Prayer & Praise: June 6-13
Great God, in public and private, in sanctuary and home, may my life be steeped in prayer, filled with the spirit of grace and supplication, each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.
Help me, defend me, until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise. Urged by my need, invited by Thy promises, called by Thy Spirit, I enter Thy presence, worshipping Thee with godly fear, awed by Thy majesty, greatness, glory, but encouraged by Thy love.
I am all poverty as well as all guilt, having nothing of my own with which to repay Thee, but I bring Jesus to Thee in the arms of faith, pleading His righteousness to offset my iniquities, rejoicing that He will weigh down the scales for me, and satisfy thy justice.
I bless Thee that great sin draws out great grace, that, although the lest sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God, yet there is mercy for me, for where guilt is most terrible, there Thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.
Bless me by revealing to me more of His saving merits, by causing Thy goodness to pass before me, by speaking peace to my contrite heart; strengthen me to give Thee no rest untiI Christ shall reign supreme within me in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to Thee, and ever clings to the cross.
Amen…God help me.
“…strengthen me to give Thee no rest untiI Christ shall reign supreme within me in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to Thee, and ever clings to the cross.”
Lord, may it be so
Amen and Amen
“Help me, defend me, until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise.”
Yes, Amen, Lord, help me to praise and not complain.
Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Linnea…I love that verse in Philippians….I’ve got it posted as my FB motto…it is so true…and so good.
Thank you, Sarah!
Would you all pray for my former colleagues, Patti, Karen, Lori and Andi, that they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior?
One more request…would you pray for Jane, who is dying of congenital heart failure? Her twin sister, Joan was my 2nd Mom when I was growing up, and the whole family treated me as their own.
Linnea, such beautiful names… praying that they come to see their need of our Savior.
Pray for the Calvary Chapel Senior Pastor’s Conference that is getting under way at Murrieta, California tomorrow. The subject matter they will be focusing on at the conference is the book of Acts and an emphasis will be placed on renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit. The first speaker to take the pulpit will be Tom Stipe; a PP favorite. Please pray for God’s anointing on Tom’s words and that the conference from beginning to end will be full of God’s changing and transforming power.
Em…thank you 🙂
Lucy Listens: Praying for Tom and the conference and that pastors be renewed and refreshed.
Been thinking about Tom a lot today…he’s up first and Dave Rolph will follow…praying that they are anointed and that the hearers have ears to hear.
Because of the interaction here on the PP not only can I pray for the SPC, but do it with joy and deliberateness, instead of obligation. Thank you Michael and all the CC Pastors who post here.
“Patti, Karen, Lori and Andi, that they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior”…
Linnea, Interesting as when I saw these names, I thought what beautiful names. Then I see Em said the same thing. Please know I will be in prayer tonight for them. Your beloved friend Jane will be upheld in prayer as well.
Praying as well for those pastors who will be speaking tomorrow.
joining in “praying that they are anointed and that the hearers have ears to hear “- will remember them all in my prayer
Some of you might know of Dana Key (from the Christian group DeGarmo & Key), has passed away. Apparently he had a blod clot and died in the night last night. He was scheduled to do a concert here in Nashville on the 13th with Eddie DeGarmo to help a family that lost everything in the flood.
This is another hard hit on our community…Tom Howard passed away early this year as he was walking in the park. He was an incredible influence in CCM, and an amazing man. Dana was pastoring a church in Memphis where he was trying to overcome the lingering influence of racism. I met him a few times, but have several friends who knew him well and always heard of his compassion and love.
I might add….the concert he was doing on Sunday was for a family where the father and daughter were killed in the flood. The father had been able to rescue the son, but as the son and mother watched, the father and daughter were caught up in chest-deep water and drowned. The mother has talked about watching him as he held his head above the water and kept her gaze…..it is one of the more heart-wrenching stories of the flood.
Now, they have this fund-raiser scheduled and Dana has suddenly passed away. Please pray for the Quall family.
God have mercy…
We just received word that Dusty’s grandfather has passed away. The hospital says they can’t find the body. I’m glad we’re out of state. He was bad enough in real life, but would make a horrific zombie.
So sorry to hear that, Buster. Pass along my condolescences to Dusty.
Sarah…praying for the family with unimaginable loss in Memphis.
Buster…praying for Dusty and her family and for closure, if needed. Love to you guys, and as Dusty says, {{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Please pray for my friend Nate.
http://www.nathanjpelz.com/home/
God has been so good to me throughout the years and has ALWAYS gotten me through the very hardest of situations. Countrywide Home Loans was bought out through Obama’s stimulus by Bank of America. In the switch I am hearing that a lot of folk’s home loans were “messed up”. Mine is one of them. A lot of details here but, I need prayer for the problem that is facing us right now. The bank wants us to come up with about $7,000.00 to come current, as they see it–this is a wrong amount but, I think it’s better to give them the money than to fight it.
I am confident that our LORD is able – there is no doubt. I would like prayer though just the same. Thanks.
praying for all
Jerry F,
7000 dollars? Sounds like something to fight, but I know that’s easier said than done. Praying for you to have wisdom and God’s mercy in this situation.
Dana Key, Tom Howard, Dusty’s grandfather, Karen Stewart…Lord, have mercy!!!
Praise Report!
Papias got a job!
Thanks, Kevin. I have been so concerned for all those I have heard about losing their homes over the last couple of years now. I thought I was secure. But, as we all learn, in this world, the only thing that is sure is our LORD’s love toward us. And that covers alot of insecurety. We have fought this. When you call this bank you never talk to the same person twice. I’m beginning to think there are a couple of data bases that they work off of that don’t jibe with each other. Anyway, I have just heard Amy Grant’s newer release that GOD hears our cries as more beautiful than a HALELUJAH in HIS ears.
Look, Papais got a job! See, HE sees. Halelujah!
Yay Papias!
A prayer request…a young friend of ours (Katrina) hit a tree at 60 mph in the wee hours of the morning. She is in critical condition, with burns on her legs requiring skin grafts and the likelihood that she will lose her toes on her left foot. Would you pray for her, her family and that they would come to know Him?
Congrats Papias!
I have a terrible tooth ache.
Yay Papi!
gives me hope then…
I want to be next!!
praying tonight..
Updates:
Jeff is not relying on the ventilator any more. The therapists would like to see improvement with Jeff’s physical movements such as tracking with his eyes, moving fingers and toes, and doing so when directed. My sister has seen these things often and I have as well. The therapists need to see these same things. They are now beginning to work on speech and opening and closing his mouth which seems to be the most difficult.
This has begun to wear on my sister a little bit as she is juggling so many balls right now. Please pray for all involved but especially Jeff, Julie, and their three children. One of their daughters is graduating from UCLA this coming week so it’s a bit bittersweet.
My tooth has improved a bit but I’ll need to go to the dentist. I have to admit I’m very nervous as I had issues the last time I went and I don’t want to experience that again.
We had our two Grandchildren here last night and it’s a slice of Heaven! This morning Connor was swaddled and laid in bed with Belinda and myself. That sure brings back memories!
Thank each of you for being here for me and everyone else. I really do love you all.
praying
Guys,
This young lady is lost at sea. Can you cruise over and let her parents know you’re praying for her and them?
http://phillyflash.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/around-the-horn/comment-page-1/#comment-12179
Thanks,
Phil
Phil, great idea…thank you!
praying for all
have had the little girl on my mind and was disturbed to hear the news report a little while ago
Praying for Abby
The Father of a good friend of mine passed away last week, she went out of her way to let me know when his services would be, how much she would like to see me at his services and how much her Dad loved me.
The problem is that the services are being held at my former church, the one where the assistant pastor said it would be better if I was not on church grounds.
I would think for a funeral that they would “look the other way”. If you can stomach being there, it might be a good thing.
Go anyway.
For your friend, it would be better if you were on church grounds. Who cares what that numpty said? What’s he going to do, make a scene and bodily haul you off the grounds in the middle of a funeral?
Let the love of your friend and her father be stronger than the intimidation of some knuckleheaded big mouth.
London, have you met him?
hahahaha….yeah…I’ve met plenty of “him” in my day. 😉
Thanks guys, I’m pretty sure I’m going, just needing some prayer coverage.
Good for you jlo!
i’ll be praying too jlo.
Erunner…sorry that the tooth is still bothering you. Will continue to pray, and praying for your visit to the dentist.
I cannot imagine the toll on your sister caring for Jeff. Praying for great strength for her, and for God to continue to send staff and nurses and drs who would treat him with compassion and tenderness. Praying still that he will recover fully.
Jlo…praying for your heart tonight. I’m sure the thought of going back to that church for this service is food for frustration and memories. Praying that you will be able to set that aside to be there for your friend, and praying as well that this pastor will do the same.
Sarah, still praying for you lady….how are you doing?
I have been offered a job by my former boss…same company but different location. This would essentially be a promotion/pay increase…the down side is it is not closer to Buster’s side of town and the drive time would increase by 25 minutes.
would appreciate any prayer you can offer.
Dusty, praying.
Getting ready to go to the funeral.
Dusty….thanks…it’s been a stressful week. Things are okay though. Praying for your job decision.
jlo…how did it go at the funeral?
We just had a pretty amazing night. One of my mother-in-law’s friends and a friend of my father-in-law’s put together a night to honor them and try to raise some money. We helped a little, but this was mainly the effort of people my in-laws have ministered to over the years.
Over 60 people came and they presented my in-laws with a money tree……with $3000 on it. Then they presented them with a check for over $8000. They also had a proclamation given by a city councilman about the impact this couple has made on the community, and how this outpouring of an extended church family was the fruit of a life lived for others. It was pretty moving. Apparently because of their situation of losing everything in the flood the donation of over $11000 is also not taxable. Pretty cool.
My mother-in-law, who normally is not someone to speak in public, stood at the end and said she used to have a verse in Philippians as her life verse. Since the flood she said that Isaiah 41:10 is now her verse:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
She went on to say that from the very moment the flood entered their home and they had to evacuate, God has helped them and that He has upheld them with his right hand….through his people.
Pretty great night.
a lot of encouragement in the declarations of faith here – thank You, Lord
praying with
The funeral was a very moving celebration on a Godly man’s life, he touched so many lives. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren shared many amazing stories.
Ronda was touched that I came; I had a chance to connect with some old friends. I even said hello and chatted briefly with the assistant pastor that said I was not welcome on church grounds.
so very glad, jlo, that things went that way. Praying for you tonight for rest that is free from anxiety.
Just talked to Dusty. Sounds like she’s doing OK. I was hoping to hear of a big battle between the JWs and the Masons, but apparently the two groups are working to avoid each other… as well as the rest of the family…
Buster, please let Dusty know I am praying…
I’m becoming a bit frightful about my up coming surgeries. On top of that for the past two weeks I’ve been wrestling with a numbness shooting down my right leg. I went to the doctor yesterday…we don’t think this is the case but there is the possibility the cancer has metastasized in my spine. Getting a MRI on Mon or Tues. I’d appreciate your continued prayers
If I get on the other side of this I want to do a musical tour with my partner Ron Diller. I’ve always been a musician at heart (not a good one)
Steve,
hang in there…we’re praying.
Praying for you, Steve….and will continue. If you get a chance, let us know what time the MRI is.
praying
I do not like that!!!
Damn cancer anyway.
Will do a double walk with the dogs, Steve you will be at the top of my prayer list, for both walks. I do my best praying when I walk.
Hopper –
Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman — already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet — who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
“I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”
———–
The man looked a little worried when the doctor came in to
administer his annual physical, so the first thing the doctor
did was to ask whether anything was troubling him.
“Well, to tell the truth, Doc, yes,” answered the patient.
“You see, I seem to be getting forgetful. I’m never sure I can
remember where I put the car, or whether I answered a letter,
or where I’m going, or what it is I’m going to do once I get there
– if I get there. So, I really need your help.
What can I do?”
The doctor mused for a moment, then answered in his kindest
tone, “Pay me in advance.”
———————–
A man walks into a hospital with a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear.
“What’s the matter with you?” a nurse asks.
“I dunno,” the man replies. “I’m just not eating properly.”
Praying this late-night, early morning for our pastors. Praying for God’s peace to settle upon their shoulders as they go to proclaim the Word tomorrow and to lead their congregations gazes to fall upon the throne.
Praying as well for the various needs. Praying for God’s guidance to be clear, and when it is not for his peace to be strong. Praying for some here in our midst who are dealing with swift, overwhelming news. A woman from our fellowship who has been a gracious servant of the Lord went in with pneumonia and has found herself in late stage cancer with a mass on her lung. Devastating.
Father….the rug has been pulled out from under so many of us. The skies have become dark and the vision simply is not clear.
We do not understand.
Our footing is not stable. Our hope is shaken for the moment.
Meet us. In the middle of the night. Early in the morning. Throughout the day.
Meet us.
If we know you are with us, the footing will become stable.
If we know that you hear us, the hope will become strong.
Be present in your congregations tomorrow. All those represented here. All these bodies made up of souls who carry burdens and joys through the doors with them.
Surprise us. Rest upon us. Catch our attention. Speak through Your men. Hear our worship.
Be present. Remind us that you are near.
Strengthen us to walk this life. Raise our gaze to fall upon your throne, and comfort those who are weary. May the services all around us tomorrow be glorifying to you and refreshment to our brothers and sisters.
Keep us in your care….
amen, Lord praying with Sarah in this mid night hour…
Steve, my husband had a spinal stenosis producing your leg symptom for about 10 years – didn’t get better, but it didn’t get worse, either – FWIW
i should register a thanks giving and a praise before i call it a night …
my daughter on her way home from work after a 14 hr. shift (7 AM to 9 PM) had a near miss in traffic … a man in a wheel chair steered out into traffic and only the front car could see him … there was an accordion slamming on of brakes and while she kissed the bumper of the car in front of her (no damage), she looked in her rear view mirror to see a huge macho man type pick up truck screeching down on her. Thank God, he was able to go up on the parking strip beside her and came to a stop just a couple inches from a telephone pole. Had that pole been planted a foot closer, he would have been badly injured at the very least. I’ve already said my thank you to the Father, but let me say it again with praises due here tonight… the man in the wheel chair? he was fine and proceeded to hand out his garage sale flyers to all the trembling folk
drive like you’re the only sane person on the road, dear folk
Thank you Sarah. AMEN!
Em, whew, Praise the Lord!
The reason that I’m posting is to to encourage all to keep on praying when there is no answer seen. Not saying anything new, tho…
I don’t think Satan is yet bound and impotent. I think that prayer as exercised by the Body of Christ at least, is more than getting our phraseology right enough to persuade God; our prayer taps into a force that encounters the opposing force of darkness and death.
Some say that Satan is bound now and all our troubles are with our own old sin natures; that Daniel’s tale of the prince of Persia hindering only refers to time before Immanuel’s victorious resurrection and that now there is no enemy standing to hinder our prayers… nothing hinders but our own small faith… I don’t think this is correct. Yes, the victory is won (it is finished), Satan is done for, but the battle is not over.
Every time we are in prayer, there is a dynamic of submission and appreciation opening our understanding of God’s will, we grow spiritually when we pray. And when we can’t think clearly anymore? When we run out of ammunition, as it were?… Keep blowing the trumpets in praise anyway.
praying with – God keep all close and comforted