I’m finishing the first week of a 31 day prayer challenge put out by Kim Avery (www.kimaverycoaching.com), which includes a daily scripture and personal prayer for our lives. My husband has also joined me not only in individual prayer but also in praying together daily. It’s a habit that’s so WORTH developing. I believe there is power in not only putting the Word in you, but also praying the Word. The Scriptures this week flowed so well into a prayer that I’ve written out; I decided to share it with you! I hope you’re blessed by the Lord’s Word today.

When I choose to call out to you God, You will answer me and show me great and mighty things which I do not know (Jer.33:3). You promise you WILL answer my call, but I need to remember your ways are not my ways. Your answers may not be what I expect but they can completely blow my mind. I want to open my small mind to the great and mighty things you want to show me in 2018! In those times when I’m wondering where you are, I need to remember that you have promised you will be with me always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). In times when I don’t feel you near, is it because you have left me or I’ve turned my head from You; shame, guilt and misplaced anger can build a strong blinder.

Lord, you tell me that, you are able to bless me abundantly so that in all things, at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good deed (2 Cor. 9:8). As I choose to acknowledge your presence in my life and walk in your purposes, you will make known to me the path of life; for in your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11). And your presence is always around me! I have access to ‘fullness of joy’ every moment of every day, should I choose it.

When the enemy attacks and he will, I have access to the your weapons of warfare to defeat him. Yet, so often I falter. Why? Because I try to overcome the enemy’s darts in my own strength, with my own plans. I have to remember, it’s not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts (Zech. 4:6). I have to stand in prayer against the enemy remembering to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to you, God. And your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6 – 7). In a crazy world that moves at light speed at times, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and fear that so many struggle with. Trying to build a new ministry, a new business can lead to pressure and anxiety but I need to choose to be still and know that you are God (Psalm 46:10)!

Thank you Lord! Your scripture gives me the answer to life’s very difficult questions. As I put the Word into my heart and meditate on your qualities, I can have peace in a chaotic world! For the Lord, is my shield, my exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1). Amen!