God has entrusted each of us with this precious gift called life

I believe that this life is not all; neither the beginning nor the end. I believe while I tremble; I trust while I weep.

~~Charlotte Bronte

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

We mostly grab quick snatches of ourselves in the mirror while we’re in a hurry, but every once in a while we steal a moment to take a good, long look at the women we have become. We notice more gray hair that stubbornly reemerges despite the valiant efforts of our hairdressers. Lines and wrinkles have made their appearances around our eyes and mouths.

We can’t help but think back to the days when we were young. And we might feel a bit melancholy. But dear sister, look again. Youth is gone, replaced by the gray hair of wisdom and the wrinkles of a life lived with concern, care, and laughter.

Time is fleeting and precious. God has entrusted each of us with this precious gift called life to fulfill a unique and divine purpose.

With eternity in view, it’s time to live, work, and love—passionately, joyfully, purposefully, reverently.

Prayer for Meditation

I want to live my life with passion, joy, purpose and reverence. Thank you, Lord.

Scripture for Meditation

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. Proverbs 16:31

Music for Meditation

How He Loves Us 

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

His exhausted, futile travelers, losing the way, falling in the dark, struggling on again, will ultimately get there . . . It is an immense hope and is the gift of faith.

~~Elizabeth Goudge

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

We find ourselves sidetracked and turned around many times: choosing things of the world over God; filled up with pride over achievements; waiting until we are desperately in need and only then turning to him. As Elizabeth Goudge puts it, we fall and fall again.

Our reassurance is from Jesus, who came for sinners such as us. When we repent and set out again on the journey home, he will give us strength. He shines a light in the darkness.

The spiritual journey requires a habitual effort to put God first in our lives. When we do this, the world loses its appeal. God’s love is so great, so awe-inspiring, and so graciously given to sinners, that all else pales in comparison.

Persevere in virtue. Then when you fall, Jesus stretches forth his hand to pick you up and set you on the path again.

You’ll get there. He promises.  

Prayer for Meditation

Lord Jesus, I’m tired and often sidetracked. Hold my hand. Guide me.

Scripture for Meditation

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:1-3

Music for Meditation

Here I Am 

 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

He's been waiting for you.

The Lord doesn’t disappear when you turn away from Him, He remains.

~~Anne Rice

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

What would cause us to turn away from God? Perhaps a deep, heartfelt plea we brought to him was refused. Or maybe we have talked to God about a request for so long that we tire of bringing it anymore. We shake our fists at heaven. We stand dazed and confused, crying out, “Why, God?” We feel angry and disappointed. And, finally, we decide it’s easier just to turn away than to face the constant silence from heaven.

You may turn away, but God stays by your side, seeing your pain and knowing your hurt. He never leaves, never turns his back. He constantly walks beside you whether you sense his presence or not.

A day will come when the light will break through. You’ll look back and see God’s fingerprints everywhere. You’ll look around and there he is.

He’s been waiting for you.

Prayer for Meditation

Father, I lay down what I don’t understand. I choose to trust in you.

Scripture for Meditation

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Music for Meditation

All the Way My Savior Leads Me 

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You are never, ever alone.

Jesus is my Husband, my Savior, my Beloved. I am not alone.

~~Robin Lee Hatcher

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

Loneliness. Married or single, young or old, rich or poor, we all sometimes feel alone—like no one is here for us, no one cares. But those of us who love Jesus have his constant presence, even in the times when we don’t feel him close.  Whether we are joyful and fully content or struggling with grief or discouragement, Jesus is with us. We are never alone when we have him.

He is better than the most perfect husband—he knows your needs and gently cares for you. He is your Savior—he willingly gave his life so that you could be set free from sin and have this always-and-forever relationship with him. He is your beloved—loving you with an everlasting love. The One who runs the whole universe is your Husband, your Savior, your Beloved. He has you always on his heart.

You are never, ever alone.

Prayer for Meditation

Beloved Jesus, thank you so much for your constant presence with me.

Scripture for Meditation – Psalm 40:2

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

Music for Meditation

You’ll Never Walk Alone 

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The paradoxical truth is that you’re too busy not to take time for God.

I sit on my favorite rock, looking over the brook, to take time away from busy-ness, time to be . . . it’s something we all need for our spiritual health, and often we don’t take enough of it.

~~Madeleine L’Engle

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

So many people try to cram fifty hours of activity into twenty-four-hour days. That seems to be the expectation of the world. Yet our souls cry out, “Stop! Be quiet. Seek silence. Just be.” When we take a break from the constant running, a door opens into heaven.

Attend to the mysteries of your soul by quieting your mind before the Lord. Nothing is more valuable than this time with God. No schedules, no chores, no plans are more important than the need to sit in the presence of his glory.

Create a space for quiet. Create a place for prayer. Maybe it’s that favorite rock by the brook, or a favorite chair in your bedroom. Wherever it is, that is your place for taking time to be and to renew your spiritual health.

The paradoxical truth is that you’re too busy not to take time for God.

Prayer for Meditation

I just want to sit here and be with you, Lord. Thank you for this quiet time.

Scripture for Meditation – Mark 1:35

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Music for Meditation

As Long As It Takes 

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Jesus is the Master Craftsman and he has a plan more beautiful than you can imagine.

What Christ asks of us is a roomy workshop for when He comes into the soul; He comes as a craftsman and brings His tools with him.

~~Evelyn Underhill

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

Jesus wants to move into our souls. He needs a workshop, a place to lay out the tools he will ue as he crafts his purposes in our lives. He needs room to do his work.

So we first clear out the clutter taking up space—the clutter of a desire for wealth, prestige, or the accumulation of stuff, or a craving to be noticed and appreciated. In order to give Christ his workshop, make some space. Spiritual housecleaning is a process of letting go of these desires and freeing ourselves from worldly attachments.

Invite Jesus into the workshop of your life. You may need his help to clean it up, but he willingly does it. He is the Master Craftsman and he has a plan more beautiful than you can imagine. Stop in. Take a look. See what he’s working on in you today.

Prayer for Meditation

Holy Spirit, I give you room today to do your work in me.

Scripture for Meditation

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.  I John 2:15-17

Music for Meditation

I Lift My Hands 

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You bought us, Lord. You know us. We are yours.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, / much we need Thy tender care; / In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, / for our use Thy folds prepare . . . Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! / Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

~~Dorothy Thruff

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

Savior, like a shepherd lead us. Call us each morning to you. Gather us together. As you set off into the day, we simply follow.

We watch you as you move ahead of us. We trust you. You will take us to pastures of green grass so we can eat. You will be careful to bring us to still waters, for you know that we can easily be swept away by swiftly flowing streams. You will not take us on paths too rocky for our hooves to handle or too steep for us to climb. You will tenderly care for us should we get caught in the briars or stumble on the path. And, when the sun sets, you will return us safely to the fold.

You bought us. You know us. We are yours.

Your Shepherd calls you today to follow. You can trust him wherever he leads.

Prayer for Meditation

I trust you, Good Shepherd, to lead me today.

Scripture for Meditation – Psalm 40:11

He will feed his flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in his arms,

holding them close to his heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Music for Meditation

Draw Me Nearer 

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 need your grace, Lord, to let go of me and hear others

That’s always my prayer—that I can be totally present with the person I’m talking to, not thinking about the next thing I’m going to ask—not filling up the awkward space with words.

~~Cathleen Falsani

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

It’s difficult to not think about ourselves. Our minds keep us consumed with how we look, how we feel, what we want. . . Even during conversations we are often thinking about ourselves. We want to keep the conversation going so we don’t look awkward. We’re so busy thinking about the next question, we don’t hear the answer to the one we just asked!

Cathleen Falsani advises that we pray for the ability to be totally present with others and to trust God with our needs as we shift our attention outward. We don’t have to fill up every space with words. We need to allow for conversation, back and forth, and even the silence of reflection. This shows that we are engaged and that we care.

Let God guide your conversations today. Be totally present for those with whom you converse. After all, that’s just how God listens to you.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I am self-focused in many areas. I need your grace to let go of me and hear others.

Scripture for Meditation

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4

Music for Meditation

God Speaking 

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The view from the pit . . .

There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.

~~Corrie Ten Boom

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

In the pit, we are enveloped by darkness. It’s cold. Dank. And very lonely. Our cries go unheard and eventually all we can do is whimper into the darkness, hoping against hope that someone will hear, someone will call down to us from above, someone will find a way to rescue us. But as our tears fall to the ground, we may be here for a long time.

Where is God?

The truth is, dear sister, he is here. In the pit. He knows the trial that has sent you into this pit of darkness. Abandonment, uselessness, grief, fear, depression. He desires to help you out of the pit. To raise you back to the sunshine and resh air. To refresh you to serve again.

Corrie ten Boom lived it. “There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.” Grab onto God and don’t let go.

Prayer for Meditation

This pit is dark, Lord, but I am holding on to you.

Scripture for Meditation – Psalm 40:2

He lifted me out of the pit of despair,

out of the mud and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground

and steadied me as I walked along.

Music for Meditation

 I Need You Now 

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

Be willing to stay broken. God can work his miracles through you

A wise man once said to me, “Joyce, God has given you the ear of many. Stay broken and only speak when spoken through.”  

~~Joyce Meyer

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

When something breaks and can’t be repaired, we throw it out, deeming it useless. And after someone fails, we might label him or her as “broken” or “useless” also. Yet God takes our brokenness and makes us useful for him.

When we’re broken, we’re teachable. We stop long enough to listen. We realize maybe we don’t have all the answers and we made a mess of things. We’re a little more willing to take advice, to stop where we’re headed and go a different direction.

And more than that, when we’re broken, we’re reachable. God can reach down through the walls we put up, point out our sins, and finally get us to realize our desperate need for him. That kind of brokenness will make us useful for God. It allows him to speak through us. It keeps us humble.

Be willing to stay broken. God can work his miracles through you.

Prayer for Meditation

I know I’m broken, Lord. I trust that you will use me anyway for your glory.

Scripture for Meditation

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18

Music for Meditation

Broken into Beautiful 

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

Only the Gardener knows how you will look in full bloom

May we yield to His pruning and know the hand that holds the knife is a wounded one—wounded for you and me.

~~Jill Briscoe

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

Gardeners understand that pruning is part of the process of growth. They know that they must cut away certain stems and leaves to allow a plant to bloom to its full potential. The plant may look a little worse for the wear for a short time, but when the blooms come, they will be full and healthy.

So it is in our lives. The master Gardener knows us better than we know ourselves. Because he wants the very best for us, he prunes away anything that would stunt our growth or choke our potential.

Perhaps you are feeling the clippers cutting away at you right now. It hurts. You wonder why certain parts of your life are being so drastically changed. Be reminded, dear one that each cut is done with precision and care. Only the Gardener knows how you will look in full bloom

Prayer for Meditation

Loss and change are painful, Lord. Share your vision of when I recover and thrive again.

Scripture for Meditation

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2

Music for Meditation

I Surrender All 

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God invites us to be his own children, adopted into his family

This love disclosing itself was no cosmic Creator of a mechanistic universe, for the revelation was intimate, personal . . . God insists on seeing us one by one, each a special case, each inestimably loved for himself.

~~Catherine Marshall

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

Stars too numerous to count. Fragile butterflies of breathtaking beauty. The laws of gravity and of the seasons. The rotation of the planets. The colors of a rainbow. The intricacies of a rosebud. Surely the Author of all this has a full calendar and a waiting list of at least a few thousand years.

But no. He created us too, and calls us even more beloved than the rest of creation, for we alone are made in his image. He insists on seeing us one by one. He invites us to be his own children, adopted into his family. Personally known by him. Beloved by him. We are “inestimably loved,” as Catherine Marshall reminds us.

Look at the beautiful love—gifts of the created universe; read God’s love letter; feel his delight in you. He desires one-on-one time with you. He’s got it set aside. No waiting.

What about you?  

Prayer for Meditation

Father, thanks that I don’t have to wait—you’re always here.

Scripture for Meditation

Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:7

Music for Meditation

In Your Arms 

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Well done!

Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.  

~~Charlotte Bronte

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

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” For the Christian about to step into eternity, no better words can be imagined. Whether the years of life number nine or ninety-nine, someday time will seem short. How are we spending it?

Too many women are passing through the better part of their days wishing for a different life. They nurse animosity against those who have caused their less-than-perfect circumstances. They keep track of wrongs done to them. Life is just too short to waste that way.

Your heavenly Father has granted you a number of days on this earth. Today is one of them. Who knows how many more you have? Let today be focused on worthy things; accomplishing the work God has given you to do, loving others well, appreciating the lovely gifts of God.

Then, at the end, you will hear, “Well done.”

Prayer for Meditation

Father, help me to use my today and every day wisely for you,

Scripture for Meditation

“So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. He gave five bags of gold to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities—and then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money for safekeeping.

After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, “Sir you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.”

The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, “Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.”

The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

Music for Meditation

I‘m With You 

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