Prayers & Praise

Let our Prayer Requests be made to God with Thanksgiving!

Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

How to Uncover the Hidden Power of Prayer

Powerful PrayersPrayer is simple and powerful.

In fact, the believer’s most powerful God-given

means for affecting change is prayer. 

Yet we find it hard to practice and get results at times.

Have you tried praying different ways, but still feel frustrated and wonder if your prayers are having any effect?

God wants His children to ask for what is on their heart because He delights to give. But even more than that, he wants to fellowship with us.

Praying the Bible way, God’s way, is something we should continually seek to learn, if we want to uncover the hidden power in our prayer lives.

10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

1. A Lifestyle of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking

Prayer is more than asking God to meet the needs of our prayer list. It takes progressive action.

Prayer should progress from asking, to seeking after God’s will to guide our requests, and then to further action.  It means ‘knocking on doors’ by exploring different solutions and acquiring godly counsel to help determine the Lord’s will.

“Every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” 
— Matthew 7:8

2. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

God’s will is that we pray daily, declaring our trust, for Him to supply what is needed. By doing so, we acknowledge that He is the source of all our physical, material, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Of course God already knows we lack and have need, but in asking, we place ourselves in position of dependence, like a child to a father.

3. Pray with Confidence

Prayer is a privilege for those who are part of God’s family. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, God becomes our heavenly Father. (John 1:12) Because of this, we can be confident and absolutely sure He will hear our prayers. (Matthew 6:6)

You see, God invites his children to pray because He is delighted to provide for them, and He stands ready to do so. We have the assurance that the Lord will respond and that what He does is good.

4. Pray According to God’s Will

We can change our prayers from timid to bold by aligning our prayers with God’s will and remembering He wants to say ‘yes’ to His children.

Some things are obviously not in God’s will, like lying and cheating. For clarity on other things we need to study the Scriptures to find God’s general will revealed through commands and principles. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Our spirit must also be submitted to God. Before we even receive an answer, we should release our grip on the outcome be willing to say ‘yes’ to His plan.

5. Power of Jesus’ Name

Praying in Jesus’ name declares both our relationship with Christ and our right and authority, through Him, to approach the Father directly. Jesus told us of the power attached to asking in His name.

“The Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” 
— John 15:16

6. Forgiveness

We need to ask God’s forgiveness daily and we should also forgive others every single time. Unforgiveness hinders prayers and creates tension between us and God. Forgiveness is meant to insure that everything is right between us and our Father.

7. Patience and Timing

God has included delays as part of the believer’s prayer life. Sometimes He answers our first request; but many times it takes several petitions. We need to trust in God’s timetable.

Delays can test our faith and deepen our relationship with the Lord. Our attitudes and behaviors may need adjusted before we are ready to receive. We may need to grow spiritually before He gives us a gift.

8. Faith

God is waiting for us to petition Him with specific prayers, free of doubt, filled with faith, and aligned with His will. Low expectations and uncertainty only short-circuit faith and the power of prayer.

To deal with doubt we must learn God’s ways. When we center our prayers in line with the Word, faith rises and doubt decreases.

9. Prayer and Fasting

Fasting with prayer can bring a heightened spiritual awareness and more intimate fellowship with the Lord.

God is willing to give us clear direction, but for some things, fasting as well as prayer is required. As we place our body’s physical desires under the Spirit’s control, we let go of our grip on the material in order to embrace the spiritual.

We gain a cleansed mind, which is needed to hear what God is saying, and a submitted spirit ready to accept His instructions.

10. Focus on God Himself

The most important part of prayer is focusing on God Himself; loving and worshipping Him. Don’t make prayers just a checklist of needs. We should give honor to His name, His kingdom, and His will.

“Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
— Matthew 6:9-10

Our words are to bring us humbly into God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving, and with a willing spirit that God’s will rule in our lives.

Uncover powerful prayers: Prayers that reach the heavens and get answered. Keep in mind, God wants us to come in faith and ask Him to accomplish His divine plan in our situation. Ask the Lord to teach you more about biblical praying; put into practice what you learn, and wait in assurance for His answers!

May you use the mighty power of prayer well and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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Why Not Use the Power of Crying Out to the Living God in Your Day of Trouble?

Why Not Use the Power of Crying Out to the Living God in Your Day of Trouble?

The Power of Prayer in Your Hour of Need!

Powerful help is available when we cry out to God in our days of trouble.

Over and over, throughout history and in the Bible, we see God’s active involvement triggered by the cry of His people.

Moments of immediate, fearful need, hours of crisis, and days of trouble come to us all eventually. And they too often seem to show up unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

The Power of Crying Out to God in Your Storms of Life

Have you ever found yourself in similar storms of life, or do you find yourself in a trial today? Then stop what you are doing right now and cry aloud to the Almighty God in your trouble.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” 
— Psalm 50:15

God is expecting us to call upon Him. So we should be ready to cry out loud to the Lord for His saving help; as soon as a need arises. God says He will deliver us, so we should boldly expect His deliverance. And the great thing is; we then have one more reason to glorify Him.

Humility Required to Cry Aloud to God in Your Distress

God makes it clear and simple that He wants us to cry out to Him, that He will deliver us, and third that we are to glorify Him for it.

Are you one that prefers to be an independent, self-sufficient type? Would you rather suffer through the storm without asking for help, and then with pride say ‘Look what I did?’

Crying out to God allows us to recognize our weakness and at the same time experience His strength.

“For when I am weak, then am I strong.” 
— 2 Corinthians 12:10

Keep in mind it takes a lot of humility to cry out loud to God in our desperate moments. But that is what He tells us to do, regardless of our thoughts about the situation. God wants us to clearly see in the end that He is our deliverer and that He deserves the thanks. We should glorify Him by saying ‘Look what God did!’

A Desperate Cry to Calm the Storm in Your Life

Consider Jesus’ disciples during the storm on the Sea of Galilee. They were feeling overwhelmed by trouble during this terrible storm and the boat was filling up with water. The disciples were in a panic and overwhelmed; worried they were going to drown. And even though Jesus was in the boat with them, He somehow remained sound asleep.

As the disciples reached total desperation, they cried out loud to Jesus saying ‘Lord, save us!’ It wasn’t until they cried out to Jesus in desperation that He took action and calmed the storm in their lives.

The simple fact of the matter is this: God is totally serious about hearing from those who cry out to Him in their day of trouble. Know this and believe it. God delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of anyone who is facing a desperate situation and will cry out for His deliverance.

May you use the power of crying out to the Lord in your day of trouble and be delivered into a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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Growing Prosperity – 5 Prayers to Help Manifest the Abundance of God in Your Life!

Growing Prosperity – 5 Prayers to Help Manifest the Abundance of God in Your Life!

Praying the Word of God Over Your Situation

Growing prosperity comes from God the Great Giver.

He loves to bless His children…

From the earliest of days, God has been searching for individuals who have their hearts toward Him; on whom He can pour out His blessings.

Unfortunately, whenever He has poured out prosperity, the people have quickly forgotten who made them prosper. The tendency is for them to begin seeking the gift and not the Giver.

These scriptural prayers for prosperity are based on the spirit of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and then enjoying the manifestation of His generous abundance.

Each of our desires, pertaining to wealth and prosperity, cannot be to consume the abundance of God on ourselves, but to understand, just like Abraham did, that all of us are blessed so that we can be a blessing.

5 Scriptural Prayers for Prosperity

1) Angels on Assignment

Thank You, Father, that as I speak Your Word over my finances today, Your angelic warriors are hearkening to the sound of my voice to perform that which I speak. (Psalm 103:20)

2) Prosperity Now

I thank You, Heavenly Father, for this day You have made and I rejoice in it. You are sending me prosperity now and giving me success. (Psalm 118:24-25)

3) Taught to Profit

Thank You, Lord God, that You are teaching me to profit. You are leading me by the way that I should go. Therefore, I declare that because I hearken to Your commandments, my peace and prosperity are like a flowing river. (Isaiah 48:17-18)

4) Reap Bountifully

Father, I confess that because I have sown bountifully in order to bless others, I also reap bountifully with blessings. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

5) Prospering In All I Do

Father God, I declare that because I keep Your charge, walk in Your ways, and obey Your voice, I am prospering in all that I do and wherever I turn. (I Kings 2:3)

So, go ahead; begin praying these prosperity prayers daily. They are meant to help you get started learning how to pray the Word in the area of provision, and help you plant the Word of God into your heart.

Keep in mind: The more the Word of God is planted within us, the more spontaneous our prayers will become. Once you begin regularly praying the Word, you will find that as you are reading the Word, many other scriptures will begin to “come alive” for the purpose of prayer. Get ready now to have the abundance of God manifest in your life.

May you seek first the kingdom of God and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

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National Day of Prayer 2010 – America’s People Crying Out to God!

National Day of Prayer 2010 – America’s People Crying Out to God!

The People of the United States Pray to God in One Accord!

Today the citizens of the United States of America come together, in one accord, all across the nation to cry out to God for His great mercy and grace on our country and people.

Below is the official proclamation from the President for the 2010 National Day of Prayer:

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THE WHITE HOUSE

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2010
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our history, whether in times of great joy and thanksgiving, or in times of great challenge and uncertainty, Americans have turned to prayer.  In prayer, we have expressed gratitude and humility, sought guidance and forgiveness, and received inspiration and assistance, both in good times and in bad.

On this day, let us give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon our Nation.  Let us rejoice for the blessing of freedom both to believe and to live our beliefs, and for the many other freedoms and opportunities that bring us together as one Nation.  Let us ask for wisdom, compassion, and discernment of justice as we address the great challenges of our time.

We are blessed to live in a Nation that counts freedom of conscience and free exercise of religion among its most fundamental principles, thereby ensuring that all people of goodwill may hold and practice their beliefs according to the dictates of their consciences.  Prayer has been a sustaining way for many Americans of diverse faiths to express their most cherished beliefs, and thus we have long deemed it fitting and proper to publicly recognize the importance of prayer on this day across the Nation.

Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those suffering from natural disasters in Haiti, Chile, and elsewhere, and the people from those countries and from around the world who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to render aid.  Let us pray for the families of the West Virginia miners, and the people of Poland who so recently and unexpectedly lost many of their beloved leaders.  Let us pray for the safety and success of those who have left home to serve in our Armed Forces, putting their lives at risk in order to make the world a safer place. As we remember them, let us not forget their families and the substantial sacrifices that they make every day.  Let us remember the unsung heroes who struggle to build their communities, raise their families, and help their neighbors, for they are the wellspring of our greatness.  Finally, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those people everywhere who join us in the aspiration for a world that is just, peaceful, free, and respectful of the dignity of every human being.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2010, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon the citizens of our Nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God’s continued guidance, grace, and protection as we meet the challenges before us.

Today
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

[Source: http://nationaldayofprayer.org/news/2010-presidential-proclamation/ ]
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When the First Continental Congress convened in 1774, Thomas Cushing encouraged the delegates to begin their proceedings with prayer. Prayer has always been a foundational and important part of the USA.

You can read more about this history in an article at the TheChristianPost called America’s Founders on Prayer and the National Day of Prayer 

Be sure and take time to pray to God today with thanks!

A free podcast episode – listen here:

If My People Will Pray – 2 Chronicles 7:14

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to leave your prayers or comments below.

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Revival Hymn Redux Video – Christians Awake

Revival Hymn Redux Video – Christians Awake

Are YOU A Sleeping Christian or A Waking Christian?

This video is challenging but also uplifting…be sure to watch the full 10 minutes.

Awake sleeping Christians and examine your ways. A message every Christian needs to hear today.

WE TRULY NEED TO WAKE UP!!

“Take head, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is…
Watch therefore…
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say to you I say to all, WATCH.”

— Mark 13:33,35-37

The Power of Prayer is real. Let us join with others in praying for revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

God is good and up to something good – wake up and see… as God begins to move in your life it will overflow on to others.

May we allow the Spirit of God in our Lives and to Awaken the Body of Christ!

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. What do you think? Feel free to share your comments on this video…

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A Beautiful Thing and Priceless Experience!

A Beautiful Thing and Priceless Experience!

Surprise Blessings: You Gotta Lov’m!

I have to tell you about an unexpected surprise blessing I experienced recently…

Early this month, I had a stretch of being a full-time nanny for a little over a week.

It was for a really great family I’d also worked part-time for last school year  – and they asked me if I could help them out some again. The dad is an author of several books and in full-time ministry. So he had some speaking engagements that was going to take him out of town.

All their children are extremely talented and gifted. It’s always fun to spend time with them just to have some of their energy and creativity wash off on me.

We Chose LifeWell the youngest, is a 2yr old little girl who was born with spina bifida.

(Her parents have a very encouraging and heartfelt story of their daughter’s birth and life. Her father wrote a book on their experience and why they chose life and did not take the doctors offer to terminate the pregnancy.)

A little more background…last school year when I was there the little girl had a cast on almost the whole time. It went from her chest down to her toes! So obviously she was very limited in her activity and unable to get around and play.

I would think having a little more than half your body in a cast might dampen your spirit? It would mine!

But No: Not this little girl! She always had the sweetest smile and the ability to light up a room.

It was so humbling for me to know her and spend time with her (and still is). I had such a difficult year last year and was battling a number of challenges…

but every time I would go to their house, and see this little girl in her cast, and she’d still have the sweetest smile and happiest spirit…I would have to instantly reconsider what I was allowing myself to stress over and be unhappy over.

Okay, well fast forward to this month…

She now has most the surgeries complete on her hips, legs and knees. So no more cast. She has freedom to get around and it is amazing how well she does! She has leg braces to help her while she’s learning to walk.

The other thing she is learning to do is talk. She would say “ma” & “da” along with a number of other sounds and jabbering, but not really on demand words yet.

Well – I was blessed to have her start saying some words on demand while I was with her this month!

We just had a fun time during the week playing and being silly. I also got to hear more of the sounds and jabberings she was doing and I would copy her all the time. I would also act like her baby doll was talking and copying my words – and she thought that was pretty funny…

Anyway, the one day I was trying to get her to say “up” it sounded like she did. And then later in the day I was almost positive she started to say another word.

The next morning when getting her out of the crib I asked her to say “up” and this time she for sure did! And later she put her finger to her mouth and said “li” for light when she wanted to flip the light switch.

The BEST PART was getting her up after her nap time. She said “up” and then sat back down in her crib and started laughing…

and she kept laughing…

and would open her mouth like she was going to say “up” but couldn’t even talk because she was laughing so hard. That kind of deep belly laugh that makes your stomach hurt. 🙂 🙂 🙂

It was just the Most Beautiful, Precious thing!

For a good 3-5 minutes we just kept laughing. We were looking at each other through the crib bars and we would lean toward each other and open our mouths like we were going to say “up” and then bust out laughing again, unable to say a word…

And I can’t say for sure why she was laughing so hard, but I really think it was from a new level of understanding of the power she had to be able to speak and control what she was saying.

I wish I could describe the situation better, but it was one of those “you had to be there” times.

I’ll never forget it – I feel privileged to have been there that week and it was such a beautiful experience and blessing for me! Thanks for letting me share it with you.

And I thank God that He is helping this little girl grow and develop by leaps and bounds! If you would pray for her also it would be appreciated, as she still has some upcoming surgeries… Thank you.

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. You can read this family’s story of facing the reality of having a child with spina bifida and choosing life.  “We Chose Life: Why You Should Too” by Anthony Horvath is available now at Amazon.

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Prayer Requests and Praises to God

Prayer Requests & Praises to God

Do you have a prayer request or a praise report you’d like to share?

Well I’ve added a new page on the site for you to post these on.  

Go here to leave your Prayer Requests.

James 5:16 says “… pray for one another … the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

I will be in prayer with you and ask that you also pray for others as you leave your requests. Feel free to also leave your praise reports and thanks to God for answered prayers…

The power of prayer is real and may we all strive to be prayer warriors!

Be blessed,
Brenda

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