Day Nineteen – Removing Clutter

October 8, 2023

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

Tomorrow, I will write why my friend means so much to me. But, today I will continue on with telling the story of why my ex is still a snake. Sigh. Well, any-who-how, when my friend and I did connect we talked for hours! Hours! We caught up on everything and everybody we knew and didn’t know. As we covered our life journey my heart sank to the bottom of my already disappointed stomach once she said, “Oh, yeah, I’m an engineer and a realtor.” I remembered she was an engineer and a property investor but I must have forgotten she was a realtor. Shame on me! Because I allowed time to rob me of so many good memories. Yet, I’m glad I never forgot she’s a successful engineer that continues to reach back into her community to inspire young and old. She is truly amazing! And from the sounds of things her successes intimidate men. Her open desire to have a faithful husband and grandchild clearly shows no matter how successful you become, the heart always want to belong and connect with family.  Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.

We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.

We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure.

Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.

You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.

All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now. Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. ~Debbie McDaniel

The Prayer’s of Black Women: Praying Mental Burnout

Artist:  Henry Lee Battle
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.  Matthew 6:9 – 13

Lord for many people this has been a stressful week.  And I know one of those people personally.  She is the reason for this prayer.

Her name is Sandy.  My friend Sandy is mentally tired.  She has a few medical issues; and, Lord, despite her health challenges she continues to try to work in your vineyard.   She has done more than her share in making sure the women in the group get coupons each week.  She made sure we knew what stores had the best deals.  Lord, she updated her email “free and cheap list” to us everyday!  Lord, she made sure to update the coupon log week.  And with all that she was doing no one could send her photos of items on sale.  She didn’t ask much of us and she gave more than people were willing to give.  Please heal her from the spirit of burnout.  Give her a second wind of breath for our coupon ministry.  Show her you are walking by her side and she is not alone.

Lord this week Christy has decided she would not help us get coupons for our ministry.  Christy’s decision is weighing heavy on Sandy’s heart because it has come when our ministry does not have another avenue to collect coupons in abundance.  And Sandy is trying to mentally and emotionally accept the door being closed; therefore, in her efforts of accepting our groups fate she has realized she has neglected her professional and personal duties.

I’m not sure why Christy will no longer collect coupons for our group but you do.  And when it comes to Christy, Lord, I pray that you bless her for being a wonderful blessing to us.  I pray your protection over her newest adventure as I wish her well.

Lord I ask that you help us to keep the group together by opening up avenues for us to get coupons in abundance.  Your word says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”  Malachi 3:10

Lord, I believe in your ability!  I claim the coupon blessings in your Holy name!

Lord, in closing my prayer for this moment, I humbly ask that you please help Sandy and others like Sandy to find a balance between ministry work, professional and personal responsibilities.  Amen