In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. John Bunyan
(Scroll to Bottom for Printable Prayer Postcard)
She was young enough I had to help her spell A-U-N-T M-A-R-S-H-A. She folded the paper handed to her before church began. The sermon was a compelling message on the importance of interceding for others. The minister asked us to write a name of someone they promised to pray for and put it in the shiny box he had prepared. Without hesitation Emily walked to the front and placed Aunt Marsha's name in the box.
I had no question whether she would carry out her promised prayers. Even at a young age she cared deeply about people -- and especially Aunt Marsha who was one of her favorites.
For the month of August, I would like to use Mondays to pray for your requests. This week we will pray for our extended families. If you have someone you would like us to pray for, leave the name in a comment below. You may give an explanation of why you want us to pray -- physical, spiritual, etc., or merely share the name. If you are more comfortable asking for prayer privately, go to A Sheltering Tree's Facebook page (here) and private message me. And please, pray for another on the list.
I love this verse in Colossians 4:2 -- Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come. "Watch for God's answers."
I've often wondered about the stories of that 15-years-ago prayer box. How were they answered? How many people were brought into the Kingdom of God because someone promised to pray and "watch for God's answers.” Only one "end-of-the-story" do I know -- the one where a host of angels had a jam fest when Aunt Marsha's name was written in the Book of Life. Where a pastor's daughter embraced her father and mother's God for herself. I know the chapter of the story where Marsha's rich alto voice blended with the others in Dr. David Jeremiah's choir at Shadow Mountain Church this morning. It's a beautiful story.
Who are you praying for? I'd love to help you pray. We shelter people here. My passion is to encourage you. Sit with me under the tree's shelter. Be encouraged that others are lifting hands of prayer for your loved one. And just "watch for God's answer."
Free Printable Postcards
1. Download and print on cardstock.
2. Cut inside the blue line
3. Draw a line down the middle back.
4. Use the right side to address and stamp.
5 comments:
I like that idea your pastor had to write one person's name down that you promise to pray for. I pray for people every day but that makes it special to select one person and to have the collective prayer of the church members added to our own.
such a wonderful idea my friend. please pray for my sister, physically. also my cousin, physically.
I love your story and the answer to prayer you shared. In a small group I attended, the leader collected each one's prayer request at the beginning of the 10 week class. She passed them out the last class. We were all amazed to see what God had done. My relative is David, physical and spiritual. May I be so bold as to ask for prayer for myself? I've developed a super sensitivity to fragrances that is greatly hindering my life and ministry. Thanks so much! How can I pray for you?
Hi Pamela! I love your heart. I'm going to private message you my prayer request. Thank you SO much for living out your heart for prayer.
Hey Pamela,
I love the idea of praying for people and letting them know that you are praying. What better thing can we do for others!
I came over on Women with Intention, and I'm really glad to find your site.
You have reminded me to let some friends know that I am praying for them today~
Hope you have a blessed day,
Melanie
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