when you pray
April 22, 2010 | Faith: Knowing Christ
There are lots of books on prayer. Some offer advice on how to pray in sequence: worship or praise, adoration, petition… I love these books, but what I find in Scripture, spoken by Jesus is so simple that it almost seems the exact opposite of what we teach.
“This, then, is how you should pray,” he told cluster of disciples who sat around him, while the crowds gathered below.
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ‘
So few words, but so powerful.
This morning I prepared to get alone with God, but I had few words to say. I didn’t sleep well last night. My mind and body were tired. I had a lot to do.
Should I pray? Should I just go on with my day?
But I knelt and as I said these precious words–a Suzie version of the Matthew 6 prayer–I felt Him.
‘Father, your name is amazing. I love you. Thank you for this day and all that it holds. Forgive me when I fall short, and help me to show mercy to others when they fall short, too. Thank you for provision, for the roof over my head, for food, for all that you give to provide our needs. Thank you for my family. Protect them. Draw them close to You. Draw me close to You.’
As I sat in silence, I knew that it wasn’t about a lot of words or even the fact that I prayed before my day began, but simply being in His presence. Strength. Comfort. Peace.
So few words, and yet such a powerful God.
Sometimes, like me, we just don’t know how to pray. I love that Jesus said to his followers that day, “when you pray…”. He was setting a precedent for them. Not offering formulas or complex theories or lots and lots of words, but showing them that prayer is strength, it’s relationship, it’s peace, it’s comfort, it’s joy.
It’s a part of knowing God and Him knowing you. How awesome is that?
If you are entering the She Speaks contest, leave a comment on this post or the previous post until Friday.
Love ya, Suzie
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i… did not stop to pray this morning
thanks for the reminder
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:20 pmNo one was less equipped than I….. Along with four others, I was selected by my peers and Pastor for reasons I could not fathom to be a leader in our single’s ministry. Not long into our new ministry I was asked by one of the other ministry leaders to co-lead a women’s small group with her. Much to my surprise, after the first meeting, the other leader bailed and left me floundering around trying to figure out how in the world I was going to lead this group of women all by myself. Please understand, I had absolutely no leadership experience or training. I had not even ever been involved with a small group before! What on earth was God thinking???? That was 12 years ago. I am a shinning example of the phrase I’ve grown to love and live by. “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” I have been a small group leader and coach of other leaders for all of these years and owe it all to God’s vision for who He wants me to be and how He wants me to serve those he places in my path. Speaking to others and writing about God’s grace and mercy is something He has placed in my heart for a very long time.
The opportunity to attend She Speaks would be a huge gift. As I wrote in another post, I feel somewhat selfish for even trying to win a scholarship. There are so many deserving women to choose from. I pray God’s will for each of us as He has placed a desire to lead and bless others with the talent we all wish to improve upon.
Thank you so much!!
Toni Ryan
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:25 pmtoni@safeharborinsurance.net
I wrote about prayer on my blog this morning. Would love to share my thoughts with you!
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:06 pmBlessings,
Cheri
I am new to Proverbs 31 Ministries and even newer to the She Speaks Conference. Since discovering P31 I have continued to come back day after day and I was ecstatic when I learned about She Speaks!
I am a young woman who is whole-heartedly seeking God’s will for my time on this earth. I work as a dietitian and absolutely love encouraging and inspiring people to make wise choices that will allow them to lead more fulfulling, productive lives. Since coming into my field I have been praying that God would reveal how he wants to use my training to glorify His name. God has slowly but strongly laid on my heart that he desires for me to use my passions to speak to fellow believers and inspire them to approach their relationship with food and their bodies much differently than what our culture promotes.
Receiving this scholarship would mean so much in helping fulfill this calling because it would give me the training to take what God has taught me and package it into compassionate, God-centered messages that inspire His people!
April 22nd, 2010 at 6:34 pmA very close friend first introduced me to Proverbs 31 Ministry. I was going through a vital trial in my life. She read one of the daily devotionals and emailed it to me. She felt that I needed the encouragement that day. It was encouraging. Soon after that, I received another emailed devotional from my friend. Again, she felt I needed encouragement and again, I was. I decided to sign up for the daily devotionals and get them emailed directly to me. I am so glad I did. On many occasions I have been inspired, motivated, encouraged, and equipped with God’s Word. It has been refreshing to read about real life stories from other Christian women.
Over the past few years, probably close to about eight or nine years now, I have been slowly pursuing what I believe God is calling me to do for Him: write and speak. I want to encourage others (especially women) to trust Jesus, live for Him, and believe in the power of Him. No matter what, He is good.
It has been a journey I have needed encouragement and focus to succeed. God has provided this every step of the way. I completed my bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 2009 and just got accepted into a graduate school program for a master’s of art in communication. I know this traditional educational is a necessary part of my journey.
When I saw last week the “She Speaks” conference information, I was again encouraged. This is so awesome that this type of conference is being put together. In the years I have known about Proverbs 31 Ministry, I never seen this before. It just lifted my spirit to know there are people out there helping train others to pursue and live out their dreams, their calling of writing and speaking. I am one of those.
I have never attended a “She Speaks” conference, but it would be amazing to be trained and mentored by others who have been traveling this path already. As I entered the writing contest, I knew it was a long shot, but I also knew it was time to take that risk and put my writing out there for others to read besides professors. I did not win, but I am so thankful I submitted my article. I will continue to work on that article. It is worth the effort. It is worth telling others about.
Now, I have another opportunity to win a chance of attending the “She Speaks” conference. This is very exciting. No matter whether I get to the conference this year or not, I will continue to pray for the Proverbs 31 Ministry team, the training, and the conference so that God’s will be done for whoever does attend. Plus, I will keep writing and pursuing His calling on my life.
Thank you for putting in all the time and effort to help others become what God has called them to do for Him.
In Christ’s love,
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:30 pmMichelle Barringer
mrbarringer1@mac.com
I felt useless for the kingdom, so I began to pray daily that God would show me where, when, and how He wanted to use me. He asked me to speak at an all day retreat for young women. I was scared silly, but three days in the belly of a whale wasn’t very appealing either so I said yes. Then he sent me to give a talk on live television. I read the whole book of Jonah . . . and said yes again. When I received my third invitation to speak, I went to the She Speaks website. The conference sounds like a perfect fit, but our check book said no. I’m laying it in God’s hands. If He wants to use Cec to get me there, then God is good. If He sends someone else, then . . . God is still good.
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 pmIt is so refreshing to see God using all of His women to work together and spread His truth!
If I do win, this will be a God given answer to prayers and leading me into my dreams!
God is leading me on an incredible journey. It is this journey, seeking out a writing/speaking conference that I found this scholarship give-away! Is it a “God coincidence” that it was the first place I looked? God only knows!
Kathryn Prus
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:24 pmKathrynprus@gmail.com
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God’s timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That “awakening” became the desire of my heart from my youth onward…although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me (Psalm 51). He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy (Psalm 30).
God’s blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, “Gift from God.” The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, “Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways.” He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has set for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God’s promise, the Lord has asked me, “Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?”
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord has never left me. His presence, promises, and protection are mine. He is FAITHFUL.
I answer, “Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you.” I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my “next step”. I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, “The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my “next step” for ministry. As if the “green light” from my amazing husband and dual support of my Little Mama and mother-in-love (“My Naomi”), discovering this scholarship opportunity tonight was nothing short of God’s impeccable timing. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him!
Shannon Lee Cochran
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:36 pmmscochran@austin.rr.com
NOTE: This post on praying touched my heart. Yes! What a powerful God we serve. To just be still and KNOW He is God…
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God’s timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That “awakening” became the desire of my heart from my youth onward…although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me (Psalm 51). He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy (Psalm 30).
God’s blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, “Gift from God.” The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, “Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways.” He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has set for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God’s promise, the Lord has asked me, “Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?”
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord has never left me. His presence, promises, and protection are mine. He is FAITHFUL.
I answer, “Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you.” I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my “next step”. I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, “The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my “next step” for ministry. As if the “green light” from my amazing husband and dual support of my Little Mama and mother-in-love (“My Naomi”), discovering this scholarship opportunity tonight was nothing short of God’s impeccable timing. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him!
Shannon Lee Cochran
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 pmmscochran@austin.rr.com
It is amazing how God works in each of our lives! I was reading Lysa’s blog and noticed the She Speaks scholarship offer. I was not familiar with the conference, but as I read the through the site I found myself excited and filled with anticipation. Our God has awesome plans for each of us and my journey has been amazing!
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:07 pmI felt called to ministry when I was 14; I am now 41. The journey has led me to seminary, a Masters in Christian counseling, and now I am in a season of motherhood to two beautiful children under the age of five.
Over the last year, I have on several occasions felt the Lord directing my steps toward a speaking ministry. Recently, I was approached by our local Baptist Association about doing a mini-conference on mentoring to our area churches. I am also the lay director of Women’s Ministry at my church. I love pouring out into the woman of my church and long to use the gifts God has given me to lead others to healing and wholeness in Christ.
I am not certain how this ministry will look at this point, just waiting on God to make the path straight and clear. I am excited about the possible opportunity to attend this conference and sharpen my speaking skills and connect with others who have the same calling. Hoping to see everyone at She Speaks, but trusting my Jesus for the right timing.
His,
Cherie Orange
creeor@gmail.com
Many Thanks to everyone who is making a scholarship even possible! Learning that God has called me to speak has been a gradual process. I was not raised in the faith. Rather I’ve been in some of the darkest places. Places only a loving Father like our Lord would dare go and find me. He has time and again made a way where there was not one.
The first time I spoke publically was to a very small group and the feed back was great, however, I found myself so ill-equipped. I long to be instructed. I just need some Titus women to show me the way.
The thought of being around women that can help me direct the gifting God has given me is so very exciting. Further more the thought of being equipped to rattle the gates of hell and see others set free by the power of the testimony He has made me free by,….well that just lites my fire. If that don’t well, my wood may just be wet! =]
Thank you so much a for a chance!
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:15 pmServing Him
Jenna Berthoud
A powerful post Suzie. Praise God for who and what He is for us.
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:33 amHi Suzie,
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 pmMy blog addresses are cherilb.blogspot.com and cheribunch.blogspot.com. The first address has the post about prayer. Would love to hear your thoughts! Blessings, Cheri
Thanks for all you do, Suzie! I appreciate your far-reaching ministry.
Words matter because people matter more. God called me to the ministry of writing long ago. But as I’ve grown in Him, He’s helped me to view my words as a vehicle to connect people with the One who loves them more than they can imagine. And I believe He intends to use both my written and my spoken words to accomplish His purposes.
As He’s grown my writing, He’s expanded my speaking opportunities. That’s why I began to pray about attending She Speaks. My husband, like many others, has faced the heartbreak of job loss this year. As important as the conference is, family obligations come first. A scholarship would allow me to attend.
I know the One who calls me to speak and to write is faithful. I’ll trust Him to meet the needs of all who enter. Thanks for offering She Speaks along with the scholarship opportunities. And because both words and people matter, I’m grateful.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:26 pmI believe that God is my Father and that He has always been with me, protecting me and guiding me through the deepest, darkest and most despairing circumstances in my life. Sadly to say, it has been during these most vulnerable times in my life that I fell away from God. But being God, He was always there and found a way to bring me back into His grace. I do not know where God is leading me or what His plan is for my life, however, I do believe that God has been actively encouraging me to dig deeper into His Word for His purpose in my life. I do not know if I have the abilities, knowledge, skills, characteristics or work experiences to be selected for the “She Speaks Scholarship.” But I do know that God is my Father and that I love Him with all of my heart. Perhaps some of my life stories, actions and outcomes, might help someone else to find their way back to God. It would be the greatest honor of my life to be selected to attend the “She Speaks” conference and training and allowed to study and grow among such a dynamic group of Godly women.
God bless each of us.
Take care,
Marilyn Fielding
mefielding@aol.com
“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6 NAS)
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.” (Matthew 18:12-13 NIV)
April 23rd, 2010 at 6:30 pmWhen I first became aware of Proverbs 31 ministries and the She Speaks conference a few months ago, I figured that given our financial situation, attending was a long shot. At this point, it would take a miracle, but that’s alright – the fact that I’ve been speaking for the past four years is a miracle, too! When I give my testimony for Christian Women’s groups, I title it “Leaving the Safety and Security of Your Shell.” It seems appropriate to stick my head out and see if God might open the door for me to attend. This would be my first opportunity to meet, network and learn from other speakers and I know that becoming part of this community would move me forward into His purposes!
April 23rd, 2010 at 7:54 pmDear Ones,
I am amazed as I run thru this blog list at each of your testimonies. I am not a blogger really, but in my heart I have discovered it’s in me.
I just discovered you guys a few days ago. After much time alone with God I have been just waiting on Him and worshiping Him and trying to figure out in my head what God was doing. I had to press into Him to get my answers. God will get me to your conference one way or another. I need much help but if God asks any of us to do something He will equip us to walk it out. Free falling and loving the adventure.
May we learn to be obedient in every area of our lives.
As a mom, I want first time obedience from my kids… don’t you? May I not embarrass Him today!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Melanie in Florida
April 23rd, 2010 at 11:27 pmsaccos4him@cox.net