Dear Praying Friends, The journey with this blog has been a “growing” experience. On so many platforms, we look for people to “like” our posts or to comment on them. One day recently, I was discouraged in writing and I said, “Lord, does this matter at all?” As He has in the past, He reminded me that it doesn’t matter if anyone reads this, it matters that I write it. This is an act of obedience. I hope that you will obey the Lord even in the things that don’t seem to matter to others. I believe that God’s favor follows acts of obedience. You never know how much an act of obedience can impact someone in a special way. So, this week, I continue to pray “SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!” I invite you to pray with me as you are able. Have a blessed week! ~Gina
Monday, July 24, 2023: Read Psalm 27
Prayer pointer: “Despite the heaviness of David’s situation, he was confident that God had the perfect plan for him. We can be confident too. God has the perfect plan for our lives, and no enemy will stand in God’s way.” from 4 Reminders from Psalm 27 to Build a Courageous Faith
Prayer “Starter”: Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, help me in spite of the heavy situations that I face today, to seek You and Your Kingdom first. When I fret, remind me again that this world is not my home. I believe that Your plans are perfect for me and for my Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world. Especially help those who are being persecuted for their faith. Help each of us to have “ears to hear” what You are saying to us today. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/Apply: What is the “one thing” David is seeking after according to Psalm 27:4? How does his statement impact you personally?
As you have time: Worship Song for Today God Is My Light (Psalm 27)
Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Read Galatians 6:2 NKJV
Prayer Pointer: “One of the ways God heals the soul is by helping us get our minds off ourselves and onto what we can do for other people.” ~Joyce Meyer
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, help me understand the importance of making myself available to help people with their difficulties in life, even if it means a sacrifice for me personally. Help me to take my eyes off of myself and to see the needs around me. Teach me what it means to help bear another’s burden and also help me to receive encouragement from others when I need it. As Your Kingdom advances in the earth, help the lost to see that Your people love well and serve well. And let our love draw others to You. Show me places where I can serve others. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/Apply: Is there an act of kindness that you can offer to someone in need this week?
As you have time: Read Bear One Another’s Burdens by Joyce Meyer. (3 min. read)
Wednesday, July 26, 2023: Read John 13:5-15
Prayer Pointer: ” Simply to say prayers is not to pray; otherwise a team of properly trained parrots would serve as well as men in prayer.” ~C.S. Lewis
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, You showed us a beautiful example of what it means to be a humble servant. Help me, help my brothers and sisters throughout the world, to follow Your example. As we seek Your Kingdom first, help us to let go of our own desires to be filled with Yours! I’m sorry for the places where I’ve been selfish, not wanting to be a servant. Show me the tasks that you have assigned to me. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/Apply: Is there a place where I can serve someone today with Christ’s love?
As you have time: Read The Joy of Putting Others First by Greg Laurie (3 min read)
Thursday, July 27, 2023: Read Psalm 18:2-3
Prayer Pointer: As Christ-followers, we serve a God who is not surprised at all by what we face each day. God is sovereign, so he knows all about panic, pandemics, chaos, and confusion. And he is with us no matter what we face. ~ Anne Peterson on Crosswalk.com
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, as I rely on You today as my “Rock”, let all fear be replaced with Your supernatural peace. Please help my brothers and sisters around the world to rely on Your strength in the midst of difficulties. I call to You today as my refuge and fortress. Thank You, dear Savior! (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/Apply: What other names for God do you find in Psalm 18:2-3?
As you have time: Worship Song for today: Solid Rock
Friday, July 28, 2023: Read Psalm 18:36
Prayer Pointer: As Christians we may trip and fall, but as we follow God he will make our way secure. ~Amy Boucher Pye in A Devotional for the Week
Prayer “Starter”: Thank You, Lord, for walking right beside me in this life’s journey. Keep my feet in Your paths. I give You these “uncertainties” today(name them), trusting that You will show me the way through them to the “other side.” (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Think/Journal/Apply: Write a “thank you” note to the Lord!
As you have time: Our Daily Bread: Always in His Care
Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023: Read Matthew 6:33 again
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?
Monday, July 31, 2023: Read Matthew 7:21
Prayer Pointer: Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This is praying for a day when God will bring heaven to earth and bring His rule on this planet. God still has a plan for planet Earth. He will rule and reign here, and as believers, we will rule and reign with Him. ~Christianity.com
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, I want to pray “Kingdom first” prayers everyday. Direct my heart and my thoughts back to Your Word so that I know that I’m praying in Your will. Help me to seek You with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!
Coming in August: SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
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Rhythms of Grace 