Probably because it's Thursday. (It is right? I keep getting my days mixed up!) And Thursdays mean chapel at the girls' school, which I love, followed by prayer group, which I also love.
A small group of moms gets together to pray every week--for students, for faculty and staff, for the school as a whole, for each other. Some of my closest friends are in this group--because when you pray together, you get to know one another. Quickly, and on a deeper level than just standing around and chatting. Something about praying together reveals others' hearts and after just a little while, you really know each other.
If your school doesn't have a prayer group, think about starting one. We've seen God move in incredible ways! (Ours isn't a Moms In Touch group, but that's probably a good place to start if you're interested.)
I'm also thinking about prayer because Luke 18:1-8 was the reading for this morning. The parable of the persistent widow. Remember the story? A judge who "neither feared God nor cared about men" and a widow who "kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'"
Here's the thing that jumped off the page at me this morning. Verse 1 says this: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
And then the parable ends with this sentence in verse 18: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Apparently one of the evidences of faith is always praying and not giving up.
Have you given up on some things you used to pray about?
That's the question I asked myself this morning. It made me uncomfortable--because I could think of a thing or two or five that I've stopped praying for. Things I once prayed for with all my heart.
Parts of my life and character to be transformed.
Healing for others.
The salvation of people I love.
O Abba Father, Make me persistent like the widow in this parable. Help me "cry out day and night" for these things. Let me not give up. Thank you that you are righteous and love justice, and that you care deeply for mankind with unfailing love. Let me be found faithful, I pray. In Jesus' name, Amen.
future spouses for my daughters
the twins' birth mother
our finances
Posted by: tryingtraditional | September 25, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Salvation for family members
Personality traits of mine that NEED CHANGING
There are probably others.
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | September 25, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Love this Joanne...deep minds think alike...when I wrote my post about Deeper Still...that was Priscilla's first question to us...what have we stopped praying about/for?
Definitely challenging but also so encouraging...the Lord never tires of hearing our prayers.
Have a blessed Thursday!
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | September 25, 2008 at 09:49 AM
The answer to your question is - yes, there are things I have given up on praying about. Maybe not given up, but just forget to lift them daily to the Throne Of God. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: mzzterry | September 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Almost everyday for the last two years I was praying to the lord to bless us with a baby. Only last month I started thinking that may be its not the right time and God will hear when he thinks its best. But deep down my heart I know I wish that God would hear now and so I need to start asking again.
Posted by: Priti | September 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I understand what Priti is going through. I prayed for a child constantly and at the same time prayed that if it wasn't his will that he'd fill that void. God did bless us with a child. Then, I started praying for baby #2. I have stopped praying for another child because I believe that his answer must be "no" after so many years of waiting and my age. Plus, now that I'm 43, my desire for another child has lessened. But, I do leave it in his hands and we would be thrilled if it happened although scared!!! Priti, I said a prayer for you! Missi
Posted by: missi | September 25, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I enjoyed this post as always, but this one was especially thought-proking. I'd thought about it since I read it and keep coming back to it. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Nancy | September 25, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Excellent! God is just waiting for us to really get to it. Here's a great place to start.
This is a link to the 40/40 Prayer Vigil that just started Wed.
I posted and set up a link to it on my page...then sent out emails as well to everyone person of faith I know.
Posted by: tammy | September 25, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Such a great reminder--to lay it at His feet. again and again.
Posted by: Gretchen | September 25, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I really enjoyed this post! Thank you. :)
Posted by: Betty Beguiles | September 26, 2008 at 02:40 PM
that question in bold print alone gave me chills-because the answer without hesitation is yes. yes i have.
thanks for the prompting to pray for someting once again.
bless you~
Posted by: ~Robin | September 28, 2008 at 06:07 PM