7 Prayers That Work

Dear Lord of all, I can't stop thinking about Cuba. I see them in their churches, with hands raised in worship, arms thrusting the air, feet moving, bodies swaying, lost in their love for you. I see them speaking to neighbors, telling people about Jesus, the answer to everything. I see them calling down the Spirit, crying over people, ushering in your healing power. I see them being Jesus everywhere. Lord, keep them safe. Strengthen them in their love for you. Increase their resolve to reach their country for you. Protect them from complacency. May your Spirit roar over them like fire. Move through them like wind. Alight on them like a dove. Holy Spirit, descend on Cuba. Oh, Lord God, give me just a taste of their passion for You! Amen.

I read James 5:16 today. I think I should follow its commands. It's a good, albeit humbling, cleansing method. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  I am proud : I care what people think and want them to respect and like me. I want to think I'm better than other people at the things I value. I am petty : I worry and obsess over things that don't really matter in life. I am unforgiving:  I sometimes harbor secret resentment toward people who have wronged me. I cover it up by being nice to them, but deep down, I probably don't want them to prosper. I am selfish: I think of my own needs and desires first. Even when I serve people, I am often aware of what I'm "giving up." This is still being self-oriented. I am forgetful : I focus on the present, to the detriment of the past and all God has already done for me. I am faith...

Lord, I have so much to do today. This week. This month. My spirit feels rushed and anxious. Calm me and remind me that all I have to do is worship You. Just listen, obey, observe, act. I just need to be You today to someone else. So what do You want to do today? Who needs Your Spirit and Your love? I am Yours today. Amen.

I've been wrestling with some big decisions. So I opened my Bible, and there was Psalm 145. Incredible! Just what I needed. Here's a snippet: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fufills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, but the all wicked he will destroy." (Psalm 145:17-20) What are you wrestling with? The Lord is near and listening for your voice. You can pray this prayer: Lord, I need you! Help me believe that You are loving and gracious, and You have good plans for me. My desire is toward You. May that desire intensify rather than wane. Watch over me and guide me to speak truth to You, to believe truth about my life, and to leave everyone and everything else in Your care.  Amen. image by  alex grichenko