**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
My name is Val, I’m a 28 year old and work full time in administration for a creative firm. This last year, Jesus has been leading me in healing from childhood trauma. As I’m healing, I’m starting to see areas in my life that need change. If you think to, pray that I would continue to walk towards freedom with a repentant heart. Also, that the Lord would show me what I am uniquely created for and how I can best use my strengths for Him.
Hi Val! My name is Deedi and I’m from Kodak, Tn. It will be my honor and pleasure to pray for you! I am,like many others, a survivor of childhood trauma. Your post jumped out at me because I know the how your past can paralyze your future, just as I know how Jesus will heal you! Just know you aren’t alone & I’m praying for you!
Hi Valarie,
Your post brought me to tears because we are dealing with childhood trauma in my family too. I pray for healing in your heart and that you can forge ahead knowing that you are loved and worthy and so very valuable. Much love to you 🙂
Candy in Alabama
My name is Aly and I’m 28 in California. I seem to be in a different life stage than lots of the comments I’ve read, but I’m still 20-something so I’m gonna ask since you’re offering! I have two kiddos and another on the way, and I’m feeling really worn down. Physically and mentally and spiritually. The demands of each day are taking their toll and I can barely keep my head above water that by the time my husband walks through the door, I’m completely drained of anything lovely to say to him and I just want to throw in the towel for the day. I know the hormones and the exhaustion come with pregnancy but I also know that there is a battle for my heart and right now I can see who’s winning. I see our marriage suffering and I feel my heart growing cold (it feels more like dry to me, though). I would love prayer for fresh eyes, a heart of flesh, a renewed purpose and physical energy to guard all of that when it comes. I know God is fully capable and fully faithful. He’s proven that to me so many times before.
Hi Aly! My name is Mary and I live in southwest Oklahoma. I know being a mom is more than a full-time job. My children are grown now, but I do know what it’s like to give, give, give as a mother. I used to think I had to be the “perfect” mother. WRONG!! I am honored to pray for you and your family for the next 2 weeks. I am praying that God will bless you, encourage you, and give you daily rest. May God surround you with other young mothers who will encourage you for this era in your life.
Yes, Mary. I think I need that more than I realize- other young mothers that I can reach out to and be vulnerable with. We’re at a new church this past year and I’ve hesitated to jump in to the MOPS group and other women’s groups. But I think that’s what’s lacking big time! Thank you for your prayers!
Hi Aly,
I would love to pray for you. I’m 38 and a stay-at-home mom to 3 kids in Massachusetts. I know first hand those challenges but also that God is so ready to help and lead us as we care for our little ones. Be encouraged my sister!
Hi Aly,
My name is Vicki. I am 57-years-old, live in Tennessee, and have a daughter your age. I would be honored to pray for you in the upcoming weeks. I have written down your requests and will be lifting them to our Father. I can only imagine how exhausted you must be. It is so hard raising little ones, but also such a blessing. May God truly give you fresh eyes, a renewed heart and purpose as well as the energy you so need. May you feel God holding you tenderly and providing all that you need as He promises to gently lead those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”
Vicki & Keesha, Thank you for your empathy and wisdom! Isaiah 40:11 is one of my favorites. I have it hanging up in my house. I need to meditate on it more these days, probably. And then believe Him for Grace and Leadership and the Fruit of His Spirit. Thank you so much for praying!
Aly
I am Morgon from Borger, Texas. I am 26 and am on my way to graduation this May with a degree in elementary education. This blog blessed me tremendously. I am
on a fast right now, praying for direction as far as a job goes this fall and praying for a pure and patient heart. The anxiety of wanting to know where I will be can sneak up and try to take over the peace of knowing I’m in Gods hands and he will direct me. Singleness is also a struggle. I am currently reading “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers and the story she tells, along with the bible references, has shown me the hope I can have in waiting on a man after God’s own heart. In this over-romanticized, sex-driven world we live it can be a struggle for any 20 something year old to remain pure and patient . I also desire that the fire and hunger in my soul for more of Jesus will remain in me as I begin new chapters in life! Thank you so much for the prayers and this blog post:)
Morgon, I’m Jenn from Houston, Texas. LOVE the book you’re reading! Will be praying for you these next fourteen days.
Morgon,
That Book is great, I have also read it as I struggle with some of the same things. Struggling with Singleness is something many of us share, and I want to include you in my prayers I know God has a unique plan for your life, Stay strong!
Lauren.
My name is Danielle Gross, and I live in Warner Robins, Georgia. I am 24 years old and am two weeks from entering my senior year of the Early Childhood and Special Education program at Middle Georgia State College. I have a passion for working with children, foreign missions, and ending modern day slavery. Please pray that as I prepare to graduate, God would direct my steps, and give me peace as I make decisions for my future. I am not married which means I have incredible freedom to go wherever God leads. My main problem is fear of making the wrong choice.
Thank you for your prayers!
Hi, Danielle! My name is Robin. I am 36 years old and a single mom to a 16 year old boy. I live in north central Texas. Man, when I read your post, I was blown away. We seem to have the same passions. I am an LVN and just started college to get my RN degree. I believe God has foreign missions in my future, and that it will center on children. I would like to pray over your life for at least the next 14 days. I would pray that you would live in your singleness, as the apostle Paul did, focusing on your service for Christ, until and unless he has other plans for you. It took me a long time to figure that out, but it changed everything! God Bless you!
Hi, I’m Shay, and I’m 26 years old and from Dallas, Tx.
I would love prayer for my job and wisdom on where I’m supposed to be. My husband is going back to school in about a year and a half, and we don’t know if it will be here or out of state. This makes it difficult when trying to choose wisely about changing jobs. 🙂
Thank you for prayers of peace, clarity and wisdom.
Hi Shay,
I also live in Dallas and it would be my honor and privilege to pray for you. In the early years of my marriage I moved with my husband for his job many times, and I know how difficult it is waiting on God and His divine direction. He always comes through for us, and in amazing ways. 🙂 I know God has steered me in directions I could have never planned half as well myself!!
Thank you, Pam! I appreciate your prayers. 🙂
Hi! Thank you so much for this post!
My name is K. I’m 28 years old. My husband is a pastor, and we recently took over a dying church to revitalize it. God has been an amazing Redeemer and makes broken things new. We always need prayer for protection and strength. I have a sweet baby boy (16 months).
Thank you so much for caring and praying.
Good Morning Kate!!! Oh how it would be my great privilege to pray over you, your family, and the church! I praise God for His blessing of bringing you and your husband into the ministry of His Kingdom! I recently moved to Charleston, SC (9 months ago) with my 16 year old daughter and it was a struggle to find a home church, I had attended the same church in Ohio since I was 12 years old (I am 38 now). I kept my prayers simple for God to establish Morgan (my daughter) and myself in a church I could serve the Kingdom best, all for His glory! Father God, establish Kate and her family in this church and community, what wonder there is to know the hands that established this world and all of creation is the same hand that is establishing Kate and her husband in this community. Father, use their faithfulness to your call to make new all things in this church community. May they be blessed with supernatural support and strength. May you hold them by the right hand, guide them with you unwavering counsel, and show them glory through your work in this church. Father I give you praise for the beautiful joy their child gives to them, may you always be a part of his training up, may he always love the Truth. Oh Father God, I can feel your presence coming over Kate in this moment, I thank you God for your faithfulness to us, protect, guide, and bless this family and church in your Son’s redeeming name, Jesus! AMEN!! Oh, I am so excited to be praying for you Kate, may today hold new experiences of the Spirit for you!!!! Lynne
Lynne,
As I read your prayer this morning I cried as I felt the sweet Presence of our Savior. Thank you for praying. We live in TX now, but I’m originally a Buckeye too!!! I was born and raised near Lancaster, Ohio.
I will be lifting you up in prayer today as well. Your sweet prayer was exactly what The Lord knew I needed today. Ministry is so fulfilling, but at times lonely, tiring, and much opposed.
Lots of love to you and your daughter today.
Kate,
So glad you can feel the Spirit, because I could feel him here!! I am currently doing the Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed study and last night God laid you so heavy on my heart that I had to stop and lift my hands over you dear! I saw this in my work last night and I clearly heard God say “share this with Kate”…Peter 5:9 “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings”. We can stand firm against the enemy’s attacks because we stand on a foundation of unwavering faith and trust in the TRUTH of God. -Pricilla Shriver…Girl you hang in there, God is about to move that church community and the enemy will want to derail it, but you are to STAND firm in the TRUTH!!!
I had to share with you, my daughter rededicated her life to Christ last night at youth group!! I will never forget her face, it was changed, transformed, oh great glory!!! it reminded of 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” All I could do was wrap her in my arms and say over and over was “Praise you King Jesus!!! You are anointed my child!!!” God is so good to me, He always has me in a study that is directly tied to my life, usually before I know it is!!! He is good!!
You and your husband are building a foundation in your community for another teen to stand on, when God grants us a firm foundation to stand, we are more able to turn to him…our children need firm foundations! You be brave and He will be sure to complete the good work He has started through you and your husband!!!
Almost forgot…GO BUCKS, we are all just a bunch of nuts!!! 🙂 I grew up in Canal Winchester area and went to Groveport HS, amazing such a small world!!
I’m Rachel, I’m 20 and I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I need prayer for a renewed intensity in my walk with Jesus and faith to trust Him in every situation.
Hey girl! My name is Briana, I’m 20 years old as well and I live in Greenville, SC. Not too far away from where you’re at! 🙂
I’ll be praying for you over the course of the next few weeks that your fire and passion for Jesus will be reignited and that you will have the courage to trust Him daily!
Claudia, Raeford, NC I’ll be adopting you for intercession for the next 14 days Rachel!
Rachel, if you want to connect for any other specific prayer requests, I can be found @RamblingRock! Praying for you today!
I’m 21, from Independence, Ky! I go to school at Campbellsville University where I’m studying Educational Ministries! God has blessed me tremendously, but lately the devil has been making me feel worthless. Like I don’t matter, like everything I do is a mistake. I’ll never be smart, pretty, thin, or socialable. I’ll always be single, no guy on campus seems to like me, but all the other girls are hooking up and getting engaged. The devil really knows how to get in our heads, doesn’t he? Haha!
Marissa,
Hi, I am Kathy and I am just a much older version of you! For most of my life, I too have struggled with the lies the enemy (Satan) has whispered in my ears. The world defines beauty and success by the worldly things (perfect weight, perfect look, perfect job, perfect guy) and on and on and on. God however doesn’t look at the things of this world and sees the beauty in the heart. He made us for SO much more than what the world can see. I know it is hard but as Beth said, you have to FIGHT to guard/maintain your heart in a world that can beat you down. Keep looking up and everyday remind yourself that you ARE a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l creation in Christ and that you were FORMED in the image if him. Hold tight to those words and to God’s promises. In time the blessings will come when you are best equipped to handle and appreciate them. I am here in Missouri and will be praying for you!
Hi, my name is Crystal and i am 29, I am a stay at home mom, 5 kids, and we homeschool, Been thru so much and at the point of wanting to give up, depressed a lot. In the last 6 years or so, my husband and I have been thru so much emotionaly, finacialy, and more, struggling to keep our house after his mom and dad died, moved so we could sell it to afford probate, I ran a free clothing ministry in Montana for 2 years, and now we are living in Nebraska, We know this is where God has brought us, but my heart is not happy here, Lost my dad 2 years ago,and my mom wants nothing to do with myself or my family(lots of issues there) same with my sister and relatives. We were burned badly by a church that humiliated us and broke our spirits. And in the last year in all these struggles, I discovered my husband attempting to cheat on me, found the letters and stuff before he did, at least thats what he says, is he didnt do anything. Well my walls were already high and hard, now its even worse. I dont trust anyone, dont want to help anyone, dont care about anyone, when it never used to be this way, I was quite the opposite, Loved doing for people,helping in anyway I could, loved doing it, I know God put that in my heart. I know thats why I started the ministry in Montana was God laid it on my heart to help people. I feel so worthless anymore that there is no helping me, I’m to far gone, And besides why would anyone care about little old me. So many more details and hurt I have been through but I would be writing a book. I would just ask for prayer, cause I feel there is no more hope left for me, I am to broken, for God to care, To feel anymore.
Praying sister. God sees all you have endured and will provide. I will commit to pray for you. Because of His great compassion we are not consumed! Great is His faithfulness! Trust in Him friend.
Hi Crystal!! My name is Mary and I live in southwest Oklahoma. I know life seems overwhelming to you right now, but I can assure you, you are special to God. He knows your struggles and loves you deeply!! You sound like a fantastic mom!! I am honored to pray for you these next 14 days!!! I am praying God will bless you and meet your every need. I am praying you will be encouraged to know many people (including me!) care about you!!!!!
Oh Crystal, my heart aches for you. Please don’t lose hope! This life is hard, but it’s only “but a vapor” and then we’ll be in eternity with Christ! I will be praying for you and your family, for God to heal hearts. I love you, Crystal!
My name is Sarah, and I’m 21 and living in Ireland.
I’ve been struggling with doubts for about a month now, pretty severely. It started off with my salvation, and then transformed into doubting just about everything about God – particularly whether or not I believe in Jesus (ridiculous, because it’s not actually even a question!) so prayer for that would definitely be great! I feel a lot more positive this evening than I have recently, so I’m hoping this is the start of getting better – but would also appreciate prayer for perseverance if this time of doubt is not over yet.
Before all these doubts, I was planning on moving out to Colombia to work with underprivileged kids, and am supposed to be headed there at the end of May for a three month test period – something that is up in the air as I feel so unsure of my calling and the safety of going if I don’t have God.
Thank you so much for this, I have been longing for support and help from those a little further along the road than me and this is like an answer to prayer (even if I don’t believe it as much as I would have in the past!)
Hello Sarah,
I’ve just been browsing through the names praying for them, and I felt compelled to pray for you here.
Dear LORD Jesus, I pray for Sarah as she is clearly being assaulted by the enemy. She is a threat dear LORD and I know you have so much planned for her. I pray for a covering over her as she prepares for this trip to Colombia, and as the doubts come. LORD, I know that your word works in us to equip and prepare us for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and even works faith in us and dispels the doubts. Encourage her LORD JESUS! Bless her with some powerful words of scripture and give her renewed vision, and strength for the tasks that you have appointed her to do.
Love you Danielle! By the way, I’m excited that you are going to Colombia. I lived there when I was young for 4 years in Bogota. It’s a wonderful country and you will be much appreciated there.
Love, heidi
My name is Savanna. I am a stay at home mom to 2 soon to be 3 little ones. We moved last year and are still struggling to find a church. I am struggling with finding contentment in this phase of our lives.
Hi Savanna, God Bless You! I ‘hear’ you, I ‘hear’ your heart – You may feel alone, but you are not. Tell God as many times as you need to, all the day long – how you feel – HE IS SOOOO LISTENING! I covenant with you in prayer for the next 2 weeks and I pray that God will give you the desires (plural!) of your heart Psalm 37:4. Life at times can be so much about ‘the waiting’, He is at work. Tell Him you will wait. He has the best and wants the very best for you. He has not forgotten, not once. Love and Prayers and a hug to you – 🙂 sweet Savanna…Michelle from Texas ~*~
Hi, I am 21 and from Cairns, Australia!
I am a university student and studying to be a teacher but I have a huge heart for third world nations and children at risk. I am also working with some friends to particiapte in a race to raise money for The A21 Campaign.
I know God has amazing things in my future because He is already doing amazing things now and He has brought me so far. I don’t want to miss out in what He has for me.
🙂
Hey! I am 25 years old and I live in Georgia! I am currently a third grade teacher in a local school and I am working on getting my Masters degree.
This summer I am going on my first long term mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I will be there for about 5 weeks, so just pray for hearts to be changed and God’s purpose for my trip to be fulfilled. Also, pray for guidance to fulfill God’s purpose in my life. 🙂
Thanks!
Hello, my name is Bethany and I’m a stay at home mom to two boys, 4 and 2, and a new baby girl of 2 months. I would appreciate prayers for dealing with anxiety and learning how to trust The Lord better, prayers for financial reasons as we are struggling to make ends meet, and prayers that I can be a Godly wife and mother to my children.
Thank you in advance for your prayers! God bless you! 🙂
My name is Brittan and I am from Louisiana. I just turned 24 and was diagnosed a couple months ago with a rare auto immune disease. Within months I went from being “normal” to days where I could barely function. The whole time going through this I felt God’s presence like never before. He thoroughly prepared me for what was coming. I know there is a reason I am going through this and I am asking prayers that the reason would be fulfilled and that through this can grow a deeper relationship with him. Thank you for doing this!
Hi,I’m Key.i’m 32-I hope thats ok. I have been wrestling with some things for a while now and I am just so tired. I have a job that I enjoy but my passion is working with teenage girls and helping them see their worth in Christ. I was working with a great group of girls but they grew up and since then it’s been hard to continue. I am hoping in the next couple of years I will be able to move more fully toward ministry possibly even with women who were trafficked.
Please pray that I would have renewed joy in my relationship with the Lord and that I would pray and walk courageously, Thereare a lot of fears that hold me back.
Thank you!
Hi! My name is Erica. I’m almost 23. I live in Florida. I would really love prayers that I keep my heart and life pure despite the constant struggle dealing with family and co-workers. That God would strengthen me and help me with unresolved forgivness. And that He would set a fire down in my soul for Him.
Thank you!
I’m Lacie, a 25 year new mom and wife living in San Diego. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I’m so fortunate to get to stay at home with my sweet baby boy. I’m struggling to have intentional time with the Lord while trying to balance being a good mother and getting stuff around the house done. I’m, also, struggling to find a strong group of Christian woman with young kids to build relationships with and share experiences with. God has really blessed me, but I would love to have some extra prayers:-) Thanks so much!!
Lacie – you will be in my prayers! My daughter is not much older than you and has two little ones at home. I pray for her to have time with the Lord and for the things you mentioned.
When I pray for her, I will be praying for you also! May you feel the power of prayer surrounding you each day.
May God fill you with peace that passes all understanding during these busy years.
In Christ’s Love,
Kim
My name is Anne and I live in Des Moines, IA.
After a challenging few years, my husband and I finally feel like we’re coming up for air. God has been so faithful in protecting our hearts and our young marriage, but we are seeking direction now that much of the dust has settled.
We have been taking a course called Perspectives on the Word Christian Movement that has really challenged the way we view our future. We would love prayer for a passion for His word, a tenderness to the Spirit’s lead, and boldness in bringing glory to His name! Thank you so much for your prayers.
Oh…are we supposed to share our age? I’m 25. 🙂
Hi! I’m 21 years old and even if alot of people think that’s young, it’s hard when all your friends are either dating or getting married. I have no doubt that God has someone wonderful picked out for me when the time is right. But sometimes it’s tough being single. I need prayer that I would just enjoy my single life more and be content with where i’m at in life. Thank-you so much!!
Hi Geneva,
I will be praying for you. I am 51 and got married when I was 31yr old. I’ve been where you are. I will pray that God will reveal to you how much He loves you. How He’s jealous for you right now. I will also pray that He will ignite a passion in your heart for more of Him.
I tell everyone who will listen, that God knows better than we do who will add value to us. Trust God in all things. You are loved right now!
Hi! I’m Rachel 🙂 28 years old and wife to an incredible Youth Pastor and mother to a beautiful one and a half year old son. I’m very passionate about worshipping God through music/singing and am also blessed to be a part of our church’s worship team.
I could really use some prayers as this winter has been kind of tough. We experienced 2 miscarriages. One in November and another one last month. I am very grateful my body has recovered quickly and naturally but I am left with this grief and emotional pain I have never quite experienced before. God has been so good through all of this and I have felt his peace in indescribable ways, but I am still struggling and just feeling down and depressed. My heart is to turn these experiences into something good. To help other women going through the same things. It is something God has been stirring in my heart while going through all of this as not many women talk about these things. I also am going back to the doc next week to discuss the future as far as testing etc. so prayers for guidance would be great!
Also I have been feeling God prompting me to begin songwriting, which is not my strong suit 😉 I have a passion deep down in my guts just wanting to write worship songs that will bring others deep into the presence of God and that will glorify His name! And I know That in no way could I do this on my own! Asking for God to give me a deeper revelation of who He is and the words to covey that lyrically and through song.
Thank you so much for your prayers! What a cool feeling to know another sister in Christ whom I have never met cares to pray for someone like me! So beautiful to see the body of Christ working in such a unique way 🙂 may God bless you!
Hi! My name is Leah, I’m 25 & I’m a middle school teacher in Ohio! I recently started dating a wonderful man & we are planning a future together. I would so appreciate prayer for purity & holiness & for my boyfriend & I to be on fire for God; that He would lead us to the ministry He has for us! Please pray that our hearts would burn with passion for the cause of Christ!! Thank you a million times!! May God bless you richly!!!
I’m Josh (Rachel’s husband) also from Champaign. I’m in my last several weeks of teaching at an alternative high school before transitioning to campus ministry in the fall. I often find myself struggling with thoughts or feelings of condemnation that are clearly not from The Lord but still very distracting and discouraging. In short, it distracts my love from the Lord and from people as I am too focused on my own mess. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Josh! I will be praying for you and Rachel! Be encouraged, don’t give up! The enemy is not at all happy about what you are transitioning into and would love nothing more than to destroy you and your spirit. Be assured that God is going to use you. Praying….-Shannon from Pekin, IL
Hello!
I’m Carrie, 22, from Scottsdale, AZ. I could really use prayer that I will love Jesus with my whole heart and honor Him in all I do. I am struggling to find the next career path that best suits me. Although I am grateful for the job I have now, I need patience and faith that God will open doors to this next chapter. I need to be joyful and grateful for everything God has done for me.
This is amazing.
My name is Jocelyn Stainback. I’m 23 years old, an online student at Liberty University & married for 3 years to the love of my life who happens to be an Air Force Pilot. He is finishing up his 1st deployment in 3 wks, I’m excited to be reunited but in the meantime would appreciate prayer. Please pray for my husband’s heart, to continue to become enamored with Jesus, & for safety while he’s in the middle east; & please pray for me, to truly develop an overwhelming desire and magnificent obsession for Christ. To manifest Him to everyone I meet, to hunger for His word & to develop a steadfast, devoted prayer life. Pray for our marriage, for protection from the enemy.
Thank you so so much! I feel so blessed to know a stranger is praying for me.
Jocelyn, I will be praying for you. I’m married to a pilot who retired after flying 20 years for the USAF. I’ve been in your shoes with my husband deployed while I was home with our four children. Thanks to both of you for what you do. I will enjoy wrapping you in prayer. hugs, Dawn
Mindy, 29, new mom. Needing prayer for direction, purpose, passion.
Mindy,
This 48 year old Missouri Mom is praying for you too!
My name is Valerie and I’m 27 living in the Central Valley area of California.
My husband and I are coming up on our 5 year wedding anniversary and are in a season where we both have changes we want to see in our life but the doors look closed (and sometimes locked). We want to move closer to some family members and also would *LOVE* to start trying for a baby soon… but both of those can only happen if things around us change.
I was a Biblical and Theological Studies major and have a serious heart for women’s ministry but have *NO* idea what that looks like beyond just loving on the women God has placed into my life. I feel overwhelmed with things on my plate and feel somewhat purposeless at the moment. I know God is calling me to live a much more prayer-centered life so prayer for me in that department would be very helpful as I am by nature a do-er and have a hard time making myself sit still and pray.
So many dreams and hopes feel completely out of reach right now, I’m clinging to God’s promises that He has a plan and will not forget me.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your love, there is nothing like Sister Love!
My name is Sarah in NM, I’m 28 and stay-at-home mom to two little boys. I’ve been a pastor’s wife for almost seven years. Pray that my love for the Lord will be rekindled. I’m tired of just going through the motions. Honestly, I’m just tired. Pray for passion and a renewed sense of purpose.
I’m Kacie, I’m 26, and I live in Louisville, KY. My husband and I moved here almost a year ago so he could attend seminary. I got my degree in engineering but God moved me towards a path of teaching. I am in my first year of teaching math at a public high school as well as earning my MAT. I’m really enjoying teaching but I’m just exhausted. I find myself not making time to spend in the Word and in prayer like I want. Prayer for energy and a better quiet time would be appreciated!
My name is Lauren Riddick and I am 21, from Cincinnati Ohio. I am currently in the process of moving forward with my life after a broken engagement. It has been a really hard road but God has really shown his hand in my life and prayers to help me earnestly seek him and his will for my life, instead of my own are always appreciated. I don’t want to lose sight of his plan for my life when I try to make my own plans and they get changed. Thank you in advance!
Hi,
My name is Brittney and I am 29 years old. I could really use some prayer. Recently I have been struggling with an overwhelming since of hopelessness and feeling like God only loves me because he has too. I desperately want my life and the pain I’ve endured to matter and not be in vain. But if I can just be honest, it feels like God has abandoned me. God has just plain hurt my feelings. I need to know He hears my cries…and that He cares.
Brittney- girl I will be praying for you!! I know I have felt inadequate before God, I’m sure we all have at one point or another, it is hard to think He loves each and everyone of us the same. But that is what is so AWESOME about Him. He loves you just as much as He loves me. You are His treasure! Praying that He stirs your heart and you feel Him near. Praying hard for you over the next two weeks. -Jessie 26 NC
Brittany,
I felt so compelled to pray for you! God has not left you. But something may be keeping you from hearing him. He IS there, I promise.
LORD JESUS, I pray for Brittany tonight. I know what it feels like to wonder where you are ad if you hear me. And I know you are there with her right now as she weeps LORD JESUS. Have compassion on her LORD Jesus. Show her anything that is getting in the way of her enjoying your presence. Bind the enemy LORD from confusing her or speaking lies to her. LORD I know that in Ephesians 2 it says that you made us alive even when we were dead in our transgressions ad sins. YOU are the one that brings us back when we are lost and can’t find you. YOU are the one that makes us alive. Oh LORD Jesus, do what you do best and BLESS this dear sister and encourage her I pray in your name. amen!
Love you dear girl,
Heidi
This is so wonderful!
My name is Sadie and I’m from NC but currently working in Oklahoma. I’m 23 and near the end of an internship in OK while about to finalize a job interview process. I would love prayer for wisdom in this new job—it’d be working with high school girls, something that I’m passionate about. I feel the necessity to have ‘all of my stuff together’ before I try to disciple other girls…I know in my mind that God’s grace covers me but it’s often hard to make the head and the heart connect. Also, lately, I’ve been battling lies from Satan that the things that others call out in me, things of the Lord, are not true and I don’t deserve any encouragement. It’s a nasty lie and I’d love intercession in this area of my life.
Thank you for your prayers. This is an awesome example of the body of Christ.
Hello! My name is Beth Muir. My home is Ramseur, NC. I am a newly wed since September 15, 2012. My husband and I have a fluffy by named pumpkin. 🙂
I didn’t say what I need prayer for in my first comment. Sorry!
Please pray for me that I continue to seek God above all else. That I listen to what God tells me and do it. To stop being afraid to live out loud with my love for Jesus.
Thank you and thank you b
Hi ladies! My name is Brandi and I’m 28 years old and work in full time student ministry. I am the only believer in my family, and I’m currently serving in a church that is in the midst of significant transition, with a significant amount of unhealth being uncovered the deeper we get into the process of change. I was having a conversation recently with a woman in her late 30s who told me she was praying for my husband because she sees that I’m in need of some shelter / protection from the pains of ministry and expectations of people, and I found my heart so deeply resonating with that that I’ve become bitter that The Lord ISN’T providing in that way. I’m convicted at my unintentional disregard for the truth that The Lord is my shelter, that he is my protector, that I am not “lacking” because I do not have an earthly husband. I would love prayer not only for this season of ministry, but also for my fragile heart as I long for a husband and family, yet fight to see The Lord rightly, as more than enough, in the season of waiting…no matter how long. Also, for a “mom-like” woman who could walk alongside me, love me, and be a trusted voice of wisdom and encouragement. So grateful in advance for your prayers!
Hi Brandi…I knew immediately that I was to pray for you. I’m Carol from Belleville, Ontario, Canada. I’m 51. You don’t say in your post where you’re from, but even if it’s a long distance I’d love for us to connect and walk this Christian life together.
You can find me on Twitter @CarolHulin and we can go from there.
Will be praying for you for the next 14 day….
My name is Jenna and I am a 27 yr old living in Pittsburgh PA! I am a full time nanny and i am currently taking classes online for Aplied Behavior Analaysis (working with kids diagnosed with Autism). This blog was so encouraging to me! Prayer is powerful!
Areas in need of prayer.
-Being content with where God has me. I am single and all of my friends (except 1) r married and now they r having kids. I know God’s plan and timing is perfect and he has me in this place for a reason. I want to fully enjoy this time of being single and grow closer to him instead if feeling overwhelmed with loneliness and self hatred.
-school is very difficult for me. I struggle with fully understanding what in learning. I have been in school for 5 years and have another 1yr and a half.
-I struggle with emotional eating. I want to crave God and become healthier instead of believing Satans lies about myself which then I turn to food.
I am so blessed by this blog!
Hey y’all! I’m Laura from Pensacola, Fl. Okay, I’m sitting outside of Starbucks crying as I type this. I’m always a happy-go-lucky, smiley kind of girl, but here lately I’ve felt SO overwhelmingly beat down. I work at a church and absolutely love it, and I feel so guilty for not being happy. I go to dinners with friends and am the only single girl at the table, I still haven’t gotten a degree, no fire for the Kingdom, and the list could go on. I feel like I can’t share my true feelings and heartache with anyone, and in turn, I just feel alone. I just need Jesus to leap on me and stay there. Does that make sense?? I would appreciate any prayers anyone could take the time to say. This post from Beth came at just the right time. Thank you so, so incredibly much!
Forgot to post my age! I’m 23!
Hi Laura, I’m a 20-something too (26) and I will pray for you. Keep pressing in, he promises we WILL find him. I think sometimes we feel like we are starved for everything so we will run to Him in desperation.
Thank you Sierra!! I’m at the Orange Conference in Atlanta right now and am expectantly waiting for a Word from Him! Because girl, I am SO desperate to hear it! Thank you for your prayers, they are felt!!
Hi my name is Valerie- I am a 23 year old woman And live in Knoxville tn. I just moved out of my parents house and got my own place. My deepest desire is to know the love of God in a real and profound way. However I struggle with unbelief. I am a young professional and struggling with where my career life is going and what exactly I want to do.
Thank you for your love and prayers.
Hi! My name is Ashley and I am 23 years old. I live in South Texas and I am graduating from college in May! I would love prayer for direction for where I’m supposed to go next. My relationship with God has been lukewarm for a while and I’m trying to get back on track. There is also a LOT of change in my life right now and I’m having trouble juggling it all. Any prayer is appreciated! Thank you in advance for your heart and willingness to pray for someone you’ve never met! God bless!
Hi,
My name is Melissa, I’m 24 years old and live in Austin. How you can pray for me? I am in the most difficult, confusing moment of my life thus far. I moved overseas, thinking it was a permanent move, things turned out completely differently than I expected and I’m back home only 2 months later. I have no idea what is next. I’m scared, I’m sad, and I don’t know how to move forward. I am trying to take it day by day. I want to trust God more, and to truly find my hope in Him, and not in the work He has me do or the people He has me meet, but just in Him.
Hi, my name is Kyra. I graduated from Gettysburg College almost a year ago and right now I live at home with my dad and sweet little sister in Central PA. Since graduating, life has been a bit of a wild ride. A wonderful man I know from Gettysburg initiated a courtship and we are now looking at getting married before the year is out! I joined, and left, a college ministry after a lot of doubts and wrestling, and am now looking at a move to North Carolina in the coming months. It’s all very exciting, but somewhat scary and it’s easy to lose sight of Christ in all of it. Please pray that I would cling all the more to him and He would be my rock and joy through all of these changes!
My name is Nicole, I’m 29. I am married to Mark (28 years old) and we have a 3 year old son named Timothy. I am a stay at home mom, and Mark is in the Air Force. I know both Mark and I could use a revival of spirit and heart and mind, towards God and within our marriage. We recently experienced our first miscarriage and I hate to admit it but the enemy really used that to divide us and we are struggling. Thank you Beth for facilitating this – I am so grateful.
Hi, Nicole,
Please know that I will be happy to pray for you and your sweet family. I’m a 52 year old empty nester called by God in this season in my life to intercede for others .. so happily, here I am. I was a stay-at-home mom and my husband was military so you and I have lots in common. I will fiercely be praying for you and your family and I can hardly wait to see how our loving Father answers.
Blessings my sister!
Hi,
My name is Amanda and I live in Augusta, Ga. I’m 23 and about to graduate from college. The last few years have been tremendously hard for me. It’s been easier to shut-down than to face what I’ve gone through. I have seen the Father do amazing things from what has happened and He has opened so many doors, but I still have a hard time accepting that He can use me. I’m afraid of letting the Him down, because He’s all I have.
Hello, I’m Sarah from Brazil. I’m 24 years old working as an illustrator. I am currently facing serious family issues and would appreciate prayer for courage and wisdom to face what’s ahead. I need discerning ears to separate what are God’s truths and the enemies’s lies.
I’m Lindsay from Brunswick, GA. I’m 24 & am currently subbing while trying to decide whether to get my Masters degree or to find a band director position. Trying to figure out what His will is for me at the moment is difficult & that makes me feel disconnected. It makes me feel alone & satan latches onto that and feeds into it. This transition period has taken its toll on my spirit & I’m sick of it.
I know whichever avenue I end up going in God will use it to His glory, but I want to go down the one that will bring the most. I want to be so on fire for the Lord that people can’t help but see the flame.
Hi, my name is Dustin. I’m 20 yrs old and a college student in Owensboro, Ky. I am a communications major, with plans to attend seminary after I graduate, as I feel called to the ministry. Please pray that I, by God’s grace and Spirit, would guard my heart. Pray that I would be rooted in Christ; growing deeper with Him each day, being protected from the evil one. He is revealing Himself to me in many ways. Thank you very much for the prayers, and Beth, thank you so much for this post.
Hi! Im Alison Hayes and im a senior at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. Iam 27 years old and it has been. Road to get where i am!! Sometimes i struggle with understand this road God has lead me on bit im trting. I graduate with my Bachelors in counseling in 19DAYS!!! SO CRAZY! I am scheduled to attend Asbury Seminary in the fall to begin work on my Masters in Christian Education. IDK hoe mich info we are supposed to put, but whoever prays for me, my emaio is [email protected] if you have questions, or if you just want to speak words of blessing over my life and pray I follow Gods will and please Him, that is 100% awesome too!!
Hi! My name is Jenna Rogers I’m a sophomore at Baylor University. I run cross country and track but have struggled with injuries since I started running for Baylor. I feel God had called me to Baylor but I need clarity for my role on the team! Our team needs Jesus! Also God is healing me a lot from things in my past! Please pray for continual healing and increased hunger for The Lord! Thanks! It means so much to have men and women of God interceding for our generation!
My name is Zoie and I am a 21 year old student in Nebraska:
These past few weeks I have felt like I’ve been drifting here and there.. Pray that I would be anchored in Christ, steadfast in him. Anchored in the hope of Christ; cling to his promises. I want to love, fear, and revere him above all else. And that it would be this love for him that drives my obedience to HIS glory, not my own.
Pray that I humbly let go of my desire to control. God’s will is perfect and His way is right. Pray for a deep rooted passion for Christ’s name and fame, a guarded heart that maintains love, steadfastness, and rest. Rest in Christ’s marvelous work and trust God’s mighty hand to work miracles in my Chinese friends’ lives.
My name is Kayla Dowdle. I am 25 years old and me and my wonderful husband live in Hernando, MS where I am a home health nurse. I pray to be the hands and feet of Jesus every day and not just in my career. We have had some infertility issues as well as a miscarriage this past November and despite the absolute heartbreak and struggle, I have never been closer to The Lord. I always welcome prayer for us both. I pray that through this roller coaster now and in the future that we will give ALL the glory to Him and have an ever abundant faith and spiritual fire. I thank God for you and pray for your ministry also daily because it has touched my life in so many ways and made me a better Christian. Thank you so much.
Kayla
Hello! I’m Brooke, I’m 28 and I’m from Atlanta, but I’m currently living in New Orleans studying missions. I so desperately needed this post today, and the prayers of others. Since I moved to NOLA almost 2 years ago, I’ve struggled in every area of my life — emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, etc. Lately, though, my biggest issue has been passion. I have no passion for anything, it seems — and no desire or motivation to do anything about it. I’m disconnected from believers (and I go to a seminary!) and from God. I’m quite unsure about how to fight this, or what is wrong. I feel as though I’ve lost my life’s purpose, and I don’t know what God has called me to anymore. I’ve learned soo much while I’ve been here, and have seen God answer prayers and work in amazing ways, but I still feel nothing. There is something wrong with my heart, and I need help!
Thank you so much for the prayers and the encouragement from this post!
Hi, Brooke!
My name is Michelle, I am 42 and an empty-nester in North Texas. It would be my honor to pray daily for you. You can find me on Twitter @michellebentham in the event you want to stay connected.
Today, I pray that the Lord would restore to you the joy of your salvation and remind you that the plans He has for you will bring you a future and a hope. That He would give you revelation and knowledge about what the disconnect in your heart seems to be and strategically place you in community where you may safely work through whatever is holding you back.
But, more than all this, I pray today that you would know the deep, lavish and personal love of our Heavenly Father for you. That you would have your heart awakened to dream with passion and purpose. I pray Proverbs 13:12 over you – knowing that hope deferred makes the heart sick while a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. I pray you find the tree of life that God has made as provision just for you. I pray the Holy Spirit would fill you and that His work would flow through you and that you would be empowered, refreshed, awakened and know how deeply loved and adored you are in the heart of our Lord God in heaven.
I pray all these things for you and that as your soul begins to prosper that you will also prosper in every area of your life according to your faith which is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
I ask all these things in the Name of Jesus according to the Father’s good, pleasing and perfect will. May His Kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN.
(BIG HUG) to you, Brooke.
Bless You Sweet Girl,
Michelle
Brooke,
I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and praying for you. I pray that as the Lord guides and directs your path that you will awaken to new life and the glorious plans He has for you.
Bless you,
Michelle
Brooke!
Oh sweet girl… How I feel you! Everything in me resonates with your words! I love you already! It would be my honor to hit my knees in prayer for you. And if you so choose… Hop on over to the wonderful world of Twitter and I’ll encourage the snot out of you! @emilycarolfox
Em
Hi, I’m Becca from TN. I’m a ministry wife, and although we never went “away” to seminary, I get the stresses of seminary to a degree, and we have gone “away” to ministry. I’m honored to pray for you 🙂
It’s so difficult to feel isolated, especially for years on end. Don’t give in to the lie that life will always be this dry. Sometimes your desert season is where God brings you on purpose so that the weeds you cling to AS god can dry up & die in order for life to be able to thrive. Make no mistake that God certainly has purpose for you every day. You must have a desire to do something about your lack of motivation, otherwise you wouldn’t have posted. You’re never to far gone where God can’t bring you back. I pray that God will help your want-to’s and your how-to’s, protect your mind, and discern truth from lies in regards to your feelings and the thoughts you believe. I pray that you will walk in obedience and purpose as he heals your heart. Much love.
Lamentations 3:58 “You defend my cause, Lord, You redeem my life.”