Back to the basics...

My heart is very heavy today. I have lots on my mind. Pastor Tray has requested that we go "back to the basics" and have prayer as a vital part of our day. I have always prayed all day on and off, but lately I find myself in deep admiration and praise. I know that God can....but do I have the faith that He will?

I am praying for a friend with a huge decision to make. One in which will, either way, effect the future of her family. What a burden she is bearing!

Another friend is dealing daily with an autistic child. In the mist of therapy, chaos, confusion and deep and utter exhaustion she finds the time to share scripture and words of encouragement to her E-pals. What an AMAZING woman!

One of my friends is now a widow. I don't see how she does it. All the cooking, house work, bill paying, cleaning and washing the vehicle, maintenance of a home and a vehicle, shopping, going to church, going out to eat.......and doing this alone. No one to bounce questions and/or concerns off of. An empty house, a quiet vehicle, and even the chair that once was occupied by her husband sits empty, but she is going through this journey with grace and beauty. She helps those in need without asking or looking for any return. She is beautiful and has defeated the giant of loneliness and depression.....while wearing make-up and heels!

I am also praying for a friend that is having marriage issues. How devastating it is not knowing where your husband is and what he is doing! The mind games that our enemy throws on us can kill our spirit, our attitude and our joy. This friend, too, is always "caught" with her hands uplifted praising her Father, who she KNOWS will take care of this need.

Many friends of mine are in financial despair, with the economy being in the mess that it is in and few jobs that are secure. They are under much stress and depression. My heart cries out for their well being.

There have been several recent deaths (young and old) in and associated with our church and family. I can't imagine what those "left behind" are having to face.

Pastors, teachers, administration, the lost, the hurting, the suffering...and the list goes on. We must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. When we feel the need to pray or if God puts someone in your mind. Pray and Pray with ALL YOUR MIGHT.

James 5: 13-20 (NIV)
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.