Prayer: Instead of a downpour of rain I see an up pouring of prayers. As I think of all the other Saints praying, I picture prayers pouring up instead of rain pouring down.
I wrote this is June of 2017 and rediscovering it and reading it again today, I realize I could have just as easily written it now.
Sitting out on my front porch watching and listening to the birds is so peaceful and quiet. But I know all around there is so much sorrow and pain in this world. But within that sorrow and pain there can be peace and joy and strength. This week four more Saints went to be with the Lord. And the prayer requests never end. It can seem so overwhelming. I feel like that little boy with his fingers in the dike trying to stop the water from coming through and flooding everything. Every time I plug up one hole another hole opens. There are never enough fingers and toes to plug up all the holes.
One person burdened for so many I can feel small, helpless, and useless. But then I am reminded of rain – a downpour, a deluge and as I think of all the other Saints that are praying and read the prayer text messages, I picture the rain pouring up instead of pouring down. Instead of a downpour of rain I see an up pouring of prayers. And then I don’t feel so small, so powerless, so overwhelmed. We need to keep praying, we need to keep seeking God. Our peace and our strength come from Him. In the midst of all the trials and tribulations of this world we can find peace, strength, comfort, and joy.
Prayer, Waiting on the Lord
We can approach God boldly through Jesus, our high priest, who understands our needs. Hebrews 4:14-16
Pray about everything instead of worrying. Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7
Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Thank God for His grace and mercy, praise Him, and keep seeking His mercy. Psalm 105:1-4
Praise and thank God for answered prayer. Psalm 66:13-20
Pray for the forgiveness of sin. Psalms 32 and 51; Jeremiah 29:12-13; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 10:13; 1 John 1:7-9
Call on the Lord in time of trouble. Psalm 50:15
God answers intercessory prayer. Acts 12:1-17