This has led to feelings of insecurity. Thank you SO much for praying for our generation. Satan does not want us to rise up and serve out amazing Heavenly Father!!
Rachel, I will be glad to lift you up! I am married with children but have dear friends who struggle with the same thing. I am already praying for them, so I will bring you into my prayers as well. May God encounter you in a fresh way today.
Bethany (St Paul, MN)
Hi Rachel, Praying for you! Know that God does have have a plan for your life and he is constantly seeking you out and loves you with all of his might. In his timing that husband you are looking for will be there. I too got insecurities about finding a husband and felt like I was doing something wrong or wasn’t good enough. One day I just had this overwhelming sense that God was telling me that my future husband was HIS job. In his timing, he did find me a wonderful husband. You are beautiful and loved by God. He is never turns his back on you and is always working behind the scenes. Be confident and know that you are dearly loved. Hang in there. Prayers for you. Tina
Hi Rachel – I live in Tennessee and I will be happy to pray for you as you go through this season in your life. Praying that if it is God’s will for you to marry someday, that he will bring that special person into your life. I encourage you to continue praying, as well – and be specific! Don’t settle for just anyone! I know we get impatient sometimes not knowing what our future will bring. You are still so very young . . and things can change fast! It sounds like you have got a lot of positive things going for you, so in the meantime count your blessings and always make the best of the situation you are in. Praying God will give you a peace where he has you now. He is faithful!! Kathy
Wow! Thank you so much for writing this post-it’s truly a blessing. My name is Adriane. I’m 23 years old living in Austin, TX. I work in politics which is one of the hardest careers for trying to maintain a pure heart. It’s a jungle out there and it’s hard to remember that God is always in the center of everything. I’ve been feeling discouraged lately because I don’t feel called to this field. I feel alone among the women at my work because they are very career-oriented and most can’t understand why I would want to leave an important job. But I know in my heart of hearts that I’m eventually meant to be a wife and mother but the right man hasn’t come along yet-another struggle. I’ve been single all my life and I struggle with the fear of the unknown so I guard my heart (but maybe a little too much?). Please pray that I really learn to trust God and His timing. It means the world to me that someone else will pray for me! Thank you so much!
Adriane, I am praying for you! I know what you are going through – I have been there. I just pray that God would give you a sense of peace about your future husband. Even though the future is unknown to you and that can be scary, God has it all in the palm of his hand. In his timing, his Will will be done, and it is good. Know that you are in God’s good hands right now and you are dearly loved. Many prayers, Tina
I’m fairly sure I was meant to read what you said about the Exodus passage. I’m sitting in a prayer room, and have been meditating on that verse off and on today. I just shared it on FB minutes before I read this. I was focused on the fact that Moses asked to see His glory and He showed him His goodness. But what you said here, strikes me right where I am with the Lord…seeking to love Him more. And I sense Him saying, just ask me and I’ll do it. I love it when this happens!
And this is just a comment…I’m not in the 20-something age bracket š So disregard this for prayer!
My name is Katie Rose, and I am a student at Mississippi College, a Biblical studies major who loves reading the Greek New Testament and would move to India in a heartbeat (been there by grace twice), a girl battling fear & faith in every circumstance, striving to live by faith and not by sight, courageously waiting on the Lord to strengthen each frail bone and to establish each & every step. Thank you for praying. The Lord bless & keep you by His immense love.
Hi Katie Rose! My name is Heather and I’m from Ooltewah Tennessee. It would be my privilege to lift you up. I too have battled fear (since I was a small child), but Jesus has given me victory over it. I can now recognize it as Satan’s tool by the help of Holy Spirit. I’m going to pray that Holy Spirit will show you a specific Word to cling to every time you feel that fear rise up, because His Word has POWER. That’s the only way I’ve found to deal with it. I’m also going to pray Isaiah 58:11 for you. That’s been my SSMT verse this time because I so need refreshing in my life right now. Jesus loves you, my sister, and He sees you, hears you, and responds to your cries. He knows exactly what you need and will provide in the exact right time. Love ya:)
Katie Rose, I am praying for you. You seem to have much strength and wisdom and I pray God will strengthen you and reveal His plan for you.
Sweet Katie Rose, I will be praying for you. I am Karen from Utah. Everyday I will lift your name up to the Holy One to put that fear behind you and walk in faith with abandon joy. You have an amazing life ahead of you walking with Jesus. Continue putting him first and surround yourself with His love!
Hi Katie Rose,
My name is Marty and I’m a Mississippi girl myself. I live in Mobile, AL now. I studied at a small Baptist college and then went to seminary so I’m excited that I “get” you! I’d move to Africa tomorrow if God ordained it! I’m praying for you for all your requests. I know from experience — God is near to us.
Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, āThis is the way; walk in it.ā
Hello, my name is Emily, and I’m from Clarksville, Tennessee. I’ve become so disheartened in my walk and such a skeptic. I’ve been in a bad place for so long in my walk that I barely remember what it feels like to walk closely and passionately with God. I’ve been serving continually in my church, but I haven’t been fed there in over a year and a half. I was so encouraged by this. I’ve become very cynical and wry; I want to love, and I want to have a pure, joyful heart. It’s so hard, and I just have not been encouraged in my surroundings. That being said, I know I haven’t done enough in my own personal walk either. Please pray that God would give me assurance in what the Bible says to be true, a passion for His word, a deep love for others, and joy. I want to be happy.
Dear Emily,
I am praying for you this month. My first prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for creating Emily for your purposes and loving her to yourself. I pray that you will continue to draw her closer to You and give her the desire to pursue a pure, joyful heart. Father give her joy in your Word, in your people, and open her eyes to how You are working around her.
Thank you Father for answering those who seek You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
My name is Jessie and I am 25 years old. I am married to a wonderful God-fearing man for 6 years now. We have a 2 1/2 year old little boy, Isaac and I just found out today that I am pregnant! Our 18 year old niece also lives with us. I so needed this today! My husband and I are very involved with the youth group at our church, and my prayer is that God would give us guidance, patience and perseverance to continue to work for His kingdom. Thank you ladies very much! š
Jessie,
It is so refreshing to hear about a young woman who is in a Godly marriage, and working for our Lord. I will be praying for you, your family, and that precious one you carry. Yes, I will pray for God’s guidance in your life.
Congratulations, Jessie! Bringing a new life into this world in an awesome responsibility. With God’s love, you will continue to walk confidently in His light. I am Karen from Utah. I will be praying for you and your sweet family. Remember to take everything to God in prayer and praise! He loves you so.
Hello š Thank you sweet woman of God for lifting me up in your prayers. If only you could see the tears in my eyes & know how honored I feel in this moment.
My name is Holly and I am a 22 year-old newly wed (!!!!!) in Lubbock, Texas. My husband and I are currently in graduate school at Texas Tech. To say the least a lot has changed in the past 3 months…living with a boy, starting grad school, becoming a ‘wife’, becoming our own family, laundry/meals/cleaning for not just 1 but 2 people, being on a tight budget… But at the same time, life is wonderful, Jesus is so so gracious to us, so solid. But sometimes I’m not solid. There is so much I want to be, as a wife, friend, daughter & servant but I’m constantly falling short. I’ve been so undisciplined lately, and maybe I have been all my life, it’s just no longer easily ignored. Its like I take one step forward & five steps backward! I just want to be solid, solidly planted in Christ – unwavering in my faith, in my walk, in my actions. I want to encourage other woman, I want to fulfill my purpose & trust God that I even have one in the first place.
I don’t know who you are yet but your a huge part of my prayers this evening – thank you for all you do in the lives around you – the people Jesus touches through you. I pray He draws you into a deeper understanding of His love, in whatever season you’re in, that your let Him pull you towards His embrace with full force. Thank you š
Precious Holly, š
It is a privilege and blessing to pray for you!
Please wipe away those tears from your eyes and know that I am here to uplift you in prayer!
Together, we will have tears of JOY with PURPOSE in knowing that the ONE & ONLY will Light our pathway on this journey of life. I am convinced that God has built into all of us, in varying degrees, the capacity for an appreciation of knowing we are thought about and cared for by other women. I think it may be one way God brings healing to our brokenness, and a way that we can contribute toward bringing wholeness to our fallen world. My name is Kim. I reside in California.
In Christ there is no East or West, in Him no South or North, But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide world.
Praying for you daily!
With “Heaven Bound” Blessings,
Kim “CaliKim” š
I’m 24 years old, been married for almost 3 years to another follower of Christ. (So blessed for that!) We recently just moved to Houston and are starting a new adventure here! I was born here and raised here, but my husband was not. I’m getting the privilege of being a stay-at-home-wife… at least for now. We would like to start a family soon but I’ve got a condition that will make it difficult. We experimented with fertility options last year, but didn’t go through. It certainly makes me anxious to wonder what the next season in our lives will hold. Will we be blessed to give birth to a child? As I’m going through a time of waiting to see what’s next I find myself pondering all sorts of questions. Where will we go to church…will I be able to make friends there… will I be able to to teach and get involved…what opportunities will God put before me… when will we buy a house…. when will we have a baby….?? I would love prayers that God will keep my fire blazing for Him… and keep my focus on HIM not the other things. Also that my husband will continue to grow stronger as a man of God to be the support his family will need him to be. Thanks in advance to anyone who chooses to pray for me. š
Hi Kristin,
I will pray that God bring answers to all of your prayers and that He will bless you with a little one
(or two!!)
It took a long time for me to have a baby…he’s 11 now!
š
Hi Kristin!
I’m 46 and live in NJ. I will be praying for you over the next 2 weeks that you will experience how much God dearly loves you, and that you will have a tangible sense of His presence as He guides you through this season of your life. Praying for your husband as he grows in his knowledge of the Lord, and your desire to start a family. 1 Peter 5:7 is coming to mind for you right now, “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
Love in Christ,
Betsy
Hello! My name is Ellen Moore and I am a student at the University of Central Florida. Since the Passion Conference God has been taking me on quite the journey. I believe God is taking me through a pruning season and it has been extremely difficult to say the least. Please pray that I cultivate a level of trust with God like I’ve never experienced. Pray that I believe and experience the love of God and pray that I can simply live in the moment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love love love you ladies.
Dear sweet Ellen, I am Karen from Utah. Pruning can be a trying but important season. I tend to find strength in songs. Let me share with you some lines from Casting Crowns, The Voice of Truth. So remember that “the Voice of Truth says do not be afraid, the Voice of Truth says this is for My Glory, out of all the voices calling out to me,I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth!” I will be praying for you everyday. Be strong during this season and know that God holds you in His hand and nothing can separate you from His love!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpWozyQ2QH4
hello ellen!!!
my sisters name is ellen. i love that name!!!
i too went to passion! after returning from passion i to have been placed in a time of pruning. i believe God does have big plans for you! stay strong!
i will pray for you!
God bless!
Katie from Central Florida
I’m 22 and finishing a Masters Degree in Social Studies Education at The University of Florida. I plan to take my first teaching job in the 2013-2014 school year. Memorizing the book of James while participating in “Mercy Triumphs” at my church was the greatest accomplishment from my undergraduate education. I left part of my heart in Guatemala last year during Spring Break while ministering at a malnutrition center in San Juan.
It’s great to be a Florida Gator! š
Hey Siestas,
As a 26 year old in Atlanta, I have a great job, wonderful friends and family, but my weeks and weekends are filled with bridal showers and weddings right now. It is a very exciting time for so many of my friends, and I’m thrilled to be part of it, but I’m struggling. Struggling to feel pretty, struggling to meet a guy who wants to take me to dinner, someone who is interested in my opinion.
For years, I have felt that maybe God is intentionally putting dating on the back burner for me until I make Him my first priority or instead using me to help my other single girlfriends.
I’m not ready for marriage, but it would be nice to know that there is at least one guy out there for me š
Please pray that I will not covet but instead be fully consumed by God’s love and grace and not work in my timing but His.
Thank you to Beth for such a wonderful and uplifting idea. Thank you to everyone for your prayers!
Dear Sarah,
I pray God gives you grace as you travel this season and that you know God does have a plan for you. It states this in Jeremiah 29:11. I will be praying for you to trust and rely on God and His timing for all things in your life. Blessings!
This is so amazing! I’m Melissa and I’m 28 from Cleveland, OH. Single, and really searching for my next steps – big steps, moving, job focus, and finally getting my finances under control. I appreciate Beth and this post and all of the amazing women here so much! I lead a middle school small group at my church, and tweens and teens are it for me – the whole story filling every word God writes for me. Thank you in advance for the prayers! Please let me know how I can pray for you as well. I want to be so full of the Holy Spirit that it can’t be contained…
My name is Rachel. I’m 29 and can’t wait to be 30! I’m in a huge transition in my life. I’m thinking its one that could and will change the entire trajectory of my life. I’m available and willing to go where He send me and do what He calls me to do. I help lead worship at my church and am praying and seeking His direction in that area. Please pray that heaven would be more real and desirable to me than earth, that my eyes would stay on Jesus like a starving eagle searching for food, that my hunger for His word would be insatiable until death, and I would learn to pray with perseverance and fervency. Pray I would seek Him and not answers, desires, or dreams, that I might passionately spend my life with Him and for Him.
Hi, I’m Hannah…I am 29 years old and currently living in Peoria, IL.
I am a wife and mother of 2 kiddos. I have my masters degree in a OT, but have been unable to find a job in the 2 years that I have lived here. That has been frustrating, but the Lord has opened up my eyes to potentially serving in women’s ministry at a different level than what I have been. I don’t know where or how (we feel that it’s not meant to even be in this state, which is okay!)…I am just seeking the Lord, digging into his Word, but would covet any extra prayers for clarity and direction for my whole family. The past 2 years has taught us much, but satan has been on attack too and I want to stay strong enough to run hard after the TRUTH. I would love a glimpse/reassurance of his plans!
Hey, my name is Brandy. I’m 29 years old from Cross Anchor, South Carolina. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 9 years (we dated 5 years before that!). We have two beautiful children ages 3 and 1. I am currently praying the Lords will over our decision to home school or not. We are also praying that our family business will be able to grow enough to keep my husband from having to travel out of state for work so often.
I have to admit I was taken aback while reading this post through my email just now. There is so much going on in my life that I was just thinking that I needed more prayer in my life.
First off, my name is Fareen and I am from Las Vegas, NV. I am a 27 year old Muslim Background Believer. I was saved almost 10 years ago and it’s been a journey. I am married with a wonderful little son named Isaac. Among the battles I face with being a Muslim convert My marriage has been under attack for a year and a half now and while we are holding strong in honoring God’s will that we stay together, things are rough and some days I want to pack up and leave. Like today, had it not been for a sign in front of a church today I was ready to call it quits.
I currently mentor several high school girls, but because of recent marital issues I’ve decided to take a step back. God has called me other places in the church and I am willing to step up if I have the strength. God has called me into leadership within the women’s ministry at church. Among going to school and having a toddler this is going to be an interesting journey into women’s ministry.
I have to admit I am feeling beyond drained today. The spiritual warfare going on above my marriage and in my life is keeping me up at night with worry. I am a person that crave knowledge and I can quote verse for verse about not worrying but I have issues getting it into my heart. God is working but I am unwilling to open my hands all the way and let go.
I feel my light dim, and it breaks my heart. Where did I go and how did I get here?! I strive to sit into my Daddy’s lap everyday but some days it’s hard to climb up there. God know what I need most and will honor those prayers. I cannot thank you enough for the prayers being said over this post in general and specifically over me and my family. God bless you as you are blessing me sisters!
Fareen,
I am praying for you.
Thank you sister!
Fareen, get rid of the idea of divorce. Divorce is NOT of the Lord. I, like you, had struggles in my marriage and thought that divorce was the way out. After more than 4 years of marriage, I thought about just making a clean break and starting over. I thought the problems were too difficult to overcome. I thought I could not forgive him of the hurt he caused. But the Lord showed me that the idea of divorce was not from Him. He died to bring reconciliation to all things, including our marriages. When I decided to never entertain the idea of divorce again, I started working on things *I* needed to work on, with God’s help. I haven’t been a perfect wife, and we still have things we need to work on, but by God’s grace we are celebrating 27 years of marriage this June. We have a vibrant ministry on a local college campus. And I am more in love with my Savior and my husband, in that order, than at any time in my life. If you are a wife, that is your priamry calling in this life after your relationship with the Lord. He will equip you for that calling. Do NOT let Satan tell you otherwise! Get counseling before you make the decision to leave. Being honest with a need when you are in ministry can be hard. I’m praying for you and asking God to protect your marriage. Know that you are not alone, sister. (((hug)))
I don’t entertain the idea normally. Yesterday was a rare thought and I was actually on my way TO counseling when I saw the sign. We have a dear couple we have known since we were dating helping us through our issues. It is hard when you’re in ministry to admit you are wrong and that you need help, but I’ve taken the first steps and they are hard. Congrats on your 27 years! One day we will be there with the help of Our Lord.
Hello, my name is Tiffany, I am 29 years old, single and live in MS.
The tweet this morning surely stired my heart “Praying for you who just flat out hate your jobs. May Jesus energize & reengage you & do something odd & wonderful today to say He’s there.” then to come home tonight and read this was overwhelming. I so desire for Jesus to set a fire down in my soul for Him. I’ve been praying like crazy that God would or move me. I’m months away from being 30- and life is nothing like I thought or dreamed of when I graduated high school or college. We all grow up with those ideas, goals, and dreams then when you see it’s not unfolding it’s difficult. I know God has something for me, I know he hasn’t forgotten me. I know He knows the desires of my heart. Sometimes the “I knows” become even more challenging b/c I know and believe but yet….still it doesn’t fix or change the place I am in life right now. God’s been faithful, but over the past six weeks I’ve seen life flash before my eyes with major health issues with a parent, being in and out of the hospital with them, etc. I am afraid that I’ve blown and wasted too much of my twenties working like crazy and have nothing to show for it. My heart beats to serve others and love people. I am praying that God puts me back on staff at a church or ministry where I can be the hands and feet of and for Him. Praying that I can in the last few months of my twenties – I can finish strong. Right now I work about 80 hours a week and I pray God moves me, so I can have time to serve others move forward with my goals/desires.
Thank you Beth for this post! God surely heard me today as I was praying for hope in Him.
Sweet Tiffany,
I am Charlotte from Myrtle Beach. Your posting really touched me because I totally understand. I am 55y/o and still tend to over work. It has taken alot of trials and a willing, open heart for me to see what My Christ wants me to be. He wants me to have a loving and close relationship with Him first, and then to nurture relationships with others. I have so learned to stay out of yesterday and tomorrow and to enjoy my fellowship with Him today only. He is enough. He has taught me to put my anxieties and fears at His feet and go through the day cautiously carefree. I feel humbled and honored to pray for you. I will lift you up several times a day and pray He will show you the divine direction to take; and He will. Love your precious heart so much, baby sister. Rest in His wonderful miraculous power. He will calm your sweet soul.
Hi there, my name is Kaitlyn and I’m 20 years old. I’m from South Florida and now go to college in Birmingham.
I’m not entirely sure why, but Beth, this post brought tears to my eyes. Perhaps because it’s a stressful week with school and preparation for (in)RL {I’m the intern for (in)courage and our big conference is this weekend!}, or perhaps it’s because much of my heart is for this generation. I’m thankful to be a part of this time, this generation, these people. I firmly believe I can say, “Don’t count us out just yet.” I know this is a scary time, and this past week the news has been extra full of terrible, but I pray that we are here “for such a time as this.”
I would really appreciate prayer, as I’m trying to wrap my mind and heart a little bit around love. My word for the year is beloved, and God is showing me so many different meanings. I need to be love to others, I need to remember to be loved {and I am by Him!} and I need to let it sink in that He calls me His beloved. Philippians 1:9 says to love much and love well. I’m trying to walk that out practically, but there’s a relationship in my life where that’s just hard right now. Community is important, but if you would, please pray for wisdom on whether to stay or go. Also, a prayer and a praise that I believe I might have finally found a local church community with welcoming arms – please pray as I choose to stay in that.
I’m sure I could run off a billion more things, like that my grades for this semester would be good or that my internships for this summer would go well and bring Him glory, but I will let the Holy Spirit intercede. Thank you for praying, and thank you Beth for loving us much and loving us well.
Hi Ladies! Thank you in advanced for prayers!
My name is Lizzy and I am 22 from Fort Worth Texas.
I am in the midst of my first year teaching middle school history. I LOVE my job! Although I always need prayer for this career…Along with the first year of teaching learning stresses I work at a title one school in a broken system with students with broken families and their stories are more than my heart can handle sometimes. So I always always beg for prayers for those sweet kids. I also pray that I don’t get caught up in the brokenness and hardened by it all. I hate getting caught up in the complaints and find myself constantly needing Christ to renew my compassion and patience daily.
I also have a broken family of my own with a brother and mother that do not know Christ. Please be praying that one day they will be captivated by Christ and will have a relationship with Him soon!
on top of the first year teaching I just got engaged last march. Of course I am THRILLED but I do ask for prayers as I start to transition into a life of planning a wedding and trying to become a Godly wife. I long to be able to serve God through my future marriage every day but I truly do need prayers to overcome those challenges that come from sin.
and lastly this summer I am going to Thailand for missions, and my sister who is 24 is going to Nigeria for medical missions. please be praying for support and those who we are fortunate enough to meet. Please pray the Gospel just spreads through this world!
Thank you, thank you, thank you again!!!
Lizzy,
Your prayer request jumped out at me for lots of reasons…
1- I won’t forget your name. Smile.
2- One of my daughters is about to graduate from A&M and will be teaching in a title one school too. And she is 22.
3- We live very close to FW.
4- My girls both love taking the gospel to others, locally and internationally.
It is a privilege to pray for you!
Love,
Elizabeth
My name is Heather and I am a 25 year old school administrator in the greater Chicago area. I’m a few weeks away from my 2nd wedding anniversary! I am truly blessed and life is wonderful, but I would covet your prayers being new to the area (since getting married) and have been struggling to find good female fellowship, mentoring, and accountability like I had in college. We’re plugged into a great church, making new friends is just a slow process. Of course, first and foremost I ask that my passion and spirit of prayer would grow as well, that I would continue to trust my father in heaven more and more and know He can and will supply for my every need. Girlfriends have been such a part of my spiritual growth in the past, and I know in lonelier times I can still grow in my love for Him. I don’t want keep using this new phase if life as an excuse for a stagnant relationship with The Lord!
My prayer group and I will be praying for you Heather!
Let me just say, thank you!
My name is Heather. I am 29 years old. I am leaving this month to serve in E.Asia. I’m tearfully and fearfully walking in obedience. I wish I could share more about the work I’ll be doing there.
I’m single also, so put my husband on your list too:)
I also have 3 nieces that I am madly in love with and get to spend tons of time with and we are all preparing right now for me to leave and it is hard for them (and me too.)
There is so much transition going on right now…so many loose ends to be tied up….and 36 million lives heavy on my heart as I prepared to go to my city in E.Asia.
Thank you for praying….thank you!
Hi, I’m Bec, and I’m a 29 year old foster carer/high school teacher living in Australia. My husband and I have been married a little over 6 months and have just started caring for a new set of foster kids on the weekends and it’s been uncharacteristically difficult so far. My prior foster kids are also back in care and we really want to be able to be their carers again. Any prayer for strength and guidance in this whole tricky situation would be so appreciated!
Hi there, My name is Amanda, I live just outside of San Deigo and I’m 21. I love worship, missions work. I go to a relatively big church where I worship lead and I love it.
I’m about to move countries, away from home and I am so nervous. I am off to do ministry abroad but I feel so uneasy about simple things. Also, I feel like I am at a road block where I know I love Jesus and want to be in ministry, but my desire to seek Jesus has become so small lately. I would love prayer for my thoughts and heart that they would be set on track for the things only of God and not to get carried away by the things of this world. I want to be focused on him and not on small things which distract me.
Thank you so much!
My name is Jessica Todd and I am 24 years old. I am a kindergarten teacher in Edmond OK. I accepted Christ about a year ago. Please pray for me to love Christ with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength and also to love my husband like Christ loves me!
Hi Jessica my name is Brenda I live in Southern Maryland and I’m praising God for your salvation. I will continue to pray that you will love God more than anything else in this world as you grow in your relationship with Him.
My name is Kourtney, and I am 25. The past two and half years have been the hardest of my life as I have been going through a separation and now a divorce all while being a single parent to my first child. My daughter is the light of my life. Through this journey I have built the closest relationship I have ever had with God. You know what they say, when you have no where to go you find your knees. I did, and it has been amazing to see the way God has moved in my life. However, it had been the hardest battle I have fought. I did and do not want the impending divorce. I love my husband but have found that it is out of my control. My heart is broken at the outcome, and many days I feel very alone as my family and I do not see eye to eye on the situation in most cases. I would greatly appreciate the prayers as I walk through this storm. God is good and loves me and will get me through. I need prayer for strength and guidance and courage to keep going.
Kourtney,
My name is Jerrianne and I am the mom of a 25 year old daughter that is a single mom of two. I searched the post looking for a single mom. Your journey has been painful but in your pain you have turned to the one who bore so much pain and suffering so that we can have hope. Remember to press into Jesus as you weather this storm. Many years ago as I weathered a storm, a song spoke to be that sometimes the Lord calms the storm and other times he walks us through the storm. Celebrate the cross but look to the hope that the empty tomb gives us. I will be praying that you feel God’s love everyday as you seek His will. Remember He has a plan for you, be willing to surrender to His will.
Kourtney my name is Brenda I’m 52. I know first hand how hard it is to be a single parent and go through a divorce you wanted restored. God will meet all your needs He loves you so much and He will never leave you. I will be praying for you. God is in the business of healing and restore life. The light will shine again in your life.
Hi š My name is Kayla Mills, I am from Hempstead, TX but live in College Station for school. I am a sophomore at Texas A&M, and I am 20 years old. I would love it if y’all would pray that I would stay focused on God and not get so distracted by school.. That I would keep my priorities straight and go to Him when I am stressed about school (which is 99.9% of the time). It is almost to a point where school, homework, and studying consume my life; I need to set more time aside for God.
I am also in the process of finding out whether I am accepted to be a volunteer for Breakaway Ministries. If y’all have not heard of Breakaway, check it out, it’s amazing! I sent in my application and have an interview this Friday. I am praying that I get it, but if I don’t, I know He has other plans. I would love it if you could pray for that as well. (:
I also ask for prayer for some emotional issues I face. This is hard for me to admit, but I have a real hard time controlling my anger. I have a quick fuse and let the littlest things make me so angry. It is to a point where it is affecting relationships with people who mean the most to me; I cannot continue to let this happen. I have been praying, and I do not know what else to do besides ask for prayer from others as well.
Finally, Last year, I was hurt badly by a boyfriend at the time – physically and emotionally. He was a cheater and liar. I have never felt pain like I felt from him, and I am still suffering from it. He left me damaged.. and feeling worthless. Matthew West’s song “Broken Girl” describe it perfectly –
“Look what he’s done to you
It isn’t fair
Your light was bright and new
But he didn’t care
He took the heart of a little girl
And made it grow up too fast
Now words like “innocence”
Don’t mean a thing
You hear the music play
But you can’t sing
Those pictures in your mind
Keep you locked up inside your past”
Now, I am trying to get over the hurt and heal my damaged heart while all of my friends are in serious relationships, engaged, married, having kids, or have kids. I am not anywhere near being engaged or married, which I am fine with most of the time, but sometimes I do get very jealous.. like “why am I still alone.. why have I not found ‘the one'” So I need prayer that I will continue to be patient and content being by myself and for my heart to heal and that I will be able to let someone in when the time and guy are right.
This is amazing, and I am so excited to see God work.
Thank you so much š
Hi Kayla! I am in a grandmothers prayer group at my church in Houston, and we will pray for you. My son graduated from A&M. I pray you will finish your semester well, and that you will wait and trust in the LORD who will never disappoint you!
Hi I’m Karla and I’m 29, I am married to an airman and we have 2 beautiful little girls. We just moved to Dover De but are originally from San Antonio. I am a personal trainer and group exercise instructor I want to help as many people as possible regain their help and at the same time share Christ.
Wow!! How incredible this is! So many young women are going to be changed! How humbling it is to know that there is someone going before the throne on my behalf. Thank you!
My name is Chelsea, tomorrow is my 21st birthday (yay!) and I’m from Humble, Texas.
I am an assistant teacher for preschoolers at a private kindergarten. I am part of Providence Community Church and serve as the leader of the Hospitality/Environment Team. We are a church plant, and have been “up and running,” fully functioning as a church for about 8 weeks now. I am soon to be a Home Group Leader alongside our worship pastor, Brendan, whom I have been in a relationship with for 6 months now.
As a believer, my aim is to, first and foremost, love Jesus with all that is within me, and to love and serve His people. His name and renown are the desire of my heart (Isaiah 26:8) and I desperately want my community to know and experience His love for them. Jesus deserves His people.
Please pray that the passion and love I have for Jesus would always burn in my soul. Thank you!!
Rachel, 22 years old. I’m about to graduate college, get married to my high school sweetheart this summer, and start veterinary school in the fall while my husband starts at seminary. On the outside everything appears to be falling into place, but this post describes me right now when it says that this heart of passion for God will not happen by accident. I have been so distracted that I am feeling very overwhelmed and inadequate. I know that I am blessed beyond belief, but I could really use some prayer, sisters.
I am from Oregon and 26, married to a new middle school youth pastor, and 20 months into the international adoption process, waiting for our first child from Ethiopia. I would love prayer for wisdom, steadfastness, and more wisdom. This life is hard, but so worth it. I love this, and am so thankful to be covered by a fellow sister.
Hi! My name is Megan Frazier and I am 24 years old. I am currently a Registered Dietitian living in Oxford, MS, but I am getting ready to get married on August 3, 2013, and will be re-locating to Houston, Texas where my fiancĆ©’ is doing his MBA at the University of Houston. We were best friends throughout college here in Mississippi, then dated while at different cities, and have been long distance for quite a while. Please pray for the transition to a huge city, marriage, and that sharing a space with someone will be peaceful and god-centered. I am nervous about finding friends, especially christian women friends, and a job. He has been going to BCF in Houston, so I feel confident that we will find our home there. Please pray that I will make it through this season of change, leaving my close family and friends, and be the type of wife that God wants me to be. I have a lot of fears, doubt, and anxiety. I have never moved far from home, and my fiancĆ©’ is Canadian, so he is quite different in that regard. I feel that this blog post was a god-send for me that I happened to stumble upon tonight. Thank you so much!
Hello hello:)My name is Keren (28) and I live in Chicago with my husband of 3 years who is a drummer/music director at a church.
I am currently a pre-nursing student now applying for nursing schools and we are also in the process of becoming home owners. There’s so much up in the air this year which is sort of exciting/unnerving at the same time.
My most ardent prayer request is for my wholeness and my marriage because for the last year I’ve begun counseling for my childhood sexual abuse and I can never tell one day to the next what my mental climate will be. There has been a lot of progress but the heat certainly gets turned up the further we dive into it. I am in my Bible, prayer, memory verses, small group, etc. I’m struggling to hope(again, some days are better than others). Any prayer regarding any of this would be so much appreciated. Thank you so much!
Hey Keren….I would be honoured to pray for you. I’m Carol, from Ontario, Canada. I have been where you are and understand the ache. I pray for healing and hope.
If you want to connect I’m at @CarolHulin
Thank you, Carol from Canada:) It means so much to know that you’re praying for me and that you understand. Would love to connect!
Keren…please do connect with me…would love that my new, young friend
Keren..if you can’t get me on Twitter @CarolHulin, try my e-mail [email protected]
Wow! What a gift!
My name is Kaleigh Ward, and I am 22 years old. Next Saturday, I graduate from Furman University in South Carolina. In September, I will be embarking on The World Race– an eleven month mission trip to eleven different countries. I would be so honored if someone could lift me up as I prepare to say goodbye to my boyfriend/family/friends for a year, finish fundraising (only about $3500 to go!), gather supplies, and seek the Lord continually for spiritual preparation. If you want to know more about my story or follow my journey as you pray, you can do that here: kaleighward.theworldrace.org
Thank you so much! What a blessing.
Hi Kaleigh! I will be lifting you up in prayer as you embark on the journey that God has in front of you. That sounds like an awesome opportunity! God is going to use you because of your obedience to him! He has many blessings awaiting your arrival in all 11 countries. My prayer is that HE will keep you safe, calm your fears, put people in your life to mentor your through this experience and that you will feel HIS love each day of this journey. But more than this..come back and share your experiences with others and that those who hear your story will see Jesus in you!! I live in KY with my wonderful husband and 3 boys š
Thank you so much, Kori! What a joy it is to know a sister who I haven’t even met has lifted me up! Your prayers are so thoughtful and mean a lot to me. May God bless you abundantly!
Wow…..I firmly believe and have seen the power of prayer, especially praying HIS Word! I AM SO EXCITED!!! And this idea could not have hit mrs.beth at a more awesome time! Thank YOU DAD!
So my name is steph and I live in MS….I actually just had my 21st bday a few wks ago….in the icu! It was my first time there! But PRAISE OUR GLORIOUS MIRACLE WORKING SAVIOR, im out and alive š HE def healed me and has a plan for me….a plan ive actually known since 9th grade when HE told me “hey steph, you can be a missionary”….ever since thats all ive wanted to do….show and tell the lost around the world about JESUS and what HE has done for them and how much HE loves them….(specifically HE has given me a passion for overseas missions and a huge heart for women, children, and dance ministry!)…. of course the enemy doesnt like this plan, and while i was overseas last summer i got really sick and lost a lot of weight….ive alwasy been a tiny, high energy, healthy eating, super active chick with a high matabolism, so i didnt have any lbs. to even lose really! And ive been tryin to gain some good weight back but its been a super hard and long and slow process! Its really startin to wear on me and even more on my sweet momma (or angle, not sure!). So i just would really love some prayers that i can get healthier and be protected (mind, spirit, and soul as well as body) dueing this process! Even more though, I ask for prayer for my momma…..seriously! Plz just pray for her and her whole protection more than mine! She is such a beautiful picture of JESUS in my life, but she needs some peace and encouragemwnt in this whole “gainin weight” process! Thanks soooo much š btw the icu thing had nothin to do with my weight…i have hyponutrimia….im completely healthy though besides that and bein a bit too tiny! š PRAISE HIM! And thanks again!
My name is Brianna. I am 27 and live in Huntsville, AL. I work in a male dominated office with 1 other female, who also happens to be the only other Christian. I feel that God has placed me in this position to be a light for Him, a witness to my unbelieving coworkers. A lot of these guys are openly hostile to even the idea of Christianity, but they will occasionally make positive comments about my actions/behavior/words that give me hope that I may help lead them to Christ if I don’t give up.
However recently my job has become very stressful and my boss has become increasingly difficult to work. These events are having a negative effect on my faith personally and therefore my ability to be an effective witness to coworkers. My fear is that if I continue down this path, it will undo any of the progress I have made with them.
I would appreciate prayers that my desire to serve God will continue to grow no matter how difficult work situations become, that God will open my eyes to the good in all circumstances, and that He will continue to mold me into the witness and representation of Him that He has called me to be.
My name is Whitney. I am 27 years old living in Nashville, TN.
I just completed my first semester of graduate school and will begin summer classes in two weeks. This year (2013) has been one of great transition for me, a new city, new relationships, finding a new church and a completely new schedule (from working to full time student).
I’m still learning how to use my time most effectively and how to fill my down time purposefully: with the Word, fellowship and prayer, but it hasn’t been easy. I find myself “wasting” that time and almost wishing away the next year of my life.
Please pray that I can live in this moment, right where the Lord has me, and that I would use this down time to help God prepare for what he has in store for me after graduation. He has very clearly laid an area of ministry on my heart, but the path is still forming. I’m excited to see what is next, but as a planner it weighs on me that I don’t know the specifics and the vision is still very blurry.
Your prayers are appreciated!
Thanks!
I’m Jayda, I’m 26 years old and from Menasha, Wisconsin.
I’m a wife of 6 years and a mother of three amazing kids. 3 year old boy Noah, 2 year old girl Zara and an almost 4 month old Simon.
Thank you for your post. I loved it.
Pray I can be a wife willing to serve and submit to my husbands authority and he leads our house as he does so well already. Pray that we can find times to read the scriptures more together and grow deeper I n our relationship more every day! I praise God for the abundant blessing of family he has given to me.
Pray that I grow closer to God during this time that requires me to be on my knees often. (Playing or praying). Pray in His great timing my children know The Lord and passionately serve Him. Pray I can be an example to them and make the scriptures salty so their taste so they devor it.
Thank you for your willingness to pray for my generation! It needs it so desperately!
-Jayda
Kaitlyn from Tampa, FL – 28 years old
I am a wife of almost 4 years to a loving (but busy!) man and a new mom of 8 months to a sweet little miracle, Luke.
#1!!!!!!! Pray, PLEASE, like Beth encouraged, that I would love God more than ANYONE or anything that I can touch, feel, or know on this earth.
#2, I have motivation but I would greatly appreciate prayer for confidence and follow-through in taking part in bettering the world around me ON A DAILY BASIS. God is about restoring all things. We are made in His image and I want to find truth, beauty, and love in all situations, ideas, and people so that I can figure out how I can help restore to Him what is His.
Here are some struggles I have:
– I lack confidence in communicating my ideas.
– I need help in fighting hard against greed, which I know is rooted in unbelief. I want to be a generous, giving, hospitable person. I want to do good to others and share what I have.
– I worry. A lot. Especially about health issues.
Thank you in advance!!
Hi Kaitlyn! My name is Suzanne, I am 42, and I will praying for you from Temple Terrace!!!! I don’t know if your health issue worry is unfounded or not, but I have wasted many a year worrying – specifically about health issues – for things that never happened. It will hold you back and throw so many ‘what if’s’ that you won’t be able to see straight, so i will pray that you will be able to throw that worry right back in Satan’s face. If they are “legitimate worries,” I pray for God’s peace for you so that you can just concentrate on raising those two little ones. š Continued blessings ~
Suzanne
My name is Christy, I am 28 years old & live in Midland. I am married and we have two precious young girls (5 & 3). I love The Lord and have been living in freedom from my past addictions for several years, until recently. I did not guard my heart and chose to let circumstances of a struggling marriage cloud the TRUTH & freedom only IN Christ. I was vulnerable and not intentional about pursuing and fighting for a pure heart. I had an affair, disclosed it to my husband and slipped (jumped might be more honest) back into my alcoholism & drug addiction. Thank God He didn’t let me go and continued to pursue my heart. I need prayer. My husband needs prayer. Our daughters need prayer. God can redeem this situation & our family and use it for His greater glory. That is our desire and prayer. We are sober, humbly seeking His guidance, but navigating the extremely tough emotions is so hard. These next few weeks are very vital as we’ve reached a breaking point, but I KNOW God can and will move and do something BIG as we confront some hard realities head on and refuse to accept anything less than freedom, forgiveness & a hopeful future to use our lives to His glory. Pray He will continue to wreck us with his grace & mercy. We’ve wrecked our lives enough. We are desperate and prayer is vital in our battle to escape what our flesh has conceived….but God can do so much more than our minds could ever conceive.
Hi Christy,
I am Jackie from the UK and I will be praying for you, your husband and your little ones for the next fourteen days.
I pray that you feel his love and care. I pray that you are gentle and careful with each other and that He guides your steps over these next few weeks.
I pray that He gives you the strength to remain sober during this time of pressure .
He is the God of new starts and I pray that you and your husband will move through this and have a new start in your marriage and that your love is deepened as you struggle through this.
I will not let you down Christy. Know that I am thinking of you and it is a privilege to pray for you and your family.
My verse for the second half of April applies to you to – I’ve adapted it slightly for YOU
God is your refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble
THEREFORE DO NOT FEAR
Though it feels like the earth is giving way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
I pray that you feel His presence, strength, guidance and steadfastness through this turbulent time.
Thank you so much Jackie from the UK! It’s such a blessing to know I have a sister in Christ who is taking the time to pray for me & my family! How awesome to see how the body of Christ works as we don’t even know each other or live on the same continent. I’m grateful beyond words to know you’re taking my husband, our marriage & our girls to the throne. May I pray for you in any way?? I’d love to.
Hi Christy,
It’s good to read your reply! I am still praying for you every day.
Thank you for offering to pray for me too. I would love you to pray for my husband – that The Lord softens his heart and he too comes to know God and respects the love that I have for Him.
I am thrilled that we have made this connection!
May The Lord bless you, your husband and your girls. You are His.
Love Jackie
Jackie! I will pray for your husband. I will also be praying for you to have the courage and discernment to administer Christ’s love to him through your actions and that he will just watch the way you love Jesus in all you do! Maybe we can connect through email? [email protected] is my email address. I’d love to get to know you better and we can continue to support each other through prayer & encouragement. It’s such a blessing to be able to pray for you & I also cherish seeing/hearing how God ANSWERS our prayers! Much love to you my sister across the seas!
Hello! My name is Whittney, I’m 22 years old and live in Harrisburg, PA.
I grew up in church and when I was a little girl and even well into my teens I loved God and serving Him more than anything else. Then, my junior year of high school, my family moved to this small minded, horrible, spiritually dead little town. I hated it. I was miserable. I went from being a girl who was totally sure of herself and who she was and who she was in God to realizing that if I wanted friends or any semblence of “peace” in this stupid little town, it was far easier to shut up.
Fast forward six years and I’m probably about as far from God as a person can get. There are days I’m not even sure if I believe he exists. I’ve grown so cynical about God and the world in general and it has taken a hard toll on my soul. And it can get really dark in my head. Its only been within the past week that it has dawned on me that the purpose I lack could be/ would be derived from believing in and being part of something bigger than me.
So now that I’ve spilled my guts (and that’s not even the half of it)… the concise way to say this is: I need prayer for my ability to believe to return. I don’t want to see the world as a dark scary place full of people who are just no good made by a God who doesn’t care. I want to believe in the God who I believed loved everyone and could change lives. I need to be able to believe again.
Precious Whittney,
A light went on as I saw your prayer request.
It is a privilege to pray for you, Whittney!
What matters to God is our hearts!
My name is Kim. I live in California.
Seeking HIS grace,peace,joy,love,hope & life as we journey together! š
Dear sweet Whittney,
I am Karen from Utah and I am praying confidently that you will know that God, your loving and faithful Father loves you so, so much, even when you seem to turn away from His voice. He is not a God far away in the heavens, but a God standing by your side, a Father holding you in His arms, living in your heart.
Many times I find messages for me in music. Let me share with you some words from Mathew West’s song, Strong Enough. “I give up, I’m not strong enough, hands of mercy, won’t you cover me, Lord right now I’m asking You to be strong enough for the both of us!”
I pray that you find fellowship with others to help strengthen you. If you can’t find that in your community, then seek it online. God loves you, yes you, and wants a personal relationship with you!I will be praying every single day for you. Be still and know the He is God . . .and He loves you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8JsRxVczmQ
Thank you so much for providing this opportunity! My name is Carolyn and I am 27. I am from Nashville, North Carolina where I live with my husband and our two young children. I am privileged to be a stay at home mom and a pastor’s wife. I would love it if you would pray for me as I am still learning how to be a pastor’s wife and raise a family while serving in the ministry. I am trying to learn how I can be an active support to my husband, how to serve actively in the church all while raising two very young children. I so desire to be heavily involved in everything but I realize that my calling at this season of my life is to serve The Lord and bring glory to Him by raising and discipling my children. Please pray that God would give me and my husband wisdom as we raise our children while serving in the ministry. Thank you so much! Your prayers mean more than you will ever know.
Hi my name is Christy and I am from Little Rock, Arkansas. I am single and have been working full time for about 2 years since graduating from grad school. I feel like everything Beth wrote was written for me to hear. I need to see evidence of the Lord’s faithfulness in my life. I have been praying the prayer over and over lately, “I believe; Lord, help my unbelief.” God has been faithful to continue to re-ignite my passion for him over and over, but I am just in a hard season of life. I would appreciate your prayers!
Thanks so much for doing this – I heard about it via the BooMama.net blog, and it’s just what I needed tonight!
My name is Kellie. I turn twenty-eight next week, and early this year I moved to New England (I’m originally from New York State) and started a new job (coordinating a writing lab for a community college’s TriO students), which I am so grateful for and really like. I have a wonderful Christian boyfriend (he’s the primary reason I moved here), but since we’re not married or even engaged quite yet, I live with a girl my age from church.
There are lots of things you could pray for on my behalf, but one of the biggest tonight is that I’d like to discern what it means to be a woman in the church and what my role in ministry might be. There are so very many perspectives on that issue, and, sifting through various arguments and various conversations about really complex Biblical examples, I still can’t really find any answer from any side that I definitely feel comfortable with. (But I think I’ve probably come to the right place to be prayed for about it!)
Hello, I am from Chesapeake, VA and I am 22. I am currently working on my masters in Biblical counseling. I have seen what can happen when you don’t seek God and protect your heart. It is a constant battle to guard your heart. I want to be a light in a dark world and show people how to seek Christ in their lives. I just pray that God would help me to seek His will for my life. I also pray that I would be able to overcome my fear to follow God wherever he may lead me.
My name is Mary Margaret and I’m 28 and live in Nashville, TN. I’m an Event Coordinator and have the privilege of serving women all over the country through the events I’m able to work on. I just finished seminary last year, and have been in this new job for 7 months. I still feel like I’m on a huge learning curve. We’re headed out again in the morning, but I know that the Lord has such purpose for each woman who will hear His Word this weekend! Would you pray that the Lord would continue to give me wisdom in this new role? I’m also praying for how he wants me to serve my local church.
Other than still adjusting to a new job and city, would you pray with me for my future husband? I feel like it’s something the Lord has asked me to completely surrender to him, but it’s hard!This post is so much of what I’ve been praying for, and really resonated with me today. I’ve been praying that the Lord would bring along some more Godly, wise women to pour into my life! Thank you for praying for me and with me!
Hi Mary Margaret,
I’ll happily pray for you in a new city, with a new job. I moved almost 1000 km’s last August for my work and feel your hope for wisdom. In fact, I was going to say that I’ll pray for wisdom for you all around your list (and I will) but even more, I am going to pray that you trust God to be real, simple and present right where you are. Because with everything you have (new job, new church, new town, siestas, and a future hubby) you can trust Him on it all – right here, right now.
Much Love, Bobbi
I love and am so encouraged by this, thank you for doing this!
My name is Heidi, I am 27 and currently live in Indiana. I am a college women’s basketball coach at Manchester University in central Indiana. I moved here in August and while I know a few people(good ones at that!) it has been tough finding a good Christian community to spur me on. I love having the opportunity to not only coach a game I have loved and played my whole life, but also to be able to work with and hopefully impact college women. Please pray for this impact here and as my career expands. Also for my personal walk, I have been praying lately that God would use me in such a mighty way, I want to see him do miraculous things around me and move his Spirit in me and just blow my mind in a way I have never experienced!! I’ve recently finished the Esther study and it has made me want to be a more noble,confident, passionate and faithful woman. As a single lady too, I would ask that you pray for patience and strength in maintaining purity as I wait for my man to come along! š
Thank you for doing this, the thought of someone lifting me up in prayer just encourages my heart so much!
Hi. My name is Haeley and I am a 27 year old living in Brighton, Michigan. I am married and have a beautiful, happy one year old daughter… However as of late, my life has been a bit if a mess. I struggled with severe postpartum depression after my daughters birth. Along with that my marriage became severely fractured, and I found out soon after that my husband had been having an affair, beginning 2 months after my daughter was born. Through the affair, I realized that I had made my husband my God, my life, and that this was obviously not the way it was supposed to be. I am now trying to piece together my marriage, find myself again and more importantly my purpose in Christ. I would appreciate prayers in all of the above area. Thank you for your prayers in advance.
Hi Haeley,
I am Karen in Utah. I know about the hurt and pain of when you run full stream into a wall that knocks you off your feet. Just remember that God loves you so much and is holding you in His hands. Lean on him to get through this.
I find strength in Christian music. Let me share with you words from Casting Crowns, I’ll Praise You in this Storm. “Every tear I cried, You hold in Your hand, You never left my side, and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in the storm!”
I will be praying for you everyday. Remember that you are a child of God and your helps comes from the Lord. I will pray for you, your daughter, your husband, your marriage. Even if you are now in a storm and it is hard to hear His voice – know that God loves you so very much!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIRW51JCFmY
I, Elizabeth, am a 22 year old college graduate, single, and currently living in Birmingham, Alabama. Although I’m working full time at a job most would love, I am searching for the Lord’s desires for me long term.
He has been very clear that this time is a season of stillness and waiting for me. My heart aches to use my degree in a way that actively spreads His truth every day—to make my life work one of missions and for His Kingdom. Yet, although I feel this long term calling, I know that He has me in this season for a purpose that is still unknown. I am eager to serve, but waiting on His voice. Accepting the tension in the waiting and giving up the desire to take control has become my main struggle.
Any intercession is welcome, but prayers focused on the Lord granting me continued clarity, peace, and trust are ones that truly speak to my current needs. I am fighting to guard my heart but growing weary. However I am encouraged by this post! It is such a beautiful reminder that the Lord is not only at work, but uniting His church across the world through the power of prayer. So thank you!
Dear sweet Elizabeth,
Those times when we feel like we are waiting can be so hard. However, we have to trust in God, because His timing is perfect! I am Karen from Utah. I will be praying for you everyday, praying that you hear His voice, know His will for your life and not grow weary of the waiting.
I find strength in Christian music. So I am going to share a couple of lines from Jason Gray’s, Remind Me Who I Am. “Tell me once again who I am to You, who I am to You, tell me lest I forget, who I am to You, that I belong to YOU.”
Sometimes we are asked to wait to let everything fall in place and it becomes His will, not our will. He loves you so much. Lean on Him when it gets hard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Fa5eFcIIA
My name is Chelsea Blevins, I’m 25 years old and I’m from Charleston, SC.
I am so excited to hear about the interceding and could really use the prayer right now. I have been married for almost 6 years to the man of my dreams. I am finishing on May 2nd my Associates Degree in Nursing. It has been a hard two years. I’ve never cried more, but I know it’s because I care so much about being an RN and truly blessing people. My husband is finishing his first year of law school so our time that we do get together has been very precious to us. I am also a worship leader at Cathedral of Praise in Charleston and was the first baby at the church. It has been so wonderful to have such a rich heritage a part of my DNA. On April 29th I will be taking an exit exam from my nursing program that I failed miserably the first time, so I’m doing a lot more studying, but also asking everyone I know to pray! I look forward to meeting whoever will be interceding for me and am thankful for your obedience to The Lord!
Chelsea, I am 36 years old and I am pretty sure that I work at the college where you are earning your degree! It would be my honor to pray for you, especially as you prepare to take your exam, but also for your faith to grow and for your marriage to be strengthened, as I’m sure you both are very busy and stressed!
Hi Jenn! How amazing that you found me! I am at Trident Technical College! Is that where you work? Thank you for being willing to pray for me! It means a lot to have a total stranger give up some of their time to intercede!
Yes, indeed! :)Small world!
My name is Erin, I’m 26, and I live in Knoxville, TN (go Vols!). I teach 4th grade and it’s one of the biggest blessings in my life! I also lead a small group of college-aged girls on Tuesday nights, and we’re currently going through Beth’s Esther study. These girls have my whole heart–we eat dinner, we laugh, we pray, and we laugh some more! God has been working among us for the last 6 months and it’s been amazing to see!
Please pray for me! At school, I have 25 sweet pairs of eyes watching my every move, day in and day out. I want so badly to share with them the love of Christ, to witness life change in my classroom, for families to be changed because of an encounter with Christ. I know that I can’t do it alone. It has to be Him shining through me. That gets really difficult when they’re acting a fool in the middle of math class!
Also pray for my small group. These girls are going through a really fun, but really challenging part of their lives. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and discernment as some of them are graduating and making major life decisions. Pray for wisdom in their actions and their choices. Pray for peace in the areas of their life that are chaotic and distracting. Pray for joy in the midst of finals!
I’ve seen how prayer can change people’s hearts and lives. Thank you so much for interceding on my behalf!
Hey Erin, my name is Tracy. I am from Kentucky and am so excited and happy to pray for you. I think it’s wonderful to have Christian examples in our schools today. I will be praying that you will make an influence in many many lives and for each of your students now and in the future. May God bless you!!