165 Hours of Prayer for the 165 Million Orphans World Wide:
New to the 165 Hour Prayer? Start here, then come right back!
Day 6: As we enter into this day of fasting and praying, I am amazed at my load of faults that rise to the surface during times of prayer such as these. These times of prayer are to lift others up in prayer, but God has a way of revealing Himself to the deepest parts of our hearts too! In our weakness He is strong. I pray that the Lord has been working on your heart and is asking you to trust Him, seek Him, reverence Him, find peace in Him, and lean on Him in times of uncertainty.
Today, let us rejoice in Him!
"My cup overflows with blessings." Psalm 23:5 tells us, but what if there is nothing in our cup?
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 reads, but what if our home isn't safe?
I think of our western culture and it's definition of "blessing" and "provision" which tells me that blessings are big houses, fancy cars, great jobs, swimming pools, well-dressed children, and healthy bodies. While yes, these are a 'blessing' to a point, they are not to be confused with "rewards." There is nothing we did or do to 'work for' or 'earn' bonus points and stickers (aka big houses and over-sized meals) with the Lord. He loves us all equally and see us with eyes of mercy and grace. He loves you.
I am no better a woman than a mother in Africa who struggles to survive after being hit by the flu. There are no medications available to help her. If there were, they are near the cost of half a year's wages. She painfully listens as her children's tummies rumble for food and she has no idea where the next meal will come from. She is too weak to walk for miles to fetch the contaminated water of which they drink and wash. And to send her children for water means they will miss class once again. If they are one of the 20% that attend. This is a reality for millions of people. Why her?
We live in a fallen world- one of sin, where both blessings and sorrows are all around us. What we are called to do is to praise the Lord because He is the Lord. In all times. "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances."
1 Thessalonians 5:16
We are missing the meaning of "blessing" and mistaken to replace it with "our wish list fulfilled" and "material things" all too often. THE blessing is the Love of Christ. THE peace, is the peace in Christ. THE safety, is in HIS arms. THE cup, is the sacrifice of Jesus that was given for us to cover a multitude of sin that separates us from Him.
Would you still praise God if your cup was empty? Would you still rejoice if your home was a dirt floor? Have you ever witnessed a church service in a third world country? Why do they rejoice? Why do they worship? Why are they happy?
Here is the simple truth: Because God loves them and they know it. It is that simple. They don't love God because of the gifts and food and health and clothing they have....that is shown little in their lives. They simply love God for who HE IS, not for what He gives them materially.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:1 If we can focus on the LOVE that He has for us and in that, in all circumstances, be it sweet or bitter, then we can give thanks to the Lord and trust His ways- IF we can focus on that, we will have the "peace that passes all understanding" the "joy of the Lord as our strength." Our focus and main responsibility in life is our relationship with the Lord. This world is temporary and we are just passing through, remember the 'things' that are important aren't actually 'things' at all, but love.
Scripture:
"In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!" John 16:33
"The Lord will always lead you. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands. He will give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water. You will be like a spring that never runs dry." Isaiah 58:11
Prayer:
Praise: For the LORD who LOVES us! For God because He is God!
Today I'd like to focus on prayer for the health children and those living in poverty around the world. World-wide 22,000 children die each day due to conditions of poverty. There are 1.1 billion people without access to clean water. Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria, a preventable and treatable disease.
Pray: For the people who are sick and need to know the hope of an eternal life in Christ. Pray for the missionaries and organizations who serve them, that they will be strengthened and encouraged to continue their work. Pray for financial support for such work and that those who are 'blessed' will share with the rest of this hurting world.
Pray: For the children in the orphanage and the foster care home of our specific adoption group. There are several little ones who are sick with the flu and other issues. Though this may seem simple to us, even a mild flu and illness hold potential harm. Two little girls specifically are ill that are requesting prayer, and there are others. Lift them up in prayer and for their adoptive families watching their little ones go through this.
Pray: For your heart to be focused on His goodness, not His gifting, but ask that your love for Him grow stronger just because He is Lord!
Watch this video on God's heart for adoption by clicking here.
Thank you for praying! God hears and answers our prayers! I trust that He will complete His works in each adoptive family and their journey to their child(ren). Be encouraged that you play a special part in the lives of those you pray for. Continue with us on one more day! Day 7 will reach nearly 165 hours of prayer for the 165 million orphans. Thank you for joining us through this!
New to the 165 Hour Prayer? Start here, then come right back!
Day 6: As we enter into this day of fasting and praying, I am amazed at my load of faults that rise to the surface during times of prayer such as these. These times of prayer are to lift others up in prayer, but God has a way of revealing Himself to the deepest parts of our hearts too! In our weakness He is strong. I pray that the Lord has been working on your heart and is asking you to trust Him, seek Him, reverence Him, find peace in Him, and lean on Him in times of uncertainty.
Today, let us rejoice in Him!
"My cup overflows with blessings." Psalm 23:5 tells us, but what if there is nothing in our cup?
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 reads, but what if our home isn't safe?
I think of our western culture and it's definition of "blessing" and "provision" which tells me that blessings are big houses, fancy cars, great jobs, swimming pools, well-dressed children, and healthy bodies. While yes, these are a 'blessing' to a point, they are not to be confused with "rewards." There is nothing we did or do to 'work for' or 'earn' bonus points and stickers (aka big houses and over-sized meals) with the Lord. He loves us all equally and see us with eyes of mercy and grace. He loves you.
I am no better a woman than a mother in Africa who struggles to survive after being hit by the flu. There are no medications available to help her. If there were, they are near the cost of half a year's wages. She painfully listens as her children's tummies rumble for food and she has no idea where the next meal will come from. She is too weak to walk for miles to fetch the contaminated water of which they drink and wash. And to send her children for water means they will miss class once again. If they are one of the 20% that attend. This is a reality for millions of people. Why her?
We live in a fallen world- one of sin, where both blessings and sorrows are all around us. What we are called to do is to praise the Lord because He is the Lord. In all times. "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances."
1 Thessalonians 5:16
We are missing the meaning of "blessing" and mistaken to replace it with "our wish list fulfilled" and "material things" all too often. THE blessing is the Love of Christ. THE peace, is the peace in Christ. THE safety, is in HIS arms. THE cup, is the sacrifice of Jesus that was given for us to cover a multitude of sin that separates us from Him.
Would you still praise God if your cup was empty? Would you still rejoice if your home was a dirt floor? Have you ever witnessed a church service in a third world country? Why do they rejoice? Why do they worship? Why are they happy?
Here is the simple truth: Because God loves them and they know it. It is that simple. They don't love God because of the gifts and food and health and clothing they have....that is shown little in their lives. They simply love God for who HE IS, not for what He gives them materially.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:1 If we can focus on the LOVE that He has for us and in that, in all circumstances, be it sweet or bitter, then we can give thanks to the Lord and trust His ways- IF we can focus on that, we will have the "peace that passes all understanding" the "joy of the Lord as our strength." Our focus and main responsibility in life is our relationship with the Lord. This world is temporary and we are just passing through, remember the 'things' that are important aren't actually 'things' at all, but love.
Scripture:
"In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!" John 16:33
"The Lord will always lead you. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands. He will give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water. You will be like a spring that never runs dry." Isaiah 58:11
Prayer:
Praise: For the LORD who LOVES us! For God because He is God!
Today I'd like to focus on prayer for the health children and those living in poverty around the world. World-wide 22,000 children die each day due to conditions of poverty. There are 1.1 billion people without access to clean water. Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria, a preventable and treatable disease.
Pray: For the people who are sick and need to know the hope of an eternal life in Christ. Pray for the missionaries and organizations who serve them, that they will be strengthened and encouraged to continue their work. Pray for financial support for such work and that those who are 'blessed' will share with the rest of this hurting world.
Pray: For the children in the orphanage and the foster care home of our specific adoption group. There are several little ones who are sick with the flu and other issues. Though this may seem simple to us, even a mild flu and illness hold potential harm. Two little girls specifically are ill that are requesting prayer, and there are others. Lift them up in prayer and for their adoptive families watching their little ones go through this.
Pray: For your heart to be focused on His goodness, not His gifting, but ask that your love for Him grow stronger just because He is Lord!
Watch this video on God's heart for adoption by clicking here.
Thank you for praying! God hears and answers our prayers! I trust that He will complete His works in each adoptive family and their journey to their child(ren). Be encouraged that you play a special part in the lives of those you pray for. Continue with us on one more day! Day 7 will reach nearly 165 hours of prayer for the 165 million orphans. Thank you for joining us through this!
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