pray more

photo credit 

"I'm going to pray more."
It's been said before, and often. How did that go?

I can understand the prayer-less life of a person who has never experienced the power of prayer. But to those of us who have experienced the miraculous, the spectacular, the awe-inspiring power of prayer, we have no excuse. What possible excuse could we give to the God who gives all to us?

It has been in my personal time of prayer that I have grown in faith. For it takes faith to believe that God is who He says He is. It takes faith to believe that God hears my prayers. It takes faith to believe that God cares for the words I say. It takes faith to believe that He will answer, guide, and provide. It takes faith to believe that He has a plan, a purpose, and a will for all my petitions, concerns, and thoughts. And so with every prayer lifted to Heaven faith is increased, and my fears, doubts, and unbelief are shattered. 

Yet, if I only pray my benefit, than I have lost the greatest reward of all... I've lost Christ. It has been those moments that in prayer God speaks to me that have transformed my faith. Prayer is more than simply speaking, it's also about listening. I think this is why so many (myself included) claim to have prayer lives but are found spiritually malnourished. After all, Jesus did say that He is the bread of life. He longs to feed us as we pray.

Hunger for a transforming prayer life. 

Purpose with me to expect the miraculous. 

Purpose with me to seek spectacular conversations with God. 

Purpose with me to be inspired by His silence as much as His words. 

Purpose with me to pray more. 

Daisy Merrick and You

 

After 6 surgeries, 22 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 courses of radiation, Daisy Love Merrick is facing cancer for the third time. She and her family are trusting in Jesus. But they are also in a battle for Daisy Love's life. Next steps include chemotherapy and possibly a stem cell transplant with progressive treatments in America and Israel. The estimated cost not covered by insurance will total close to half a million dollars, and because of this, a trust fund has been established where you and your family can lovingly give toward the cost of Daisy's care (see options on the left) or to The Daisy Merrick Trust by mail or at your local Chase Bank branch. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers for Daisy Love! -prayfordaisy.com

Daisy Merrick is a bubbly, joyful, and wacky little 8 year old. She loves playing with her friends, 
going to the beach, and has big aspirations of becoming an astronaut. 
Sounds pretty normal right?

Daisy’s life has been anything but normal. She’s been through 6 surgeries, 22 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 courses of radiation… and is battling cancer for the third time. 

For a limited time, 100% of the proceeds from the Blossom Breeze bracelet will go toThe Daisy Merrick Trust to help with the vast amount of medical and travel expenses. The Merrick family is currently seeking treatment for Daisy in Israel, and you can read about the trip on their BLOG.

Learn more about Daisy’s story, and find out how you can help HERE. Purchase the Blossom Breeze HERE. We’re praying for you Daisy! -The 31 Bits team

temptation

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Matthew 26:41

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:31 

God has pledged an escape route each and every time. Learn to deal with temptations: immediately, realistically, ruthlessly, consistently, and confidently. -Alistair Begg

operator, please connect me

This past Sunday, as I drove to church I had a strange thought in my mind: Have so-and-so pray for you. I was a bit confused. "Why would I have so-and-so pray for me?" I thought to myself. As a matter of fact, why would I need prayer from anyone? I wasn't in any harm or experiencing a pressing trial. When again the same thought came to my mind again.  OK Lord, you're on to something. 

At a red light, I sent a text to my friend (the Lord was very specific in bringing this person's name to pray for me): "Can you pray for me. I don't know for what but I feel like I need prayer." As soon as I hit send, so many different scenarios played in my mind. What if I am involved in a tragic car accident? What if I am about to suffer serious injuries in a freak car accident? Or is it that something will happen at church? Maybe some crazy person will confront me? Or may I need to guard my heart from a wolf in sheep's clothing? I literally had to stop myself.

The car accident paranoia leaves as I arrive safely to church. I walk in to the sanctuary and no crazies attacked me. I soon forget my worries and also the fact that the Lord had prompted me to ask for prayer.

Little did I know that as soon as worship was over and the teaching about to begin, an usher walks up to me and asks me to serve. He tells me, "You know I wouldn't ask you unless you were my last resort." And so, I get up and go serve to a ministry that I am not a part of and not ready for. What could go wrong went wrong and I was feeling like a failure. I even froze when I began. Out of nowhere, I began to speak boldly and with confidence, both of which were not there a second ago.

As soon as the service was over, the Lord reminded me of my request for prayer. OH! That's why the Lord prompted me to ask for prayer. He knew that I would need it. He reminded me of an important lesson: ASK for prayer. We have to be obedient and ask for prayer... it's like picking up the phone and asking the operator for help. Thank God for friends who are like operators, connecting us to the One who can help.

Do you have a friend like that? 
I encourage you to ask a friend or myself to pray for you, whether it be a direct prayer request or maybe one as vague as mine. Call, text, email or Facebook that friend and say, "Operator, please connect me!"

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For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:19

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Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1,3

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Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:15-18