Trembling Faith

The faith that gets us through unthinkable circumstances begins with being flat-out needy and allowing God’s love to wrap us up, hold us close, and dry our tears.

~~Carol Kent

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Has it happened to you yet? Have you experienced something so painful that you never would have believed you could survive? If not, surely you’ve marveled at someone who has endured unthinkable circumstances, faith intact.

Faith borne of desperation is a strong faith—a faith that can get us through. When the pain is too immense or the trial insurmountable, we know we can’t do it alone. At that point, we come to a crossroads. We can choose to give up, continue failing and fighting on our own strength, or surrender to the One who is able to carry us through. We come to him with our trembling faith and our complete neediness. And that’s okay with him.

When it’s all just too much to bear, allow God’s love to wrap you up, hold you close, and dry your tears.

Prayer for Meditation

I am so grateful for your love, Lord. Please hold me close and dry my tears.

Scripture for Meditation

I am worn out from sobbing. Every night tears drench my bed; my pillow is wet from weeping. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies. Go away, all you who do evil for the Lord has heard my crying. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. Psalm 6:6-8

Music for Meditation

Better Than A Hallelujah

 

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Pressing On

You may have no idea when or how God will answer your prayers,

but don’t stop praying.

~~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

When it feels like our prayers are being met with silence, we experience great discouragement. When we’ve talked to God for a long time and haven’t seen any impact from our prayers, it’s easy to become weary or to decide that God just isn’t going to get involved with this situation at all.

Waiting days, weeks, years for God to answer tempts us to give up. It’s quite different from “waiting” in our culture of instant gratification, where problems are solved within a sixty-minute TV show.

The truth is, we don’t know when or how any of our prayers will be answered. What we do know is that God promises to answer. So we keep praying, for in those deep conversations with God we are forging deep trust and developing strong faith.

No matter how silent God seems, dear sister, don’t stop praying.

Prayer for Meditation

God, give me the endurance to keep praying for I know you will answer.

Scripture for Meditation – Psalm 13

O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You look the other way.

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

Music for Meditation

How Long Oh Lord

 

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Safe in The Father’s Arms

When your trial comes, then, put it right into the will of God, and climb into that will as a little child climbs into its mother’s arms.

~~Hannah Whitall Smith

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

What do we do with the questions that seem to have no answers? How do we explain something that makes no sense at all? Where do we turn for help?

Trials come. They hurt. They cause stress and concern. It helps to know that none of those trials have crept in unnoticed by God. Not one happens outside of his will. That’s a difficult truth for us to understand. But as a child trusts her mom to comfort her when life hurts, so God calls us into his loving arms.

God lovingly ordains all things for our good, the blessings and the burdens. Each trial is designed by him to develop the image of his Son in us. In our sufferings, he draws us closer to him.

As Hannah Whitall Smith writes, put your trial “right into the will of god.” Draw close. You’ll find comfort in his embrace.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear Lord, wrap me in your embrace today.

Scripture for Meditation

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 11:16

Music for Meditation

Be Not Afraid

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Hold on For The Call

Those who abandon ship the first time it enters a storm miss the calm beyond. And the rougher the storms weathered together, the deeper and stronger real love grows.

~~Ruth Bell Graham

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Storms hit our lives out of nowhere. Gale-force winds knock our sails; waves splash over the bow and across the deck. When life hits choppy waters, our first response may be to go below, to give up and abandon the ship to the waves.

To do that, however, is to believe that the storm will never pass, to abandon hope that life will ever get better. But after the storm comes the calm. And that calm will seem so much greater after having faced the storm.

If you give up hope and abandon the ship in choppy seas, you miss “the calm beyond.” When you’ve weathered the storms with those you love, the bonds created will draw you that much closer.

In your choppy seas, hold on tight. The storm will pass, the sea will grow calm, the love you share will be stronger.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord God, you are my only hope. I trust you through the storm.

Scripture for Meditation

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25

Music for Meditation

Jesus Calms the Storm

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The Power of Your Love

It was no accident . . . that the seasons came round and round year after year. It was the Lord speaking to us all and showing us over and over again the birth, life, death, and resurrection of his only begotten Son.

~~Francine Rivers

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter—it’s predictable. Every year brings the same rotation of seasons. Each season continuously reveals the glory of our awesome God.

Think of it. We never have to worry that winter might come between spring and summer this year. And what is God showing us over and over again? His constant love and desire to have a relationship with us. He is a predictable and a purposeful teacher, sending Jesus Christ as his audio-visual. Just as the seasons cycle through the calendar, reminding us that some things never change, Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again to prompt us that God never changes.

As you look out your window today, thank God for his reminder over and over again of his love for you. He created this world and its seasons for you to enjoy. You are his precious child; live out and enjoy his love for you.

Prayer for Meditation

Thank you for the beauty of the seasons and their reminder of your love for me.

Scripture for Meditation

He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. Daniel 2:21

Music for Meditation

The Power of Your Love

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Receiving the Message

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

This morning, God is calling you to learn from him. He whispers that he loves you and that you can trust him. He tells you that when you think there is no help for you, he will rescue you.

He encourages you to be strong because he vindicates you and never lets you be dishonored. He says that his wisdom, power, and love have worked together to provide good plans for your life.

He also wants you to know that he has comforted you in order to prepare you to encourage others. His words can give life and hope to the weary, if only you will receive and share them.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, I do receive your words today. Thank you for such profound promises. Help me to share them with whoever needs them. Amen

Scripture for Meditation

The Lord God gives me the right words to encourage the weary. Each morning he awakens me eager to learn his teachings. Isaiah 50:4

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10

Music for Meditation

My Life Is In Your Hands - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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Whatever He Wants

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

You never go wrong when you commit your way to God. He is always faithful to lead you in the very best way. And he promises that if you obey him he will protect you and cause you to prosper.

Sometimes his instructions will seem counterintuitive—very different from what you expected. And it will take real courage and faith to obey him because his instructions will not make sense from your standpoint. However, you can always be confident that God has excellent reasons for his commands—reasons of your protection and your prosperity.

Take heart and commit to being faithful and obeying God today. You’ll be glad you did.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, sometimes it is hard to obey, but I trust you to lead me well. Thank you that all of your commands are good. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

Even if it isn’t what we want to do. We will obey the Lord so that all will go well for us. Jeremiah 42:6

Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23

Music for Meditation

Lead me Lord - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir 

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A Friend of God

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

Many people believe that the phrase “God helps them that help themselves” is in the Bible. However, it was actually written by Benjamin Franklin.

There are issues in which you cannot help yourself. There are hurts you do not know how to heal, mistakes you need forgiveness for, and obstacles to knowing God that you are unable to overcome by yourself.

God brings you joy because he prevails over all those things. Your victory is not about how hard you try but about how he helps you.

God has done extraordinary things for you—even providing the way for you to know God. His is the name of joy—say it today with gladness.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, your name makes me rejoice. Thank you for doing everything necessary so that I can enjoy you forever. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

We can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. Romans 5:11

Music for Meditation

A Friend of God

 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.

Greeting the Savior

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem during that last week of his life, the crowds welcomed him with palm branches and cheers. They happily greeted him as the answer to their hopes. They did not know that their joy would lie in the grave with him for three days. It was not until Jesus rose from the dead that they truly saw their hopes gloriously fulfilled.

Today you may be disappointed that some exciting opportunities—things you praised God for—look like they’ve taken a turn for the worst. Yet continue to greet God with gladness. He will bring your dreams to life again in a way that will make you truly joyful.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, I greet you with joy. I praise you that no matter how it may look, you are breathing life into my dreams. Amen

Scripture for Meditation

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Music for Meditation

I Bless Your Name

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God Understands

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

Some days you may feel that no one appreciates the unique pressures you face. And perhaps you are in such an exceptional situation that very few really could. God, however, knows you intimately and cares about what concerns you.

God knows the hidden thoughts of your heart and can see your circumstances from an all-encompassing viewpoint. He also knows how you feel when you are emotionally spent.

always remember that God understands you very well—even better than you know yourself—and can help you overcome any challenge you face. Take heart today by trusting in him.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, thank you for understanding and loving me. Help me to always remember that—no matter what happens—you will help me through. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15

We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. Hebrews 2:14

Music for Meditation

Open Thou Mine Eyes

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Even Greater

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

Are you humbled by the thought that you could do greater things than Jesus? What could be greater than being raised from the dead and providing eternal life for all of humanity?

Yet the meaning here is not about bigger miracles—it is about honoring God. Jesus’ purpose was to provide the way to God so that others could know him. Now that he has provided the way, you can know God, and he can shine through you.

Jesus saw the potential you have to bring glory to God. Today, emulate his example by telling others of how great a gift it is to honor him with your life.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, I thank you for the great purpose of introducing others to you. I am honored to live for you and to give you all the glory. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

If you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things. John 14:12

When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. John 15:8

Music for Meditation

Oh Great Love 

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Before and Behind

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Moments of Peace for the morning: Inspirational Thoughts and Prayers to begin Your Day.

There are two intrinsic factors that will shape how you carry out your day today—the past and the future. Your history will influence your attitudes and beliefs, reactions and fears. Your future will be instrumental in how you plan and will be based upon your goals and hopes.

God is fully with you today and always—timelessly guarding and guiding your path. He brings good out of the experiences in your yesterdays that have shaped you, and prepares you for what will happen in your tomorrows.

God goes behind you, protecting you, and before you, pointing you in the right direction. Rejoice that as you follow him, he fully safeguards your days.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, thank you for being with me in my yesterdays and in my tomorrows. I praise you for blessing all the days of my life. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

The Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will be your real guard. Isaiah 52:12

May the Lord bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Psalm 128:5

Music for Meditation

I'll Walk With God

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Defining Moments

Crisis has happened. What will come from this? . . .

We have a choice to be conformed to the ordinary, the expected,

the easier path. Or we can choose to let this event transform us.

~Miriam Neff

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take My Heart Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

When tragedy strikes, the pain can knock us off our feet. We face the tempestuous emotions of anger, denial, grief, and even depression. We fear for the future, wondering what can possibly come of this situation. What good can God bring from the crisis?

In these moments, we have a choice. We can choose the path that lets our emotions take over and leads us into resentment and bitterness. Or we can choose the less-expected path of allowing ourselves to be transformed by God. We can choose to let him work in us to do his will. When the world sees an out-of-the-ordinary response to crises in life, it sits up and takes notice.

You can come out of the crisis on the other side—stronger and more dependent on God. He doesn’t want tragedies to destroy you or define you. He wants to transform you.

It’s your choice.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, please don’t let this crisis be wasted on me. I want to be transformed.

Scripture for Meditation

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

Music for Meditation

From the Inside Out

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Oh How He Loves Me

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

Draw Near to Me with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love relationship. Nothing can separate you from My Loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy.

You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new with My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.

Scripture for Meditation

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. O God I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me. Psalm 56:3-4

For I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Do  you not see? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert! Isaiah 43:19

Music for Meditation

How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band 

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