Day 31 of Prayer! Sending Out The Farmers...

A heart for missions

Last week at the pool, I had the great privilege of meeting a little boy who had recently come home from Ghana.

At the age of three, he was adopted into a Jesus-lovin' family of six. Mom. Dad. And four older brothers.

I spoke with the mother about her adoption experience. "Yes, our family is actually going back to live in Ghana. We are committing to two years. We are all so excited!"

Her oldest boy is fourteen and they stair-step down from there. "How do your older boys feel about the move?"

"We had a family meeting and told them the calling their daddy and I both heard from the Lord. We told them, 'you all are not going with us as missionary kids.'" She smiled, "'You are going as missionaries.'"

Mmmm. That is powerful.

Children
"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations. A desire to see your marvelous deeds among all peoples."



Let no one despise you because of your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love , in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

It is never too early to instill in our children a ministry mindset.

Jesus didn't say, "When you turn eighteen, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."

Jesus says. GO. Make disciples. Matthew 28:19

I pray my boys see themselves as missionaries. Everywhere they go. There is always an opportunity to minister. Always. At school. At the gym. On the soccor field. At the pool. Even at church...do ministry. Serve others. Bless others. Sow seeds of love, encouragement, compassion, service, hugs, pats on the back....sow, sow, sow.

A new school year is beginning. For some of you that beginning is today. Let this be a year of casting vision. This is the year of sowing seed. I want to encourage my boys to see themselves as little farmers. Little disciple makers. Little missionaries. And for Ethan (age 5), I might need to clarify a few times exactly what that means. But it is not too early to learn.

Even a rising kindergartner can sow seeds. "Go on little farmer. Sow seeds of love today. Help your friend with his back pack. Give a little girl the seat you would really like to have. Help your buddy open his Gogurt. Sow sow sow."

The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest. Luke 10:2

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" Psalm 96:3

Myself and others
"Lord, please help me and _____________ develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, as well. Give us a desire to see your marvelous deeds among all peoples."

God bless you today, my fellow farmer.

Now .. Where Did I Put My Passion?

This summer, the enemy made a solid effort around here ... trying to steal from God's people.

Like a little girl fumbling around in the dark, trying to find her favorite Lovie, I fumbled in the dark many days. Running my hands across hardship and life stress. Patting along chaos and confusion. I knew it had to be there somewhere. My Passion. Where did I put that thing?

I was so discouraged. Even in some of the darkest seasons of my life, I have still, by God's grace, been able to maintain my Passion for Jesus. I am crazy about Him.

I mean, "let me do a cartwheel" crazy in love with Him!

But this summer, my passion went from a cartwheel to a somersault, into a fire drill (stop, drop and roll) and some days I lay flat on my back. Being the roll-ie verses the roller.

Life rolled right on top of me. And knocked my breath out.

So where did my passion go?

Do you ever feel this way?

I think of Paul. He never seemed to lose his passion. In prison - passion. Stoned by Jews from Antioch - passion. Debating with Jerusalem council - passion.

So here I am, the year is 2011, a stay-at-home mom of three in Knoxville, TN ... where the heck did my passion go? I'm not being stoned to death, persecuted or thrown in prison!

In his study, A Call to Die, David Nasser writes this, "I am always amazed that God is willing to use somebody like me. His faithfulness makes me love Him even more. The more we see his power at work in us and through us, the more we are loyal to him. Passion takes root in gratitude. Take time to think about what God has done for you. No, many things may not have gone the way you hoped. But even in those disappointments, God is still God."

Passion takes root in gratitude. Bingo.

With that statement, the light went off. "Becky, you've taken your eye off of the prize. Your goal is not comfort, your goal is Me. Look to all I HAVE done. And be thankful. It is in your gratitude that your passion will return."



So I pulled out my fancy notebook and pen (kidding about the fancy) and started a list. And there it was. With each strike of my pen, my head shaking in awe that the Lord would bless me with ANYTHING, my passion started to make its entrance back into the stubborn doors of my heart.

I keep an ongoing list. And I have been practicing the act of thankfulness unto my sweet Jesus. The giver of every single good gift. Those aren't just words. They are TRUE words. Look around us. We are SO blessed.

Beyond. Belief. Blessed.



Shame on me for overlooking. Forgive me Lord for my unthankfulness.

A lesson learned for me this summer. I hope it blesses you, too.

On that note:

Gratitude

Children
Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.

Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:20

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Col. 2:6, 7

Myself and others
Help ME and _____________ live lives that are always OVERFLOWING with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for EVERYTHING.

31 Days of Prayer: A Servant's Heart (And The Winner Is...)

Children

"God, please help my children develop a servant's heart, that they would serve wholeheartedly, as if serving the Lord and not men. "

ME ME ME

"God, please help ME operate with a servant's heart. Let me serve my family, my friends, my church, everyone I encounter, let me serve them as if serving YOU."

Even as I typed this post, I was interrupted three or four times. "Mom, will you get my blanket? Mom, I'm hungry, I want cereal. Mom, Mom, Mom."

I wanted to say, "Guys!! Mommy wants a quiet time. Leave me alone!!" But then I remembered my own prayer. Umm. Hello Becky. Be a doer of the Word.

Every cup of milk poured, each toy picked up, every pair of boxers you fold, every time you clean the counter top, wipe a bottom or toast a waffle .... this too is for the Glory of God. We have such sweet opportunities to serve Him (wholeheartedly) in many ways today.

Lord, let me be mindful of this Biblical Truth.

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to "DM" (a.k.a. Debra) for winning Mercy Me's CD "Generous Mr. Lovewell!!! I pray it blesses you so! Thanks to ALL of you for participating and sharing your heart.

31 Days of Prayer: Two for the Weekend

Compassion

Children
"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Col. 3:12)

Put on then, as God's chosen one's, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Responsibility

Children
"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each should carry his own load."

For each should carry his own load. Galatians 6:5

31 Days of Prayer: Nineteen (Taming The Ego)

Humility

Children
"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all."

Titus 3:2
Slander no one...be peaceable and considerate, and show true humility toward all men.

My children love to "one up" each other. Do yours?

"I got in the van first."
"I have read that book before."
"I'm the only one who ate all of their dinner."
"Oh, I've already done that."

Pride, pride, pride, pride, pride, pride, pride.

David writes, "Surely I was sinful from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." Psalm 51:5

My sweet boys came into this world full of pride. It is part of their innate make-up. It is a work of the Holy Spirit to tame this trait. I can't "make them" humble.

My job is to point out their high "self-regard" and lead them to Christ.

"Ooooh, buddy. I hear pride talking. Let's act out of humility, please."
"Yes, ma'am."

Pride will get a token lost in the Crenshaw home. It goes against the "Honor Each Other" rule.

I want my boys to recognize pride when it rears its head.

I want to train them to speak to it and tell that ugly thing to go away.

Jesus operated out of a place of deep humility. Charles Spurgeon says, "If we would live properly, it must be by the contemplation of His death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering His humiliation and sorrow."

His death was motivated by deep love for us, sacrifice, humility and obedience to the Father.

Jesus is the only thing we can take pride in.



May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:4

Myself and Others
"Lord, cultivate in me and __________ the ability to show true humility to all. Help us to recognize and die to pride daily."

31 Days of Prayer: Eighteen - Wetting Myself For Jesus

Perseverance

Children
"Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do and help them run with perseverance the race marked out for them."

Soak this in...

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (AMP)

If you've ever stood at the start line of a marathon, especially in the winter or spring months, you've seen runners beginning the race in layers of clothing. Sometimes this clothing is an ensemble of flannel shirts and gloves purchased from their local Goodwill. Runners need to begin a race warm, but still have the freedom to strip off any unnecessary clothing once they're going. Attempting to tie a shirt around their waist would distract them from the run. Worrying over their favorite jacket might slow them down.

And around mile two, you'll find the streets filling up with discarded shirts, gloves and worn out jackets.

Let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) entangles us.

A determined runner will let nothing stop them from finishing strong. Especially if winning is an option. No hill too steep, no weather too extreme to slow them down. Even peeing or (disgustingly enough - pooping) will not stop them. A runner will urinate all over themselves to run the race marked for them.

What if this was our spiritual mindset. Nothing getting in our way. No clever sin attaching itself to our leg and dragging us with it.

I'm here to say, spiritually speaking, I'd wet myself for Jesus. I'd even poop my pants if it meant knowing Him more. Nothing... Nothing...Nothing will stop me from my pursuit. No valley, no mountain, no sickness, not even death, will keep me from my God.

Hallelujah.

So, my sweet friend, you cloud of witnesses you, let us run with patient endurance...steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.

Myself and Others
"Lord, let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us. Let us run with patient endurance, active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.

31 Days of Prayer: Seventeen (Joy!)

Joy

Children
"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Thessalonians 1:6

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Things make me happy. A delicious dinner. Obedient children. Target. A good movie. A date night. Chick-fil-a. A successful run. A long (uninterrupted) talk with a friend.

The Holy Spirit brings me joy. God fill us with joy. Joy is a divine gift. It runs deep. Circumstances can not take it. Man can not create it.

Joy can be present through great affliction. I know this to be true. Through suffering, pain, relational loss, cancer, even death. Joy is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joy (chara): gladness wrought by the Holy Spirit.

If it is joy we are looking for, we must look to our God. The Giver of every good and perfect gift. Our Provider. Our Healer. Our Protection. Our Strength. Our Joy.

Myself and Others
"Lord, give me deep joy that can only come from You. Let me not search only for happiness, but let me seek You, my Sustainer and Hope. Thank you that joy is possible is the hardest of circumstances. I love you, Jesus."

31 Days of Prayer: Fifteen (Generosity)

Generosity

Children
"Grant that my children may be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share."

Myself and Others
"Grant that I and ___________ would always be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share."

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

I love this...
When I tell my boys to share with each other, I know now to say, "Listen, this is God's plan for us. First Timothy says to be generous. And ready...waiting on an opportunity to share with others."

Mmmm, good stuff.

31 Days of Prayer: Fourteen (Kindness)

I better be quick!

No promises on how long my finicky server will allow for me to write this post. Even slimmer is the chance it will actually post. But as Robin Williams said, "Carpe Diem!"

Seize the day (or moment)!!

Kindness
"Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."

1 Thess 5:15
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Mmm. Isn't that verse amazing! I think that will be the new Crenshaw memory verse. Love love.

Remember, that if my Internet continues to boot me out, I am trying to post via Facebook page. Join me there. I miss my blog.

31 Days of Prayer: Ten (Self-Esteem)

Biblical self-esteem

Children:
"Help my children develop a strong self esteem that is deeply rooted in the fact that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus."

Myself and Others
"Help me and ___________ develop a strong self esteem that is deeply rooted in the fact they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)

I must say, I have some beautiful nieces. Oh my goodness, I really do. (Proud Aunt Becky writing here).

I remember years ago visiting in Memphis with Brent's twin brother, his wife Erin and their children. At this time, Olivia, their second child was very small. Just starting to talk, so maybe two-years-old.

Let me tell you, Olivia is "stop and stare at her" stunning. Her blue eyes tell a story of God's creativity. As blue as the Caribbean sea. I am not exaggerating either.

Erin said to her, "Livi, you are so pretty. What makes you pretty?"

Her small voice, speaking some of her earliest words, "God in my heart."

Yes, Liv. That is exactly was makes you pretty. It is amazing that as beautiful as Olivia is, when God looks at her, he not only sees her beautiful blond hair and big blue eyes, he see His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. He sees a call on her life. He sees his child, prepared beforehand, that she would walk with Him.

Don't think for one second that God doesn't see the exact same in you. He admires you. He sees your worth. He sees His workmanship in you. His very own image. Your self worth rests in this truth. Your self esteem is found in Him.

Amazing.

31 Days of Prayer: Nine (Love and Respect)

Respect for self, others and authority:

Children
"Father, grant that my children would show proper respect for everything and everyone, as your Word commands."

Myself and Others
"Father, I pray that I and ________ would show proper respect for everything and everyone, as your Word commands."

Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. 1 Peter 2:17


Respect (timaō) - To honor, to revere, to admire

Love (agapaō) - to wish well, to have a preference for, to regard the well fare for

Imagine...

How different would our world would be if this was how we treated each other? With honor and admiration. Wishing well. With preference and regard.

What an opportunity we have to pray for and teach this rising generation how to love well. Even if you don't have children of your own, will you take a moment and pray for someone specifically? Call them by name.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4

31 Days of Prayer: Eight (Showing Mercy)

Mercy

Children:
"May my children always be merciful, just as You are merciful."

Myself and Others:
"May I and _________ always be merciful, just as you are merciful."

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36

Being female, compassion somewhat comes with the package. Girls are, for the most part, more nurturing and boys. It is amazing to me that I have to teach mercy and compassion to my children.



I am always a bit discouraged when I don't see Grant running to his brother's aid when he falls and gets hurt. Especially if Grant is the cause of the injury. And with boys, this is often the case.

"Grant, will you come here and check on your brother? Pat his shoulder. Ask him if he is OK. Show mercy and compassion to those hurting around you."

I'm not kidding. Those words have come from my mouth.

But, as silly as that sounds, Jesus' words to us are not much different. "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." He had to teach his disciples the same principle. Mercy isn't a suggestion - it is a command.

Our first response is not always mercy. Sadly, my flesh likes revenge, grudge and bitterness much better. But Jesus says, "No, no Becky. Love those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for your abusers. Not only do good to those who love you, but do good to the unlovable. Expecting nothing in return." (Luke 6:27-36)

A tall order for little me. But just another day for the Holy Spirit. With Him, nothing is impossible.

31 Days of Prayer: Seven (Justice)

Justice

Children:
"God, help my children love justice as You do and act justly in all they do."

Myself and Others:
"God, help ____________ love justice as You do and act justly in all things."

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face. Psalm 11:7

Yesterday, Grant and Ethan got in trouble at the same time for two different offenses. Ethan was not obeying after I had asked him to start picking up toys in the playroom. Grant got in trouble for yelling at Ethan because he was not picking up toys in the playroom. Both boys were asked to come downstairs and remove a token from the token board.

After removing their tags Grant protested, "Ethan should only have three tokens. He still has four. He lost two tokens yesterday."

"When did he lose the second one? I only remember him losing one."

Pause. {Grant searching his memory.} "I'm not sure, but I know he lost two."

I walk over to the board. Grant only had two tokens remaining.

"Buddy, I think you are ultimately upset because you only have two left and that Ethan has more than you."

"No, mom! I remember he lost two yesterday and he didn't take them all off. I just know it."

We went round and round. The conversation ended with the conclusion that we aren't to be concerned with other's token. Only our own.

Grant has a deep sense of justice. He strongly desires for things to be fair and right. Unfortunately at his age, this desire for justice is oftentimes misplaced. Much like this token incident.

As his mom, I want to point out what is going on in his heart. I want him to know what is driving the emotion behind his argument. Justice. I want him to know that God is Just. He loves was is right. It is good that Grant desires these things, too. This character trait is in the image of our God.

I pray that as my children mature, so will their desire for mercy and justice. I pray that I can foster this trait in my boys and help them to see true injustice in this life. I pray they will grow in compassion for the needy and have a heart for the things of this world that are truly unjust.

31 Days of Prayer: Six

Love for God's Word

Children:
"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than pure gold and sweeter than honey."

Myself or Others:
"Lord, give ___________ a desire for your Word. May we find it to be more precious than pure gold and sweeter than honey."

[Your Words] are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Psalm 19:10

As one who loves honey in her coffee (or on her bread or with peanut butter or on a spoon straight up), this verse makes me smile. Yes, Lord. Your Word is even sweeter still.

31 Days of Prayer: Five

Self-control

Children:
"Father, help my children not be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self controlled in all they do."

Myself and Others:
"Father, help ____________ and even myself not be like many others around, but let us be alert and self-controlled in all we do.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. Titus 2:6

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

So much of the discipline issues around this home are birthed from a lack of self-control. Be it hitting a brother, talking back to mom and dad or just flat out being obnoxious (boys do this, yes?) all could be avoided by walking a life of self-control. This one is tough. I want to encourage my boys towards a self-controlled life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Even the other day, Grant and I were having a discussion about his "out of control" behavior. He said, "Mom, I don't know what came over me. I know I am suppose to have self-control, but I just lost it."



Sweet boy. At least he is aware of the difference. I encouraged him to be the boss of his body and tell it what to do. Say to yourself, "I am discipline. I am of sound mind. I do not have to do what I feel. I choose what is right. I choose self-control."

I'm sure that was one of those "mom has ten eyes" moments. But it is true. He can have control over his impulsiveness. He can have control over his anger. He can have control over his sillies. The Bible says he is of sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I want to teach him to remind himself of what the Bible says about him. And as Titus 2:6 instructs, to encourage my young man to be self-controlled.

31 Days of Prayer: Four

Honesty and Integrity

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Psalm 25:21

Children:
"May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection."

Myself or Others:
"May integrity and honesty be the virtue and protection of _______________."

I often pray protection over my children. I'm sure you do, as well. It is such piece of mind knowing we can hope (or wait expectantly) for the Lord to protect our children. Synonyms for the Greek word protect (natsar) are words such as watchtower, guard, blockaded and lodge. A life of integrity and uprightness before God act as watchmen over our children. The Lord is their shelter. And yours.

Thank Him for this amazing truth today.

31 Days of Prayer: Three

Love

Children:
"Grant that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them."

Myself or Others:
"Lord, grant that _____________ would learn to live a life of love, through the Holy Spirit who dwells within."

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2

Last night, Luke and I went to Target in pursuit of paper towels and a night light for the boy's bathroom. When I turned the corner onto the light bulb isle, I was greeted by a Target employee stocking shelves. Young lad with a big smile. His red shirt matching the rosy of his cheeks. You'd think he had been there waiting for me.

"Good evening, Ma'am. Is there anything I can help you find tonight?"

With every shape and size of bulb before me, "I just need a night light."

"Are you looking for one in particular? We have some right here and a few more up front." Picking one from the shelf, "This is our new LED light that is energy-efficient and gives a soft glow. It lasts twice as long as an average bulb. If a regular 60 watt is paper and pen, this LED bulb is a laptop computer."

"I think you've sold me on the LED bulb. I'll try it. Thank you so much."

"Yes, ma'am. If there's anything else I can help you with, please let me know."

As I turned to leave the light bulb isle, I thought, What great customer service. I can't imagine anyone more concerned about my night light purchase.

I turned back. "Excuse me. Can I get your name? Your manager should know what a great job you are doing."

"Thank you, ma'am. My name is Ross. That makes my night."

I didn't ask Ross if he was a Christian. But his motivation was love last night. Maybe it was a love for his job at Target. Or maybe a love for LED light bulbs. But I'd bed you my bottom dollar, Ross was motivated by love through the Holy Spirit within him.

I could see it.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

There was good stored up in Ross's heart. And his fruit was good.

I pray that my children would be recognized by the good fruit stored within them. I pray that love would exude and that the love of Christ would be a blessing to everyone in their path.



If we live by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Be it feeding the hungry, laying hands on the sick or helping someone find a night light, let the love of Christ be evident to all.

31 Days of Prayer: Two

Growth in Grace

Children:
"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)

Others or Myself:
"I pray that I and __________ would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."


But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and "recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! 2 Peter 3:18 AMP

"To Grow in Grace." What exactly are we praying?

Grow (auxano) to increase in inward Christian growth

Grace (charis) 1) good will, loving-kindness, favour 2) the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge and affection. Kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.

Lord may we grow in grace. May we increase in inward Christian growth and may your favor rest upon us. Father, exert your Holy influence upon our souls. Turn us to Christ. Strengthen us, increase our knowledge of Jesus. Increase our affection for you and for one another. Kindle a desire within us to practice Christian virtues and to, ever increasingly, understand our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mmm. I love that. Have an amazing, Spirit-filled day.

31 Days of Prayer: One

Salvation

Children:
"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory."

Others or Myself:
"Let salvation spring up within __________. Let the salvation that is in Christ Jesus be obtained, with eternal glory."

You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it. Isaiah 45:8





So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

An Invitation: 31 Prayers For Our Children

This morning my eyes opened and I heard a phrase. The voice within my soul speaking.

The Holy Spirit's unction giving me a Word.

I love it when the LORD does this.

He said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer."

My feet hit the ground and downstairs I go. Coffee brewing, I grab my Bible. I am thinking the Lord is going to take me to the Gospels where Jesus turns tables, reprimands the money changers and gives His "den of thieves" address.

Nope, instead he took me to Isaiah 56:6 & 7:

And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minster to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant- these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my alter; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Do you feel like a foreigner sometimes? Has it been a long time since you've done anything "religious" or gone to church? Or maybe you go to church every time the door opens, but your heart is stagnant. Maybe you've hit a valley and your spiritual ear has gone deaf. Or perhaps you have done Christian event after Christian event, but rarely get before the Lord, just you and Him?

Do you know all of that can change this very second? In a flash, the Lord can turn us around. The Gospel can grip the heart in an instant. And change your life.

He can change your circumstance.

Join yourself to the Lord. This word join translates as "adhering oneself to Jehovah." Isn't that a beautiful thought? To be stuck on Jesus. I like.

"My holy mountain" (v.7) is the place of God's presence and his people's worship - a house of prayer for all peoples.

This morning, your heart can be that place - the place of God's presence. Your kitchen table, the car on your morning commute, an early morning jog, your living room floor... all of these are eligible places to be a "house of prayer" because God is with us.

As you read this blog post, He is with you. Say Hello. Honor His presence. Wow.

He wants to bring us to the mountain today. Everyone is eligible. Every Israelite. Every Foreigner. Every Bible teacher. Every alcoholic. Every Sunday school leader. Every thief. Every teenager. Every senior citizen. Every wandering soul....

Come to the holy mountain and be made joyful in the house of prayer.

Love the name of the LORD. Be His servant today. Hold fast to His covenant.

He absolutely adores you.

An Invitation to 31 Days of Prayer
Tomorrow will begin a 31-day-series of prayer. Under "A Quick Fix" at the top of this page is a list of prayers for our children. We will be going through each one for the next month.



If you don't have children, tune in and pray them over yourself. Or your spouse. Or your friends. I plan on wording them so they are reader friendly, not only parent friendly.

Some days I will only post the prayer. Other days I will post more. The Lord has wanted me to do this for a while and this morning He gave clearance.

"A house of prayer." Or in our case...a blog of prayer.

Will you commit to this? Intentionally praying for your children the next 31 days?

I urge you to share this post with a friend. Invite people on Facebook. Share this invitation on your blog. Forward this as an email.

Let us, as God's people, join forces in prayer for the next generation.

See you tomorrow. Can't wait!