Rhythms of Grace

Dear Praying Friends,

The word “surrender” has been on my radar for a few days now.

One Christian commentary defines “surrender” like this:

Surrender is a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. When an opposing army surrenders, they lay down their arms, and the winners take control from then on. Surrendering to God works the same way. God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11), unlike our own plans that often lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us.

I believe that true surrender reminds us that we don’t rest on our own strengths, but in His. Let’s keep looking to Him!

The scriptures I include here this week will have the theme of VICTORY!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Wednesday, July 30, 2025: John 16:33

Prayer Pointer: It is wonderful what miracles God works in wills that are utterly surrendered to Him. He turns hard things into easy and bitter things into sweet. It is not that He puts easy things in the place of the hard, but He actually changes the hard thing into an easy one. – Hannah Whitall Smith

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help us to recall that we are praying from a stance of victory because You are the VICTORIOUS ONE and we belong to You. Show us all places that still need to be surrendered so that You can fill us with Your purposes. Help us all to keep our eyes upon You during these very difficult days here on earth. Help us to stand firmly in faith and to resist fear in the Name of Jesus…(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: What do I need to surrender?

Worship Song for Today: I’ve never heard this one…Not My Will But Yours

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I have been reminded often that a bad day doesn’t make a bad life. I have had some days that have been challenging to the point of tears and I’m sure you have, too. God has left us here in a world that is still full of troubles and I see the training here preparing us for the life to come. I am so glad that I don’t walk through the bad days of this life alone. He is with me and He is with you and that is what gives us the hope and strength to continue. So let’s continue…

The scriptures I include here this week will have the theme of VICTORY!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Tuesday, July 29 , 2025: Deuteronomy 20:4

Prayer Pointer: Hallelujah is the primary word of worship in the Bible. Hallelujah leaps from the lips of the man or woman of prayer every time a new thought of the goodness, greatness, and majesty of God dawns upon his or her soul. -Sammy Tippit

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help us to recall that we are praying from a stance of victory because You are the VICTORIOUS ONE and we belong to You. It is so comforting to know that I don’t face battles alone. Help all of us to remember this when we get discouraged. Help us all to keep our eyes upon You during these very difficult days here on earth. Help us to stand firmly in faith and to resist fear in the Name of Jesus…(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: What battles am I facing today? 

Worship Song for Today: Victory Worship-SAFE

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I have recently seen God answering prayers in some amazing ways. Connections have happened and conversations have taken place and all to the glory of God. I pray protection for each of you and I ask you to pray protection for me, too. When we are about God’s business, the enemy of our souls tries to get into our business. God’s word tells us to submit to God and to resist satan and he has to flee. (James 4:7) Remember that the GREATER ONE lives in You! Live in the victory of the Risen Savior!

The scriptures I include here this week will have the theme of VICTORY!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Monday, July 28 , 2025: 1 Corinthians 15:57

Prayer Pointer: When we’re overwhelmed by life’s giants – it’s easy to forget who’s in our corner. The same God who parted the Red Sea, calmed storms, and conquered death is fighting for us. -Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help us to recall that we are praying from a stance of victory because You are the VICTORIOUS ONE and we belong to You. Help us all to keep our eyes upon You during these very difficult days here on earth. Help us to stand firmly in faith and to resist fear in the Name of Jesus…(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: Read 1 Corinthians 15:57 again. Is there a word that really stands out for you? Talk to God about it or journal about it.

Worship Song for Today: See a Victory

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I don’t think anybody likes to wait. I know that I don’t. In a TV series that Stan and I watch, a key phrase has resonated with me: “TRUST THE TIMING!” Delays don’t mean that God isn’t doing something. There are some things that I have been praying about for many years. There have been ups and downs, rocky places and smooth, joyful places and just really hard places. And in all of it, I have learned that I must trust in the God Who holds the universe in His Hands, to hold me together, too.

So if you find yourself waiting, TRUST THE TIMING and the One Who holds all time in His Hands.

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Friday, July 25 , 2025: Psalm 91:16

Prayer Pointer: Today, whatever waters you’re facing, remember: the One who calmed the sea with a whisper walks beside you. And His grip on you is stronger than any current that tries to pull you under. ~Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: Lord, keep showing me Your salvation in each day of my life. Help me to trust Your timing in the areas where I am waiting for answers. Help me to be satisfied in Your love even when things aren’t going the way I’ve expected. Help all of us to keep our eyes upon You. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: What “waters” or “fires” are you currently walking through? 

Worship Song for Today: In the Waiting

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, too. He loves you!

Dear Praying Friends,

Is your life welcoming to those who do not know Jesus? I was with a friend praying and we sensed that we should pray that His Church would have a “welcome mat” outside its doors. (spiritually, that is). When people encounter you, do they feel loved and seen? I think this is something that I need to pray about and I hope you will join me.

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Thursday, July 24, 2025: Psalm 91:15

Prayer Pointer: To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust Him in the dark—that is faith.” — Charles Spurgeon

Prayer Fuel: Lord, thank You for answering us when we call to You. Help us to hear the cries of the world and to be Your mouthpiece of welcome and love to those who do not know You. Let us be known for our love for others and our love for You. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: How have you seen God bring good out of difficulty? 

Worship Song for Today: Waiting

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

Some days are really hard for me. I’m just being very honest. I love seeing the happy updates on social media from family and friends. But sometimes social media is hard because it can make any of us feel “less than” and “left out.”

God has been reminding me today that no matter where my “story” takes me, God is in my “story.” He is in your story, too. Keep looking to Him in good days and in bad days, because all of us have both. I’m including love and prayers for each of you as I write this post.

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Wednesday, July 23, 2025: Psalm 91:14

Prayer Pointer: “You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need.” — Max Lucado

Prayer Fuel: Lord, help me and my brothers and sisters to acknowledge You in our “stories” every day. Even when days are less than pleasant and enjoyable You are with us. Thank You for that assurance. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: Have you ever doubted God would respond to a sincere cry for help?

Worship Song for Today: This is longer so consider playing it in your car or while you work. Singing the Psalms 1-10

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

Keeping close to God this summer has led me to be more intentional in listening for the God “nudges.” Is God “nudging” you to pray for someone? Is He calling you to serve someone? This world is filled with much chaos and confusion, and you may be the one who can make a difference for someone in need. Will you heed the God “nudges”?

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Tuesday, July 22, 2025: Psalm 91:13

Prayer Pointer: Glorifying God isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about quiet faithfulness. It’s listening when you’d rather speak. Choosing patience when you’re tired. Serving when no one sees. These small moments reflect what He is like. -Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: Lord, when I face the trials and struggles in my life, help me to remember this promise in Psalm 91. In Your strength, I can “tread” upon these things and arise victorious in You. Help me to keep my eyes upon You today and not on the circumstances surrounding my life. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: How can I bring more intention and love into today’s routine moments?

Worship Song for Today: ANOTHER REALLY GOOD ONE! Michael W. Smith-SHELTER

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I journal a lot and it is good sometimes to look back to see where my heart and mind have been. I can see the “ups and down” of life there and know that no “down” is forever and “ups” can be temporary, too.

I am grateful that Jesus is always there and is the same every day, ready and willing to listen to my heart and my struggles. In the “Prayer Fuel” I will share a bit of a journal entry from July 8, 2025.

This week, I will continue including Psalm 91, a passage of scripture that I have prayed nearly every day for over 5 years now. I hope these verses bring you comfort and peace as they do for me.

Let’s keep praying for Nation and neighbor…

Monday, July 21, 2025: Psalm 91:11-12

Prayer Pointer: When you open Scripture, you’re not checking a box—you’re inviting faith to rise. When you lean into worship or biblical teaching, you’re feeding the very thing that anchors your soul. -Our Daily Verse

Prayer Fuel: (Adapted from journal entry, 7/8/25): Lord, when the hard times come, help me to remember to remain in faith and in worship. Help my brothers and sisters everywhere. Help us to always look to You as the Author of our faith. Help us to resist fear and anxiety and to cast all our cares upon You.(add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: How could you create more intentional space to truly hear the message about Christ today?

Worship Song for Today: I LOVE THIS! Michael W. Smith-STILL

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I was leading a prayer group and as we prayed for encouragement for brothers and sisters, I thought of the scripture about God making the desert bloom. I knew I had read it in scripture and upon further investigation this is the scripture that I found:

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, ² it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
    the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2

I know that many of us feel there are many spiritually “dry” places in our personal lives, our churches, our nation. I know that God can touch these dry places in a moment and make them bloom. I’m holding on to that hope. I pray that you are, too.

Let’s keep praying for Nation and for neighbor. Jesus is Lord!

Friday, July 18, 2025: Psalm 91:9-10

Prayer Pointer: God has the capacity to bring desert bloom into your bareness. He can rescue, deliver, and strengthen you for the good He has promised to you. It might happen in this life. Or it might wait until you are on the other side of the grave. But like a barren land that has lain fallow for decades, God can and will make you bloom again. ~Karen Wingate

Prayer Fuel: Lord, teach me and my brothers and sisters to truly find our refuge in You. When the world around is shaking, help us to retreat into Your presence away from the deafening din. Help us to cut out the things that cause us to doubt Your goodness. Help us to worship You as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: What places seem like “desert” places in your life? Talk to the Lord about them asking for revival and renewal.

Worship Song for Today: A new song to me: Song in the Desert

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina

I don’t post on the weekends, so I will write the next post for Monday, July 21. Hope you can take some time to worship and rest.

Dear Praying Friends,

Scriptures talks about having the “mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) I shared with a prayer team that I direct that we should be asking Jesus, “What do you think about this?” So many things including headlines and even messages from the Church bombard us every day. We must present all of these things to the Lord to be “tested.” Seek Him and I believe You will find Him! Spend time in the quiet of your prayer place and listen for His voice. Ask Him for His thoughts!

Let’s keep praying for Nation and for neighbor. Jesus is Lord!

Thursday, July 17, 2025: Psalm 91:7-8

Prayer Pointer:  …we have the power to choose which thoughts we will entertain and which ones we will discard. God invites us to focus on truth. ~Crosswalk

Prayer Fuel: Lord, when I see things falling apart around me, help me to not fall apart. Help me to always seek Your perspective. Thank You for loving me and my brothers and sisters everywhere. Especially help my brothers and sisters in war-torn places to keep their eyes upon You. (add your own prayers here) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD! HELP US TO THRIVE IN 2025 AND FILL US WITH HOPE AGAIN!

Think/Journal/Apply: Write a prayer based on a verse from the Book of Psalms.

Worship Song for Today: I love this one and have posted it before! Let it encourage you…Almost Home

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

Praying, praying, praying…Gina