Prayer Reminder from a Child

My daughter, age five, and I were driving the other day. As we waved at the neighbors, she said, “I’m sad because they don’t know Jesus.” We talked about the fact that we need to love them anyway. And then she said, “Could we pray about it now?” I, of course, said yes, and she began. It went something like this, “Dear Jesus, please help the (last name) to believe in you, to know the truth, so they can go to heaven when they die.”

There is a lesson here for all of us. Even those of us who are actively ministering to others sometimes get wrapped up in serving them without stopping to regularly pray for them. I know I’ve been guilty of this many times. I’ve talked several times with this neighbor and told her about my beliefs. I’ve tried to do kind things for her. I even asked someone in my local church family to pray for her. But did I stop to pray? No. But my daughter did. I’m proud of her and humbled by her faith.

So, whatever you’re doing, take time out to pray for those around you - especially those who don’t know Jesus. Because just like my daughter, it makes God sad.

The Urgency of Prayer

Prayer. Pray without ceasing. Talk to God. What does this mean to you?

Does your prayer life look like this?

In the morning, you get up, look at your Bible and think to yourself, “I really need to have Quiet Time today,” as you walk by. At meals, you might say a quick, “thank you for this food,” but maybe only if you’re with other people - or maybe only if you’re alone. At bedtime, you fall into bed, too tired to read the Bible you ignored all day, but you want to make sure you pray, so you begin. “Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for...” and your brain remembers something else, so you interrupt your prayer - just for a second - to think about that. And then you’re asleep, only to begin the process again another day.

Even when we think things like, “I really need to pray about that,” we often don’t follow through. The phrase “the tyranny of the urgent” seems to win out most days. 

So, I want you to think with me for a moment. What is the urgent? Is the urgent your job? Checking your e-mail or favorite blogs? Seeing what’s up with your friends on facebook? Catching the game when your favorite team is playing? Getting your oil changed on time? Ladies, some of you won’t leave the house without make-up on, but you’ll leave the house spiritually naked.

But the eternal things are really so much more urgent. We do not know the time or the day of Christ’s return or our deaths. Are you praying for the salvation of family members, co-workers, neighbors, those you receive e-mails from, those you are facebook friends with? Do you pray for your country and the wisdom of its leaders? Do you pray for your schedule to make sure you’re making time for God’s priorities, not yours? Do you pray for wisdom as you walk and talk throughout the day?

And when I ask, “Do you pray?” I don’t mean, did you say, “God bless Mama, God bless Papa, God bless America.” I mean, did you quiet your heart and seek the face of God. Did you intercede on behalf of those around you? Did you model genuine, repentant prayer to those around you? Did you pray for the well-being of the person being loaded into the ambulance as you drive by, even though you’re frustrated because the accident   will cause you to be late to work?

Friends, we need to take our eyes off ourselves and look around. Seek God’s heart. Ask him to bring to mind those who need prayer. And let’s stop putting prayer on the back burner. Because it is both important and urgent.

Women of Faith Details

This will be my final Women of Faith post for this year's conference. I thought I might just mention a couple peripheral things. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the conference. And the Verizon Center in D.C. was a great place for it to be held. Despite the approaching hurricane, we enjoyed walking downtown, eating outside, window shopping, etc. We had a very nice hotel a few short blocks away from the conference. But for those budget-conscious people who, like me, aren't used to city ways, please be aware that there were some unexpected costs.

Our hotel information said "valet parking available," when in fact, there was no parking lot. Valet parking was expected - at $40. So, we decided to park at the Verizon Center and walk back to the hotel. The cost there was $25/day and we weren't allowed to leave the car overnight. We eventually found a 24-hour garage for $20/day. Please don't think I'm complaining. A free ticket is certainly worth some parking expenses. I just want to be thorough in my comments. People who budget carefully to come up with the fee likely failed to budget an extra $50 for parking. Unless, of course, they understand the city better than I do, which is entirely possible!

All in all, I loved the conference. I will definitely go again. And for you ladies out there who enjoy good Biblical, entertaining messages and/or fabulous music, this conference is for you! Hope to see you there.

Luci Swindoll - Women of Faith

When Luci Swindoll spoke, she encouraged us to live the abundant life. To life life to its fullest. To cherish the gift of life. She spoke about gifts and talents, dreams and passions. She told us to quit the wishful thinking, step outside ourselves, and claim it! Where are you putting your time and money? Are you feeding your God-given passions? These are the kinds of questions Luci asked us.

An enjoyable speaker, Luci spoke about our righteousness in Christ and the blessings He gives for our faithfulness. I think she said this was a quote from Herman Hess (forgive me if I'm wrong about that). "Live life. Love it. And God will give you more of it!"

Ken Davis - Women of Faith

Christian Comedian Ken Davis made an appearance at the Verizon Center. He was VERY FUNNY! Absolutely hilarious! He also talked about joy. And laughter. He said things like, "God is the Creator of joy" and "Humor is a gentle way to acknowledge human frailty." He pointed out the the ability to laugh together is good for relationships. We should "allow laughter to be a byproduct of our lives." After all, the joy of the Lord is my strength. 


Ken spoke about the fact that God has armloads of blessings for us, though we are imperfect people. Isn't it great that perfection is not required?! He adores you - right where you are.

Nicole Johnson - Women of Faith

Nicole Johnson provides drama for Women of Faith. She is extremely talented and funny. She also had some wisdom to share with the women who came to the conference. She talked about feeling invisible and unappreciated and how to turn that feeling around because God sees. Her prayer was "Help me be invisible that your love will be more visible. I yield my credit for your glory." Wow! Imagine - there's the theme - imagine what we, as women, would be like if we truly lived like that all the time amidst the daily grind.

Speaking of daily grind, Nicole uses coffee as an analogy (her current book is Fresh-Brewed Life). She talked about being fresh-brewed - not stale, old, or leftover. She talked about connecting with other people. When you are invited for "coffee," it's not about needing a drink, but about spending time together. She pointed out that coffee grounds go through a lot before becoming coffee. She said, "Life's greatest value is often found in its broken pieces."

Nicole spoke about a beautiful stained glass angel ornament made from the glass blown out of the Oklahoma City federal building when it was bombed. Interestingly, my uncle, in a nearby building, was blown out of his chair during that incident in OKC. Anyway, beauty from ashes. That ornament serves as a reminder that God can take pieces of your life and make something beautiful!

Lisa Harper - Women of Faith

I had never heard of Lisa Harper before Women of Faith, but she certainly knows how to engage the audience. Her message, delivered in a humorous way, was about love, gut-level compassion, and how God provides even tiny details to work in and through us. He offers His grace to each of us simply because He loves us. Look for His amazing grace, evidence of His love.