Our challenge for these 40 days (16 days remaining) is to answer the question: what would happen if you prayed? How's it going? The word "challenge" suggests that we're doing something that offers a degree of difficulty. For some of us, it may be a challenge to read the scripture booklet in its entirety, daily. For others it may be to pray . . . at all. Or maybe you've never prayed out loud or this much or this regularly. But I hope that you are doing something different so that you will see results.
One of my friends was excited about the challenge because for the last few years, June has traditionally been a painful month for her to endure. For her, joining us in prayer has itself been a challenge. She's had to pray in spite of the history of the month. But she knows someone is praying with her. As a result, she said June "does not appear so intimidating." Praise God!
Another friend who is taking the challenge has begun reading a biography entitled Rees Howells, Intercessor (download from this page). God used Howells in the ministry of praying for others in early 20th century Europe. A man looking for Howells went to his town but didn't know his name so he asked for the "man with the Holy Ghost." He was sent to the right place. (I would love to have such a reputation.) So by reading this book, my friend is being inspired, amazed, challenged, and convicted.
A friend who is part of a ministry to young people has called the rest of their ministry team to meet weekly to pray for their spiritual sons and daughters as well as other matters. How cool is that?
As for me, I am practicing praying about everything. I pray for the friends who are taking this challenge with me, regularly. I so enjoy praying for you. I have a little list with your names on it. I also have another list of things I would like to see change for others. I've been praying my one-minute prayers and focusing on God throughout the day. I may miss an hour here and there, but I feel as if I am establishing a habit. The other day, I prayed about shopping. If you know how I feel about shopping, you wouldn't be surprised. I had to buy certain clothing items. I prayed that I would be in and out while finding what I needed at a good price and do it all in 15 minutes. Well, it took a little longer than 15 minutes, but I still made good time and bought three dresses for less than 60 bucks. I was satisfied. Then I wanted a new blouse. I prayed that I would find something cute, it had be silver/gray/platinum-ish and at a good price. I found what I liked. It was the only one. I hoped the size would work for me since it was the only one. It was hanging on the 30% off rack. I took it and another top that I didn't like as well to the counter. I told the clerk that the one I really wanted was on the 30% off rack but I was hoping it was 50% off. She scanned the price. It was 50% off. Yippee! (Should have told her I hoped it was 70% off.) HA! Next, I hoped it would fit because I was not going to try it on in the store. Oh happy day! It worked for me.
God cares about us. He wants us to pray instead of worry. He wants to help us. He wants to accomplish His will on the earth. He does this as His people pray.
Like Jesus said,
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16 NKJV
Pray with me (out loud):
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