National Day...

of Prayer is today. I am thankful that we have the opportunity to come together to pray as a nation. I do want to encourage you to not just pray today, but to pray everyday. Our God is I AM, God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So many times we come together to pray during crisis, special occasions, or in this case as a one day event. My heart cry is that you come to know The Lord in a very real and personal way. To spend time with Him each day in prayer.

May I encourage you today with some scripture? Maybe, just maybe you are unsure as to how to pray. I remember asking that question many years ago, and a very wise mentor told me, "Jennifer, if you are not sure what to pray, then pray through scripture." How comforting those words were to me! So with that wisdom, I say the same to you. Here are a few passages to pray if you are not sure where to begin.

James 5:16, Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Philippians 4:6-7, Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7And God's peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 15:29, The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).

1 John1:9, If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

Matthew 6: 9-15, 9Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.10Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([a]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have [b]given up resentment against) our debtors. 13And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [c]reckless and willful sins, [d]leaving them, letting them go, and [e]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [f]reckless and willful sins, [g]leaving them, letting them go, and [h]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

I hope that these will help you as you continue to grow spiritually and closer to God.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen