How Goes the Challenge?

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 20^th 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):

Father, thank You for choosing me to accomplish Your will on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank You for teaching me how to pray about everything. Please show me what more I can do during this prayer challenge. Help me to remember to read the scriptures daily and to not give up. Sometimes I don't feel like reading the scriptures, but I've made a commitment and I want to keep my word. I know there is great benefit from reading Your Word. My faith is increasing. I am trusting You more and believing that You really will answer me when I pray in the name of Jesus. It' a promise and You always keep Your Word. Praise You Father

Faith to Pray

We're 13 days into our 40-day quest to answer the challenge "What would happen if you prayed?" We are daily reading the scripture booklet entitled Faith to Pray. (Let me know if you would like one, whoever and wherever you are.) And we're praying.

 

The scripture booklet contains about 30 scriptures on the subject of prayer. The Bible says:

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV            

So we are reading the entire booklet daily. It takes less than 10 minutes. We're building our faith and confidence that God will answer our prayers. We are planting the seed of the Word of God in our hearts. We expect a harvest of a life of prayer. Then after we read the scriptures, we are praying. We are putting our faith into action.

I am hearing from my friends who committed to take the challenge with me. God is answering prayer. God is touching our hearts and making us more excited about prayer.

I enjoy the convenience of technology and I've been accused of being a geek. To that end, I am posting Faith to Pray as a PDF. Please feel free to download, enjoy, and share.

Pray with me:

Father God, You are all-powerful and all-knowing. You are the One who answers our prayers. We have no excuse to live a prayerless life. You have freely given us Your Word. You have given us so many promises. The Bible says that "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19 NLT) The answer is NO. You always do what You promise. Thank You that when I read Your Word about prayer, faith to pray is growing in my heart. I am learning how to pray as I never have before. And then You are answering my prayers. Help me to bless others by praying for and with them. Then we can see Your kingdom come and Your will being accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. I praise You that all of this is accomplish in Jesus' name. So be it.