Be Honest

He [God] wants us to call, to cry, to sing to Him.

~  Cynthia Heald

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Take My Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

God wants a relationship with us. That thought alone should cause us to stop in astonishment. “God? Wants to talk with me?” He does. Every day, every moment, in any way you might need to talk at the time. You might call—loudly—in a time of crisis, knowing he will hear and come to your aid. You may cry—softly—over pain and sorrow because you need his peace, his hand of comfort, someone to dry your tears. You may sing—off-key perhaps, but sing nonetheless—simply because praise is on your heart and the best way to express it is with a song you’ve committed to memory.

Come to God with everything you are and have. Share each victory, sadness, and fear with him. Don’t hold back or pretend; live honestly in his presence.

Call, cry, sing. It doesn’t matter. Just communicate with your God. He wants to hear from you.

Prayer for Meditation

Father, give me the courage to live honestly with you all day.

Scripture for Meditation

As for me, I look to the Lord for his help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7

Music for Meditation

The Grace of God by Michael W. Smith

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Wrestling with Time

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Moments of Peace for the Morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

This morning are you crying out, How long, O Lord? Most things are endurable as long as you know you will soon have relief. Yet when you have no idea when or if your circumstance will have a resolution, it can be discouraging.

You are not only dealing with your situation but you are also wrestling with the uncertainties of time. Everything could change in a minute or endure interminably.

Be patient. Your God hears you and is the master of both time and your situation. Though you do not know how long it will last, he does. And your waiting will not last one second longer than is necessary. 

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, my time is in your hands—and I trust you. It is hard to wait but worth it knowing that you are handcrafting my future. Amen

Scripture for Meditation

Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes. Psalm 13:3

Music for Meditation

You Raise Me Up by Daniel O’Donnell

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Sweet Surrender

When difficult circumstances come into my life, I hear God’s voice saying, “. . .let me be the blessed controller. Surrender. Accept my timing. Accept my ways. Accept my outcome. Let your trust be in me alone.”

~Linda Dillow

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

One word in Linda’s quote can be easily overlooked—the word when. Not if, but when difficult circumstances come into our lives, we are called to listen for God’s voice. Maybe you’re going through a peaceful season right now and your load is light. What better time to start practicing? Wake up each morning and say, “Lord, I’m giving you full control of this day and all that concerns me.” And if today is full of difficult circumstances, God calls you to let him take control. Surrender it all to him. Accept the timing of his answers, the ways he will answer, and the outcome he has planned.

Let go, dear sister. During the good times and the bad. God lovingly calls you to trust him alone. Begin the obedient act of falling back into his waiting arms. Trust him. He’ll catch you every time. 

Prayer for Meditation

Precious Lord, I surrender today to your timing. Your ways. Your outcome.

Scripture for Meditation

“My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.  

Music for Meditation

Draw Me Close to You by Michael W. Smith

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

One More Step

The last and foundational part of my perseverance is born out of my faith. When all those other things . . . run out or fall short, my faith is the thing that enables me to just show up and take one more step.

~Michelle Akers

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

It’s tough to keep going. When our strength is gone, when that next step takes such tremendous effort, when our body screams in protest and our brain has called in sick—what can motivate us to keep moving forward? What reason can trump our tired mind and limbs?

There’s only one: Jesus. Perseverance is born out of faith in him.

Everything else will run out. Our own determination, desires, or dreams may not be enough to keep us going. But faith in the One who calmed the raging sea, healed the sick, raised the dead, and gave sight to the blind—that will keep us showing up and taking one more step.

Whatever you’ve been called to do, know this: he will provide strength and energy for the work to do it. No matter how tired you are today, faith will help you preserve. Take that next step. Your faith will sustain you. 

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I’m tired. Give me strength to take the next step and follow you.

Scripture for Meditation

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Music for Meditation

I Need Thee Every Hour

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Soar as Eagles

Our prayer and meditation this morning is an excerpt from Moments of Peace for the Morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to Begin Your day.

They say that eagles in flight take no concern for obstacles below. How wonderful it would be to forget all earthly constraints and challenges and soar high above—carried effortlessly by air currents and refreshing breezes.

There are mornings when you will wake up tired. You will feel how truly earthbound you are and come to the conclusion that your gravity defying goals are too lofty to hope for.

Take heart today that God never grows tired or weary. He promises to renew your strength when you wait upon him. And like the powerful, majestic eagle, he will lift you high above the obstacles of earth—and you will soar.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, thank you for helping me to soar like an eagle. I will not think of the obstacles but will praise your wonderful strength. Amen

Scripture for Meditation

The Lord . . . does not become tired or need to rest. No one can understand how great his wisdom is. He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. Isaiah 40:28-29

Music for Meditation

On Eagle's Wings

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Slow me down, Lord. I’m going too fast.

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Praying Through Cancer by Susan Sorensen. Excerpt written by Marti Odle, Area Director for Community Bible Study.

Teach us to number our days aright, 
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

~ Psalm 90:12

Slow me down, Lord. I’m going too fast. That was my heart’s cry. But life had been so full of the “busies”—all there was to do for the Lord—rather than simply being still in His presence. Was cancer part of the learning God had for me? Is that what it took to slow me down? Those days of quiet rest and radiation enabled me to get in touch with that part of myself that I longed for . . . the “Mary” who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, basking in His presence, instead of the “Martha” who must always be doing.

What an opportunity to reassess my days, to be reminded that they are just what they need to be for God’s purposes in my life. His plan for me has been unfolding since the beginning; for with God, each moment is an eternal now. Therefore, I have all the time needed to be about His business in a way that will bring Him glory. But that will only happen as I am still before Him, making each moment a moment for eternity.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, this is the day You have made for me to rejoice and be glad in! I praise You for Your control over everything. Thank You for Your patience when I am acting like Martha, upset about many things. You gently remind me that only one thing is needed. Mary chose it: to sit at Your feet. You promise that this is better than anything and cannot be taken away from me. Truly one day in Your courts is better than thousands elsewhere.

You are my light and salvation—whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? For in the day of trouble You promise to keep me safe in Your dwelling. You hide me in the shelter of Your tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Thank You for slowing me down so that I am able to experience Your glorious presence!

Scripture for Meditation

Prayer References: Psalm 118:24; Colossians 1:17;

Psalm 84:10; Luke 10:41-42; Psalm 27:1, 5

Music for Meditation

Better Is One Day based on Psalm 84:10 by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

When I Called, You Answered Me

Good morning Prayer Warriors,

Today I also ask for prayer for McKenzie Hicks, a 20-year old sophomore at Morehead State University. McKenzie was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Type 11b earlier this year when her doctors discovered a large mass above her heart pushing on her trachea. She has gone through 3 months of chemo with a smile and a can-do spirit. Now she is facing radiation and tough decisions. Please keep McKenzie and her family in your prayers and pray that the Holy Spirit guide her medical team as they meet this afternoon and make recommendations for further treatment.

Our healing prayer and meditation this morning comes from Praying Through Cancer by Susan Sorensen. Excerpt written by Kim Newlen, author, speaker, and founder of Sweet Monday.

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

~1 Corinthians 3:12

Whoever would have thought that boldness would come with baldness? Certainly not me! Being a woman who likes to look good, I thought being part of the Bald and the Breastless would keep my head under the covers. I thought I would be afraid to come out and go about the days God ordained just for me. What a picture of His sweet grace in my life! With marriage, motherhood, and ministry, it has been hard to squeeze cancer into my schedule. I’ve been able to push those covers back and get out of bed looking the way I do!

To my surprise, God used cancer not to slow me down but to accelerate my desire for others to know Him. While life is difficult for those of us who know our good God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, what are other women doing who don’t know Him? What are they modeling behind closed doors to their precious children watching? We cannot give out what we don’t have! We have everything to offer a hurting world when we love Christ. We can boldly live the hope within us.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord Jess, how comforting to know that You are so personal, You know the number of hairs on my head and not on my head. Only You can give me the ability to face these days with such big physical strikes against my femininity. You graciously give me boldness and courage that only You can give. I don’t have it on my own. You are the reason I get out of bed every morning looking and feeling the way I do. How grateful I am that I have everything to offer those you place in my life because I have You. I can be bold and courageous because You are the hope within me.

I praise You, Lord, with all my heart. I praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness. You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word. When I called, You answered me. You made me bold with strength in my soul. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You revive me; You stretch out Your hand to help me. You perfect that which concerns me. I am so grateful to be Yours!

Scripture for Meditation

Prayer Reference: Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8

Music for Meditation

Praise the Father, Praise the Son by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

For The Beauty of the Earth

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Praying Through Cancer by Susan Sorensen. Excerpt written by Diane Lankford.

Consider the ravens: They do sow or reap,

they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.

And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Since you cannot do this very little thing,

why do you worry about the rest?

~Luke 12:24-26

When we bought a new house, my only request was a screened-in porch. Little did I know how important that porch would become to me three years later when I was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. The porch became my recovery room as well as any sanctuary where I could sit, worship, reflect, and meditate on God’s wonderful creation.

One of those creations was the birds. They flew so gracefully, sang so melodiously, and ate from my feeders so thankfully. I knew God was watching over them, yet I was much more valuable than they in His sight! What a comfort and peace that brought me on days when I was bald, weak, and weary from fighting this disease. There were days I did not feel like reading or singing, but I could enjoy the birds singing God’s promises to me.

Seven years later, I’m still enjoying my screened-in porch. I look forward to entering my peaceful sanctuary and enjoying God’s presence and creation.

Prayer for Meditation

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for creating this wonderful world for me to live in. Thank you for sending the birds to sing, the trees that grow tall and point to the heavens, the beautiful blue skies, and even the gray and rainy days. These are gifts from You. All I have to do is receive and enjoy them.

Open my eyes, Lord, during days when I am too weak to care. Help me see Your wondrous works in all the nature around me. Help me also release my worries to You because You ask me, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” I know from the Bible that all of my days were numbered even before I was born. It is up to me to make the most of every day You give.

Thank You for the “sanctuaries” where I am able to enjoy the gifts given by You, my Creator

Scripture for Meditation

Prayer References: Luke 12:25; Psalm 139:16

Music for Meditation

St. Paul's Cathedral Choir For The Beauty of The Earth

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Keep Your Eyes On Me

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

I am the firm foundation on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control—an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

My guidance for each of My children is unique. That’s why listening to Me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually so don’t’ be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying Peace in My Presence.

Scripture for Meditation

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy. Psalm 5:11.

Now glory be to God? By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. Ephesians 3:20

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen. Jude 24-25

No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5

Music for Meditation

How Great Thou Art by Daniel O’Donnell

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Exalt Him

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Moments of Peace for the Morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to Begin Your Day.

God is exalted above all of creation. He is the King of kings—the mighty sovereign of everything that exists. He is the Lord of lord—the able protector and provider for all he surveys.

He deserves your praise. His goodness and love are like a never ending spring quenching your thirst. His holiness and wisdom bring joy to your heart. There is nothing too difficult for your God—and no good thing he would withhold from you.

Exalt God today with your praise and call to him whenever you are overwhelmed. He can overcome any problem you have, and thoroughly delights in your songs of trust.

Prayer for Meditation

My God and my king, you are beautiful in my sight. I praise you for your holiness and strength. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty are in his dwelling. 1 Chronicles 16:27

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before Hs presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2

Music for Meditation

O Praise Him by David Crowder Band

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

I Will Rise When He Calls My Name

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment—accepting things exactly as they are—and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.

Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as your journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

Scripture for Meditation

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Music for Meditation 

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

What Grows From Your Tears

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Moments of Peace for the Morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to Begin Your Day.

Sometimes the tears just flow. Burdens get so heavy and decisions so difficult that your natural response is to weep. God knows the tears you have cried, and he honors every one of them by transforming them into seeds of hope. He produces a harvest of virtues within you—righteousness, humility, faith, and perseverance all grow from your weeping. Rejoice that your tears are not in vain. God cultivates each glistening drop and transforms it into a blessing. When you see what God has done in you and how he has worked in your situation, you will also have a harvest of truly unshakeable joy.

Scripture for Meditation

He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

Our mouths filled with laughter, and out tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. Psalm 126:2

Music for Meditation

Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

By His Spirit

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Moments of Peace for the Morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to Begin Your Day.

As you awoke this morning, what was on your mind? Was it the challenges you will face today? Are there problems you need to confront—issues that are too massive for you to handle? God knows everything that concerns you today. And though you may not be able to conquer the difficulties on your own. God strengthens and enables you to face them by his Spirit. You don’t have to rely on your own strength and wisdom; God provides his boundless resources to you. No matter what is ahead today, take heart. You will be amazed by what you can accomplish when your work is empowered by God’s Spirit.

Dear God, thank you that the things ahead today are conquerable by your Spirit. Thank you for giving me your strength and wisdom. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6

I’m filled with God’s power, filled with God’s Spirit of justice and strength. Micah 3:8

Music for Meditation

I Watch the Sunrise by Daniel O’Donnell

I watch the sunrise lighting the sky,
Casting its shadows near.
And on this morning bright though it be,
I feel those shadows near me.

But you are always close to me
Following all my ways.
May I be always close to you
Following all your ways, Lord.

I watch the sunlight shine through the clouds,
Warming the earth below.
And at the mid-day, life seems to say:"
"I feel your brightness near me."
For you are always . . .

I watch the sunset fading away,
Lighting the clouds with sleep.
And as the evening closes its eyes,
I feel your presence near me.
For you are always . . .
I watch the moonlight guarding the night,
Waiting till morning comes.
The air is silent, earth is at rest
Only your peace is near me.
Yes, you are always…

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Just Ask For It . . .

This whole business of guidance, obviously,

is a highly personal thing . . .

All I can do is recommend to anyone who is troubled or uncertain

 or confused that they ask for it—and see what happens.

~Ruth Stafford Peale

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Take My Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Great Christian Women Writers of All Time.

During his short years here on earth, Jesus frequently asked for God’s help. He went to God on the mountain for guidance about the choice of twelve disciples. He wept with a broken heart in the Garden of Gethsemane as he faced the future. Jesus modeled how to recognize human limits and ask for divine direction.

When we are troubled, uncertain, or confused, we are invited to ask our loving, wise Father for guidance. He will pour it out onto us. Freely. Abundantly. We don’t have to beg him or force him—he wants to guide us. He knows the future and specifically what we need. He will replace our ambiguity with decisiveness, our bewilderment with good sense, our troubled hearts with peace.

He desires to take you—his precious child—by the hand and lead you today. This guidance from God—it’s personal and it’s yours. Just ask.

Scripture for Meditation - Psalm 48:14

For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever,
and he will be our guide until we die.

Music for Meditation 

Here I Am, Lord

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Prayer Partners with God

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Hope for Each Day: Words of Wisdom and Faith by Billy Graham.

The Spirit Himself makes intercession

for us with groaning which cannot be uttered

~Romans 8:26

Have you ever faced a situation that was so overwhelming or so confusing you didn’t even know how to pray about it? Have you ever been so overcome with grief or burdened by heartache you couldn’t put your emotions into words—much less pray about them?

What a comfort these words should be: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us . . . in accordance with God’s will.” (Rom. 8:26-27 NIV)

Think of it: Even when we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit knows our needs, and He brings the deepest cries of our hearts before the throne of God. In ways we will never understand this side of eternity, God the Holy Spirit pleads for us before God the Father.

Turn to God in every situation—even when you don’t feel like it. The Spirit is interceding for you. Its accordance with God’s will.

Music for Meditation 

His Eye Is On the Sparrow

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

How Am I Going To Get Through This?

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free From Fear by Susan Sorensen and Laura Geist. Excerpt written by Sandra Burmeister.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my

power is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

 about my weaknesses so that Christ’s

power may rest on me.

~2 Corinthians 12:9

Throughout my entire breast cancer ordeal, I kept asking the Lord, “How am I going to get through this?” The assurance that came into my mind again and again was, My grace is sufficient. I did not doubt that the grace of Christ had made me His for eternity, but I wanted control over the situation and to know the outcome from the beginning.

My faith was tested by the absolute dependency I felt throughout my battle with cancer—a dependency on medical professionals, on loved ones to help me, and on the Lord. I am a woman who plans, organizes, second-guesses outcomes, and manages situations.  None of these skills served me during the struggle. Only the sufficient grace of the Lord upheld me.

Now that several years have passed, sometimes, like Paul, I boast of the weaknesses I experienced, of weaknesses gradually growing into strength as the Lord defeated the monster—was it cancer or doubt? Both can kill the joy and hope in our lives. Christ wants us to have life abundantly in all circumstances. His grace is sufficient.

Heavenly Father, teach me to accept the grace You have provided—the grace that sees me through every day, every trial, every danger. Your spirit upholds me when I am most fearful and weak. Thank You for your promise to be faithful in my time of need. I am grateful Your treasure is in this weak vessel, made strong by the all-surpassing power that is from You and not from me. Teach me the joy of the hidden life You sustain in me and the victory You provide.

You are the only unchanging and solid place where I can run. You arm me with strength and make my way perfect. You train my hands for battle. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your hand sustains me. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. I praise You for Your overflowing and sufficient grace! Thank You, Lord.

Prayer References

2 Corinthians 12:9 and 4:7; Psalm 18:31-36

Music for Meditation
Healing is in Your Hands by Christy Nockels

 

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.