Desperate Prayers #14

I need to be asleep.  And my husband keeps our cottage at about 70 degrees -- so I am sitting here freezing and wanting to sleep, but my mind is busy. 

This is normal. 

The weekend is close,  I will have a WHOLE week off and there is some pretty cool stuff happening within the next few weeks...so as I said, my mind is racing and I can't sleep. 

So I write. 

Well, I pray too - watch mindless TV, got up and danced to a Janet Jackson old video and read ...and look at scripture and then I write again...  

That is "normal".  But before I go to bed -- I felt I was to share something. 

My Desperate Prayers this evening...it is not that I am desperate -- it is that ...these are STRONG prayers that do not seem to be....

well, there does not need to be a "yes",  "no", or  "not yet"..... it is cause we are waiting.  

But, God is good -- and, these prayers are being said and I know they are being heard.  I will trust God's answering them in HIS time.  I will trust that someone reading this is struggling with prayer and its purpose and as they read this -- they will see, that prayer is just speaking from the heart to God -- it is a two way dialogue when I give God the time to reply.  


Lord,  tonight there is one in tears -- cause a divorce was declared.  Another waits for a child to return home.  In still another home, there is a little boy that is craving attention and love from a mother that does not seem to know HOW to give it.  

Lord, tonight there is one in tears -- she remembers her son and his shortened life.  Another waits for a husband that has not texted, called, or  been present in weeks.  And in still another home, there is a wife that has tried and tried , she is tired, she has been cheated on, walked on and she is just tired and wants to give up.  

Lord, tonight there is a man in a hospital bed, fighting for life.  Another waits for her husband to just get home from his deployment, and still another took a chemo pill this evening, holding onto the hope that YOU will heal her on this side of heaven.  

Lord, tonight there is a daughter that is so confused, she wants her family but can't see the light ahead so she will just 'accept' the norm and watch her parents divorce even though she wants to BOLT and shake them both up.  Another one, is lonely and awaiting the husband You promised her.  And still in another home, there is a teacher that believes she is not making a difference and she struggles each day - wondering if it will ever get better.  

Lord, tonight there is a mom and grand mom that does not see the 'good' at the moment, but hopes...it is coming.  Lord, there is new father  that is struggling in how to walk this new role as a father and a husband when the child does not live in his home.  And still another, is trying her best to remind her child there is good in the world even though he continues to see the strife on TV and wants answers.  

Lord, tonight there is one who is trying to raise her own children alone and she has taken on the responsibility of another, hold her.  In another home, there is one packing for a trip to Haiti and her new 'housemates' are just getting used to the idea of a new home....hold them.  And still in another home, there is a set of parents trying to help a daughter and her children overcome the sting of divorce and the fact that the 'dad' just walked out.  

And for the one that got the news this eve of a cancer diagnosis...  

Lord, your word says -- draw close to me and I will draw close to you -- 
Draw close to each of them. 

Lord, this is too much of a list.......
Handle it.  
I release all of the prayers and the ones I did not post...as they are too personal and/or they just would not make sense.

Lord, all I can say is Praise You.
Praise You.  
Thank You Jesus for that cross and the blood that we plead over all these requests. 
Lord, that my prayers would bring change....for the ones that are very close and personal and for the ones that are 'hypothetical'...............


Lord, for this upcoming holiday - Thanksgiving.  

Lord, that inspite of all the yuck...that each and every person involved within these prayers  -- have HOPE in you and SEEK YOU and believe that -- indeed, YOU will recuse, love, and move the mountains...answer the calls...and provide.  IN Jesus name.  

amen 


Lord, I am thankful for all trials - they bring me closer to you. 
Lord, I am so thankful for all the tears...they were never in vain.
Lord, I am thankful for the opportunity to pray -- as it blesses me that others believe 'my prayers' are powerful.  Lord, I am thankful that one day those people will realize YOUR power if for everyone!  
Lord, I am thankful for a home - our cottage.  
Lord, I am thankful for the upcoming blessings  - a week off, R and R with my man, and the upcoming Encounter...  God - do it.  
Lord, I am so thankful for Sweet Pea. 
Lord, I am thankful for my children and my new son in love...
Lord, I am so thankful for my man - who when I awake with a spirit of 'gloom and doom'...he stops and prays over me and ....covers me.  
Lord, I am so thankful for the women I serve with. 
Lord, I am thankful for mindless TV.
Lord, I am thankful for being a teacher --   

God -- if I don't ever write another blog -- I am thankful.  
Lord, use this...may it not be mindless and random drabble...but may it show YOUR grace.  

BTW Lord, I know that is the next 'deeper' meaning... Your grace -- forgive me Lord.  
amen. 

 

Prayers for a marriage #13

Tonight was church - worship was awesome. I love singing so loud and hard that I loose my voice.  I know the people sitting next to me would rather me sing softly -- but I can't help it.  Sometimes I think  the louder I sing, the better chance I have to actually matching the tune!   I am not tone deaf, but I don't sound pretty.

Anyway, as the holiday season approaches I know many people just 'allow' and 'deal' with their marriage even though they are hurting - cause they don't want o hurt their kids.    I realize that during the holiday season - there are more overdoses, more suicides, and more struggles.     Keeping a marriage together 'for the kids' is probably not a good idea; and yet, I think I want to personally hug and thank each and every marriage that DID stay together --- those people lived in a time era that is very different from today.  I believe that most of them finally did come to love their spouse or even God gave them another.    However, this holiday can also be the most special.

Like maybe.... there is a new birth to celebrate.  Or a pregnancy.....or even an adoption!!  ! 
Or, YOU are newly married.

Whether it is to celebrate or to find happiness for a sad heart --   today's prayer is focused on our purpose -- for God.  

Lord God -- You created us and we are for Your purpose - in a sense - we are married to You.
Today as Your word says, You make mercies NEW each morning - but I am thinking that there are many hurting and can't see the NEW mercies.
Lord, my heart feels for them  - ONLY You can fill that void or comfort that hurt.

Lord I pray that today -  that they might not look on the hurt or be reminded of the pain - but that they would think and ponder about YOU today Lord -- how Mary and Joseph were traveling and as it got dark, they knew they had to find shelter. 

Lord, I pray that they think about trying to find that shelter and how YOU answered that simple prayer to find a spot - even in a manger.
Lord, I pray they will think about ALL that Mary and Joseph probably felt - wonder, anxiety, and maybe the all knowing feeling that they were witness to God's son....

Lord, I pray that they will take the time today - to really focus on You, to thank you for WHAT they can be grateful for and what is good right now.

Lord, I pray they will SEEK you and believe that with You - they can do all things.
Lord, I pray for the families that I have been holding up to You in prayer --God it seems like these prayers are 'not' working -- but I KNOW You are. 

Lord - comfort like only You can.  Lord, I pray they enjoy YOU instead of their hurt today --- help them to do that......and if the pain is JUST too hard --- then,  I pray they would read Your word and remember what You did. 

 

And Lord, that each and every couple reading this would understand their purpose -- to glorify you.  

 Amen.  

Isaiah 53. 4-6

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried: it was our sorrows that weighted him down.  And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment fro his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's path to follow our own. yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

.Michelle

Dear Daddy- a powerful use of words.

Dear Daddy

by Gary Smalley and John Trent

Largely unused in marriages, homes, friendships, and businesses is a tool called emotional word pictures that can supercharge communication and change lives. This concept is as old as ancient kings but so timeless that it has been used throughout the ages in every society. It has the capacity to capture people’s attention by simultaneously engaging their thoughts and feelings. Along with its ability to move us to deeper levels of intimacy, it has the staying power to make a lasting impression.
When faced with the breakup of her parents’ marriage, a hurting teenager named Kimberly used the following word picture in this letter to her father:

Dear Daddy, It’s late at night, and I’m sitting in the middle of my bed writing to you. I’ve wanted to talk with you so many times during the past few weeks. But there never seems to be any time when we’re alone.

Dad, I realize you’re dating someone else. And I know you and Mom may never get back together. That’s terribly hard to accept—especially knowing that you may never come back home or be an “everyday” dad to me and Brian again. But I want you at least to understand what’s going on in our lives.

Don’t think that Mom asked me to write this. She didn’t. She doesn’t know I’m writing, and neither does Brian. I just want to share with you what I’ve been thinking.

Dad, I feel like our family has been riding in a nice car for a long time. You know, the kind you always like to have as a company car. It’s the kind that has every extra inside and not a scratch on the outside.
But over the years, the car has developed some problems. It’s smoking a lot, the wheels wobble, and the seat covers are ripped. The car’s been really hard to drive or ride in because of all the shaking and squeaking. But it’s still a great automobile—or at least it could be. With a little work, I know it could run for years.
Since we got the car, Brian and I have been in the backseat while you and Mom have been up front. We feel really secure with you driving and Mom beside you. But last month, Mom was at the wheel.

It was nighttime, and we had just turned the corner near our house. Suddenly, we all looked up and saw another car, out of control, heading straight for us. Mom tried to swerve out of the way, but the other car smashed into us. The impact sent us flying off the road and crashing into a lamppost.

The thing is, Dad, just before we were hit, we could see that you were driving the other car. And we saw something else: Sitting next to you was another woman.
It was such a terrible accident that we were all rushed to the emergency ward. But when we asked where you were, no one knew. We’re still not really sure where you are or if you were hurt or if you need help.
Mom was really hurt. She was thrown into the steering wheel and broke several ribs. One of them punctured her lungs and almost pierced her heart.

When the car wrecked, the back door smashed into Brian. He was covered with cuts from the broken glass, and he shattered his arm, which is now in a cast. But that’s not the worst. He’s still in so much pain and shock that he doesn’t want to talk or play with anyone.
As for me, I was thrown from the car. I was stuck out in the cold for a long time with my right leg broken. As I lay there, I couldn’t move and didn’t know what was wrong with Mom and Brian. I was hurting so much myself that I couldn’t help them.

There have been times since that night when I wondered if any of us would make it. Even though we’re getting a little better, we’re all still in the hospital. The doctors say I’ll need a lot of therapy on my leg, and I know they can help me get better. But I wish it were you who was helping me, instead of them.
The pain is so bad, but what’s even worse is that we all miss you so much. Every day we wait to see if you’re going to visit us in the hospital, and every day you don’t come. I know it’s over. But my heart would explode with joy if somehow I could look up and see you walk into my room.

At night when the hospital is really quiet, they push Brian and me into Mom’s room, and we all talk about you. We talk about how much we loved driving with you and how we wish you were with us now.
Are you all right? Are you hurting from the wreck? Do you need us like we need you? If you need me, I’m here and I love you.

Your daughter, Kimberly

LOOKING AHEAD …
More than two months before writing this letter, Kimberly had watched her father, Steve, walk out of his family’s life with plans to divorce his wife and pursue a relationship with another woman. The heartache that Kimberly, her mother, and her brother felt was indescribable. But the anguish also extended to Steve. Only a few weeks after leaving, he began to second‐guess his decision.
That’s the impact of divorce. It appears to be a solution when in fact it brings only pain and new difficulties. A few days after receiving Kimberly’s letter, Steve appeared on his family’s doorstep and asked to come back. He realized that divorce wasn’t the answer to his family’s problems.

Would you ever consider it an answer to yours?
Has your marriage ever been on the brink of breaking up?

- James C Dobson


This is Michelle, the Holy Spirit drew me to this post again.  I posted it almost a year ago.  
This timeless letter still holds true -- 

If your child could write a letter this evening....what would he or she say to his father -- or you, his mother?    

Our actions within a marriage  don't just effect the two of us -- when there are children --- please, consider them as well!  

 - humbled, 

Michelle 

Prayers -- Marriage -- and Happily Ever Endings... #12

BTW -- this may be a LONG one --  

In school, we are talking about WHY writers write.  I have been reading  the students books showing how words create images and then how authors use their written words to tell a story, send a message, and even right a wrong.  We use words  to teach, make another laugh, encourage....  so much in those letters that create words that create thoughts ..... So, anyway --

I started posting prayers for Marriage again -- as the Holy Spirit is asking me too.   

So, obediently I will  - write -- 

Lord, THIS is YOU ...not me......   

As I went to work the other day, I followed a cattle trailer.  In the back was a horse, all saddled up and ready for the day.  In the bottom of the trailer were  two dogs.  A taller, collie like one,  that had the coloring of a beagle.  And then a shorter one, dark,  probably black or brown.  As I just drove and listened to the music and allowed my thoughts to take over --- I noticed the beagle looking dog run back and forth from one side/edge of the trailer to the other.  This went on for several miles and I began to watch the dog.  I watched how she or he continued in the same manner - back and forth checking each side as if she could not see "it " in the 3 seconds before and  "it'" may of changed.  ...Or whatever she was watching.   Back and forth.  Repetition.  Back and forth.  A times she had to jump over the other dog just laying, but there was something this dog wanted to see or could not see...or was trying to see. 

It was kind of like I heard, "do you see it?"...."It's over there"....."No, did you see it?"....."It's over there." Just back and forth - such repetition. 

Then I heard the Holy Spirit say, "it's like people"....  And I thought -- How some of us continue in the same rut, in the same pattern back and forth and looking to see if something changed. 

Do I do that? 

Then, after 5-6 miles, I noticed the dog began to jump higher and began to bark.  Now the Holy Spirit and I are having a conversation. 

 I say:  "Lord, it's like when we are not getting the answers we want....or it seems the same, we begin to BARK louder...and jump higher". 

And  the Holy Spirit confirms in my spirit....  "with our prayers, when we don't think God is hearing us or seeing us -- do we get louder?  Do we change it up?   ....Or do we just give up? "
  

Spiritual inspiration from following behind a cow trailer and a cowboy and his dogs. 

I have been praying.
 I still believe that a husband's prayers over his wife will bring healing to a body with cancer -- SOON.   
I still believe that a marriage  ( which looks hopeless ) can be restored.
I still believe that a woman who loves her man so, must  let him go for the time being -- so he gets the HELP he needs.    And...that GOD will bring this marriage BACK together.  
I still believe an addict CAN overcome an addiction. 
I still believe that marriage is God's will -- and that families need to FIGHT for their family! 
I still believe that love covers a multitude of sins.  
I still believe that true  godly sorrow leads to repentance and forgiveness.  
So I guess at times.... my prayers get LOUDER...as I jump and bark and remind God -- hey..."answer".

I believe God wins!


Today, as I was scrolling FACEBOOK for a few moments, I came across some photos of a newly married couple.  They are pretty special.  You see, I first met the bride with she was about 30 inches tall ---she and her sister were in first grade.  I was in 3rd and I had to help in first grade for something.  She and her sister were/are twins and the sweetest - tiniest little kids I had ever seen.  They were identical and yet, I would pride myself on the fact that I could tell them apart.  Julie and Joanne.    Anyway, at recess, after school -- every once in a while-- their paths would cross mine and they were always in the cutest and matching outfits.  As we all grew older, they became close friends with my sister and well -- one of the best things I love about Facebook is catching up.  A few years ago, I noticed something .....   she was dating a man from our class.  I had no idea they had been high school and college sweeties -- but broke up after college.  And guess what -- reconnected some 15-20 years later... and got married a few weeks ago!    Happily Ever After. 

This blessed me so.  It just did. 

I am a  fighter.  I believe in marriage.  I believe God's will is for marriage to be held sacared.  Holy.  I know each and every person's story is different.  However, when it seems a marriage falls apart -- each of the partners  have to seek God, be accountable to God, and  that relationship with God  is what determines the outcome.

 I get it -- some marry too young.  Some marry for the wrong reasons -- but I still believe that what God joined together -- no man should tear it apart.  One of the hardest realizations I had to accept and recover from was the fact that -- some just marry cause 'THAT' is what was next. 

Within my relationship, I felt my husband was my prince charming.  In therapy, all of a sudden I was faced with questions or the knowledge of...."I was not his princess".    We probably just 'fell' into marriage cause THAT's what was next for us.   That particular therapy session took weeks for me to overcome.  I am being real.  That was HARD.  However,  God did a miracle within our hearts.   We are different people.  We don't have a 'better' marriage now, we have a different marriage.  And, I can say this with all honesty -- we each, love each other MORE now than we ever did back in '87 when we said I do.   THAT is indeed -- God.  Prayer.  A Miracle.  ....Happiness! 

I thank  God that I am not the judge and jury.  I would be in trouble.  I don't have to stand before God and give an account for the marriages I pray for.  

 I have been praying with a person for some time now, and she is battling many things.   She has done everything  and more  that the Lord has asked of her -- but when the safety of herself and her children are threatened -- then it is time to make some space between the husband and the wife.

 It certainly seems -- that there is a crisis.   There is and are situations where -- it certainly seems..... that free will will take over. 

  You can't WANT the marriage more than the other person.  You CAN'T change their free will  and you can't feel unsafe in your home.  When those types of circumstances happen, it certainly seems that God has 'released' you.  Even typing that word, I can see and feel the Holy Ghost shivers.  As, I realize that as I pray and counsel women -- I am responsible for what I say.  Therefore, I use God's words....and always seek for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.   But I can't DO IT for them.  I also  believe this 'release' is honestly -- a very hard thing to nail down.

Our marriage was in a real crisis of faith for a long time and I wanted to give up - often -- but God never released me or told me it was OK.....   go ahead...you deserve better.  God was quiet.  I knew.  God had impressed upon my spirit what I was to do.  Being obedient brought forth rewards.

How long does one need to wait on a husband or a wife?   Truthfully --If God asked me to wait 10 years -- I would have to.  If God asked me to wait -- I would.  Good part about this -- is I am only accountable for what GOD asks me.    I don't have to fix another.  Amen.    

 As my husband and I pray for other couples, I often ask God - what next?  How?  And...I will pray as well -- "Lord, release me!".     That is the HARD part.  Usually, God will release me.  He clearly shows me that I have 'prayed' all I can and now....it is up to 'them'.  God has also just removed me from prayerful situations.   God also answers in a most dramatic way that I know that I know - they no longer need my prayers.   And, God reminds me ---  HE is big enough.    I said ALL of that -- cause, I would never want to mislead anyone.  I do believe that God can and will bring beauty out of any ashes - when we SEEK HIM. 

So tonight,  back to my FACEBOOK story, I  just was tickled -- as I came across the beautiful wedding picture of my sweet 'twin' from so many years ago and to see the happiness within her smile.  Her husband is pretty cool too.  He was a twin -- funny - right?   He was a childhood pal of my husband.  Small world.  God does bring beauty  out of ashes.      I believe tonight, God was just reminding me ....NOT to give up.  To continue to pray -- to continue to believe....to continue doing WHAT HE asks of me -- as the reward will come in heaven. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher

The girls...see her twin sister  ?

The brides parents -- Married many years!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it -- my thoughts today. 
God created marriage, I believe in HIS plan and HIS design.  Marriage teaches you patience, endurance and it can be the most blessed thing -- to share a life.  As I believe that two become ONE. 

Today's prayers for marriage  - we are  to seek HIM. 


Lord,  You already know the couples we are praying for and their specific needs.  Lord, YOU see and know -- I ask that you would just touch each and every wife and husband that both Brendan and I have been speaking with, ministering too, and praying for.  Lord,  they are YOURS.  We only encourage, pray and share 'what works' for us -- when YOU ask us to share.  Lord, the burden of these women -- at times OVERWHELM me.    BUT...the shoulders are YOURS and I don't have to bear the burden -- YOU do.    Lord, be with - conquer and shower them all -- with peace.  God that each and every one of them SEEKS YOU. Period.  In Jesus name.  

Lord,  I pray that anyone reading this -- would indeed hold marriage as Holy as You do.  Lord, I pray that both the men and women who read this - if married, will seek you more and place You at the center and top of their marriage.  Lord, for the ones reading this that are not married yet -- God, that they would realize and know -- this is nothing to do on a whim.  

Lord, for the newly married -- that they grab a hold of YOUR Word and use it - as the RIGHT words to judge everything by.  

Lord, for the couple I featured today via the photos.  Lord, I thank them for letting me share a bit of their story, but also -- I pray a GREAT blessing upon them through YOU as they blend two families together and enjoy the 2nd part of their union.  Lord, bless them in a mighty way.  

Lord, for the couple that has been married a LONG time and is not happy - God -- that they would be, but that they would not be like that collie dog in the back of the trailer and just go back and forth -- that they would seek something NEW...not a new person, but the right counsel and therapy and do something different or change .....but BARK louder Lord and seek.  

Lord, for YOUR will to be done.  

Lord, for that one marriage where he believes another is 'better'.  Lord -- I fuss -- NO!  
Lord, for the one marriage where she believes another is 'better'.  Lord -- I fuss - NO!  
Lord, for the children involved -- Lord, for the hurting family -- Lord.... for them all. 
Lord, for the marriage that Satan is trying to pull apart -- cause of unmet expectations -- show them both.  And Lord, for the marriage that is to come....   for the one waiting on YOU.  

As I said, the burden can be overwhelming.  Lord, thank you again for the 'easy' ones...the ones seeking you after forgiveness and a realization that pride came between them.  And Lord, thank you for the ones that just continue to HOLD on to YOUR promises....  may they see the goodness in this land of the living...  In Jesus' perfect and strong name, Amen.

A KEY prayer that was sent to me -- at God's appointed time! Prayers for a marriage #11

Another couple has separated.   Do you know them?  Maybe. 

I can only imagine what people said or thought when they heard the news of our separation. 
People probably formed opinions  and I am pretty sure that many 'chose' sides between the two of us.  It is natural -- those closest to me, probably saw what I did and how I was and probably wanted to 'kick his butt'...Being honest and transparent - but truthful here.


We were never really  that close to any couples -- just a few and I am so sure they had their own situations - "how do I speak to her and not to him?"  ...or  "how can we help both of them? ".  I know instantly within the first few weeks of our separation, the enemy began to play SUCH tricks on my mind where I would not even want to be out in public for fear that I may see him speaking or talking to one of 'my friends' and I just knew I would not be able to handle it ---

   And I know there had to be people that wanted to just TELL us a thing or two - but, God kept them away.

 God did have the RIGHT people all set in place and new people HE would bring into our healing -- that prayed and helped and encouraged.

  Looking back now, both Brendan and I want to be those people to other couples when God commissions it. We pray HE uses us. 


Why wouldn't the enemy use sex to steal, kill, and destroy ....it states that in the bible.

Jesus said, 'go and sin no more'.


One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that God can't be explained and I don't have to try and justify HIS actions  -- I have to trust HIM.

I trust God today -- I trust that GOD is big enough to have the RIGHT people around that family right now and minister to both her and him and their children.

 I trust God is big enough that he is speaking to both parties involved.

 I trust God enough to pray earnestly for them and claim -- with God this family can be restored.  But I also trust God enough to know that....if this family does not reunite - and the marriage does dissolve...HE can still bring beauty out of the ashes and redeem her ...redeem him....and restore their children -- it will take time.

And I trust God enough that when a women does NOT feel safe in her own home,  it is time for her to leave.  Abuse is not God's intended 'love language'.  A hardened heart ...will hurt...and he or she must get it right with the Lord -- or they will rot in hell.  

And I trust that God is holding their hearts -- if they SEEK Him.  In the meantime, I will continue to pray.

As much as we pray .... we can't WANT IT MORE THAN THEM.....  The person has to WANT to be restored..... 

Today's prayer is a short one - I've elaborated enough -- but one week after my 'earthquake' shattered our home, I got a prayer from one of those people GOD spoke to -- to be a part of our healing.  And she sent me that prayer via Facebook - so I do have a soft spot for Facebook - it can be used of HIS glory -- but....

I want to share that prayer - as it is taped in my bible and I go to it often - as an Ebenezer stone - it is something that I remember -- and it is perfect for today.  

This prayer and its timeliness played a KEY part in me hearing from God to hold out and wait on HIM.  This prayer truly SET wheels into motion as I believed it was a direct Word from my Lord.  God used this sweet friend and sister in Christ -- to make a difference!  


 I will leave our names in it -- but our names can be replaced with YOUR names...if this prayer suits you today.

Or if you are the couple that separated .....or  if you know them - maybe this will give you the courage to speak into their lives...

I am humbled God that YOU can make a way and I trust you - Michelle

 PS
This prayer became life words....prophetic --

 HE has put a new love between us.

What the enemy tried to destroy - God fixed.  God won.

Our marriage was raised from the DEAD......it was hard work - but good work.

 I DO want that for every marriage -- HE can restore - anything......God I pray THAT couple will SEEK Him!

Dear Michelle,

The Lord has placed you and your family squarely and heavily on my heart.  HE wants me to tell you a couple of things.  ( I try to do what I 'm told-though I often fail. Deep Breath...) His message to you..
Michelle - You are an awesome spirit -being of magnificent worth as a person.  Your are fearfully and wonderfully made.  KEEP your eyes upon Me: for I am your strength and your shied.  As with David, because you wait patiently on Me, I hear your cries my child.  I am lifting you out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire: I am raising you up and will set your feet upon a Rock and give you a firm place to stand.  I am putting a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to Me. Many will see and fear and put their trust in Me.  ( Psalm 40. 1-3) My beautiful daughter I am using you.
My friend you are a light in the midst of overwhelming darkness, and I encourage you to stay the course. Keep your eyes on HIM!  My Lord, I pray YOUR will be done.

 May Your LOVE conquer this marriage. May Your LOVE be the only compound that binds this marriage.  Father, Your are  Love, and I pray You place Yourself between Michelle and Brendan. I praise You Father for Your faithfulness to Your children-

 In the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior I  pray. 

Your Daughter, Shelley

I think it is National Marriage Week......Prayers for a Marriage #10

Earlier this week, several posted that this week was 'National Husband and Wife Week'.  And there was a status to post -- that if your husband or wife had been your best friend...your confident....and your biggest supporter to copy, cut, and paste the photo/poster and proclaim the goodness.


I can tell you, that for the 4-5 years in which my marriage was in a major crisis -- I would look at each person's post and  think....."that is fake"... or " what a bragger"....or it would just make me cry cause I could not post the corney photo or status.

In the past several years now, there have been some photo/posters that I could share and proclaim about my husband - but his wishes are NOT to be included in Social Media.   I respect that and smile .....  but often secretly wish he could/would post it about me!!

Am I his best friend?  His biggest supporter?

I saw the photo/poster this evening and thought -- marriage is between two imperfect people  --  but when one does give up on the other ----- it hurts.

I have learned several great lessons in the past several years...but no matter what --  God has to be a part of our lives and the life of our marriage.  We are imperfect and need God so desperately.

God has to be our everything -- I have to remind myself often to 'take my husband off the hook', I have placed him on ---

Here is a photo of that actual post:  

If your marriage is strong enough that you can post that status - praise God.  There is a still a little superstition in me once in a great while that when you post something like this....just wait... as the 'other shoe will fall'.    Is that being pessimistic ? 

In the past few months, as  I have been looking at the prayers for a marriage I posted  a few years ago and updating them or using them ... I have been watching and looking at many married couples.  Ones that I know well...ones that I only watch from afar.  Couples that I used to socialize with  or had constant  contact...and others....   just watching and being prayerful at times. 

I wonder - can they be that happy? 
Are they seeking God? 
How is their prayer life? 

And I stop and reflect and take it all to God. 

It is a miracle if you have a solid marriage. 
It is a miracle if it has escaped a major crisis of faith. 
It is a miracle if it has endured a crisis of faith.......and still you can look at each other and say, " I love you". 

However, there are many hurting marriages out there -- close and far. 
Many have been married MANY years and still...don't see the real intention of marriage. 

However, I believe  there is HOPE. 

Tonight, I will let you in on my prayers ..... for me and for several around me....  I won't get into to much detail, I guess if you are reading this -- you will see that the words we use are NOT that important -- it is the getting before God and seeking HIM and voicing our concerns and our prayers to HIM.  As the one in me.... is the intercessor -- HE knows. 


Lord, I come tonight with a heavy heart - you know this has not been a good week.  Lord, the enemy continues to steal -- and Lord, I pray he won't win.  Lord, for the wife who just lost her husband moments ago -- may Your comfort be what she needs.  Lord, for the ride this eve with my man - thank you for the knowledge of our miracle, but as we talked and prayed for several other couples...God, we don't want them to separate nor divorce...we want them to seek YOU.  Lord, for the one whose eyes are literally  - closed and clouded.  Lord, for the one who is finally coming clean to his wife about his true feelings and the hurt from addictions...that YOUR help and professional help would move him from a feeling of defeat to - being a person that can lead other men...Lord, for the one whose heart is so hard -- God, protect him but WAKE him up -- does he not see -- ??  Lord, for the wife that now needs a place to live, protect her, help her -- provide the finances.  Lord, for the couple seeking You and beginning again -- that You will make their transition complete.  Lord, for the couple having to watch their child be operated on tomorrow - God, this is life changing stuff..... Lord, for the couple fighting cancer together -- God -- for the 'famous' ones and for the not so famous ones... Lord, I believe in healing and know You will... would You do it on THIS side of heaven, please?  Lord, for the ones still married but not being obedient to YOU...Lord for the ones that are pushing the word 'grace'...   Lord, for the ones that are just skating along....thinking everything is OK... God -- that they would OPEN up and see.....THEY need YOU.  Lord for the hurting wife this night, who claimed victory for her man today -- Lord speak and show.  Lord, for the ones walking into a new journey with a child.... God direct.  Lord, for the wives...for the children... for the men.   Lord, for the prideful ones...including me...  that seems to think ..."I have got it covered" and then....fall flat.  Lord, for the hurting ones this eve.... Lord, for the ones trying to walk through this life with YOU in the forefront...but they are growing weary.  Lord... I am overwhelmed this eve...

It is too much --   I can't remember them all.  I wanted to write so much more....   But.. YOU are sovereign and Your providence is true.   Cover them.   Cover me.  Help me.  Lord, that the enemy would not steal...or cause one ounce of doubt.  Lord, as we get closer to this Encounter Weekend, may all those women signed up -- just BE there --cover every part of the prep - the weekend - do the work - I am tired, overwhelmed but know that I know -- YOU will provide.  Provision Lord, - I thank you.  Amen. 

Prayer for a marriage -- #9

This prayer can be for 'him' too...but today I am focusing on the women.


God wants to remind us - HE is strong. And HE created His daughters to be strong!
With God's word as our SWORD - there is nothing the enemy can do to knock us off course in prayer for our men.  BUT....we can be swayed if we don't hunker down and stick to it.

I was caught off guard.
However, I quickly figured out what to do -- well, maybe not quickly...I faltered a lot  and I kept taking our problems back away from HIS cross and finally -- after much time and continued hurt - I got to a place where I just could not 'deal' with anything anymore and I believe at that moment - I was finally broken and willing to do whatever it took .....to wait and to be a vigilant prayer warrior for my marriage.

I had to believe in something that I did not see.
I had to have faith and trust God.
That is really HARD to comprehend as I have mentioned this before - I really thought I had it figured out and I really did believe I trusted God - but I only trusted Him as much as I could at that time.

God wanted me at a higher level with Him -- He wants to use me.  He is using me.

So this prayer is for the women  who are trying to hang in there -- they are praying for something they don't see....they want their marriage, and want God to do a great work within their husbands.

This prayer is for the wife that has a pretty good marriage but her husband is not the spiritual head that God has called him to be --

This prayer is for the wife that wants her husband to sit next to her at church --

This prayer is for the wife than wants to give up --

Lord God, I pray they will dream...I pray they will dream big enough to fight.  God I pray that the women /wife reading this is broken enough to place ALL pride aside and place anything that is hindering her relationship with YOU....aside...God I pray she will confess it and deal with it - as nothing can be between her and you....And then Lord.....I know  You have already placed a dream and a desire within her heart and her head.....she knows what she would like. 

 

Lord,  she wants a man that longs to be close to You.  

Lord,  she wants a man that lives within his bible and seeks and searches Your Words. 

 And then Lord....he will be that man that will love her - unconditionally. 

 Lord, then he can be the one that will meet the needs, comfort the broken heart and....rear the children as a team ..with her. 

She needs him Lord -- the children need him...so, I pray Lord that they won't give up...that they will fight past what the 'see' and just believe that IT can be possible....

 

Lord for the wife that just wants him to notice -- and then, that he would want to attend church with her ---  She longs to worship along side of him. 

 

Oh God, I sit here today as I know, I gave you a list of what I wanted....and  you Lord,  my God --  You have fulfilled most of those 'wishes'...but only after You did a work on a heart....for the heart work first....open the eyes, speak to him - and in the mean time, may these wives just wait on you and remember that you are not asleep -- but fighting in every area --as You are a good God and want YOUR best for each of them.  Amen.