Hannah’s Prayer

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

Thy Will Be Done?

This evening during our bedtime routine my seven year old and I made an agreement to teach my two year old The Lord’s Prayer. We decided to begin immediately.  As we began to recite each line and await our student’s response I began to reflect on each line…Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done.

I paused for a moment as I began to consider the gravity of such a declaration.  I had to ask myself if I really wanted God’s will to be done. If I were to examine my behavior and actions would they reflect the submission of my will to that of the Father’s?  The honest answer would be that I, like many, have been inconsistent.  It has been a matter of convenience and all too often I have ignored what I know to be God’s will because it might put me in an uncomfortable position or cause me to rely on something besides my own understanding.  However, the desire to be found pleasing in His sight is far greater and offers a more gracious and valuable reward.  So, what exactly does God’s will entail?

The will can be defined as desire; decision-making capacity; by choice, without reluctance.  Often, we pray one of three ways.  First, we pray for God to lead or guide us in a particular matter or situation and never inquire as to what His will is for us. Second, we ask God to reveal, or make His will known to us and we merely attempt to include God into our will.  Or finally, we ask to be taught to do God’s will.

When we pray for guidance we are not trusting the Lord.  The steps of a good man are ordered, not guided, by the Lord.  On the occasions that we desire knowledge of God’s will it is useless for us to ask for any such revelation when we have no intention of being completely obedient.  However, when we seek to be taught how to do God’s will we become tremendously useful to the kingdom.  The psalmist David requested on numerous occasions to be taught to do the master’s will.  (Psalm 51:12; 143:10) As such, he was described as a man after God’s own heart.  Even when he sinned his desire to reconcile his broken relationship was so great that he readily submitted his will.

God teaches us in three ways. First, by his word. Secondly, he illuminates our minds by the Spirit. Thirdly, he imprints it in our hearts and maketh us obedient to the same; for the servant who knoweth the will of his master, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes: Luke 12:47.—Archibald Symson.—Treasury of David, The

Teach me to do thy will. We are to pray that God would teach us to know, and then teach us to do, his will. Knowledge without obedience is lame, obedience without knowledge is blind; and we must never hope for acceptance if we offer the blind and the lame to God.—Vincent Alsop (-1703), in “The Morning Exercises.”

—Treasury of David, The

Jesus said to Pilate: “Thou couldest have no power against Me, except it were given thee from above.” In everything that came on Him, He saw God’s will: it was all the cup the Father gave Him. When believers learn to see God’s will in everything that comes to us painful or pleasing, great or small, then the prayer, Thy will be done, becomes our unceasing expression of submission as well as praise!

My prayer is that as I make the petition, Thy will be done, that God continually transforms my will to His.  The object of God’s will is holiness.  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord…Hebrews 12:14.

Pray for Tonex

Controversial recording artist Tonex has been on the music scene for over a decade.  According to wikipedia, Anthony Charles Williams II (his legal name), has released several hundred songs on 24 albums over a span of just 14 years, while producing several others for both gospel and secular artists alike. He has won six Stellar Awards, a GMA Award, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Soul Gospel Album for his 2004 gold album, Out The Box.

In a recent interview with Lexi, Tonex confirmed long circulating rumors regarding his sexuality.  He confirmed that he did not “struggle” with his attraction to men.  ‘It wasn’t a struggle. And then people like to blame the struggle on molestation. No. Just say you were attracted to men and be honest and quit blaming it on that experience’, says Tonex.”

Tonex is no stranger to controversy.  In 2007, he released a song titled The Naked Truth where the singer says; “I did it, I made it …[I'm] the genius, the faggot, the weirdo, the hobo, the homo, the magnet.” He later apologized for his use of profanity in the song where he says he was venting about having been molested.

He also said, “before I say ‘this is what I am, this is the only thing I’ll be,’ I’ll say AT THIS STAGE, this is what it is.  So everyone can just breathe and relax on your show and say, Tonex said, ‘yes, he’s attracted to men. Yes, he has experienced gay sex before.  But that’s the least of who this man of God is.”

“I’m saying this is my life, here is my cards, this is where it’s at.  Now you can either pause here, and judge, or you can keep watching to see… Watch.  And pray.”

Of course Tonex’s statements are very disturbing, even more disturbing is the fact that he is a pastor!  Yes, he is the shepard over a flock. It seems this brother has taken a path that scripture clearly tells us leads to certain destruction.

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  Romans 1:21-28

There is no form of greater slavery than to be given up to one’s own lusts and be so blinded by sin.  As believers it is our duty to pray for Tonex and those that are following him on his downward spiral.  God has not 4got his Word.

It is possible for a man through ignorance to stand against God and to attack the very truth of God, and also defend the devil, and oppose God, unless he has knowledge.           Jesse Penn-Lewis, War on the Saints (1912 Edition)

Check out the Lexi interview below.

A Prayer for Fathers

by Joan Costner

Father in Heaven,
Today we pray for father’s. First, for old fathers. Some living alone, some in rest homes, some who have had children, but have outlived them, some, who are longing for some word of reconciliation – some indication of love.
Then, Lord, we pray for the brand new fathers, who have just looked into those innocent eyes of the newborn. Who dream of all they will do, all the protecting they will provide for the tiny soul that sleeps in their arms.
Father, then we would remember the wise fathers who have, with great determination, sought the way You told us to go, planting the seeds, building the faith “line upon line, precept upon precept” until they have seen the fruit, the harvest of their diligence, pay off.
And, Father, we would not forget the foolish fathers, who discovered late, that nothing is worth more than a child’s love and devotion. That selfish motives of wanting our own way cannot compare to being willing to lay our desires aside for the good of our family. Teach them, Father, in time.
And we want to pray for father who can overlook faults (remembering their own)
and forgive mistakes (for we made a few) without a big fuss.
Also for those who can’t forgive and overlook. Help them see the bridge they construct is the one they also must pass over.
Today we would remember the many, many fathers separated from their children by service for our country, by divorce, by illness, by pride. Oh, Father, these may need strength more than any. Help them we pray.
We pray for those struggling with fatherhood because they had no model. Help them find the way to be the good father that they never had.
Father, for those who have had the blessing of a good and righteous and self sacrificing father, who never rebelled but became comrades with their father, we ask additional blessings…for this is their day.
And we thank You, for the women who stand in the wings of their lives cheering them on when the going is rough.
But most of all, Father, we just thank and praise You, our Heavenly Father, for
ALWAYS being there, for never sleeping, for never being tired of our pettiness, for never being too busy with games or too involved with wars, to answer our prayers,
to touch and heal, to save our souls. You never go away…and if anyone lacks a father You will be that to them. You never move away…You never turn out the lights of home.
Thank You, Father, thank You, thank You…Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil….for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory….forever!!
Amen.

©© 2005 by Joan Clifton Costner
Under His Wings Heavenly Poetry
Joan is a Heavenly Inspirations Author.
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

Global Day of Prayer 2009

Please join Sisters of the Faith in supporting the Global Day of Prayer 2009.  We are praying that God would move mightily in the prayers of His people as we seek His leading and guidance.  The celebration will be observed on Sunday, May 31st this year.

The Global Day of Prayer is a world-wide celebration centered around Pentecost Sunday. The mission of this celebration is to unite the global body of Christ, to seek God for revival, intercede on behalf of our world, and collaborate for the blessing and transformation of our cultures. It is preceded by ten days of prayer (Acts 1:14); celebrated in public venues on Pentecost (Acts 2:1) and followed by “90 Days of Blessing” on communities after Pentecost (Acts 2:42).

The following links offer more information about this initiative as well as links to observances in your area.

Local Events

Prayer Guide

Pray for the Wright Family

As many of you know, Rev. Timothy Wright, renown gospel artist, died yesterday due to complications from a car accident in July 2008.  That same accident took the life of his wife, Betty Wright and his 14-year-old grandson, D.J. shortly after the car accident.  Please lift the family in prayer during this time of sorrow.  Continue to remember them in the days, weeks, and months to come.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Forgiveness: How to Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness: How to Forgive Yourself
By Robert Moment

No matter what the occasion, we often find ourselves looking for the best gift possible to give those we care about. We want to find some token of our affection to give them that says, “I care about you.” Of course, the best gifts to give those around us aren’t those that can be bought in any store. To show how much we love others, we need to let go of the hurt and pain that they have caused and forgive them. Love and forgiveness along with second chances are the best gifts we can possibly give to others.

But what about yourself? Have you thought about giving yourself the gift of forgiveness this year? Are you ready to be free and ready to move ahead into a life of graciousness and love in the future? If you are, you must forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made and that can be a difficult thing to do! It’s easy to try and hide our mistakes and not think about them, but what we hide has power over us; it can sit there in the back of our minds and fester, eating away at our self-assurance and our sense of God’s love for us, making us wonder if we are truly worthy. We have to let go of our mistakes and forgive ourselves just as God forgives us. And He does forgive us, completely and with no reservations!

“You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful.”

Nehemiah 9:17

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Luke 6:37

When you are ready to forgive yourself, there are six steps that I’ve found very helpful in helping me on the path to self-forgiveness. Perhaps they will help you in your struggle to let go of you past mistakes and embrace forgiveness:

Six Steps Toward Forgiving Yourself

1.Take out a sheet of paper and write your name at the top. Now take some time to think about all of those things you’ve never let go of in your past that you haven’t forgiven yourself for.

2.Write down what those transgressions are and who you hurt; how you hurt them, etc. Was it verbal or physical abuse? Dishonesty? Neglecting someone you cared about? Betrayal? Rejection? Theft? Rape? Lying? Addiction? Adultery?

3.Write down how you feel about yourself because of these unresolved feelings over your past mistakes. Be very honest with yourself. Although you may have made amends or been forgiven by others, do you still feel unworthy? God knows how you feel and He sees your heart. Express on paper how you feel and let the emotions flow release them!

4.Decide to forgive yourself. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a decision of the will and one of the greatest Gifts from God. He has told us to forgive and that He will give us the power to do so but it all begins with the decision to do so.

5.Take your list to God and acknowledge your forgiveness to Him. “Lord, I come to You today and give up my unforgiveness. I forgive myself for ____________________. At this moment, I choose not to hold these offenses against myself, but put them into Your Hands. God, heal my emotional wounds and help me to be able to move forward without regrets and help me to let go of the past and start fresh. God give me the ability to offer upliftment and comfort to someone else with the same comfort you have given me. I release my past sins of ____________into Your Hands.”

6.Destroy the list in private. This visual exercise can be very freeing. Whether you decide to shred it, burn it or tear it up and scatter it in the trash, imagine your past mistakes being destroyed and floating away in the same manner.

This is what it means to be “born again.” The Lord doesn’t want us to dwell on what has happened before our lives as Christians are about who we are now and in the future, walking in forgiveness and love. So give yourself a wonderful gift that is free of charge and yet priceless this year forgive yourself!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Alone with You in this moment of meditation and prayer, I release any unresolved feelings of resentment or regret.

Help me through this process of healing.

I release to you any unresolved feelings that I have toward myself. I understand that not forgiving myself is disobedience toward you.

Forgive me for any pain that I have caused in the lives of others. Forgive me for not letting go of the past and moving forward in love.

I experience now the relief of forgiveness to the depths of my being.

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge and give thanks for Your love that strengthens me, comforts and soothes me emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

In the complete fullness of Your Love, I can and do forgive myself.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for healing my heart and bringing Joy and Meaning back into my life.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
This is a new beginning releasing the past and embracing forgiveness. Forgiveness opens the door to the enrichment of all our relationships so that they flourish with understanding and love. With the forgiveness we express today we open the way to a brighter future.

Robert Moment is a Christian business coach, speaker and author of newly published book, God Will Always Be There for You. Robert is passionate about empowering individuals on how to experience God’s love, power, joy, peace and prosperity. Visit http://www.ChristianInspirational.org

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

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National Autism Awareness Month 2009

April is National Autism Awareness Month.  Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., affecting 1 in 150 children. Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is more common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer, Down’s Syndrome and AIDS combined. It is one of our community’s most urgent needs.

According to the Autism Society of America, Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.   Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism versus neuro-typical children.  Common knowledge says that parents whose child has been diagnosed with autism should run — not walk — to the nearest therapist. Early intensive intervention, it is said, is the key to “optimal outcomes” for autistic children.

There’s no doubt that autistic children who undergo intensive intervention, be it behavioral or developmental, do better than children who don’t. And there’s certainly no good reason to wait to provide such therapy. The following video from the Center for Disease Control helps provide information on recoginizing the signs of developmental delays.

The contents of SistersoftheFaith.com, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on SistersoftheFaith.com (”Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on SistersoftheFaith.com

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God Still Heals

“…But time and chance happen to us all.”  Eccl. 9:11

Life often gives us some low blows.  We are often hit with a sucker punch from now where and when we come to we can’t remember what happened.  It is our human nature to gather ourselves, regain composure and deal with the situation.  However, sometimes the blows that we receive are below the belt.  We don’t recover as easily from those.  We want to take time to try and understand or define the situation.

Last year my family was thrust into one of these situations.  Our otherwise healthy eight month old daughter suddenly became ill and had to be hospitalized.   The following video shares the testimony of how God healed and our faith grew.   Just click  the link below.  Be blessed.

God Still Heals

New School Prayer

As we all know prayer as well as the pledge of allegiance are no longer allowed in our schools  Although, many believe that there have been no repercussions due to this unfortunate change, we can see a big difference.  I received the following prayer in my inbox so many times I had to share it with all of you.  It is said to have been penned by a 15 year old Ohio student making this very same observation.  Please share it everyone.

New School Prayer

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rules
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God’s name is prohibited by the state.

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.
It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong,
We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

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