PRAYING SCRIPTURE!

Need focus in your prayer life?!!

This distractable, ditsy gal does.

Different days of the week, my focus is on friends w/ similar attributes or their names begin with certain letters. Years ago a Bible Study group began praying for each other on different days of the week so all of us were "covered" daily. I know it sounds weird but it works for me. Other times names pop up as the Holy Spirit brings them to mind regardless of day or time. Often, I don't even know why until "after the fact." 

God knows I need help and He has provided it through His very Word.

Praying scripture helps keep me focused.

CHOOSE: A DANIEL-TYPE PRAYER

Frustrations were the "order of the day" yesterday, though I certainly didn't order it.
OOPS, I still had a choice in my response to all the snafus.
As Anne Graham Lotz reminds us in The Daniel Prayer, (p. 245) :
IF prayer is...

• one of the supreme boys of your life,
• the throbbing heartbeat of your relationship with God,
• the nearest will be this side of Heaven,
• our compass that helps keep us on the right path

....then why is it so hard?
Because prayer is a battle---a fight.

That's why, when I struggled yesterday to be clear minded and self-controlling, (1 Peter 4:7),
I used God's Word from Daniel 9:1-23.
I Chose a Daniel-type prayer.

"Pi-e-TEA"

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; (Matthew 6:1, RSV)

Sweet JoLynn is often on her knees for others. Upstairs out of sight at her prayer bench, the kneeling variety, she communes with the Lord.

Yesterday I watched her read from Bible at the altar in the Frost Chapel on the Berry College campus in Rome, GA. Even in the chapel, she quietly stole away from view and prayed.

Her fingers found and smoothed the tails of the red satin ribbon bookmark, her eyes found the Psalm 119:89-90 passage in the open Bible....."Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Your faithfulness endures to all generations;"....

....... and her heart found its way on to prayers for family members who had married at that very altar.

Pi-e-TEA poured out prayerfully.

Evening Prayer "veloci-TEA"

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

Speedy conviction. That was the "veloci-TEA" of the realization that my evening prayers probably set the stage for my morning prayers and I ought to give that time more attention. A new prayer direction. Certainly the compiler of the Psalms, this "hymnal of the Jewish people" knew that. Interestingly enough, the evening prayers are mentioned in both Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 prior to the mentioning of the morning prayers in Psalm 5.

Scripture before sleeping may prompt prayers. God's word, in and of itself can be a prayer. "To the Lord I cry....I lie down and sleep....and will not fear" (Psalm 3:4-6) and David concludes  in 4:8, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

"It's David's confidence in God that enables him to lay himself down calmly and tranquilly to sleep, whatever dangers threaten him. He seeks his couch, and at once (יחדּו) slumber visits him. No anxious thoughts keep him tossing on his bed for hours." (http://biblehub.com/psalms/4-8.htm) Confidence in God comes from knowing Him through His word.

Anne Graham Lotz's, endorsed Daily Light for Every Day, includes morning and evening prayers. Equal scripture content for both. The "Graham/Lotz families read this "little" collection each day. It keeps them all on the same page. 

Last night I read the 5/16 entry from Daily Light and prayed those "very" appropriate verses for a decision a dear friend would be making on that "very" day. Grateful for the "velodi-TEA of conviction that had me speedily changing my direction of evening prayers. 

Morning Prayer "veloci-TEA"

 O God, you are my God; early will I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you.....(Psalm 63:1, KJV)

Velocity can be both good and bad....especially in one's prayer life. Speed and direction in a moment of crisis is just the motion needed. Quickly praying upward. Immediately turning (directionally) to the One who hears. 

Yet, apart from times of urgency, one's prayer times can be so much richer than that, as reading through the Psalms clearly shows. The poetry of the Psalms seems to take on a slower rhythm......a rhythm of the life of the poet or author, from David and Solomon to unknown others. Laments. Praises. Testimony. Confessions. 

Morning prayer times often have me praying slowly.....prayers for others expressed thorough passages from the Psalms. The rhythm of my own life expressed in language from the Psalter. Inhaling the scripture, exhaling the prayers. A breath of God breathed out---His Words, my breath.

Panic prayers, arrow prayers and night-night prayers, are more rapid than those morning ones. Reading through a psalm or other scripture slows me down. No speed reading. In cadence with God's word. Reading and praying. The silences and the sounds.

Holy Spirit, living Breath of God, Breathe new life into my willing soul. Bring the presence of the risen Lord To renew my heart and make me whole. Cause Your Word to come alive in me; ("Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God," lyrics)

A "hurried" velocity in praying doesn't leave room for empty space. 

"A note in music gets its significance from the silences on either side." (Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift From the Sea, p. 115) As in music, empty space is essential in correlating the scripture to the prayer.

A slowing of my morning cuppa mirrors the velocity of my reading and praying, as it takes time to sip and savor both----my English Breakfast Tea and prayers re-directed to Him as I am stimulated from His word. 

There's a Psalm for that....

4/8/13 Relating recently to friend Wynellen that I was once again "camped-out" in the Psalms, I actually felt guilty about that admission. It's been a year and a half now and I'm still there. I've even intentionally included praying and meditating in selected psalms on birthdays of friends and family.

So, why should I feel guilty? Possibly because I can "do guilt" very well. I think I was afraid that I was in a milk-toast study. I so loved the psalms that I didn't desire to move on, at least not during my quiet times of prayer and reflection. During study times, I am in Genesis and Ecclesiastes. (Listen to me---trying to defend my "guilty" choice of Psalms, as if any book of Scripture isn't a worthy choice, in and of itself!!!)

Summer 2010, son's Allen Bible Church did a series on "Engaging God and One Another thru the Psalms." 

So....I reread some of those blog notes to remind myself that Psalms are profitable for any season." "Psalms that can help me personally keep engaging God right where I am." (Buddy, 6/13/10)

RIGHT NOW I need a psalm of intercession---there's a psalm for that.....

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)

That Psalm is Psalm 5----for such a time as this.......in this person's season---a Psalm just for that.

Knowing God: think on that

 1/14/12 This past week, Ephesian 3:19 my choice verse for meditation this year had me considering "know the love of Christ" and "filled up to all the fulness of God"

Friend & prayer warrior, Wynellen prayed it for me though she went back to verse 17 which reminded me of "being rooted and grounded in love."

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

To me knowing God begins in that love----to know that love fills me with all the fulness of God. These past weeks I have desired such prayers as I desperately needed to fully know His love. To know Him better. To experience the joy of knowing Him."There is no greater joy" and yet, I was struggling in the "joy" category. Circumstances, both physical and emotional. were weighing me down. To those closest to me, my life was NOT showing the great value of knowing Him.

I know this because as the pastor quoted Jim Elliot, I felt God tugging at my heart strings.

"Lord, make my way prosperous not that I achieve high station, but that my life be an exhibit to the value of knowing God.” (Jim Elliot, missionary)

That's my prayer. "Lord, may my life exhibit the incomparable value of knowing You!"

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: UKRAINE BEAUTY

7/8/12  Scripture prayer was the focus of my time in Ukraine. It was my “prep” for the Lord’s work. Praying John 10:10 for my devotional times for the leadership, that the ladies could know the fullness of Christ in their lives so that a life of abundance would be theirs. Also, I prayed “my dance” verse for them, that all their hard places/struggles could be seen as blessing as they saw the Lord’s strength and sufficiency. (Psalm 30:11)

My “babies” team and my small group of Ukrainian women especially touched my heart during my week with them at Kompas Park. Several of them had shared their stories with me and I was drawn to pray for them. As with so many women, approval from others keeps us prisoners to what others think so I prayed for all of us to seek only God’s approval. But, I truly wanted the Lord’s words from scripture to become my prayers. I would encourage this method of prayer as one prays for others----whether for a day, a season or a lifetime, as God leads. It’s praying His words---His word according to Isaiah 55:11, that produces “fruit”.

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Katya (l) and hubby, David, that their Kreativity ministry would continue to be a joint effort and bring glory to the Lord. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalms 34:3)

Luba (R) Praising the Lord for her “joyfully expectant” news and that she would see children as a blessing from the Lord. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127: 3)

Tanya---As we share a similar struggle, & I know the value of Christian friends who listen and pray, I pray for such a friend for her……”but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Masha (l) my traveling buddy, who gave of herself continuously for to those involved in ministry, especially to the Bute children---freeing Katya and David for the Lord’s work. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6: 9-10)

Ira (R) A beautiful wife and mother who gave unselfishly of her time to tend the babies of all the moms at the camp A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (Proverbs 33:10-11)

Diana---That she will not only continue to sing God’s word (Psalm 119:72) but that she will see her true self as one beloved by Him and be all that He created her to be. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. “(Psalm 139: 14)

Valya---Strength in ministry for this beautiful one who always had time and energy for kids---even those who cried “Mama” at first. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Liza Col. 3:12-15---especially v. 12, that she would continue to daily clothe herself with the godly attributes which were so evident to me. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”

Oksana(L)---my translator, who also serves as a pastor’s wife, I Timothy 1:12 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,”

Alena(R)---God’s direction for her, who with her husband is seeking the Lord’s will about a mission assignment in Germany, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)

Inna---Praying God’s best as she raises her son and seeks God’s peace “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114) May she filter all knowledge thru His Word.

Nastya---Praising the Lord that she seeks God’s priorities for her life, I pray that seeking Him first will give her needed direction. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Pondering a Psalm

6/18/12  My meditation focus this year has been in the Psalms. It has not been daily, more like 5 a month. Psalm 37, my "fret not" psalm, is a long-time favorite---knowing that the Lord orders my steps along life's way. Along that way, it is He who holds my hand. Today’s meditation is on just one verse from that psalm. This verse was shared with me yesterday along with snippets of meditation from Through the Psalms with Derek Prince. It was sent by Aggie, a blog reader and missionary in France. I loved the encouraging note she sent with it:

As I took time in the Word this morning, Psalm 92 (one of today's Scripture readings in the liturgical calendar) is obviously for you, and I am praying it all over you now, and for the upcoming trip. YES, TRUST is the word.  Psalm 37:5, Commit - trust - and God will do the rest. 

It looks like Psalm 92 might follow as well because it addresses some of my concerns about my "last minute" (leave in 2 days) upcoming mission trip to the Ukraine. She understands my fears that my aging might affect my energy as well as present a few other difficulties.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do it: (Psalm 37:5, NASB)

The first two parts are mine. The third is God's. I "choose" to commit my way unto the Lord. (My way in any situation, need, or problem.) Next, I trust in Him. I love the idea gleaned from Derek Prince: Committing is my act; trust is my attitude; the action is God's, who will "bring it to pass." (KJV). (Prince, p. 68)

How blessed to "ponder a psalm" that was prayed "all over me" before I got out of bed, by a woman whom I have never even met. But God...........

BEDTIME PRAYERS

4/18/12 Remember those first prayers you uttered? Mine were:

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die, before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

God bless Mother, Daddy, Bobby, Buddy, myself and everyone in the whole-wide world. A-men!

(I probably added Buster our dog, when he became a family member.)

 Scripted? Yes. Ineffectual? Not necessarily. Scripted prayers can be an effective beginning point--- giving us words when we have no words. Whether it’s age or inability to form deep cries of our heart, “script” can help. Scripture being just that---a great guide for praying. All ready written out in God’s word for our use---to encourage us in developing a deep prayer life.

For me, praying scripture is different from a prayer “model” as scripture is often used to incorporate verses or an entire psalm within my own prayers.

The Lord’s Prayer is a model. We’re even instructed to “model” that in Matthew 6:9. “This, then, is how you should pray:”

Pray over one’s infant who’s lying in a crib or “sitting” on a grandparent’s bed, before he/she can even talk is important---soothing for both baby and adult. 

Whereas “Now I lay me down to sleep” gets a toddler started, the Lord’s Prayer becomes an outline for “prayer” for the older set, though possibly used more often in group settings, than at bedtime.

As a youngster, my “scripted” prayers were at mealtimes (“saying grace”) and my bedtime prayers were at night. Nowadays, though, as I pray before falling asleep, it’s more of a thankful reflection of my day. My “biggie” more consistent bedtime prayers occur in the morning before my feet even hit the floor.

Bedtime prayers have no prescribed words, as they vary with each pray-er. Nor is there a prescribed time. The important factor is having bedtime prayers. How will our children and grandchildren ever learn if we don’t join them bedside and show the way!

Heartfelt Meditation

4/9/12  With my 5 month old granddaughter sitting on my lap during my quiet time, I read aloud verses from the Proverb which I pray for her---one that corresponds with her birth date. She grabbed at the pages. I bowed my head in prayer over her and she grabbed at me. Such a precious time.

I was overcome with emotion for all that I want for this young one. And I was reminded of the importance of passing on a spiritual heritage.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

(Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

 Words can’t be on your heart unless you meditate on them.

R & R = Retreat Reflections #1

2/22/12 Sanctuary. Meditation. Two words that speak loudest in their silence of what my 5 days of retreating became. With morning schedules cleared and no clocks to demand I check the time, I sought the Lord.

I learned that being still is hard and learning to listen is harder still. "Divine whispers," as Richard Foster calls prayer-filled listening, require both. (Sanctuary of the Soul, p.12)

My first morning, I learned in Nehemiah 9, that when the Israelites cried out.... , you (God) heard from heaven. (v.28) Yet they refused to listen (v.29) and weren't paying attention (v. 30) I chose then to make listening a priority and to pay attention to cultivating a spiritual place in my heart---an inner sanctuary of sorts where I could hear from Him.

  

Lots of time was spent in the psalms with meditation and praying the scriptures. Lots of time was spent searching out songs in an old hymnal as well as singing from memory. I sought sanctuary with changed venues, but always it was the place where I would meet God. I was drawn to it. I carried my sanctuary in my heart. 

I journaled---lots. I left tracks of my mornings with marginalia throughout my Bible. I even wrote a poem/prayer to the Lord.

Draw me, Teach me,
Show me Yourself behind my earthly eyes.
Close my ears
...that I might listen with my inmost being.
Still my heart that I might hear Thee from heaven
...loud and clear in the silence.
Open my ears
...only to the whispers and nudges of Your Spirit.
Open only the eyes of my heart, Lord
...and send me out.
Send me out
... filled with quietness and trust of these moments.
Send me out
...to refresh others with the refreshing that has come from Thee.

Meditation began. I was drawn near to the Lord. To that place of quiet confidence and rest. Where is that place? "Near to the heart of God." Sanctuary.

OCTOBER 27, 2011

10/29/11 OCTOBER 27, 2011.....oh what a day! Little

"Lady" Liles entered the world at St. Luke's Roosevelt in Manhattan, (NYC) on her own time 6:25 pm EST (& of course, God's time) so doc did not have to induce!

Marion Lucille Liles
Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz,
Height: 19 1/4 "
Parents: Megan and Josh Liles (May God grant wisdom and counsel in bringing up this special one. (Proverbs 2:6)
Proud first time "young" grandparents M.J. & Doug Bradley of MA Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, (Proverbs 17:6)
& Dotsy & Larry Liles, not first time, but first grandaughter

"For this child I (& lots of others) prayed"
(as Hannah spoke in I Samuel 1:27)
As a child may she not forget to do what is right and to share. (Hebrews 13:6) As a young lady may she be clothed in humility. (I Peter 5:5) May she follow after righteousness, faith, love and peace all of her days. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Daddy's pic of "Lady Liles" after her 1st bath.

Aunt Soozee's pic of "Sleeping Beauty."

Praying, briefly

10/21/11 No words were listed. “So I prayed to the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 2:4) It’s been noted by scholars as the shortest prayer ever sent to heaven.

We all know such short spontaneous prayers.

Peter prayed, “Lord save me,” when he began sinking as he was walking on the water toward Jesus. Interestingly enough, Peter only began sinking when he took his eyes off of the Lord and looked at his windy circumstances. (Matthew 14:30-32)

“Help me, Lord.”

Praying it scripturally only adds a few words. “Let Thy hand be ready to help me.” (Psalm 119:173) In the psalms we read of many brief accounts of cries unto the Lord. Cried---just another verb for prayed. Poor (afflicted) man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. (Psalm 34:6)

Edges of His Ways, 10/17 entry summed up such short Bible verses. Those “short” Bible verse prayers are what we want on those days when we are tired or hard-pressed…….. Like the touch of the electric light switch---just a touch and the power comes flowing from the powerhouse---the power that turns to light. (Carmichael, p. 192-193)

Praying tonight, though not briefly, for "Bubba's" family and praising the Lord that all four of her girls were with her when she eased into eternity.

PRAISE PRACTICE

6/6/11 A plethora of meds have graced my bathroom counter these last few months. All are intended to improve my physical health/well being. Finally, I’m about to get used to this routine---with hubby reminders. But….it takes practice. Daily practice.

I assume if I need these daily doses for my physical health, then a daily dose of "praise" would surely improve my spiritual health. (and yours too) I’m prescribing it for all of us as we begin this week of meditation. Psalm 5, a psalm of protection tell gives us a direction for beginning.

1.Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3.My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

RX for improved spiritual health for week of June 6-12

• MON. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (Psalm 9:1-2) Does my heart even know how to praise Thee adequately? May I improve with practice.
  
• TUES. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Psalm 27:6) Are my enemies real or perceived?
• WED. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1-3) Is my praise continual?
  
• THUR. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:1-3) Am I waiting on the Lord? Do others see Him in me?
• FRI. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. (Psalm 112:1) Am I delighting in His law or trying to Make it fit my desires?
• SAT. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:1-4) Do I bless His name everyday?
• SUN. Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness………Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 150:1-2, 6) For from Him and in Him I have my being.

What’s the rationale for praising the Lord? God's Word says, "Rejoice in the Lord!" (Psalm 97:12) It’s good for the soul.

St. Augustine said it well, from the Lord’s perspective. “You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (Book I of St. Augustine’s Confessions)

WEDNESDAY WARRIOR

2/23/11 Today is “Weeping Wednesday” for me---a day of confession----a lot like AA step 4, I think, where you make a thorough /searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself. Today I confessed a real lack in fervent prayers for others and the need to pray scripture on their behalf. So, for my Wednesdays sisters and Wednesday wordsmiths, today I inserted their names as I prayed Psalm 25: 4-5.

Is there anyone you need to pray fervently for today? Just open your Bible to the middle----Psalms is still right there. Or you could just choose one of these versions to pray for your Wednesday folks or whomever the Lord brings to mind.

4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (KJV)

4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, 
and my hope is in you all day long. (NIV)

4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.
 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
 All day long I put my hope in you. (NLT)

4Make me know Your ways, O LORD;Teach me Your paths. 5Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day. (NASB)

Anyway you say it or pray it, these verses are perfect for Wednesday Warriors.