How Can I Ever Begin to Thank You, Jesus?

It’s Easter!

He is Risen!

I thought this would be the easiest prayer of all to write until I began and words seemed beyond my reach because I knew the truth…

How Can I Ever Begin to Thank You, Jesus?

Your Resurrection Day changed everything! Everything!

Because of Your resurrection…

My sins are forgiven and I have been freed from sin’s greatest consequence.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:

I have a LIFE that lasts forever.

[It] was God’s plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. And now He has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.
2 Timothy 1:9b–10

I have the promise that, You, Jesus are praying for me.

Because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever.Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:34–35

I have hope for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I have Your perfect peace to guard my heart and mind.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6b–7

I have confidence that all of Your promises are true and that You will faithfully accomplish them all.

Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.
1 Corinthians 15:3b–4

I have the assurance that You are with me through good and bad … always and forever.

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

And today and every day I can proclaim with Job…

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
   and He will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed,
   yet in my body, I will see God!
I will see Him for myself.
   Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes.
    I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Job 19:25–27

How can I ever begin to thank you, Jesus?!

With Your Spirit’s help…

I will do my best to make everything I do and say an offering of thanksgiving for all that You have done for me.

I will surrender each day to You. I will trust and follow Your will as You reveal it to me.

I will rely on You to give me everything I need for whatever lies ahead.

I will love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and I will love those You place around me.

Yes, I will love because that is the perfect way to thank You, Jesus!

By Your grace, please help me fulfill these “I will” promises as my thank you!

Because Jesus…

Your love overwhelms me! Your love transforms me! Your love surrounds me and fills me.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

By Your grace, mercy, and love, I have everything I need now and forever!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

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Father, Please Help Me on the Painful In-Between Days

4 / 20 / 194 / 20 / 19

I'm praying because I can relate to in-between days ... painful days of confusion, overwhelming grief and unanswered questions. #Jesus #Easter #MountainMovingPrayers #CountingMyBlessings

It’s the day between Good Friday and Easter.

And for a moment, I want to turn my attention from Jesus to His followers because I can relate to between days … painful days of confusion, overwhelming grief and unanswered questions.

I think most of us have experienced those “in-between” days. The truth is we’re all living in the “in-between” … so, I’m praying…

Father, Please Help Me on the Painful In-Between Days

Father, in-between days should be full of hope but when yesterday is painful and tomorrow is unknown … living in-between is hard.

I can imagine myself hiding in grief with Jesus’ disciples. I picture them overwhelmed with grief at Your Son’s death and terrified of those who killed Him. Confused because it didn’t turn out the way they thought it would and full of questions about what lies ahead.

Yes, I see myself grieving and afraid.

I’ve been there, between…

the diagnosis and the healing
the loss and the restoration
the lie and the truth
the lack and the provision
the bitter and the sweet
the unknown and the known

I need You, Father. I need You because You live on the side of the healing, the restoration, the truth, provision, and sweetness. You live on the side of the known and You are more than able to gently and securely take me from this in-between time and space to the one that awaits me. The one You are preparing … a future hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11

With Your Spirit’s help, I will focus on Your promises that give me hope.

I will trust that whatever is going on in my life, You are able to renew my strength. I believe there will be days when You will help me soar but there will also be others when it will take supernatural strength just to keep moving ahead. (Based on Isaiah 40:31) And that’s okay … because You are with me.

That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s what the disciples thought on that in-between day and it’s the lie I can so easily believe on my in-between days.

Their master was dead and they believed they had been left alone and I can feel alone sometimes too.

But Jesus said…

Jesus told His disciples, “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

And…

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
John 14:16

Your Word also says…

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39

So, with Your help, I will cling to Your promises.

I will trust You on the in-between days.

The truth is … every day is an in-between day … as we live between Jesus’ ascension and His glorious return. But just like those first followers on that Holy Saturday, that new day is on the horizon. A day of hope and promise and life!

Thank you, Father! Amen.

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Father, It is Finished – Please Forgive Me

4 / 19 / 194 / 19 / 19

It is finished. How can we call it Good Friday? Because Jesus' sacrifice that day is Good News for the lost and broken ... people like you and me. #GoodFriday #Easter #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

I have a hard time getting my brain around all that this day we call “Good Friday” embraces.

When I think about the betrayals and denials, trials and lashes, a crown of thorns and crowds shouting “crucify Him” … all pieces of the day that Jesus suffered and died.

How can we call it … Good Friday?

Because Jesus’ sacrifice that day is Good News for the lost and broken … for people like you and me.

People who need forgiveness. So, I’m praying…

Father, It is Finished – Please Forgive Me

Father, Your Word says…

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:10

Your love overwhelms me … humbles me.

I am so undeserving of Your grace and mercy.

I imagine myself in the worst parts of that day. Oh, it’s easier to think that I would have been standing with John and the Marys … that I would have faithfully followed Your Son to the foot of the cross.

But I wonder, would I have been strong enough or would I have followed the crowd? Would I have been stood strong on Your truth or listened to church leaders, the ones with power and prestige.

That’s how I end up overwhelmed…

Because of Your amazing grace and unfailing love You suffered and died for them, for me!

You sent Your Son to suffer and die for…

Pharisees and Sadducees
High Priests and Temple Leaders
Caiaphas, Herod, and Pontius Pilate
Soldiers and Guards
Betrayers and Deniers
Tax-collectors, Adulterers, and Cheaters
Sinners

People like me!

So today, as I approach the foot of the cross and hear His words, “It is finished!” And my heart and mind cry out, “Father, forgive me!”

I’m so sorry!

I believe Your Word that says…

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:23

And…

The wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23

I believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that…

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

I believe that by You grace…

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
Galatians 2:20

And that I have been made right with You, Father, by placing my faith in Jesus Christ. That this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Based on Romans 3:22)

I trust Your promise…

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9–10

And Jesus promise…

I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
John 11:25–26

Which is why I’m overwhelmed, Father.

It is by Your grace that I am saved. Grace given to me through the undeserved suffering and death of Your Son, and my Savior, Jesus.

Thank you!

Because of Jesus’ “It is finished!” Because of Good Friday, I can say, “Please forgive me!”

And hear Him say, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Thank you, Father! That is Good News!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Father, Help Me to be Humble and Kind – Make Me Like Jesus

4 / 18 / 194 / 13 / 19

So much happened on Thursday of Holy Week. Jesus washed His apostles’ feet. He celebrated a Passover meal with them. He walked with them and taught them about faith and faithfulness. He warned them of the world’s hatred and promised them the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And He prayed.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus served and taught His disciples and He prayed. I'm inviting you to pray with me as I ask God to make me humble and kind—more like Jesus. #BibleStudy #Prayer #MoreLikeJesus #CountingMyBlessings

Today, I’m praying and asking the Father to work in me and make me like Jesus.

Father, Help Me to be Humble and Kind Make Me Like Jesus

Father, I want to be humble and kind. I want to be like Jesus … to live for Your glory and love as He loved. But I fall so far short. I can be self-focused and selfish. I can get so busy doing I fall short of loving.

I’m sorry! Please forgive me and help me.

I want to be willing to humbly wash feet … to take the role of a servant. Make me willing to serve You by loving Your people.

Father, make me…

strong … willing to work enthusiastically for You remembering Your promise that nothing I do for You is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
obedient … willing to follow Your will and keep Your commands. John 14:15
a living sacrifice … serving as an act of worship. Romans 12:1
humble and gentle … willing to love and forgive for Your glory. Ephesians 4:2

It’s hard to be a servant sometimes; especially when people are demanding and greedy.

May Jesus be my example…

Help me take time to get away with You so that I might have patience and strength to serve. Help me rest when I need to so that I might have the energy I need to love like Jesus.

Make me wise and discerning that I might follow where You lead and serve as You want.

Keep me faithful to the study of Your Word that I might know Your truth and follow Your will.

And Father, I ask that You will protect Your children. Jesus said…

I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.
John 15:19

And…

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
John 16:33a

This is hard, Father. It’s hard to be hated and persecuted. It’s hard to face trials and sorrows.

When I’m afraid. When I’m dealing with loss, pain, or prejudice. When my health fails and my heart hurts. Please help me remember that Jesus also said…

Take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

And He promised…

I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
John 15:26

With Your help, I will surrender this day to Your Spirit’s guidance and I will do my best to love like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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Jesus, Help Me to Be Still So You Can Strengthen Me

4 / 17 / 194 / 19 / 19

We don’t know what Jesus did on Wednesday of Holy Week. It is the only day we don’t have an account of His words or activity.

I'm praying and sitting quietly. Today, I will "be still" with the Lord and ask Him to give me strength when I need it most. #Prayer #BibleStudy #Faith #CountingMyBlessings

Jesus knew what the next few days would bring and I want to follow His example…

When I’m stretched by people and problems. When days ahead promise to be painful and hard … I need to be still and rest in God’s presence so He can strengthen me.

Throughout His life on earth, Jesus spent countless quiet hours with the Father.

Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Luke 5:16

So today, I want to sit quietly, to “be still” with the Lord and ask Him to give me strength when I need it most.

Jesus, Help Me to Be Still So You Can Strengthen Me

Lord, before you “did” … You spent time with Your Father.

Before You selected the Apostles…

Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak, He called together all of His disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.
Luke 6:12–13

Before You spent a day healing and teaching…

Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
and
Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Mark 1:36, Luke 5:16

And before Your crucifixion…

“He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:39

Lord, Your Word does not tell us what You did the day before Your arrest and Your suffering began but I picture You spending it quietly with Your Father … preparing for the days ahead.

Please forgive me. It’s so easy for me to hurry through my days … the good ones and the bad ones. Too often, I allow my emotions to influence so much of what I do and say not allowing myself to be fed and filled with all I need.

And when I anticipate a time of pain and suffering…

I can find myself fretful and worried on my own before I “cease striving” and trust You.

Please help me to “be still and know” that You are…

God. Psalm 46:10
My refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
With me always and forever. Matthew 28:20
My strength and shield. I can trust You. Psalm 28:7
With me to strengthen and help me. Isaiah 41:10
The peace that guards my heart and mind. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
The One who has overcome this world and its troubles. John 16:33
The Power that overcomes my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9
My hope and my future. Jeremiah 29:11

Lord Jesus, You showed us that the closer I am to the Father the less I have to worry about or fear.

Fill me Your Spirit and help me keep my heart and mind focused on You no matter what is happening in my life knowing that Your grace is sufficient … Your power is always available to help me when I am weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9

And with Your help, I will spend time in Your presence meditating on Your Word. I will surrender my concerns to Your loving care and provision. I will trust Your will and follow where You lead. I will be still so You can strengthen me.

Thank you, Lord! You are my peace, my strength … my Savior. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

4 / 16 / 194 / 13 / 19

The Lord spent the Tuesday of Holy Week teaching important truths, so we're praying Jesus, help me obey and love... #Faith #BibleStudy #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus spent one last day teaching in the Temple Courtyard and the leading priests and elders came to Him with a challenge…

“By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
Matthew 21:23

After answering their question with a question … He began teaching some very important lessons about obedience, love, patience, and faithfulness.

So today, we’re going to pray and ask the Lord to help us sit with Him and learn the important truths we need to love and obey His commands and patiently wait with unwavering faith.

Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

Jesus, I am overwhelmed that even though You had cleared the Temple courtyard the day before and You knew the very leaders of that Temple would succeed in their efforts to have You tortured and killed … You returned yet again to teach them the truth. To give them one more opportunity to change their hearts and minds and believe.

Your love amazes me. You continue to pursue each one of us … offering Yourself, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Offering the transforming power of faith.

Please forgive me for the hurriedness that prevents me from sitting with You — listening and learning. Please forgive me for the times I’ve believed lies without examining them against the truths that You taught. Forgive me the many times I’ve failed to love the way You want and wait the way You ask. I’m so sorry.

I’m asking You to help me sit with Your Word today and hold the truths You taught in my heart praying…

Please Lord Jesus, help me…

Obey when You ask me to go and work. Matthew 21:28–32
Surrender my heart, my life, my all to You, the Cornerstone of our faith. Matthew 21:33–44
Prepare my heart and mind for heaven knowing that to enter, I am completely dependent upon You, my Lord and Savior. Matthew 22:1–14
Trust and obey Your commands to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as you love yourself. Matthew 22:34–40
Sit and learn both the Old and New Testaments that I might know and understand the way every account and testimony points to You. Matthew 22:41–45
Help me to test the teachings of people against the teachings of Scripture that I might know the Truth that gives me forgiveness and freedom. Matthew 23:2–12
Surrender my life completely to You that I might reject hypocrisy and be clean inside and out. Matthew 23:23:13–36
Give You my all. Luke 21:1–4
Faithfully wait and watch … always prepared and ready for You to come for me personally or for Your triumphant return for us all. Matthew 25:1–13
Invest in things that matter. Make me a faithful servant. Matthew 25:14–30
Do for others in love as if I were doing for You … for this is your will for me. Matthew 25:31–46

Lord, thank you for seeing to it that Your teachings were written for us. Thank you for being the Way for us to be forgiven and restored to the Father. Thank you for being the Truth that gives us freedom today and hope for tomorrow. Thank you for being the Life we need … life that lasts forever and always.

Thank you for being all we need to heal our past, to live in the present, and to face the future with anticipation and joy.

Thanks and praise forever and always. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Lord, the Church Needs Your Help to Trust and Obey

4 / 15 / 194 / 13 / 19

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus cleared the Temple of merchants and money changers.

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
Matthew 21:12–13

The Life Application Bible notes say…

Their (merchants and money changers) commercialism in God’s house frustrated people’s attempts at worship … Any practice that interferes with worshiping God should be stopped.

So today, we’re praying…

On Monday, Jesus cleared the Temple Courtyard. I'm asking God to help the church to trust and obey His will. #Prayer #God'sWill #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings

Lord, the Church Needs Your Help to Trust and Obey

Lord, when Peter professed…

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16

You said that he was blessed because Your Father had revealed this truth to him and…

…upon this rock I will build my church
Matthew 16:18

You are the foundation of the church, Jesus, and we Your people make up that church.

You prayed for us…

I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.
John 17:23

Oh, how we have failed at unity.

Please forgive us!

The Church needs Your Help. We need Your help. We need You.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy…

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3

Please help us, Lord.

It’s so easy to allow culture and denominational differences to distract us and tear us apart. If we’re not diligent and discerning, we can be guilty of allowing the influences of this world to distort Your Word.

We need Your forgiveness.

We need to SEEK Your Kingdom. We need to KNOW Your Truth. We need to OBEY Your Will as Your Word reveals it to us.

By Your grace, help us to…

Seek You first. Luke 12:31
Remain faithful to Your teachings. John 8:31
Know the truth that gives freedom. John 8:32
Know and do Your will. Mark 3:35
And reach the world with Your love. John 15:9–12

Lord, fill us with Your Spirit and make us strong.

We the people of Your church are…

not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

Strengthen us. Fill us. Lead us. Hold us. Hear our prayers.

More than anything, Lord…

Help us love You fully …. with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Help us love one another as You want, those who know and love You and those who don’t.

You said…

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
John 13:34–35

Lord, I ask that Your church will be so full of love, hope, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness … so full of spiritual fruit that those who see us will want what we have.

May Your church today look like the church Paul counseled…

Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:16

Help us, Lord, by the power of Your Spirit, the Church needs You. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Jesus, Help Me Praise You Every Day of My Life

4 / 14 / 194 / 14 / 19

Crowds lined the road that first Palm Sunday, shouting…

“Praise God! Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”
John 12:13

And as they proclaimed You the One who would save them from Roman rule and oppression, Jesus knew the truth…

Jesus knew what was coming.

So, today I will pray…

Jesus, Help Me Praise You Every Day of My Life

Lord, how can I begin to thank and praise You for all You have done for me.

I can imagine myself standing with the crowds shouting Your name but I struggle with the idea that I might have joined those same people just a few days later as they shouted, “Crucify Him!”

Although You knew the pain, suffering, and death that awaited You … You still willingly traveled that road for me.

Your love overwhelms me. You knew and yet You courageously fulfilled every prophecy and promise.

Lord, with Your help, I not only want to speak my gratitude in praise, but I also want to live with gratitude for all you’ve done and all you continue to do for me.

May the roots of my faith grow deep into the knowledge of who You are. May I build every part of my life on seeking and knowing You. And may my faith grow strong in the truth so that I might overflow with thankfulness. (based on Colossians 3:7)

Lord, You have graciously made me Your own. You delivered me from sin, from death, and from the power of the satan. You cover my life with Your grace and mercy.

And the best part is that no matter what I face, You are always with me. You never leave me. You never forsake me. (based on Matthew 2:20)

I never have to face a storm alone. You strengthen, comfort, and give me peace whenever I need it.

And that overwhelms me.

Because…

You know how often I fail You. How often I fall short of doing Your will.

I’ve denied You through unkind words and actions. I’ve betrayed You through sins I’ve committed. I’ve failed to stand up for Your truth and fled in fear like the disciples.

Still, You forgive me … not because of anything good I do, not because I go to church or read my Bible, not even because I try really hard to obey. You forgive me simply because You love me.

Love made evident even on that Palm Sunday. A day You willingly entered Jerusalem fully knowing all You were about to suffer.

Lord, I ask that You will give me all I need to…

Offer You a continual sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15
Faithfully worship You in spirit and truth. John 4:24
Seek You and Your Kingdom first … always. Matthew 6:33
Know and follow Your good, acceptable, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Endure temptation and stand on Your truth in faith. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Do everything for Your glory. Philippians 4:19
Courageously speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:16

And by Your grace…

I will tell of Your goodness and will praise You every day.
Psalm 34:28 (NCV)

Jesus, thank you!

I will praise You the King of kings and Lord of lords, my Savior and the Lord of my life. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week

4 / 11 / 194 / 11 / 19

We’ve been praying 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers each morning on my Facebook Page since Ash Wednesday. If you missed out … you can find them all here.

I want anything is possible mountain moving faith inspired by all Jesus has done for me through His suffering, death, and resurrection ... Holy Week. I'm asking God to use this time to grow my #faith. #Prayer #BibleStudy #BlessingBloggers

Lent is traditionally described as the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter when you skip the Sundays. We didn’t skip the Sundays; so, our 40 days will end tomorrow.

Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week

I want to keep these prayers going through Easter; so, beginning Sunday we’re going to pray … Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week.

We’ll use this time to focus on and grow closer to Jesus.

Anne Graham Lotz wrote…

Why did Jesus have to die?
If there was any other way to offer us forgiveness of sin, to reconcile us to God, to give us eternal life, and to open Heaven for us when we die, God would have found it. He never would have sent Jesus to die on the cross.
There simply is no other way.

That’s how much God loves us! How much Jesus loves us! He willingly paid the “no other way” price to give us what we could have no other way.

“This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:16–17

And our response…

LOVE!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27

And through Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week, you and I will ask God to help us love like Jesus.

He knew He was approaching horrible suffering and death and yet, He moved ahead because of His love for us. He also knew the victory that would follow and because of His victory You and I can have everything we need to live with faith and love.

Like the original 40 days of prayers, these prayers will be a short under 2-minute commitment each day.

I’m hoping you will join me because I want you to know that whatever you’re going through … God’s love is greater.

I’m ashamed to say I used to doubt that … but it’s true! I believed there were potentially unmet needs or possible losses that would destroy me.

And when some of those very things did happen, Jesus gently and lovingly whispered…

“You don’t have enough faith.”
Matthew 17:20

And He was right. But then, at one particularly low point, I cried out…

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24

By His grace, that’s a prayer the Lord always wants to answer and with His Spirit’s help … my faith is growing as I keep my eyes on Him…

Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross.
Hebrews 12:2 (NLV)

He knew what followed…

He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.
Hebrews 12:2b

And so do we! We know what follows. We have the promises of the One who sits on the throne — the King of kings and Lord of lords.

We have the promise of Easter.

So, between now and then, we will pray…

Palm Sunday – Father, help me praise You every day … whatever my circumstances.

Holy Monday – Father, guide Your church. Keep us in Your will and fill us with Your love.

Holy Tuesday – Father, help me sit with Jesus and learn from Him.

Holy Wednesday – Father, by Your grace, help me know when it is time to simply “be still” and rest in Your presence.

Holy Thursday – Father, help me to be a humble and caring … willing to serve like Jesus.

Good Friday – Father, fix my eyes on Jesus and His sacrificial love.

Holy Saturday – Father, give me hope even when it appears that all is lost.

Easter Sunday – Father, help me celebrate the victory You have won for me every day of my life and with Your help, live each day with LOVE!

So, join me as at the intersection of faith and life as we walk with Jesus and pray – Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When You Have Nothing Else, Offer Prayer

by Maryann Lorts
@ Coming to Light

Journaling for the Glory of God

by Jana Carlson
@ Wield the Word

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Thank you and God bless!

Friends, we’ll take a break next week from our Link Party to focus on Jesus sacrificial love. I’ll hope you join me each day next week to pray and come back the following week when Faith ‘n Friends Link Party will return.

Day 40 – God, Thank You for the Hope of a New Year

12 / 31 / 1812 / 31 / 18

Tonight, you and I will turn the page on another year.

How many times have you and I approached midnight thinking, “maybe next year.”

The dreams and wishes of a New Year’s possibilities.

But you and I have something far more valuable than dreams and wishes.

You and I have hope!

We have God’s unfailing love surrounding us, we have forgiveness for our faults and failures, and we have … Jesus!

So, I’m praying…

God, Thank You for the Hope of a New Year

Father, thank you!

The past year hasn’t developed exactly the way I planned.

Some days have been absolutely beautiful and others have been extremely hard but through them all, good and bad, You have been with me.

You have been faithful.

You have been loving, and kind, and good!

And that gives me hope.

Whatever the coming months hold…

With You, I have the hope of a clean slate, a fresh start … the hope of a new year!

So, Father, I ask You…

Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Make me strong and courageous, Lord, my hope is in You! Psalm 31:24

Help me to be still and listen, to cease striving, to know You. Psalm 46:10

Help me trust Your plans and purposes for my future are intended for my good. Jeremiah 29:11

Help me faithfully remember, that whatever happens in my life … Jesus is my hope and my future. 1 Peter I:3–6

Thank you for Your blessings too numerous to count.

Thank You for inviting me to come to You with bold prayers.

Thank You for answering my prayers through Your love, mercy, grace, and perfect wisdom.

Father, please comfort and strengthen those of us who have been waiting and praying about something for years. By the power of Your Spirit, defeat discouragement and bless us. May we trust Your will as we come to You with bold mountain-moving prayers. And may we never give up.

Your Word says…

You hear me whenever I ask for anything that pleases You. 1 John 5:14

May my prayers please You.

Thank You for hearing each heartfelt cry.

By Your grace, help me seek You and Your kingdom above everything else…

When I seek Your kingdom above everything else, You will give me everything I need. Matthew 6:33

And help me trust You to give me everything I need one day at a time.

Father, thank you! Because of Your love, I can look at the new year ahead with confident hope. I can boldly come to You with my prayers. I can and I will trust You are who You say You are and You always keep Your promises.

Thank you for the gift of another year. Thank you for the blessing of hope.

Thank you for Jesus, the One who is always and forever the source of my hope. Amen.

It’s hard to believe this is number 40 in our 40 Days of Mountain-Moving Prayers.

Thank you so much for joining me for this series…

You have blessed me, more than you know, with your kind encouragement. I truly appreciate your willingness to honestly share your struggles with me and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to pray for you.

May we never stop boldly asking and seeking and knocking.

May we faithfully watch God do what only He can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

I’ll be back with a new post and the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party on Friday, as I go back to my regular twice a week posting schedule.

I hope you’ll stick with me and…

Subscribe here so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

And remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?
Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!

Day 39 – God, Please Help Me Live for Your Glory Every Day

12 / 30 / 18

What motivates you?

Why do you get up and do what you do each day?

Paul wrote:

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I don’t know about you, but I fall short of that goal every single day.

So today, I’m praying and asking…

God, Please Help Me Live for Your Glory Every Day

Father, It’s so easy to get distracted by things that sparkle. I can so easily find myself motivated by profits and possessions, status and recognition, and countless other things that have little lasting value.

I am so very sorry. Please forgive me.

And by the power of Your Spirit … help me live for Your glory not my own.

Because You created me for Your glory. (based on Isaiah 43:7)

Because everything in heaven and on earth belong to You. (based on Romans 11:36)

Because of Your overwhelming love and faithfulness. (based on Psalm 115:1, 1 John 4:19)

Because You have fulfilled all of Your promises through Jesus. (based on 2 Corinthians 1:20)

Because You alone are worthy. (based on Revelation 4:11)

Jesus said…

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

And…

If you love Me, obey my commandments. (John 14:15)

And Father, Jesus said that all Your commands can be summed up in one word – LOVE!

Love for You. Love for others. Love for the “least of these.”

Please help me love.

Please help me live for Your glory.

So, in the ways…

I love my family.
I do my job.
I greet strangers.
I help those in need.
I budget my money.
I use my gifts and abilities.
I eat.
I exercise.
I manage my time.
I worship.
I talk.
I listen.
I rest.

May I do it all for Your glory. I want people to see You in me. I pray that people will want to know You because they see You in me.

Your creation lives for Your glory by doing what You created it to do.

The sun by lighting the sky.
The moon by reflecting the sun.
Trees, flowers, and animals … all glorify You by doing what You created them to do.

By Your grace, I will too…

May the constant prayer of my heart always be, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)

Because … Your unfailing love is better than life itself. (Psalm 63:3)

I will praise You.

I will live for your glory!

And with Your Spirit’s help, I will trust Your will for me.

I will be motivated by love … by Your love.

In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?
Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!

Day 38 – God, Please Help Me Trust Your Will in the New Year

12 / 29 / 1812 / 29 / 18

I love the anticipation of a new year.

A clean calendar. A new beginning. A fresh start.

But…

When January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd arrive, I realize I’ve once again carried the junk of the past year with me into the new.

The truth is the new year has the same great need … to let go of fear and anxiety, to live with faith, to entrust my heart and completely surrender to the One who holds every one of my moments in His hands.

So, I’m praying…

God, Please Help Me Trust Your Will in the New Year

Father, Thank you for giving me a beautiful new start … not only in the opening of a clean calendar but every day through Your gift of forgiveness.

Please forgive me for carrying around the junk of the past … things from which You’ve already set me free. I’m so sorry, Lord.

I need You.

Help me trust You completely and follow wherever You lead me in 2019 and beyond.

Help me remember that knowing and trusting Your Word helps me know and trust Your will.

Jesus said, I don’t need to ever allow my heart to be troubled because I can trust You! (based on John 14:1)

Jesus showed people Your amazing love through His life, death, and resurrection.

That’s how much You love. I can put my trust in Your love. (based on 1 John 4:16)

Help me trust Your unfailing love because of all the ways You have helped me and rescued me in the past. (based on Psalm 13:5)

Help me trust You to keep my heart and mind in perfect peace when my thoughts are fixed on you! (based on Isaiah 26:3)

Help me trust that Your instructions and commands are perfect and full of wisdom. (based on Psalm 19:7)

Father, with Your Spirit’s help I will hold tightly without wavering to the hope You give. I will faithfully believe You can be trusted to keep Your promises. (based on Hebrews 10:23)

And as I seek to know You and Your will for me … please remind me of Your unfailing love. Show me where to walk, Father … I surrender myself and my life to You. (based on Psalm 143:8)

Help me trust You and…

I will cling to Your promises.

I will remember Your love and faithfulness.

I will trust in You with all my heart. With Your help, I will not depend on my own understanding or the world’s wisdom but I will seek Your will in all I do, confident that You will show me which path to take every day. (based on Proverbs 3:5–6)

I will trust You.

I will seek to know Your will for me.

I will follow where You lead me.

Please help me, Father, by the power of Your Spirit. Help me trust Your will for me in the new year. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?
Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!

Day 37 – God, Please Help Me – I Don’t Want to be Afraid

12 / 28 / 18

I spent way too many years of my life terrified of “what ifs.”

Life can be hard and bad things happen.

And that thought that frequently sent my anxiety levels through the roof.

Maybe you struggle with fear and anxiety.

And maybe, just maybe, you tired of living with the knot in your stomach that’s keeping you from living the life you know God wants for you.

If so, please pray with me…

God, Please Help Me – I Don’t Want to be Afraid

Father, I need Your help.

I don’t want to live overwhelmed by fear anymore. I’m tired of worry and anxiety and “what ifs” that hold me back.

I’m sorry, Father. I know the real source of my fear is a lack of faith. I have somehow believed the lie that there are some things that are beyond Your ability to help and/or strengthen me to endure.

But starting today, with Your help, I will reject that lie and reject fear.

Oh, Father, I know there will still be things that appear frightening … unknowns that will unsettle me.

But by Your grace, I will quickly surrender every anxious thought to You in prayer.

Like David, I will proclaim who You are in my life…

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Psalm 23:4

You are my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? (based on Psalm 27:1)

I praise You for what You have promised. I trust in You, so why should I be afraid? (based on Psalm 56:4)

This I declare about the Lord. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. Psalm 91:2

I will remember all the countless ways You’ve helped, protected, and strengthened me in the past.

I will remember the times.

I prayed to You, and You answered me. The times You delivered me and freed me from my fears. (based on Psalm 34:4)

You have been my refuge and strength … always ready to help me in times of trouble. (based on Psalm 46:1)

Father, please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You. Help me remember all the ways You’ve strengthened me in the past. Help me run to You in prayer when the enemy tempts and taunts me with the world’s possible problems. And help me hold Your promises close to my heart.

With Your help, I will focus on what is true today. Do what I can and surrender the rest to You. And trust the blessing of Your beyond understanding peace in any storm You allow.

Thank You, Father. Your grace is sufficient. Your mercy underserved. And Your love unfailing. All because of Jesus. In whose name I pray. Amen.

I am so excited you’re here…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

The Gift that Won’t be Wrapped
(A Note for My Kids)

by Rebecca Hastings
@ My Ink Dance

If You Need Hope This Christmas

by Lois Flowers
@ Waxing Gibbous

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

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Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thank you and God bless!

Day 36 – God, Please Help Me to be an Excellent Encourager

12 / 27 / 1812 / 27 / 18

It happened again the other day…

I was scrolling through Facebook when I came upon a random conversation between pastors, kids of pastors, and members of churches about the recommended salaries for pastors next year.

Unfortunately, the conversation got ugly. There were a few in the thread who felt it was more important to be right than to be kind. And I always wonder what non-believers think about Christ’s followers at those moments.

Jesus said,

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34–35

I wish I could say I consistently loved like Jesus. But in all honesty, I too fall short of consistently representing Jesus’ love the way He wants.

So, I’m praying…

God, Please Help Me to be an Excellent Encourager

Father, please forgive me.

I want to be an encourager, to build people up and point them to Jesus … but too often, I’m self-focused, self-centered, and self-righteous.

I’m selfish.

Your Spirit inspired Paul to write to the believers in Philippi…

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:2–4

And to the Romans…

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

Father, forgive me.

Please help me to be an encourager.

Help me focus on what’s important … on the victory You have won for me, on the forgiveness and love You pour into my life, on the way You faithfully care for and encourage me.

Help me…

Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Philippians 4:8

Help me…

Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.

Make me like Barnabas…

Who was filled with joy, and encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Acts 11:23

By Your grace, help me to be an excellent encourager.

Help me listen with kindness and compassion.
Help me choose words wisely.
Help me share the hope I have in Jesus.
Help me inspire others to use their gifts and abilities for Your glory.
Help me inspire others to grow closer to You.
Help me encourage people with Your promises.
Help me share my faith with gentleness and respect.

Father, help me love like Jesus.

By Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help … help me to be an excellent encourager. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?
Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!

Day 35 – God, Thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit

12 / 26 / 1812 / 26 / 18

Jesus promised that when He returned to heaven, God would send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit to guide His followers…

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

I can’t imagine trying to figure out the challenges of life without the blessing of the Holy Spirit … the One the Bible calls, the Comforter and the Spirit of Truth.

So today, I’m simply praying…

God, Thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Father, Thank you!

There are so many things about this life that can be confusing. Trying to figure out conflicting thoughts, ideas, and opinions is exhausting. And the arguing…

Oh, Father, on our own we’re a mess. I’m a mess.

Please forgive us! Please forgive me.

You have given me everything I need. Creation to provide for me. Jesus to redeem and restore me.

And the Holy Spirit…

Who gives me new life in Christ.

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Who teaches me the truth.

He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:17

Who fills me with Your love.

For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5

Who helps me when I am weak.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26

Who prays for me.

The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26

Who gives me hope.

You will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Who guides and directs.

Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Galatians 5:16

Who fills my heart and mind with …

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22–23

Who gives me the words to speak the truth about Your love.

God will give you the right words at the right time. Matthew 10:19–20

Who inspires me to worship.

It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Revelation 1:10

Who strengthens me.

From his glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Ephesians 3:16

What amazing promises, Father! Through Your Spirit, You give me everything I need to live each day in faith.

And when I’m doubtful or discouraged, You remind me, through the words of Peter, of the way to experience these amazing blessings.

” Repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“ Acts 2:38

I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me and through Your Spirit, strengthen me to change … to trust and follow Your will each day.

Thank you, for Jesus. Thank you for the gift of baptism. Thank you for washing away my sins and for the blessed help of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?
Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!