Rhythms of Grace

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.

Dear Praying Friends,

I decided to look back to the question I posed a year ago on this blog. In the journal section I asked: Will you begin to intentionally filter out and take captive every thought that does not reflect Him?

Today, I need to reflect upon this in my own life. I feel this last year I have tried to spend more time in His Word, thinking about Him and filtering things that don’t reflect Him. But, there have been days when I still get swallowed up by anxiety and worry. I have to allow myself the grace and forgiveness to know that I am on a journey and I need to trust Him every day to supply the strength to fight the good fight. All of us need His strength and I believe especially now with everything around us shaking.

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…

Thursday, August 14, 2025: Lamentations 3:22-23

Prayer Pointer: Today, let this truth set your heart free: You’re not God’s disappointment; you’re the reason He came. And He would make that same choice again and again, just to reach you.-Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: Thank You, Lord, for Your steadfast love that goes on and on even when I fail. Thank You, Lord that there is a fresh supply of Your love and grace every morning when I wake up. Help me to live for 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: Where do you need to exchange condemnation for His saving grace today?

Worship Song for Today: Great is Thy Faithfulness

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

When we are planning for a big event such as a wedding, a family reunion, a vacation, I know that we all get excited. This week I am wondering if I am preparing for the biggest event of all? Revelation 19:7-10 speaks of the most spectacular wedding feast of all time…the marriage feast of the Lamb.

I know that we are all tired, but let’s keep asking the Lord to prepare us for His return. When that glorious day comes, all this trial will seem small.

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…

Tuesday, August 12, 2025: Jeremiah 10:6

Prayer Pointer:  It’s essential for us to understand just how magnificent and mighty our Creator truly is. The Bible is full of verses that remind us of His immense power, love, and presence in our lives. Reflecting on these scriptures can deepen our faith and encourage us to trust in God’s plans fully. ~Bible Verses About How Big God is

Prayer Fuel: WONDERFUL,BIG AND AWESOME GOD! There is NO ONE like You! As I think about You and encounter You more and more in my daily journey, let faith arise. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You! Help my brothers and sisters everywhere to put their trust in 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: Who are 3 people you need to pray for today?

Worship Song for Today: How Great is the Greatness of God

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

Are you dreaming of a greater move of God? God is BIG and sometimes I think that I am content to just rest in what I already know about Him. I have been asking Him to help me to know Him more and to love Him more. As I continue to pray about the future of our state and our nation, God reminds me to pray that His Kingdom would come and His will would be done. I am dreaming and looking forward to what that will look like. Let’s ask God to reveal His plans for us and for our families and friends. Let’s keep asking! This week I will share scriptures that will help me to remember that God is great and greatly to be praised!

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…

Monday, August 11, 2025: Isaiah 55:8-9

Prayer Pointer: We serve a God that thinks about our lives, our world, and his creation on a completely different level than even the smartest human has the capacity to think. ~From 8 Bible Verses about How Big God Is

Prayer Fuel: Lord, knowing that Your thoughts and ways are so much higher than mine can be a bit overwhelming. Would you take me one step closer to Your thinking today about my life and the world around me? I want to know You more so that I can serve Your Kingdom better. 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: Read and journal about this statement:

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.”

— Thomas Aquinas

Worship Song for Today: Million Little Miracles

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

Watching God move has been a very powerful experience for me. Many years ago, probably 40, He moved me to begin praying for my own town, state and then our nation. I think that sometimes we wonder if our prayers will ever be answered. As I look back, I’ve had high points and very low points but I know that momentum has been building. We think that God moves suddenly but I think that the suddenly has been preceded by many prayers. So don’t give up even when it feels like nothing is changing. God hears us!

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 Psalmx 62:6)

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Friday, August 8, 2025: 2 Timothy 1:7

Prayer Pointer: Prayer is enabled by the Holy Spirit who moves us to pray, guides us in prayer, and leads us into God’s will and way through our prayers. Prayer is the lifeline of our faith!-Don McKim

Prayer Fuel: Lord, in Your strength I can stand firm and courageous. Thank You for empowering me in my weakness so that I can walk with power, love and self-control. 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 do you need to trust Him?

Worship Song for Today: Still

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I think God is teaching me the “power of slow.” In a world that pushes us constantly to rush, rush, rush, the “power of slow” is a discipline to learn. I have become conscious of how much I feel rushed, even when I don’t have to be. The Holy Spirit has been teaching me to eliminate the rush and to embrace the slow. I hope this will encourage you to take a breath and to care for your soul. Let’s keep asking God to help us.

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…

Thursday, August 7, 2025: Hebrews 11:1

Prayer Pointer: But here’s the truth, friend: the problem isn’t in your schedule—it’s in your spirit. It’s in the mindset of scarcity that whispers, You’re behind. You’re not enough. There’s no time to rest. ~John Barrett

Prayer Fuel: Lord, my faith in You gives me the assurance that You are there and that You care. Even though I can’t see You, I trust that You are working in my life for my good. Help my brothers and sisters everywhere to have a great assurance of Your love today. Help us all to slow down in this fast paced world so that we can truly hear 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: Where in your life do you need to give yourself permission to rest?

Worship Song for Today: Slow Me Down

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

There is something so powerful in a “divine appointment”, you know those meetings or conversations that happen and that you know God arranged.

I had one of those this week. A few weeks back I heard of someone here in my town who has a great need. After hearing the story, I became burdened and asked the Lord to allow me to meet them to see if I could help.

On a morning this week, I felt a strong God “nudge” (remember those from a previous post) to go to the church where I worship to spend some time in prayer. When I walked through the door there was an individual sitting there quietly and I greeted them and asked them their name. And guess what? It was the very one that I had been burdened for and the Lord gave me an amazing opportunity to minister to them.

When we feel tired and weak, these kinds of God encounters can refresh our souls, reminding us that God is working behind the scenes even when it seems like nothing is happening. Trust Him and keep watching for those God “nudges”! You never know where He may lead you!

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…

Wednesday, August 6, 2025: Psalm 89:1

Prayer Pointer: …the power of prayer is manifested the clearest in its ability to change us from the inside out. Our circumstances might not always change, but our perspective can. -The Book of James, A 21-Day Devotional, available on YouVersion

Prayer Fuel: Steadfast God, You are forever and Your promises are forever. The world fails me all the time but You are true and steadfast. Remind me of this truth again and again! 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: Do you believe that prayer can change things? Why or why not?

Worship Song for Today: Love this! Whisper

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

There are days when I tell the Lord, “I don’t know if I can go on one more day.” He reminds me to not get ahead of Him and to not worry about tomorrow. I recently shared that with some inmates in our local detention center.

Perhaps you are “battle weary” too. I believe that God wants to refresh us. In the days when it feels like He is far away, turn back to His Word for comfort and peace. We never walk alone. He is with us.

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…

Tuesday, August 5, 2025: Matthew 24:35

Prayer Pointer: Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Prayer Fuel: Lord, I thank You that Your word and Your promises go on forever. In a world that is shaking so much right now, it gives me great comfort to know that YOU ARE UNSHAKABLE. Please help my brothers and sisters all over the world and especially in closed nations where it dangerous to follow You. I pray for those who don’t have access to Your Word. Visit them by the Spirit so that they know that You are there. 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 do I see glimpses of God’s glory breaking through in the world around me?

Worship Song for Today: Posting this again because I loved it so much! Unshakeable God – Powerful African Gospel Worship | Sunrise Outdoor Choir Performance

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

Almost every day, I hear of a report of an earthquake somewhere. Perhaps this has always been the case in the earth, but with the rapid reporting of news we are hearing these things much more often.

As I meditate on what it means to be unshakable, I believe I must do these things:

1. Stay close to the heart of God. During the pandemic year, He reminded me over and over to “fear not.” I believe He is saying the same thing to me now. Knowing that God is with me and I’m not walking these difficult days alone is helping me to be unshakable. (Isaiah 41:10)
2. Ask God for ways to be a servant. I have found that when I am floundering, helping others brings great joy and strength. I recently visited inmates in our local jail and heard some heartbreaking stories of loss. When I look for someone who needs a hand up, I will be sure to find one. And there is an additional blessing in serving…God tells us that it promotes us to greatness in His Kingdom. (Mt. 20:26-28)
3. Turn anxiety into prayer. My whole life I have battled anxiety. When I was a little girl, my dad would say, “Gina, you worry too much.” Even as a very little girl I wanted to pray for everyone. I believe that the Lord was teaching me then and continues to teach me now that I should not entertain anxiety but allow it to be the springboard to greater prayer. (Phil. 4:6)

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…

Monday, August 4, 2025: Psalm 55:22

Prayer Pointer: Living in readiness doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being prepared. It means cultivating a close relationship with God, investing in our loved ones, and serving others with a generous heart. -Our Daily verse

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help each of us to cast all our cares upon You. When we feel shaken and we are afraid, speak to us, remind us, to give it all to You. Help our brothers and sisters everywhere especially in places where there is grave danger in speaking Your Name. We pray in Your Name and we 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: Who in your life needs the unique comfort that your story allows you to offer?

Worship Song for Today: Unshakeable God – Powerful African Gospel Worship | Sunrise Outdoor Choir Performance

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina