Today, we are grateful that our government shutdown has ended, and we will have some sense of accomplishment that our legislators are back at work accomplishing tasks that have been neglected for over a month. For those who have been adversely affected (really, when you think about the timing of this whole fiasco, that includes everyone) we offer each other grace and mercy and whatever comfort we can. Let us recognize those whose finances are in a mess, whose schedules have been thrown to the wind, those who have work piled on their desks that will take weeks to accomplish, those affected by travel plans gone awry, and those who have undergone dramatic ups and downs the last month or so. Many have prayed, and prayers have been answered.
What I know to be true is that God is always faithful, always steadfast, always filled with compassion for us, and through prayer and the love of others provides for our every need, far beyond our needs and wants. Mr. Rogers used to say on his children’s TV show that we need to look, in every disaster or roadblock, to the helpers, those who sacrificed for our good, those who prayed for us in crisis times, and those who acted in God’s Name. We know contributions to food banks have increased, encouraging calls have been made to our House members and Senators, and people have housed and brought sandwiches to people stranded at airports. Helpers have emerged.
Today’s article from my book Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude continues our November theme of concentrating on the “good things,” and recognizing that for those who are believers, we know abundant living when we are in relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that nothing can separate us from His love. Concentrate on the good things, whatever our circumstances, for God provides and does so beyond our imagination if we look for His provision.
Just look at the first scripture verse for today! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
Day 13
When I daily, even hourly, commit myself to the Lord’s purposes, I discover strength I do not know I possess, and find joy in carrying the burdens of others He sends to me in chance encounters or planned relationships. I find satisfaction in seeing Scripture come to life in very real terms as I live life with an attitude of gratitude.
I have become an intercessor, a prayer warrior, one who supplicates, prays for the needs of others. When I think of someone’s name in the middle of the night, I know it is God’s prompting to pray; that person, right then, needs my intercession. Many stories from people have confirmed that to be true.
Today’s Scripture: “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. They (the apostles) all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14)
Prayer: “Lord, I know that Jesus prayed in private and lived publicly. May I go often to prayer, fervent prayer, for certainly You tell us persistence in prayer is to be nurtured. Help me to look forward to being with You, Lord of the Universe and to never cease to wonder at the thought that You answer prayers all the time because You listen to us and love us. In Jesus’ Name.” Amen.
Day 13 Scripture references regarding praying for others:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.” (Ephesians 1: 3-6)
“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5: 16)
“Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (II Thessalonians 3: 1-3)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11: 24)
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