Thoughtful Prayers

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 139:4 (NIV)
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.

 

We don’t have to put our prayers into words. God hears our thoughts and feelings.

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What and Where on My Prayer List

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 122:7 (ERV)
May there be peace within your walls.

Psalm 122 refers specifically to Jerusalem. And yes, I do pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

But this prayer can apply to so many places.

When I lock my front door on my way out:

Peace within your walls.

When I drive by a school:

Peace within your walls.

As I walk from my car to the office:

Peace within your walls.

When I step into the sanctuary on Sunday morning:

Peace within your walls.

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Prickly People on My Prayer List

Posted on January 13, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Some folks are challenging, even toxic. I try to ignore them.

 

 

One day, as I put distance between me and a prickly person, God nudged me.

No one is praying for him.
You be first.

Imagine that! Nobody cares. No wonder he’s cranky.

Bless him, Lord.
Comfort him.
Heal his heart,
in Jesus’ name.

Trust me on this: it can feel insincere at first, but it gets better with practice.

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Pop-Ups on My Prayer List

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Sometimes a name or face comes to my mind out of nowhere. It may be a call to prayer.

 

 

I have no idea why. I don’t know what to pray. 

Your will be done, Lord.
Fill them with Your fullness.

 

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What More on My Prayer List?

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

What more? Scripture.

I can’t go wrong taking my prayers straight from Bible.

 

For example (from Ephesians 3:16-19):

Father God, strengthen them with the Holy Spirit’s power. Jesus Christ, dwell in their hearts. May they be rooted and grounded in your love. Show them how wide and long and high and deep your love is. Fill them with the fullness of your presence.

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What’s on My 2022 Prayer List?

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

Last week we covered who’s on my prayer list (everyone) and when I should pray (all the time). We looked at a couple items on my list: to live peaceful lives and avoid temptation.

What else?

Let’s start with what is all too often my prayer of last resort:

Your will be done.

It’s never, ever wrong.

 

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One More Name on My 2022 Prayer List

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

My prayer list is incomplete without one more name.

Mine.

 

Matthew 26:41 (ESV)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1 Peter 5:8 (AMPC)
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Lord, keep me balanced, vigilant and cautious. Show me when to stand strong and when to run the other way. May I be willing — flesh and spirit.

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Who and What on My 2022 Prayer List

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

1 Timothy 2:2 (MSG)
Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.

Who?

      • Elected officials
      • Judges
      • Appointees
      • Regulators
      • Support staff for all of the above

What?

      • To rule well 
      • So we can live simple, godly lives

A long list of who. A short and simple what.

 

 

 

 

 

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My 2022 Prayer List

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 

1 Timothy 2:1 (MSG)
The first thing I want you to do is pray.
Pray every way you know how,
for everyone you know.

 

Everyone I know.

        • Every family member
        • Every coworker
        • Every neighbor
        • Every friend
        • Every enemy

Makes for a really long prayer list.

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My 2022 Prayer Target

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Shirlee Abbott

 


1 Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP)
Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.

 

Unceasing prayer.
Persistent prayer.

That’s a wide target for 2022. Willing to join me?

Ready. Aim.

 

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