Prayer

      I absolutely believe in the power of prayer. I have seen prayer do amazing things. I am not the best at formal praying. I'm more of a casual conversation type of prayer person. And praying out loud...that's rough, but I am trying. I am also trying to use more formal prayer time. In March, my church is planning a daylong workshop on prayer that Jim and I are planning to attend. I can't wait to learn more about how prayer can deepen my faith.

     Today at work, I sent a message to a friend to let them know I was praying for them. They haven't asked for prayers. I don't see any indication that they have anything going on in life that they need extra prayers. They were on my mind and heart, so I said a prayer for them, and I let them know I was praying for them. And when I had free time today, I continued to pray for them. This afternoon, it occurred to me that I can continue to pray for them this week. I can pray over their job, their family, the entire person. So that is what I am going to do this week.

    Then it occurred to me...if I can do this for one friend one week, why can't I do the same thing every week? There is no reason that it won't work...unless I slack off. But I really want to do this. I want to create a prayer circle...network...something. I am sure that this is nothing new, but it is for me. I am going to continue with my usual prayers, but I really want to focus on one person for one week at a time. I am sure that God will provide the person to me. And I don't know if I will say anything to that person, but I feel like it gives me some accountability. 

     Will you join me in praying specifically for someone this week? You don't have to tell them. You don't have to tell anyone else. The One hearing the prayers will know that you are praying. And you never know who needs your prayers.

The word for 2022...

   

  Some years, I search really hard for a word, and it works perfectly. Other years the word comes to me easily. This year was a combination of things. I have been searching for my word, but nothing felt right. I decided to do a search for words and create kept surfacing. Then a Bible verse popped into my mind. I don't have many verses committed to memory, so I decided that this was one of those nudges from God that I am trying to watch for in my life.

CREATE

1: to make or produce (something): to cause (something new) to exist

2: to cause (a particular situation) to exist

3: to produce (something new, such as a work of art) by using your talents and imagination

    

    The third meaning really speaks to me...to produce by using MY talents. I have several dreams for the upcoming year that I hope to better utilize my talents. There are a few people who see talents in me that I struggle to see, so I hope to develop those as well. I don't look at myself as particularly creative, but there are many ways to create in life. I hope to explore them this year.

    I am going to use a verse to help guide me along the way in the upcoming year as well. This is the verse that came to me as I was searching for my word. I pray that I listen, learn, and stay faithful along my journey.