Prayer Changes Us
March 26 and 28, 2018 – Prayers and support really do change the heart
As I look back during this time, one of the experiences that pops out to me the most is the prayer and support I had. I wish I could thank each person who was praying for us all the way from the beginning through the present day.
It was so humbling and such a blessing to be loved in that way by friends, acquaintances and even strangers. I don’t know how many times a friend would say they were praying for me and so is their mom, or their church group, or some other person I had never met. Knowing there was a team of prayer warriors who were taking the time to talk to God about little ‘ole’ me, was encouragement times ten to my heart. I wish I could pass that same encouragement on more often than I do, because I remember just how special it made me feel and how connected I felt to my community.
This year, 2020, connection and support is needed in unprecedented ways. Those who have stayed home to work, or from work. Those who fear or have anxiety about all the changes that we have no control over. There are family break-ups, political upsets, riots, racial tension, the illness itself and those who have pre-existing conditions to care for and manage. The list goes on and on for things we have no control over but have to trust that God is somehow still in control. Prayer is an underutilized and under-valued resource of support and connection.
Prayer truly changes us. It can change our hearts and our attitudes. It reminds us that we are not the one who commands the sun to rise or the oceans to wave in soothing rhythm. Prayer is the reminder that God is in control no matter what illness is running rampant or who is leading the country or other world power. Prayer is real and powerful and a blessing to those who do it and to those who are prayed for.
Having this experience of prayer has inspired me in new ways to pray for others more as well as work on the amount of time I pray throughout the day. Prayer continues to keep me connected to my one true source of peace and hope. It is also what keeps me connected to those I pray for and their loved ones.
What has been harder to do this year is to pray for those I don’t agree with. But I am learning to see all people as people made in the image of God. Just as much as I am forgiven and saved from my own guilt and sin, so is everyone else. No one is more or less than anyone else in God’s eyes. I want to love like He does and prayer is one of the ways I am learning how to do that.
But back to March 2018.
Journaling and prayer reminded me how blessed we were and how thankful I was for what God had given us. Life is never completely what I hope it will be; but I’ve found that when I am thankful for what I have, one day at a time, I let go of the thoughts of what I wish were true, and enjoy what is actually true.
Instead of being mad or disappointed at the way things turn out, I can choose to find the silver lining and realize that what has turned out is the best God has for me. Not getting what I want can be the best blessing in disguise. And getting things I never thought I wanted can also be the best blessings in disguise.
It’s not an easy road to get to these final conclusions but they are the results after lots of prayer (both others prayers for me and my prayers for myself) and wrestling with God and learning to let go of my desire for control. I have to keep asking, who is the only one who is all-knowing? Who is the only one who is immutable – never changing? The answer is not me.
March 26, 2018
I don’t know what to write but I am feeling better, not so crazy.
Lord, your word is sharper than a two-edged sword and sometimes baffling to understand. But I believe what I do understand, and I know I can trust you for each person praying for me and this baby. I am humbled yet again by your wise ways and the testimony you allow me to carry. I hope I represent you truthfully and fully as you intend.
Bless this child. Amen.
March 28, 2018
The prayers of my church family must be working because my fears and anxieties have gone away. I’m not dreading the future quite so much, though I still can’t possibly imagine it.
I am feeling so sick all day long. Only when I’m eating, or drinking do I feel a little better. I submit to You Lord, to Your plans and I have hope about their goodness to me and my family.
I am feeling especially thankful that this Sunday is Easter. Bless all the services at church and those who come to them. May we all glorify You Jesus and accept Your greatest gift. I pray for all the pastors and Sunday school teachers to be Your hands and feet and heart. Amen, Lord.
