Prayer Life

There is a book coming out in August entitled "Confession of a Prayer Slacker." How do I know this you might ask? Well, because the author happens to be a wonderful friend of mine, Diane Moody. Now, I have not read the book but the title describes me PERFECTLY and I cannot wait to be one of the first ones to read it!

All that to say, I am not a prayer warrior. In fact, up until this past Monday I was totally a "prayer slacker." I did not regularly pray at all. Well, that is not entirely true. I have tried to incorporate prayer into my life in some form or fashion but it isn't anything that I have ever been really happy with. I hate to tell a struggling friend "I will pray for you" because I am scared to death I won't.

When my kids were really young and early morning wasn't an option, I opted for the raindrop approach. I pray for a minute or two while in the shower, while going potty, while trying to fall asleep, in the middle of the night when I had a newborn. You get the picture. And for the most part it is me asking God for something for myself, patience, tolerance, a joyful heart. Well, you get the picture.

I have read books on prayer. Power of a Praying Wife, Power of a Praying Mother. I have learned mnemonics to help me pray. I believe in the power of prayer. I have studied "The Model Prayer." Well, you get the picture.

While reading EG her daily scripture verse from my "Power of a Praying Parent" calendar, I came across this: "Prayer is acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence into our lives and circumstances. It's seeking the presence of God and releasing the power of God, which gives us the means to overcome any problem." (Emphasis added.)

That has stuck with me, BIG TIME. "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." John 16:23

So, this past Monday I got up 15 minutes early and started a prayer notebook. I try to remember to put down prayer requests from others and from my LifeGroup. I always thank God for all of the blessings He has given me and my family and thank Him for giving me His Son. I always pray for my hubby and my marriage and me. I pray for each child. Then, depending on "who's day it is" (each child has two days a week assigned to them for various chores etc.), I take extra time to pray for that child, getting specific on what he/she/I am struggling with. I put all of this in my journal and as time goes on, I will be able to see how prayers have been answered. Then, I ask God to lead me in prayer for specific individuals or events or projects or whatever He wants to lay on my heart.

I have managed to do it three days in a row. I hope it will continue. I am a little more hopeful this time around because I already have the habit of getting up early. What is 15 more minutes in order to release the power of God on my life and all those who I can pray for . . .