Intentional Prayers

Have you ever been stopped dead in your tracks to pray for something or someone that you don't even know?  Well, this happened to me one day last week.  I was doing some blog surfing when I felt a strong urge to pray for women in Africa and Haiti, specifically in refugee camps in Haiti and the Sudan, South Africa, and Rwanda (???) who had been raped or who were about to be raped that very second.

I was kind of caught off guard at how the second before my mind was on something completely unrelated, and then I was just whisked off to a very serious task.  The Spirit also led me to pray for the attackers of the women who were about to be raped that second.  He led me to ask that in the midst of one of the most heinous acts, that the attackers would have a change of heart and just leave the women alone....like a total shift in behavior right that instant.  Lastly, He led me to ask that that moment would be so impactful that the attackers and the women had no choice but to believe it was God that spared the inevitable act of rape in that moment.

Whoa God!  I was praying for a good 15 minutes, and this came out of nowhere; I knew it had to be from God.  I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before.  I can only pray that because some women were spared from getting raping and their vicious attackers had a complete character change that they will come to know the one and only true God.

What are some of the things you are praying about right now?  I'd love to pray for you...it's kind of what I do!

The Ministry of Text Messaging

I used to despise technology.  I thought it was a way to make us broke and dependent, and what was wrong with the old way anyways???  The ease of downloading a song is wonderful, but what was wrong with CDs, or even 8-tracks and tapes for that matter?  I feel that it's okay to NOT be able to push a button and have all our dreams come true; it's okay to work a little bit for what we want, like getting up to change the channel from the TV versus using a handy remote from the couch.  Just kidding, but maybe we wouldn't have so many couch potatoes.  That's a thought!

Now, I've made peace with technology...even text messaging, which was at the top of my list for most annoying things.  My BFF is a prayer warrior, and so am I!  I think our friendship has strengthened each other's gifts and abilities to help others through prayer and intercession.  Text messaging has aided us a lot in our prayer missions; so I can't be too mad about the vehicle that has literally changed lives.  We don't always have time to pick up the phone and have a long involved conversation.  She is the mother of three small children all under the age of four, and she also has her plate full with work and being a help to her neighbors and family.  I am typically working, interacting with my son, spending time with the hubsters, or serving some where or someone.

So here's how it goes...either one of us may get some disheartening news about our own family unit, extended family, other friends, neighbor, church member, stranger, whoever, and we will just send that text message out with the details and ask each other to pray.  Typically as soon as I get or see her text, I'm on the horn to God pleading on someone's behalf.  Because I have the memory of an elephant, I'm usually thinking and praying about whatever it is that she sent me throughout the day.  Once we have a chance to chat, then we will talk about it in more detail, and pray again over the phone.  We've even been listening to the news or radio and hear about something going on in our communities or the world that strikes us to ask the other for prayer, and we'll get right on it.

The hubsters has even begun an informal way of ministering to others through text message.  He receives a Bible verse each day by text message, and he'll pray over that verse and its application and meaning.  Then he forwards that verse out to several people, a few of who that one little verse will be their only connection with God's word.  Many people have been blessed by those verses, and it's just a wonderful way to keep it at the forefront of our minds.

Please remember this: Prayer is your best defense against the devil and his attacks.  Prayer is how we communicate with our Saviour and keep our relationship strong.  So just continue to pray for yourself, your family and friends, your community, and your country!

How have you used technology to minister to others?  Do you have an active prayer life?

A Declaration Prayer

This is what I wake up to every morning.

With all the doom and gloom going on around the world, in our country, maybe in your home town, and even in our personal lives, this is a time now more than ever to declare God's promises over your life.  Because you serve the Most High King, you've been given the tools to overcome the Devil and this world's system.

If there is something on your heart today, I want you to lay it at His feet, and walk away from it.  I Peter 5:7 says to, "Cast all your anxiety on Him,  because He care for you."  I am also a huge fan of intercession, so if there's someone you know that's going through a lot, then please stand in the gap and go to our Saviour on their behalf.

Years ago, a dear friend of mine wrote a prayer for such times as these, and once I got this prayer in my spirit, I was able to let go and let God.  I pray that it is able to do the same for you.

I choose to release any doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past because I am the head and not the tail and no weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (Philipians 4:13).  

Therefore, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding in ALL my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Because I am HIS child HE will never leave me nor forsake me, 

He will bless me with peace all the days of my life.

HE will work ALL things together for my good (Romans 8:28) and although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures (Psalms 23).

I will put on my full armor of God so that I can withstand the schemes of the devil!

I will stand my ground with my belt of truth buckled tight, my breastplate of righteousness protecting my heart,  my feet fitted in shoes of peace, walking with my shield of faith perfectly in front of me, putting on my helmet of salvation and keeping the Sword of the Spirit sharpened and upright at ALL times (Ephesians 6:11)!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen!

Tawanna Watson

God bless!

What are some of your favorite prayers or words of wisdom that have gotten you through a rough time?

Double-click the picture below to print prayer cards that you can post on your mirror, in your car, in your Bible, and any where else you frequent often.  If you say this prayer out loud, then you will start to believe it, and it will be even more powerful.