Further Still: Day 2

Through a desire and conviction of the Holy Spirit to go deeper, I am sharing some ways I enjoy God's presence.

Today I start with one of my very favorites: Praying Scripture.

If there is anything I want my boys to remember of me it is that their mama prayed. She sought God in expectation. I want them to remember countless ways God answered prayers & countless miracles we witnessed through our partnership of prayer.

Prayer is a powerful weapon in and of itself. Sadly though, as John Piper says, it is our most unused weapon in the arsenal. Oh that we would wise up to the enemy, to our flesh, to this carnal world system we live in and begin using this weapon of prayer. And what more powerful prayer can we lift up than speaking the very words of God?

When words do not come, when we are uncertain what to pray, when we seek the unleashed power of God over ourselves, our families, our circumstances,
may we begin to pray the very life changing, heart rending, power inducing words of the Living God. And watch as He. Comes. Down.

(Based on Ephesians 6)

Today Lord would you make me strong in the Lord and your mighty power. Help me put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil's schemes. Help me wise up and know that my struggle is not against flesh & blood... We are engaged in full-on spiritual warfare and I must yield the weapons you have given in order to have victory in this battle.

May I stand firm with the belt of truth around my waist. Give me integrity Lord. Sow it in my heart, my thoughts, my lips. Your word says you desire truth in my inner being. May truth dwell in me richly.

Help me take up the shield of faith. Let me know you Lord and your Word so that when the enemy comes to distract and discourage me, I can walk in faith and belief. Without faith I know it is impossible to please you.

May I wield the Sword of the Spirit today, which is your Word. Sow it richly in my heart & mind that I would KNOW your truth which is my offensive weapon against the enemy.

(Based on Philippians 1:20-21)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but that you would give me sufficient courage so that now as always Christ would be exalted in my body. For to me, to live is Christ & to die is gain.

To live is Christ. Make that my hearts greatest desire that You would not be a part or a portion of my life. But that you would be my LIFE.

(Based on Psalm 119:33-37)

Teach me O Lord to follow your word and give me understanding that I may obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands, and may I find great delight in your presence.

Turn my heart toward your Word O God. In a society that does not honor You nor your Word, may I have a reverent fear for You and the commands you have given. Bind my wandering heart to Thee Lord. Take my heart Lord, Take & seal it, Seal it for thine courts above.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things Lord. May I begin to love the things that you love and hate the things you hate. Cast down every idol that is exalted above you in my life, that my eyes would be fixed upon You God.