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Prayer

When Life is Hard–Pray On!

Pray On

By Jackie M. Johnson

When the bills are due, when the pain lingers on,
or the adoption agency is taking too long.

When you’re trying to balance family and work,
or your boss is annoying or simply berserk.

When a prodigal child simply will not come home,
or the debt collectors won’t leave you alone.

When the car wreck leaves you with metal to mend,
or the man that you loved left you for your best friend.

When you feel overwhelmed—always busy and stressed—
or you can’t seem to focus and your house is a mess.

When you’re lonely, depressed, or stuck in your life,
and you wonder if you’re a good person or wife.

When there’s trauma or pain, or just day-to-day living,
or you find that you always do most of the giving.

When you’re pondering daily the life you’ve been dealt,
with finances, job, relationships, health.

When you’re searching for wisdom, or purpose, or faith
some heart healing, joy, simplicity, space.

When there’s less in your wallet and more on your thighs,
and your mind reels with questions, like “What? How? or Why?”

When you don’t understand and you can’t see the way,
You need four simple words: “Lord, teach me to pray.”

Don’t give up, don’t give in, even though strength seems gone,
Just hold on to hope and pray on, friend.

Pray on.

                                                      ***

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IT’S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN AMERICA 2023!

Today is the annual National Day of Prayer in America!

What a blessing that every year millions of people across our nation on the first Thursday in May to join together in prayer for the land—and the people—we love.

Whether they gather at one of the hundreds of prayer events around the country, or watch the livestream (on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern on the NDP website and on many Christian radio and TV stations), or pray in small groups or alone, it is a time to call upon our great God to help and heal our nation.

The National Day of Prayer website provides a wealth of information about the event. 

Here are some suggestions they provide for why we pray for America—with added practical lists on what to pray for specifically.

WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware.

Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God”… and we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. 

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
—Amos 4:13 NIV

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA
PRAY FOR SEVEN (7) CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION

1. GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)

Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Provide leaders with wise and godly counselors who will provide honest wisdom and encouragement
• Well up humility in the hearts of leaders to make apologies or adjustments when these things are necessary
• Lord, pour out a spirit of cooperation between elected leaders
• Break down the barriers that are built up by selfish ambition for personal power

2. MILITARY
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Pray for the leaders to make wise and righteous decisions based on biblical principles rather than personal career gains
• Lord, help all military personnel see You working in their daily lives, that You are with them, whether they are in the field, at home, or abroad
• Remove stigmas for seeking medical attention for mental and physical needs
• God, hold the families of service members close, and may they look to You for the strength and peace that only You can give
• Comfort the spouses who are separated due to military jobs—keep these marriages strong

3. MEDIA

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Lord, encourage the believers who are called to use their creative gifts to glorify You and cultivate a culture of concern for one another
• Teach us to use the news as prayer prompts and ideas for how to serve our local community
• Pour out wisdom for people who bring funding to entertainment media to fund things that are wholesome and speak the truth of God
• Send creativity for artists to create thought-provoking works of art and entertainment that point towards Your redemptive plan for humanity
• Strengthen the Christians in these spheres to boldly stand for Biblical truth in the writer’s rooms, board meetings and creative processes

4. BUSINESS
For areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15).

For Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers.

Suggestions for WHAT to pray

• May each business leader be of great character: of integrity, humbleness of spirit and heart, honest in speech and actions, empathetic and vulnerable.
• Lord, raise up a workforce that is filled with a spirit of excellence and unity in all they do

5. EDUCATION
For a safe atmosphere conductive to learning

Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• To stir the hearts of parents to take an active role in the academic, spiritual, and emotional formation of their children
• Guide school boards to be wise in choosing curriculums that uphold the truth of the Word
• Set young people free from the hopelessness, despair, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and substance abuse
• Bless teachers with an outpouring of grace and endurance of such magnitude it overflows onto their students, their schools, and their communities

6. CHURCH

For the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)

Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• God, use Your Church as a beacon of light and joy to a world that is searching for answers
• Jesus, give your pastors keen wisdom and insight that is in tune with your Spirit so they would never lose sight of the mission of Your Church
• Lord, open hearts in the church to care for people outside the church, to be praying for them and to become visibly and tangibly concerned and helping them in needs and struggles
• Remind us to eagerly look for ways to use our time, talents, and treasures to build up the Body of Christ

7. FAMILY
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Wisdom in choosing a spouse; to be equally yoked together in faith
• Grant us humility, and with that humility bring stability and peace to families
• Give husbands and wives the grace to consider each other before self
• Endurance for single parents or grandparents stepping in as parents
• Comfort for families moving forward through grief
• Strengthen families who also serve as caretakers for medically fragile family members
• Give empty-nest parents comfort in transition and the vision to grasp their new role as full-time intercessors for adult kids
• Harmony in blended families
• Create a means of escape and healing from harmful family dynamics

Finally, from the National Day of Prayer website, here is the 2023 Prayer for America:

2023 National Prayer For America

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord.
You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life.

The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God
who was, and is, and is to come.

You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove
our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that
we might dwell with You forever and ever.

With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our
sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness,
prayerlessness, and disobedience. 

Forgive us for our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words
that reveal our unclean hearts. 

Cleanse us and renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we
pray.

With grateful hearts we thank You fervently for
the blessings in our life and throughout
America; they are more than we are able to
count. 

We will remember Your grace and testify
to Your goodness in all generations. 

Help us to refrain from complaining, but instead be
prompted to pray faithfully in every
circumstance. Teach us to have a content heart
knowing You are always enough for our every
need.

As the Church we commit to pray and love our
neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our
reputation in this world would be rooted in Your
love. 

Holy Spirit work and overflow through us
in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May
our character, conversations, and conduct
reflect the righteousness in which You clothed
us and command us to live.

With an obedient heart we put on the full armor
of God; Your breastplate of righteousness
guards our heart from which flows the springs of
life. 

We pray fervently for our communities and
country; the people who are in the Church,
Family, Education, Business and Workplace,
Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and
Media. 

Every person is Your workmanship,
fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.
With hopeful hearts we pray that all would
choose to receive Your love and follow You. 

We pray that America would confess, “Jesus is
Lord” and reflect Your righteousness in every
sphere of influence, and every aspect of our
lives. We ask that heavenly hope would flood
our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal
our land.

Believing You; all You are, all You said, and all
You have promised, we pray fervently in
righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name
we pray, Amen!

–Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Prayer changes things! And it changes us.

Remember, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

We choose to trust God, and pray on!

 

PRAYER RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Prayers With Purpose for Women

60-Second Refreshment: Power Prayers for Women

 

Photo credit: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

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When You Feel Lonely: Powerful Hope for Living Connected

Loneliness. It’s not a topic most people talk about.

Whether you’ve just ended a relationship and friends are scarce, or you’re so busy at work that you don’t have time for new friendships—there are many reasons we feel isolated or alone.

In fact, we can be lonely because we are physically alone, or we can feel left out or alienated even when we are surrounded by people.

No matter what the reason, it hurts to feel isolated, disconnected or unnoticed.

Loneliness vs. Solitude
But there’s a difference between loneliness and solitude. Sometimes we need the peace and quiet time alone brings; other times we need connection with others.

Solitude can be replenishing after a hard week at work or in our prayer time with God. With the One who loves us most we can pour out our problems to God, ask for help, and thank Him for all He has done for us.

Hosea 2:14 reads, “I will lead you into solitude and there I shall speak to your heart.” In the stillness, in the quiet, we can hear what God is trying to communicate to us. Away from noise and distractions we can absorb truth in new ways.

Loneliness is different.

One definition says that “Loneliness is a painful awareness that we lack close and meaningful contact with others. It involves a feeling of inner emptiness, isolation and intense longing.”

In addition, you may feel feel sad, anxious or inferior because you are unable to connect with people—or connect with a certain person.

The importance of connection
We live in society that exalts self-reliance, and a time when we are more disconnected than ever.

From my living room in Colorado, I can email my family in Minnesota or Facebook with readers in Brazil. Other the other hand, technology may limit a person’s face-to-face-interactions and in-person friendships.

Online, for instance, we may go wide (have a lot of ‘friends’) but not go deep (as in having meaningful relationships with good friends).

We all need to connect with other people.

We can do so by building bridges to other people, and connecting in person, and not living solely a virtual life. Bridges provide a link from one place to another. Friendships connect one isolated person to another, and soon community is built.

Getting connected
We were created to need each other and to serve each other’s needs. Indeed, our longing for love, friendship and heart friends (close friends) is real. It’s vital to our emotional wellbeing.

The truth is, you can build connections in all different areas of life. Consider these areas of community to connect with others:

• Spiritual community with people at church, or in a small group, prayer group, missions team or one-on-one with someone like-minded.
• Social community through a bowling league, mom’s group, singles group, coffee with friends.
• Intellectual community with people from work, joining a book group or other group with shared interests.
• Physical community in joining a sports team, dance class or getting workout partner for the gym.
• Neighborhood or city community can be built be showing up at your local playground, a neighborhood block party, or mentoring a disadvantaged youth.
• Virtual community is a way to connect with others, but make sure it’s not your only connection with other people.

Connecting with God

Of course, the first one to make a connection with is the most important One, with God.

Through prayer and our relationship with God we have the most primary and meaningful connection possible.

Prayer is talking with God, not at Him. It’s a holy conversation of both speaking and listening. Your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart.

Tell God how you feel and what you need. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for those you love. When you don’t know what to say, even the simple prayer of, “Help!” will reach the loving ears of God.

How to overcome loneliness
• Ask God to make His presence real and close to you today. Ask Him to help you have hope things really can change in your life. You can also ask God to give you courage to reach out to another person today or to bring caring relationships—like friends, family, or other new people into your life.
• Pray. Below are some starter prayers to help get you out of feeling lonely and back to feeling hopeful again.
• Ask yourself: What is one thing you can do today to build a bridge, to connect with another person?

Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When you know God, you are never alone.

***

Here are some short prayers on Overcoming Loneliness to get you started…


Turn to me and be gracious to me, 
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16
Lord, You know the pain I am in right now. I feel so empty and alone. I know I’ve been isolated and need contact with other people, but sometimes it’s hard. Will you please help me learn how to build bridges to other people? I need closer friendships. I need close-knit community. I long for it. Help me to overcome and find joy again. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
Lord, what a comfort it is to know that You are always with me, and that You never leave. So many times people disappoint me. I want to trust and make connections with people, but it hasn’t happened yet. With you, there is peace and stability. You are my strength when I am weak, my true consolation when I am sad. Here in Your presence I abide, I dwell. Thank you for always being near. I am never alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


God sets the lonely in families…
Psalm 68:6
Lord, I need you. I have felt alone and friendless lately. Will you help me to get connected with my family, or people who may become like family to me? Will you fill this emptiness in me with Your love, so I can be filled up and have something to offer others? I need community. I need friendship. Please show me where I belong. I want to walk this path of life with others who will build me up, not tear me down. And, I want to encourage others, to give and take. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Lord, it makes me glad to know that you are for me! You, the One who is ultimate love and ultimate authority designed me and has favor toward me. Thank you. In my desolate desert times I have felt so alone, so desperate at times. But when I remember the truth that You are with me and for me, it releases the pain and fills my heart with hope and joy. I am grateful. And I praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


More resources by Jackie M. Johnson:

• When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty (How to Get Over a Breakup)
• Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough (Hope and Encouragement for DifficultTimes)
• Hope on the Go (Bite-Sized Encouragement for Busy People)
• Singles Blog


Photo: Jure Širić, Unsplash  



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5 Keys to Having an Awesome Thanksgiving


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Thanksgiving in America will be different for many people in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In many states, we have to navigate restrictions for limiting travel, wearing face coverings indoors, and gathering in smaller numbers.

While some people will gather in person, others will have virtual celebrations, or a combination of both.

Even the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York is virtual-only this year. No crowds for the first time ever. But you can still watch it online or on TV.

Indeed, whether you agree or disagree with the constraints, this year’s celebration will likely be one that we won’t soon forget.

So if you can’t go “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house or condo, how can you still have an enjoyable turkey holiday?

You can remember why we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Choose to be thankful despite circumstances.

And enjoy the good things that are never cancelled, like: love, joy, hope, and peace.

Here are five key ideas to help you enjoy Thanksgiving Day in the time of COVID.

1. STAY HEALTHY. Stay informed and make wise decisions. As you know, every state has their own guidelines or mandates, but most health officials suggest wearing a mask (face covering) in public places, washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs, and staying home if you’re sick. Some suggest eating outdoors where possible (or opening windows for fresh air while eating indoors).

2. REMEMBER. Talk about personal Thanksgiving traditions from your past. It makes me happy to recall watching the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV as a child, while the luscious scents of baking pies and turkey wafted into the family room. Reminisce about the good times you’ve had on holiday’s past, and people you care about that make holiday gatherings special.

Remember why we celebrate this holiday. American Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, is traditionally about food, family, friends and football. It’s also a time to give thanks to God for the gracious ways He has provided for us. He is faithful, and we are grateful.

You can also bring to mind the first Thanksgiving in 1621, nearly 400 years ago. Courageous men, women and children we call Pilgrims and the Wampanoag gathered at Plymouth Colony for three feast-filled days to celebrate their abundant harvest and give thanks to God for His bounty of blessings.

While many of us enjoy familiar holiday foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, the people at the first Thanksgiving also gobbled up lobster, oysters, and eel.

3. PRAY. Take time to pray, at your holiday meal or another time on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are blessed or in need, you can be grateful. Thank God for His goodness, His love for you, His provision, protection, and other attributes. Thank Him for what He has done, or has yet to do.

Gratefulness leads to joy! Psalm 107:1 reminds us to, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Here is a short prayer you can use as you pray for your holiday meal.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Lord, we come before you—humble and grateful—on this Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for the people gathered here. We ask You to bless this food and our time together today. May it be a peaceful and joyful time of celebrating Your abundance and Your provision. Keep us all safe and healthy. Bless those in need, and may our hearts find joy in helping others, as we are able. We give You thanks—on this holiday and always. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

You may also choose to “share thanks” at your holiday meal or afterwards. Each person can briefly share what he or she is thankful for, if they choose. In 2020, people seem to be grateful for the little things, the simple things, because our world has been changed in ways unexpected.

4. HELP OTHERS. The holidays are always a good time to reach out to help those in need. Of course, we can help any time of the year and also at Thanksgiving. Consider:


• Donating to your local food bank. These days, many places allow you to drop off donations without leaving your vehicle.


• Hosting a food drive at your church or place of employment.


• Serving food at local homeless shelter.


• Helping your neighbor (For example, if you’re shoveling snow on the sidewalk in front of your house, take the extra step to shovel the sidewalk in front of your neighbor’s house.)


• Reaching out to those who may be lonely. Don’t forget about the singles in your church or neighborhood, or military men and women who may not be able to travel home for the holiday.

Think about a friend with health issues who can’t leave the house.

Or the relative in a nursing home or long term care facility who hasn’t been able to leave their residence in months because of state mandates. Make a phone call. Or FaceTime. Or wave outside his or her window, if you can. Let them know they are not forgotten and that they are loved.

5. ENJOY. Lastly, turn off the news (even for the day) and enjoy the people you are with, the sumptuous food, and the good times. Make memories. Relax. Watch the game. Have good conversations. Play games. Take a walk. Decorate your Christmas tree. Take a nap. Connect virtually (call, text, Skype or FaceTime with far away family or friends).

So bring on the turkey and all the fixings. I’m ready for a day of thanks to the One who loves us most—and a grateful heart all throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving to You!


Jackie M. Johnson is an author and blogger who provides faith-based hope and encouragement to heal your heart and grow a better life.

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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Finding Peace

Why is peace so elusive?

Perhaps it’s because we forget to replenish our source of peace in the busyness of daily living. Regardless of our circumstances, we can live a life of peace when we find our contentment in Christ and draw near to Him.

Just as the moon absorbs light from the sun, we can bask in the glow of God’s Son and absorb his truth. Then we can become people who reflect His joy and light to the world around us.

You can have much less anxiety and much more peace when you trust God and transfer the outcome of the decision to Him.

Instead of thinking “it’s all up to me” and “I have to make this happen” you can surrender your fear and doubt to the Lord believing He will take care of you—and provide a course correction if needed.

Peace is possible as we see the source of peace through prayer.

Key Bible Verses

“A heart at peace gives life to the body…” ~ Proverbs 14:30


“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ~ James 3:18


“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” ~ Isaiah 26:3


“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Powerful Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be anxious. I want to be a person of peace. Help me to keep centered on You and not my problems. Calm me, and help me to find my security and contentment in You, the One who loves me most. Still my inner heart so I can be peaceful in my thought and actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Additional Resources by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women
Prayers with Purpose for Women
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty

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