Slow Fade

Dear Lord today I realize that I need to turn away from many things in my life that are keeping me from your presence. I have used everyday things as a comfort. Food, music, possessions, and even friends have replaced your hand of consolation in me. Relying on the Holy Spirit as my source has become so secondary. It should be second nature. Please forgive me for not turning to you and allowing you to hold me and give me your peace. The love you give cannot be easily replaced by the things of this life that bring temporary pleasure or comfort. Will you restore today the joy of my walk with you. Your child is waiting for you to come down and receive me in your arms. I need your rest and consolation today. Please let me be washed by your cleansing waters. I am not worthy that you should look on me with mercy and love, but I am asking for the grace that lives in your throne room. Thank you Lord by faith right now for your help and understanding.

Believe in Miracles

Dear Lord it is so hard for me to believe for myself. I can pray for others with the faith that moves mountains, but when it comes to believing for myself.... I sometimes wish I had someone constantly following me around praying for my every move. I feel so inadequate a lot of the time. I can remember a time when I was confident. It seems so far away in the past. It was probably only a few months ago. It seems like an eternity ago since I knew who I was and what I was doing. I feel so lost not just at work, but everywhere as if I just can't put my thoughts together. My life feels so sad and at times I am so panicky and I walk around with this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I feel bound by my affliction. I feel that nobody understands. Even if they did understand the world is so full of turmoil that everyone has a wealth of their own problems which seem huge and insurmountable. I love you Lord and I need your help. I feel so far from you too. My mind drifts to all sorts of sources of comfort and peace, but rarely do I see you as my source. Please help me refocus the center of my joy. Wash me in your spirit and cleanse me of this curse. I don't want to live another day gripped by this fear and crippled by a lack of confidence. I am facing the lions den again in 2 days. I need desperately for you to shut the mouth of the lions. I need you to work through me and help me prove myself. I am so tired of hating my life. I want to walk in a path that you have prepared. Please God just let me live a somewhat confident life and not walk around lost. I am so ashamed of the person I am because I claim to be your child, but I look like a total failure. God in the name of JESUS. I want out of this hole I am in. I want some good out of life and I want it soon. PLEASE God have mercy on me.

Prayer for our fallen soldier.

Man down cried a desperate voice, then through the silence he was heard to say...." Heavenly father this is my lifelong friend. He has been with me through thick and thin. I wont leave him now will you please help us please God just let me get him out of hear. Let me get him to the medic. Then through the smoke he could see a tank headed there way. At first he wasn't sure if they were about to be rescued or ran over. Finally after a few tense moments the tank came to rest between them and the live fire. A voice from inside the tank called out. "Just keep him behind the me and I'll drive slow until we make it to safety. Once out of danger the man who had prayed the prayer searched all over for the driver of the tank who had saved his life. No one was to be found. Years from then he had returned from his tour of duty and his wife was due to deliver his firstborn son. He was to be named after his fallen comrade. In the waiting room full of fears and feelings of inadequacies again he prayed. God how am I going to do this how can I possibly be a good enough father. From the corner of the room he heard a voice say "Just keep him behind the me and I'll drive slow until we make it to safety". Not knowing what to say he stared at the man sitting in the chair. The more he looked the more he began to recognize the man. It was the chaplain from his old unit. He couldn't help asking. How did you know what was said that day. I was in the tank that day. I was not supposed to be driving a tank so as soon as you were out of harms way I ran for cover. Listen I heard you praying over there and I wanted you to know as long as you are praying you'll always have God's ear. He longs to hear from you and he knows the pain you still carry from the death of your best friend. He also knows that you feel somehow responsible. I want you to know I was there and I saw what really happened. Jim had orders to advance only at direct command. He could see just over the hill and knew the enemy was closer than we realized. As he lifted up to toss a grenade he was spotted and was shot be an enemy sniper. Tom if he hadn't lifted up to toss the grenade that sniper would have hit you. You're not to blame Tom. Jim should have never thrown the grenade. He had orders to advance only on command. Today Tom God wants you to be free from this guilt and live a life that honors the memory of your friend. You should raise little Tom to always respect a Soldier. You have to let go of this grudge you carry against the armed forces. Always getting upset each time the news says anything about the war on terror. There was nothing anyone could have done different. Nothing anyone can do now to bring Jim back. Just know that God has received Jim into his kingdom and is waiting for you now. He wants you to come to him without this unforgiveness in your heart. I am going to leave you now Tom, but I want you to ask God to help you overcome this and do it today. You will feel so good and the Lord will be so pleased that you have decided to let it all go and trust Him. Tom Prayed and as the chaplain left he noticed Tom was shaking hands with a man in uniform. He could tell he was thanking him for serving this great nation. Right then the chaplain thanked God for using him in this way and went on his way. If this story has been an inspiration to you thank a soldier or a veteran for their service. Memorial Day will be hear before you know it dont wait till then. Do it today.

Prayer for our fallen soldier.

A.C.T.S.

I thought I would post a favorite prayer model. I have found this useful in structuring my prayer time to include and prioritize all elements of a good prayer life.
A stands for Adoration. During this portion one simply wants to worship God for who he is not necessarily for what he's done.
C stands for confession. In this portion it is important to be specific. Telling God all of the times you have broken his commandments throughout the day. This can be painful, but before moving on make sure this is complete. Unrepented sin can cause a barrier between you and the Father.
T stands for thanksgiving. This is another time to slow down and take the time to list everything you are thankful for. Many find that a prayer journal can be very helpful in this part of our prayer life. We don't always remember things, but if we jot them down throughout the day we can be sure to give God glory in our quiet time.
S stands for supplication. This is the time to present our requests to God. The word of God is clear that he is touched with the feelings of our weaknesses. I want to encourage you though to beware of be self centered at this moment. It is important to take your burdens to him, but we must also bear one another's burdens and that means pray for others first and then for yourself.

Worry

Almighty God today I feel worried. Worried that any day now one mistake may cause all of my shortcomings to come to light all at once. The fear consumes me and distracts me from my mission in life which is to shine for you. I trust your ability to help me overcome this worry, but I still can't let it go. God PLEASE take away this thorn in my flesh. I need you to re-assure me that you are in control. That all my efforts cannot calm the business of my thoughts. Help me to realize that peace can only be found through a closer walk with you. A surrender to your will and your ways. I release my grip on the future and vow to take each day as a gift from you. Please forgive me for leaving you out of my everyday life. I am yours Lord. Your servant is waiting. Speak oh Lord to my soul. I now commit to you to sit silent and listen to your Holy Spirit. (At this point Child of God Literally sit in silence with no distractions and wait before the Lord 5 mins minimum or more) Thank You Lord for speaking to my heart. I accept your will and by your power I will overcome In Jesus Name AMEN