Rhythms of Grace

Walking Through the Valley

Dear Praying Friends,

I am grateful for the many messages I have received regarding my mom’s passing into glory this week. The Lord has been answering your prayers by putting His arms around me with His comfort and care. There is nothing like these. And even though I know there will be more tears ahead, I am grateful that Jesus answered my prayer and took mom with Him to heaven.

I had mentioned in my previous post that I am heading into Washington DC for 6 days of prayer. At the time of this writing, that is tomorrow morning, September 4, that I will be leaving home and heading to Denver to fly out. I have a friend accompanying me and I am grateful.

As I have prayed about this, I know that my mom would want me to go to WDC. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and she always told me that I could do anything that God wanted me to do. I know that her wise counsel over the years has sustained me as a woman in ministry. It has been a tough road but I continue to walk forward.

Please pray with me as I continue to dream God’s dreams for the rest of my life here. I believe that new missions are out ahead and I’m waiting upon the Lord for His marching orders. I’m praying for all of you to dream His dreams, too.

As we continue through September let’s keep praying:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO DREAM YOUR DREAMS!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Wednesday,September 3, 2025: Psalm 24:4

Prayer Pointer: 

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help each of us in the valleys because those can be the hardest and most confusing places for us. Thank You for loving us in our weakness and carrying us in our heartbreak. You understand all about who we are because You were one of us. Thank You for humbling Yourself to come and live among us. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO DREAM YOUR DREAMS!

Think/Journal/apply: What valley am I facing right now? Talk to God about it and ask for His help.

As You have time: Walking Through the Valley

Worship Song for Today: Stand in Your Love

For more prayer “fuel” for September, let’s pray for our schools: I Can Pray for My School calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Going into the Battlefield…

Dear Praying Friends,

Ever feel like you are heading into a battlefield? As I write this today, that’s how I feel. Yesterday as I had my pastor pray for me he told me that I was heading into a battlefield.

I would appreciate your prayers for me as I head to Washington, DC, September 4-10, 2025 to speak to the Nation about God’s Dreams and to pray with our US Congressmen from Wyoming. Yes, I feel I am headed into a “battlefield” because of the chaos in our Nation right now. BUT…I feel that God has me “armored up” and ready. Today, after some intense days of prayer and some sleepless nights, I am receiving “breakthrough”.

I want to thank you all for your prayers for me as I “soldier on.” I read this on Bible Hub and it resonates today:

“The support and encouragement of fellow believers are vital in sustaining morale and fostering resilience.“

I feel like I’m taking so many “with” me as I go to WDC because so many are praying.

As we begin a new month, let’s switch things up in prayer:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO DREAM YOUR DREAMS!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Monday, September 1, 2025: John 16:33

Prayer Pointer: 

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help each of us in the battles we are facing in this cold, hard world. Help us to hold tightly to You as we “soldier on”, seeking to do Your perfect will. Let each brother and sister know that they are here “for such a time as this.” Help us to be faithful!(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO DREAM YOUR DREAMS!

Think/Journal/apply: Have I put on the armor of God by relying on His strength and not my own?

As You have time: Fighting the Battles in Your Mind–Rick Warren

Worship Song for Today: Battle Belongs

For more prayer “fuel” for September, let’s pray for our schools: I Can Pray for My School calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

A Change in the Air?

Dear Praying Friends,

I normally don’t post anything on the blog on weekends, but feel that I should write today. (8/30) For a long time, I have tried to post daily (or almost daily) with scriptures and prayer prompts. This past week has been more challenging and I have not posted as much. With that I have wondered if there is a change in the air. I have written because it is an outlet for me before the Lord. As I pour words out, it helps me to process what God is doing and saying to me.

I shared about a breakthrough in prayer earlier this week and I’m still rejoicing in the answer. But with the breakthrough of persevering prayer usually comes weariness and I do feel weary.

In a prayer group this week, I shared the words of Dick Eastman in his book, Love On Its Knees:

“Intercession is fighting. It is engaging in battle. “

Whenever we pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is Heaven” we are engaging in a “light and darkness” battle. Now please understand that we already know the outcome and as a precious pastor friend once reminded me, “We’ve read the end of the Book and we win!”

But in all of this, it doesn’t change the fact that we are still in a battle until He returns to make everything right. With that battle comes different “seasons”. I think we’d all agree that the world and our Nation are very different than they were 10 years ago.

The one thing that we can count on in this world is that change will come. Is there change in the air now? I have wondered about it this week and I will continue to pray and ask the Lord to guide me in regards to this prayer blog and also the plans He has for me.

I hope that you will keep praying even when the battles seem endless and even hopeless.

At the end of August 2025 I still pray and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Saturday, August 30, 2025: Daniel 12:21

Prayer Pointer: In every season, God is still God. ~Marcus Lamb

Prayer Fuel: Lord, is there a change in the air? Give me and my brothers and sisters Your wisdom and understanding as we navigate these difficult times. If there is a change coming, help us to move in Your Spirit’s power to embrace the changes that You desire to bring to Your Church. You have said that You will have a Bride without spot and wrinkle and we know that we are in a sanctifying journey with You. Help us to submit to God and to resist satan. Thank You that nothing separates us from Your love. (Ephesians 5:26-27) I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/ply: What struggles in my life feel overwhelming right now? 

As You have time: “God may call you to a new season, but he wants you to know: you’ll never face the future without his help.” ~Listen to Max Lucado’s message When Seasons Change here.

Worship Song for Today: Seasons

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

The Blessing of BREAKTHROUGH!

Dear Praying Friends,

I am so excited to share a breakthrough in prayer! For a few weeks now, I have been praying for favor with a government official. I reached out more than once and got no response. But the Holy Spirit would not relent and encouraged me to keep praying and asking. Today (Tuesday, 8/26) the answer came in with a resounding YES!

I share this to encourage you. If you feel that God wants to do something in your life but the answer seems delayed, keep asking Him about it. If the burden to ask does not lift, I believe it is because He wants to bring a breakthrough. Ask with a humble and sincere heart and wait on the Lord. I watched Him move this way and I was shouting for joy when the answer came.

I pray on into August 2025 (nearing the end) and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Wednesday, August 27, 2025: Colossians 4:2 AMP

Prayer Pointer: We can do nothing without prayer. All things can be done by importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles, overcomes every resisting force and gains its ends in the face of invincible hindrances. – E.M. Bounds

Prayer Fuel: Lord, thank You for Your answers to our prayers. Help us know what we should be asking You for, what Your will is. And when things don’t seem to move forward, give us the courage to keep on asking until we see Your answer. Thank You for allowing us to participate in Your work on Earth. I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: In what ways are you courageous?

As You have time: Max Lucado: The Prayers of a Weary Soul

Worship Song for Today: Don’t Stop Praying

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Just one thing today …

“What great need we have of God’s mercy lest the easy distractions of the world delude us into forsaking what we have so tentatively begun, lest we fail to persevere in our desire to answer God’s invitation to peace. We need to persevere in our desire to love the Lord and in our attempts to make some return to him for so many proofs of his love, especially his constant, persevering presence in our soul. This faithful lover never gives up on us. However long we live, we could never wish for a better friend than God, who even in this life grants us a far greater peace than we are able to desire.”

-Teresa of Avila

IS A TRUE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING COMING?

Dear Praying Friends,

Because I have been involved in prayer ministry for many years, I have read about the “spiritual awakenings” of the past. They have always intrigued me and I’ve wondered if I would be privileged to see another move of God like these in my lifetime.

An article on Bible Hub, tells me that there are Biblical foundations for the idea of spiritual awakening:

The concept of spiritual awakening is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with the themes of revival, renewal, and repentance. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to awaken from spiritual slumber and return to Him with wholehearted devotion.

I have always felt that I should pray and ask for revival. Lately, it feels like many more are feeling an urgency to pray. I believe that God hears and answers the earnest and sincere prayers of His people. I encourage you to read stories about how prayer made the difference. Are we nearing a true spiritual awakening in our country? I pray so!

For additional reading: AND GOD CAME: The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening

I pray on into August 2025 (nearing the end) and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Monday, August 25, 2025: Ephesians 5:14

Prayer Pointer: Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.” — J. I. Packer

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help us to keep on asking You for a revival of Your Church in the earth. Let a spiritual awakening begin in me and bring spiritual awakening to all my brothers and sisters all over the earth. Move mightily to bring in a great harvest of souls. I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: What “mountains” am I facing that I need to entrust to God? 

As You have time: If you haven’t already, read: AND GOD CAME: The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening

Worship Song for Today: Days of Elijah (an oldie but Great reminder)

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

NOTHING IS SMALL…

Dear Praying Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of August and another summer is quickly fading behind us. In most places, kids are back to school. The kids where I live return next week but I have heard of some places that have already been back for several weeks!

I have been thinking again about my contributions to God’s Kingdom work. This week, I gave 5 rides to those without transportation. It didn’t seem important to me, but it was important to them.

I know that many of you have already heard of the passing of Dr. James Dobson. His work in the Kingdom has seemed huge. In comparison, mine seems pretty small.It is easy to compare ourselves to others, but I feel like God is reminding me again this week, that there is nothing small in His economy. He is looking for obedient hearts. He promises that if we are faithful in the little things, He will give us bigger things. Not really sure if I want anything much bigger right now, but I am willing to say YES when I know that God is leading. Please just understand that you are important to God. That kind word that you give to a stranger (maybe the checker at Walmart), that ride you give, that listening ear that you provide for a hurting friend, that hug, that smile, it all counts. And your prayers avail much when prayed from a sincere heart.

I pray on into August 2025 (nearing the end) and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Friday, August 22, 2025: 1 John 5:3

Prayer Pointer: Obedience  is the key to all doors. ~ C.S. Lewis

Prayer Fuel: Lord, free us from our insecurities that make us think that we are too small for You to use. Let each brother and sister hear Your voice today and respond with a YES to all that You ask of them. We are loved and I say “thank you!” I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: Is there something that God has asked of You that remains undone? Talk to Him about it again.

As You have time: Max Lucado: Obedience is the Key

Worship Song for Today: When You Call (I loved this one!)

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

FREE TO RUN…

Dear Praying Friends,

I didn’t write a post for the morning of August 19. Just processing a lot, I guess and the words were just not there. But I am writing this now at the end of August 19 after spending much time in prayer today.

While I was in a special “prayer place”, I felt the Lord was impressing on me the lyrics of a song. I wrote the words “Free to Run” in my journal and they seemed especially important. A friend came to mind and I sent him an email telling him of my impressions. I felt there was message for him and for me in these words: “Free to Run.” At the end of this day, through much prayer, I feel these words may be for others, too.

I had a picture in my mind of myself, my friend, and now maybe even the Church, limping along, but now getting up again to RUN. In the picture, we were at a full RUN!

Perhaps you feel that the trials of life and this world have put a “limp” in your spiritual step. As I prayed today, I felt that God was showing me that this will change and we will get up and RUN again.

My friend reminded me of Isa. 40:31:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

I’m going to continue to press on for a renewed strength and vision from the Lord. May we all be “FREE TO RUN” again!

And I pray on into August 2025 and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Wednesday, August 20, 2025: Galatians 5:1

Prayer Pointer: The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It’s a journey that requires endurance, discipline, and a steadfast focus on our ultimate goal: eternal life with God. ~Christian Educators Academy

Prayer Fuel: Lord, set us free to run! In the places where we are wounded and weary, bring the refreshing wind of Your Spirit. Fill us again with holy expectancy that You will do great things among us. I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: Where are you spiritually “limping?” Talk to God about it and ask for healing and restoration so that you will be free to run.

As You have time: Max Lucado: Finishing Strong

Worship Song for Today: Rule and Reign

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

EBBS AND FLOWS…

Dear Praying Friends,

I am writing this post at the end of a very difficult day. But in the midst of it I had a conversation that reminded me to hold on. My conversation with a friend reminded me that in these days of uncertainty I need to be reminded of the certain things. This morning the sun came up. Tonight the sun went down. Tomorrow morning, the sun will come up again. The tides in the ocean are ebbing and flowing. The seasons come and go and then repeat.

During the great “tribulations” in our history…the World Wars, the Depression, the sadness of September 11, 2001…in all those days, the sun came up and the sun went down. These certain things in God’s creation remind me that even on really difficult days, God is there.

When I was growing up, my mom, and maybe yours, too, often said, “This, too, shall pass.” I suppose that her mom said the same things to her. If you’ve had a difficult day or days, I suggest that you do the following:

Talk to God

Be honest with God

Ask God for His help

Remember the many times He has delivered you through difficult days.

I’ve been doing this all day and I will continue.

And I pray on into August 2025 and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Monday, August 18, 2025: Hebrews 12:1-2

Prayer Pointer: Let nothing Disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, Though all things pass, God does not change. Patience wins all things. But he lacks nothing who possesses God; For God alone suffices. Teresa of Avila

Prayer Fuel: Lord, there are so many in the great cloud of witnesses who walked here before I did. Help me to remember that many have gone through this journey called life and now have been called to glory. When I get discouraged in difficulty, help me to remember that You have died for me and that You are with me. Help my brothers and sisters all over the world to be strong and courageous. I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: What is disturbing me today? How can I turn this disturbance over to the Lord?

As You have time: Charles Stanley- Our Trials: Allowed by God

Worship Song for Today: One of my favorite songs: Almost Home

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

I don’t post on weekends and I hope you will take some time to rest and to worship.

Dear Praying Friends,

Sometimes when I travel I get a bit homesick. That may seem strange for a 60- something woman, but I guess the place where I feel safe and secure is at home.

Lately, I think I have been homesick for the Kingdom. Here are the words of a hymn that I’ve just learned is published in 65 hymnals (at least that is what hymnary.org tells me.):

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

I look around at the shaking of our world with desperate news being reported daily and I am glad that my treasures aren’t here. My treasure is in knowing Jesus as my Lord and knowing that someday all of this will fade away and we will be truly “home.”

But we are still here and that means that He still has work for us here.

And so I pray on into August 2025 and I invite you to join me:

SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Friday, August 15, 2025: Hebrews 4:14

Prayer Pointer: Make your plans, set your goals, but do so with a spirit of surrender, inviting God into your planning. Trust in His guidance, for He sees the whole journey and promises to lead you where you need to be. -Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help each of us to hold fast to You as our high priest. In a world that is shaking, remind us that You are preparing a place that is far better for us. While we are here, help us to look to You for strength and courage. I pray in Your Name and I stand in Your Name..(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND HELP US TO BE UNSHAKABLE. (based on Psalm 62:6)

Think/Journal/Apply: When have you failed to recognize God’s presence in your life? Why do you think this happens?

Worship Song for Today: This World is Not My Home

For more prayer “fuel” for your summer months: Summer “Pray and Play” prayer calendar

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

I don’t post on weekends and I hope you will take some time to rest and to worship.