Dear Praying Friends,
I recently read a devotional thought by Joyce Meyer that really confirmed that I need to do more “Kingdom First” praying! In her devotional book, New Day, New You…366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life, she says: “Too often we spend all of our time seeking God for answers to our problems when what we should be doing is just seeking God…Do you realize that you don’t even have to worry about your own spiritual growth? All you need to do is seek the Kingdom, and you will grow. Seek God, abide in Him, and He will cause increase and growth.” Good and CONVICTING thoughts, right? I personally have to battle anxiety often. I believe that as I keep seeking Him, anxiety will have to go! Let’s keep praying “Kingdom First” prayers! This week’s scriptures will focus on dealing with anxiety in a fear-driven world. Blessings~Gina
Monday, July 17, 2023: Read Psalm 139:23-24
Prayer Pointer: “Running from God does not help us to be at peace with Him.” ~Joyce Meyer
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, when I am anxious, help me to not run from You but to run to You. Turn on the “searchlight” in my heart and show me the source of my anxiety. As you reveal, help me to lay each care at Your feet. And I pray this for my friends and family, too (name them if you feel led) I continue to seek You, knowing that You will add everything I need. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/ journal/apply: How are you dealing with your anxiety?
As you have time: Listen to Max Lucado: Pray Without Ceasing (1 minute)Ask the Lord to help You be aware of Him all day today!
Tuesday, July 18, 2023: 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer Pointer: “Jesus encourages us to yoke ourselves to Him so that we can find rest from carrying heavy burdens.” (Matthew 11:28-30)” ~from Praying through Anxiety from the American Bible Society.
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, as I yoke myself to You, I trust You to help me bear the burdens of this life in Your strength. Bring fresh faith and courage to my Christian brothers and sisters. Help us in a world that is increasingly opposed to You. Empower us to continue to stand boldly for what we know is truth. You are TRUTH! (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/journal/apply: Do you struggle to trust God? Why?
As you have time: Worship song for today- You are My Hiding Place
Wednesday, July 19, 2023: Read Philippians 4:8
Prayer Pointer: “Jesus doesn’t want you to face life’s trials and worries alone. He offers to walk alongside you as your comfort, strength and hope.” ~from Praying through Anxiety from the American Bible Society
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, forgive me for trying to carry life’s burdens without You. Help me and all my Christian brothers and sisters to cast our cares upon You. Thank You for Your loving care for us. Remind us often that we are never alone. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/journal/apply: Do you believe God is mighty enough to deal with your challenging circumstances?
As you have time: Check out some Christian podcasts on overcoming anxiety here.
Thursday, July 20, 2023: Read Psalm 142:1-4
Prayer Pointer: Jesus loves you. He does not intend for you to be crushed by anxiety. He overcame death itself! You can live with the assurance that he can overcome anything, including anxiety. ~from Praying through Anxiety by the American Bible Society
Prayer “Starter”: Father, I confess I want to be free from anxiety. Make me willing to take the steps necessary to face anxiety head-on. I need faith to believe that I can truly be healed. When anxiety attacks, help me to hold onto this promise: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6. In this fear-driven world, remind me to take every anxious thought captive through prayer. Help my brothers and sisters throughout this world to turn all their fears over to You today. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/journal/apply: In the passage from Psalm 142 above, the psalmist tells God about all his troubles. Have you done that?
As you have time: Worship Song for Today-Unspoken…God Help Me Now
Friday, July 21, 2023: Read Psalm 142:5-7
Prayer Pointer: ” Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” ~Max Lucado
Prayer “Starter”: Father, thank you for being a safe place for me to bring all my concerns. I am anxious again as I face ______________. Help me depend on you, God, to be my strong protector. I pray for your peace as I face circumstances I can’t control. Today, I place my hope in you and your infinite wisdom and power. As we watch disturbing events unfold in our world, remind me and my Christian brothers and sisters that You have already won this battle. Help us to be about our Father’s “business” each and every day. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/journal/apply: What will it look like for you to take a step toward depending on God today?
As you have time: Read Psalm 62:5-8 Look for instruction from the Lord, things to confess and places to give thanks. Write your own prayer based on your findings.
Saturday & Sunday, July 22 & 23, 2023: Read Matthew 6:33
Prayer “Starter”: Take some time to rest this weekend. Use this time to “catch up” on prayer posts if you desire. Continue to ask the Lord how you can seek His Kingdom FIRST in all of your life adventures. SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/apply: If you are keeping a journal, summarize how You have seen the Lord working in your life this week. Are there any tangible steps you can take as you consider these things?
Rhythms of Grace 