All in Prayer

When the Holy Spirit Prays

When the Holy Spirit Prays

Linda Lesniewski
Faith/Trust, Prayer

I enjoy sunsets from a pink chair in the shade of an ancient Pine. I prop my feet up on rusty barbed wire that runs straight through that tree. A deep gash spans ten feet up the side of this warrior Pine—damage from a lightning strike. Even though the wound is deep, bark has grown over it allowing the tree to survive. Nevertheless, I sense the tree’s groaning from the wound and the wires. Paul sensed this also when he wrote that creation will one day be set free from the bondage of corruption. Until then, all creation is “groaning together with labor pains” (Romans 8:22 CSV).

Strengthened by Yahweh

Strengthened by Yahweh

Linda Lesniewski
Prayer

A brief prayer in the memoirs of Ezra reveals a poignant concept about prayer. Ezra resided in Persia along with thousands of other misplaced Hebrews. His prayer praised God for what He had done. Ezra prayed, Praise Yahweh the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s mind to glorify the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and who has shown favor to me before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officers (Ezra 7:17 CSSV). This is a huge praise! The king of Persia (modern Iran) had given permission for Ezra and other Jewish leaders to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city.

We’re No Accident

We’re No Accident

Linda Lesniewski
Praise, Prayer

King David brings a vulnerability to his prayers. We glimpse the heart of a poet as he pours out his thoughts to the Lord. I’ve spent several days meditating on the last verse of Psalm 138 and discovered great comfort. David confronted fierce battles once again. While fleeing from his enemies, he found solace in an important area of his understanding of God—God has a purpose for his life!

What’s a Parent to do?

What’s a Parent to do?

Linda Lesniewski
Faith/Trust, Prayer

I’ve begun a different type of journey-through-the-Bible. I’m studying each of the 222 prayers. Imagine, of all the prayers spoken through the ages, God selected these specific ones to record. I’m focusing on the types of things people prayed for and how God responded. It’s a rich and rewarding pilgrimage.ho

Hang in There

Hang in There

encouraging.com
Prayer

“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life.

A Prayer for Leaders

A Prayer for Leaders

Jan Burkhart
Holiness, Prayer

Psalm 15 begins: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? (Psalm 15:1). Several years ago, as I read the words “holy hill,” the words “capital hill” came to mind. I continued reading Psalm 15, using it as a prayer for national leaders. Now, when I read Psalm 15, my thoughts and prayers go to those who are in leadership—whether they be political leaders, judges, or even pastors and leaders in churches.

Prayer Requests—Cut & Paste or Forward?

Prayer Requests—Cut & Paste or Forward?

Linda Lesniewski
Grace, Prayer

I remember receiving chain letters as a young girl. The letter instructed me to mail additional copies to ten friends and add my own name to the bottom of the list—or something like that. The goal was to eventually receive letters from people all over the country. I always complied but, to my knowledge, never received any letters in return. Today news, prayer requests and other helpful information arrive via email, texts or other forms of social media. I often forward, cut-and-paste or even screen capture specific information to pass onward. 

MIGHTY GOD!

MIGHTY GOD!

Jill Hendrix
Faith/Trust, Prayer

I didn’t deserve to go on this mission trip. My registration occurred during the same month of the deadline. Some choir and orchestra members had prayed, saved their money, and rehearsed the repertoire of almost 90 songs for two years. Six concerts were to be performed throughout Italy to sing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Golden Thread

The Golden Thread

Linda Lesniewski
God's Character, Prayer

I’ve enjoyed reading through the Old Testament minor prophets. I wanted to focus on the circumstances in Israel’s history as well as the God’s message entrusted to them to proclaim. The twelve minor prophets were sometimes referred to as The Book of the Twelve since scrolls often combined them within one scroll: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Johan, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zachariah and Malachi. Importantly, though, they were called ‘minor’ prophets only because of the length of the books, not because of a lesser important message.  

God’s Fierce Protection

God’s Fierce Protection

Linda Lesniewski
Prayer, Peace

“She’s a Bethlehem Donkey. They get the name from their markings. If you look closely, you’ll see a brown stripe down her back and across her shoulder making the shape of a cross.” That’s how the owner introduced me to the new donkey that arrived with a small herd of cattle.

Hang in There

Hang in There

Emily Adams
Prayer

“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life. 

The Simple Things: Ask

The Simple Things: Ask

Nancy Paul
God's Will, Prayer

Ladies, there’s that word remain again; only this time it’s coupled with an invitation to ask. Not just to ask though—to ask whatever you wish. Seems simple. I’m more than willing to ask for what I wish; but not so fast—lots of hidden innuendo in Jesus’ words.

Marana tha, Lord Come

Marana tha, Lord Come

Linda Lesniewski
Hope, Prayer

Marana tha. I love this word and want to add it to my everyday vocabulary. It’s only used once in Scripture, even though early believers used it often in their everyday speech. It’s a two word Aramaic phrase with multiple possible meanings, but the most common translation is “our Lord, come.” Paul used it as he closed his letter to the believers in Corinth.

Hang in There

Hang in There

encouraging.com
Prayer

“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life. 

Quiet and Still

Quiet and Still

Julie Smith
Prayer, Rest

I have to admit, I don’t really like a quiet house. If I am alone, I’ll turn on the TV for some background noise. When fixing dinner or cleaning up, I like to watch or listen to something. I immediately sense the urge to turn on a little HGTV, etc. Even in the car, I am listening to something. Not that this is wrong, but I have allowed this to become a habit for me.

Are You Listening?

Are You Listening?

Jan Burkhart
Prayer, Challenge, Love, Spiritual Growth

Do you know someone who doesn’t know how to listen? I became acquainted with a kind man who worked at a grocery store I frequented. Every time he saw me, he would stop what he was doing and head my way. For the next ten minutes (at least) he would tell me all about what he had been doing, about his family, or about anything that came to mind. He loved to talk, but he didn’t know how to listen. I once told my husband, “I know a lot about that man, but he knows nothing about me.”

Hang in There

Hang in There

encouraging.com
Prayer

“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life. 

What's in a Name?

What's in a Name?

Linda Lesniewski
Prayer

I wonder in amazement at all that’s covered within the few words found in the benediction in Numbers 6:22-27.  Thirty-one words cover the totality of all Christians desire in life: May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.

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