Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

       I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

      Philemon 1-7 (WEB)

      I want to take today and really encourage us all to commit to prayer. Paul is a great example of what prayer is all about and what it can be in your life. Paul is so open and continuous about his prayers. Every letter has a prayer or two or three in it. There are prayers of blessings. There are prayers of encouragement. There are prayers of intense supplication. There are prayers of great joy and thanksgiving. Paul’s prayers often begin with an inner circle. He shares his own prayer for himself. Then people that he knows. The circle widens to the local church; then the whole Jewish community. The circle continues to widen.

      Some may be able to do committed, focused prayer by just making up their mind to do so. I need visual aids. There are some wonderful options or ways to do personal prayer time. There are books written on the various ways that people do their prayer time. Recently I have been reading some of Philip Yancey’s works and he shared some ideas that he has come upon. Three days a week he prays for family and friends. On alternate three days he prays for ministries and countries or more global concerns. And on the seventh day, he focuses only on himself, specifically asking God to examine him and teach him. He is quick to say that God has interrupted his plan, saying, “Oh, no, Philip, we are going to discuss you today!” Mr. Yancey also shared about using note cards with prayer needs written on cards that he has used especially when his life has gone through very busy times. The cards helped him get quiet and focus. I have used a 3-ring binder to write requests and left space for the answers to the prayers!

      Some people use music as a vehicle to center and focus. Some use ‘prayer chairs’ or ‘prayer rooms/closets’. Almost every person I have ever personally talked with about prayer has said that he/she came to that ‘breakthrough’ when they committed to a time with God and allowed very little to usurp that time.

      Most ‘good habits’ do not come easily but instead come with a repetition of choice. Establishing a prayer habit builds prayer muscles. A quick scan on any given day to an online news service is enough to prove the need for prayer!

      I am going to take time today to ask God to speak to my heart about His plan for my prayer life. I thank Him that He wants to meet with me. God wants to teach me and speak to me. He is waiting for me to make the time and make the choice.

      July 13

      Words of Life

      “Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.

       He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”

      Psalm 91:14-16 (WEB)

      For many years this passage from Psalm 91 has been my prayer for my sons. I have claimed its promises for them. God is faithful to hear and answer.

      God says that our love for Him brings on a response – He is watching and comes ‘riding to the rescue’ when we make choices that get us in trouble! When we take the stand that we only recognize Him as Lord in our lives, He stands over us like a shield of protection! When we call and cry out to Him, He answers. He answers! When troubles come (And they will. We can guarantee that!), God will already be there. He will be a tangible presence in the trouble that will lead us out of the trouble. He will respect and admire us because in that trouble, we turned to Him and expected Him to be there. We turned in the best direction! God will give me a life-span that has no end! He will show me eternity!

      My son, James, died in 2004 at age 17. James’ life continues on through people who, because of his life-testimony, made a choice to live their lives with Jesus. They saw God’s courage and strength in James’ life and said, “I want some of that!” “I need some of that!” James is having a long life!

      My son, John, continues to write his legacy. He is walking his life in front of his own sons, showing them an example of what it is to be God’s man in this world. It is about showing your children that you are weak but God will keep His promises and make you strong! It is turning to God for wisdom and direction in your life and doing what He says even when you can’t see the ‘why’ of it.

      ...whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

      Philippians 4:8-9 (WEB)

      This has been my Scripture for my daughter, Janet. She has been given a gift of faith. I sometimes think that is a difficult gift to carry because it may mean that she believes when everyone around thinks it can’t possibly happen! I believe God put this passage in my heart to use as a prayer that she would keep her focus on Him and not be distracted.

      What words of God do you pray over your children? Your spouse? No matter how young or old they may be...God is faithful and a keeper of His promises. Ask God to direct your heart to His words for His children.

      July 14

      Blessings

      “I pray that the LORD will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the LORD be good to you and give you peace.”

      Numbers 6:24-26 (CEV)

      Did you grow up in a home where ‘The Blessing’ was said before every meal? I did. It was a specific prayer that we said every meal, every day. And that is OK except by the time I was old enough to understand the prayer it had become such a ’habit’ that I didn’t listen and ask the blessing from my heart. My mother had set the example but I didn’t follow. It’s wonderful to see my children encourage my grandchildren to pray their own blessings. I got an ‘eaves-dropping’ recording from my daughter the other night. My granddaughter was praying before she went to sleep...doing her “...and God bless...” She was praying specifically for her “Uncle John” that he would do

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