Category Archives: Prayer

My Heart, Ever His by Barbara Rainey – Positively Lovely, A Keeper and Makes a Wonderful Gift to Give

Posted in Barbara Rainey, Bethany House Publishers, Book Review, God, Jesus Christ, Lord, My Heart Ever His, NetGalley, Prayer, Scripture by

As someone who loves poetry and likes to write writing out prayers, I wanted to read Barbara Rainey’s new book My Heart, Ever His.  This book is positively lovely!

Barbara’s prayers are heartfelt, God-honoring and glorifying.  They are honest, open and transparent.  Kind of like the Psalms, Barbara honestly shares with the Lord what she is feeling, but she comes back to who God is, what He has done in her life and others and who He has revealed Himself to be in the Bible.

I love that Scripture is included in the prayers and in the E-book the Scripture verses are highlighted in a different color and at the end of each prayer is a link to the end of the book where each prayer’s Scripture verses are documented so you can look them up for yourself.

Many of the prayers seemed especially relevant and timely considering all that we are going through as a Nation.  My heart was convicted, encouraged, strengthened.  It is comforting to know other women share similar struggles but also know where our Hope truly lies.  I felt like I was sitting across from a friend who was sharing from her heart about her life.

Even in the Christian community, there are times where we put on a good face and may not always share what we are struggling with.  After reading these prayers, you may desire to be honest and open, but also challenged to not just present only your hurts to the Lord, but go back to God’s Word and be encouraged to remember who He is and what He has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ.

The prayers range from who we are as Christians, God as our Security, physical needs and health, emotional needs, relationships, faith, lives which have turned out different than what we hoped, God’s Word and prophesy, Jesus Christ our Savior, Redeemer, salvation, security, suffering, seasons, and surrender.

I love this book!  My Heart, Ever His by Barbara Rainey is a keeper.  It’s also one that I want to share with others.  I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again and again.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read My Heart, Ever His by Barbara Rainey which was provided to me for free.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

This Broken World

Posted in Brokenness, God's Faithfulness, poem, Prayer by

It’s times like this Lord
I’m reminded of the brokenness of this world

It’s hard to know what to pray
Or how to pray
What can I do
Being so very far away

Let them be aware of Your nearness
Your presences guiding them through each day
Give them strength when they grow weary
In unseen ways, You help them to carry their heavy burdens

In ways, both big and small
Reveal Your tender mercies
Bring to remembrance a hymn or Scripture verse
That stokes the fires of faith within

A timely phone call from family or friends
Just to listen so they know someone cares
Bring to mind Christ Jesus the Lord
At the right hand of the Father interceding for them

When grief and sadness overwhelm them
Holy Spirit translate their groaning into prayer
Their tears are precious to You
You note each one that falls and hold them in a bottle

For the mind that is failing
Allow moments of clarity each day
Though they may forget everything else
Let them never, no never, forget their God

Their suffering is great
I can’t help but ask how long O Lord
I find assurance in knowing You have numbered our days
You know our end from the beginning

You have promised when this life is over
Your saints will be welcomed home in the loving arms of their Savior
In heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, sickness or death
Until then Lord, bring them through this broken world

Susan Wachtel
February 11, 2018

From Outside In

Posted in Depression, God, poem, Prayer by

Psalm 34-18

Depression is my name
I’m otherwise known as the blues

I quietly slip in
Sometimes unnoticed

Before long I consume a person’s life
From the outside in

Soon the person you love
Seems to have slipped away

Consumed within themselves
Unable to express their all-consuming pain

Their world has shrunk
From the outside in

All hope seems to be gone
For they can’t see beyond

Help can only come from the Compassionate One
In faith pray without ceasing for the one you love

For only God can break depression’s chains
From the outside in

by Susan Wachtel
January 8, 2016

This may seem like a dark way to start the New Year, but I felt led to write this poem after seeing someone struggle with depression.  I want to bring hope to those who feel helpless as they watch a loved one’s world shrink.  Truly God can break those chains and restore hope.

Prayer at Gethsemane

Posted in Gethsemane, God's Will, poem, Prayer by

Mark 14-36

Christ’s final hours were upon Him
The disciples waited nearby
His closest, Peter James and John
Were invited to watch and pray
Jesus shared His overwhelming grief
And went off alone to pray

He called out to the Father
If possible, let this cup pass from Me
Yet He submitted Himself
To His Father’s will and plan

When He returned
He found fast asleep those He asked to pray
Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour
For temptation is coming your way
To resist your spirit needs to be strengthened

Jesus went again to beseech the Father
He returned only to find
His three closest friends asleep on their watch
They had no idea what to say
No excuse is given, they remain silent

A third time
Jesus goes alone to Father and prays
When He returns it’s no surprise
He finds His disciples asleep on their watch
His time with them has come to an end

For His hour is at hand
His betrayer will come with throngs
And greet Him with a kiss

Jesus arises
He knows what’s to come
And the great suffering He will endure

Instead of fleeing
Jesus Christ rises
To meet those who seek to kill Him
He stands ready to accomplish the Father’s will

He is alone
Soon His prayerless disciples will flee
The angles are restrained
As the Son of God is betrayed
Given over into the hands of evil men
The Father is silent in His resolve
His plan will be accomplished

Sin will be punished
Those bound by sin and death will be set free
Grace and mercy will be offered
Not to those who deserve it
For there are none

But salvation will be given
To those hell-bound sinners who repent
To those who confess Christ Jesus as Lord
They will be saved

by Susan Wachtel
September 16, 2015

My Prayer

Posted in Prayer by

2 Cor 5-17

Lord, I confess I don’t feel the same drive and passion I once did. But Lord I want that back. Father, I want to love You and listen to Your word – like I can’t get enough of it. I want to be captivated by You and Your incomprehensible love. May my eyes be fixed on You. Daily and forever may I be grateful for Your Son’s sacrifice for my sins and not forget how lost I was before Christ and remember my utter inability to save myself. May I be cognizant of my absolute security in Christ. I want to be aware of the Holy Spirit within me and His power and the transforming work He is doing in me. I want to have a heart of gratitude and wonder when I think upon You. I want to know the unchanging truth from the Word of God. I want to be in awe of grace perfectly balanced with truth, holiness and righteousness. Through Your Holy Spirit I want to love those with whom love doesn’t come naturally. I want to be patient, faith-filled and prayerful with those whom I love. I want my prayers to be seasoned with thanksgiving. I want to be a faithful friend. I want to hunger and thirst for truth and righteousness found only in You and Your word. I want to daily be transformed by the washing of the water of Your word. I want to make much of You, more of others and less of me. I want to begin each day in Your word, not racing through it because of pressures and demands. I want to be slow to anger and slow to speak, but quick to come to Your throne of grace in prayer. I want abide in the Vine and bear much fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. I want to be wise and prudent and daily put on the full armor of God – belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the Gospel of peace, helmet of salvation, take up the shield of faith, skillfully wield the Sword of the Spirit and be praying always. Make me and mold me through the Holy Spirit who dwells within me and wash me with Your word. Thank You Father for giving me a heart of flesh and that I am a new creation in Christ. It’s in His precious and mighty name I pray. Amen!

Rising Faith

Posted in Faith, Prayer, Uncategorized by

I pray that your faith will stand strong, even in times of trials and tribulation or in the doldrums of life.  I pray that your faith will rise and be strengthened on the Solid Rock of Scripture.  In those times when God seems to be silent, that you will turn to God’s Word and remind yourself about who God is, see what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture.  I pray that you will hide God’s Word in your heart so that you may not sin against Him.  That when other’s faith fails them, praises of God will come forth from your lips, strengthening your heart and mind and the faith of other believers.  I pray for you to have a heart and mind that desires to know God more and to be obedient.  I pray that you will be open and teachable, bendable and yielded unto the Lord God Almighty.  I pray that you will fear God, not man.  That you will turn to the Bible, holy and inerrant Scripture, daily to know who you are in Christ.  That you will be bold, confident and unapologetic in your proclamation of the Gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation of all who believe, first the Jew and then the Greek.  I pray that you will desire to bless the Lord each day with how you live, what you say and think, even down to the desires and thoughts and intentions of your heart.  I pray for you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to desire to be washed by the water of God’s Word daily.  It is in the incomparable, blessed and holy name of Jesus Christ I pray.   Amen and amen!

A Good Word on Prayer

Posted in Prayer, Uncategorized by

Prayer is the struggling speech of the believer infant, the war cry of the fighting believer, and the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in the arms of Jesus.  It is the breath, the password, the comfort, the strength, and the privilege of a Christian.  So if you are a child of God, you will seek your Father’s face and live in your Father’s love.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Five Minute Friday – Fly Out the Window

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Prayer, Uncategorized by

In the middle of a busy and somewhat chaotic week, the Lord was there to meet me and had some lessons for me.

I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the amount of things I had to accomplish, requests coming in right and left and I was seeing the stress on others too.  I was overwhelmed and felt unable to do what I needed to or be of help to anyone.

When I stepped away for while I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me and asking me, “Susan, where’s your focus?  It’s not on God, but it’s on your circumstances and people.  You need to get your focus back on Me.”

In my own strength and power I would be unable to accomplish what I needed to.  My peace would fly out the window.  I wouldn’t be living in a manner that glorifies God.  I would be of no help to others or be able to encourage and strengthen others.

Instead I need to see my circumstance through my God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine.  I need to be going to my Heavenly Father in prayer, with thanksgiving and present my requests to Him.

I need to be prayed up and taking my every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  Let God overwhelm my impossible circumstances with His overcoming power.

Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” 2 Chronicles 14:11

Image

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

A Prayer for America – Independence Day 2013

Posted in Independence Day, Prayer, United States of America by

Flag in front of the Washington Monument

Lord may I remember and not take for granted the sacrifices of our founding fathers that helped established a nation built on core Biblical principles.  I thank You that they were willing to endure personal hardship and great loss.  I thank you for their gifted and disciplined minds which drafted our Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

I thank You that our government was set up in such a way that wrongs could be righted and slavery abolished, and all citizens given the right to vote.  That though we are not all that we should be, we aren’t what we used to be.

Thank You that our nation doesn’t seek and welcome only the elite, but those who are poor and downtrodden, hungry and in need of refuge.

Lord, I thank You for the men and women who have served, fought and defended this nation.  I thank You for the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price.  I pray that we will be a people who show gratitude and not take their sacrifice for granted.  That we will appreciate the rights and freedom we have been granted and be willing to fight for them with courage and conviction.

Lord on this day when we celebrate the birth of our nation 237 year ago, I am grieved over the sins of our nation in so many areas.  I pray that You would soundly and swiftly rebuke the judges who give approval to that which You have declared sin.

I pray for the salvation our leaders, in all areas of government, whose beliefs are in opposition to Your Word.  Those whose lives bear the fruit of unrighteousness and ungodliness.  I pray that You will expose lies and wrongdoing.  That You will soundly and swiftly punish those who have broken the law.  That You will bring about a godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

I pray that You will wake up Your church.  That men and women will read, study, listen and obey Your Word.  That they will leave churches whose pastors tickle their ears and make them feel good.  That You will move in the hearts and minds of pastors so that they will boldly preach and proclaim Your Word with confidence.  Knowing that Your Word is active and alive, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.  That it is able to convict, rebuke and bring people to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus.

I pray that You will open the eyes of the blind, unstop the ears of the deaf and turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.  That You will break the chains of those who are trapped in false religions, self-righteousness or atheism.  That You will save them from their sin for Your namesake and glory.  That they will be trophies of Your abundant grace and mercy.

Lord, I pray that You will burden the hearts and minds of Your people to pray and be faithful and true witnesses right where You have planted them…in their family, neighborhood and workplace.  I pray that Your church would be sanctified, holy, set apart and dedicated unto You.

Lord, turn this nation around.  May we be a godly nation, a shining light on a hill.  Lord, instead of asking for You to bless America, I pray that America would bless You, honor and glorify You.

Everything the Bible Says About Prayer – Mixed Feelings

Posted in Bethany House, Prayer, Scripture by


When the opportunity came to read “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” I was looking forward to reading the scriptures about prayer complied by Keith Wall.  I’m eager to grow in my prayer life and understanding and application of scripture. 
I found it was somewhat disappointed with “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” and really struggled with it especially in the early chapters.  I found the switching of translations and paraphrases with every verse very distracting and the reading didn’t flow well.  The author uses many different versions including the NLT, ESV, NIV, God’s Word, HCSB, NASB, The Message, NKJV, NCV, and AMP.  When I encounter people jumping from one translation to another a red flag goes up and I’m concerned that scripture is being manipulated and not accurately translating God’s word.
As I read more of the book, perhaps I got more used to switching between many translations.  There were a few chapters that I liked including An Alley Amid Adversity, Give God the Glory, Timeless Tutors and the Appendix Thoughts on Prayer by Classic Christian Writers. 
At the beginning of each chapter Keith Wall gives a brief introduction about what the topic of the chapter and how the reader might apply the verses to their lives and some of the introductions were helpful. 
I would have appreciated it, if at the beginning of the book, the author had addressed the reader who may not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and given the plan of salvation. 
I would neither recommend nor discourage someone from reading “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer”, but I would want the reader to be aware of the use of many different translations and paraphrases used throughout this book. 
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review in exchange for this book. 
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Quiet Morn Reflections

Posted in Prayer by

Each morning for months now I’ve been praying about a disquieting situation.  My prayers have remained the same and yet it seems as though nothing has changed.  How long will it continue to be this way Lord?
Then suddenly the Lord has answered my prayer.  Unexpectedly and in a manner that I did not anticipate. 
I’m both relieved and saddened.  But now is the time to remain faithful and continue in prayer as the Lord works out His plan.
This is a good reminder to me to be faithful in prayer, not grow discouraged or disheartened when there seems to be no answer.  I need to be mindful that the Lord’s timing is often different than mine and His plans are always better. 
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The Defeated Foe

Posted in Bible, Defeat, Prayer, Victory in Christ by

DEFEAT
Front and center!
I want a full report on your subject
Well most evil one
I am happy, excuse that vile word, to report success
In keeping this man down and defeated
I’ve been surprised at how easily he’s swayed
It doesn’t take much
To keep him from reading the Bible each day
Anything from fatigue to busyness
Or little distraction from an aptly timed phone call will do
To keep him from reading the Enemy’s wretched Book
Well done…that’s a must
If he reads it daily
He may actually begin to believe it and live it
It’s critical to cut off the lines of communication with the Enemy
I find he’s easily satisfied with talking to a friend
Instead of praying to his heavenly Father
I don’t even have to work at this one
It comes naturally…thanks to that good old sin nature
It’s a wonder what little grumbling and complaining will do
One of my favorites is when he thinks he can get through the day
On his own strength and relying on his own wisdom
What a joke! 
Well done…it’s imperative that he never knows the truth
That the battle has already been won
That he already has the victory in Christ
Defeat, we may never see him in the Lake of Fire with us
But we can make sure his life here on earth
Is a miserable and defeated existence
Carry on wretched one
Our time is growing short
Excellent work in rendering your foe ineffective and defeated
by Susan Wachtel
July 6, 2012
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Just Thinking…Lessons Learned

Posted in Praise, Prayer, Spiritual Armor by

Photo Credit Heartlight
Reflecting on some of the lessons the Lord has impressed upon me this week.
I can’t fight another’s spiritual battle.  I can pray for them, offer an encouraging word, share truth from God’s word, but in the end, they have to put on God’s provision of spiritual armor, submit themselves unto the Lord, resist the devil so the he will flee.
Lately when I find myself irritated, annoyed, angry or frustrated with people and I’m talking to the Lord about the person or situation, the Lords asks me, “Susan, have you prayed for them?”  Ah…well no Lord not yet. 
When I go before the throne of grace in prayer I find that my focus shifts to God, who He is and what He can do rather than troubling situations and people.  My anxiety is quelled and my emotions are not controlling my mind.  I’m reminded that God is at work, even when I can’t see it. 
When my days are very busy and demanding and it’s easy for me to get stressed and overwhelmed.  After a challenging day this week, I felt the Lord direct me to put on some worship and praise music during the day, so I can keep my heart and mind focused on Him.  He also challenged me to praise Him when I’m feeling like waves are crashing over me and I’m ready to go under.
It makes a difference in my day when I was focused on the Lord and am looking for ways to praise Him.  I’m still learning to not take the bait of the enemy and find that the response of prayer and praise is coming quicker.  I want to get to the place where it comes naturally.
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Vacation Reflections

Posted in Bible Study, Prayer, Vacation by

My husband Chris and I are fresh back from our vacation to Washington DC and Virginia to visit with family.  It was a much needed time away from the day to day grind of responsibilities at work and home.  It was lovely to spend time with family and meet those whom I’ve only talked to on the phone or seen pictures of and prayed for.  I was honored to see historic sites that I’ve only read about in history books or seen in news stories. 
While on vacation, I did take my Bible and read scripture and my devotional, but goodness I missed so much my closer walk with the Lord.  It was not the same as sitting in the chair in the quiet of the morn and reading the scripture with my ear inclined to hear Him speak to me.  Due to our travel days, we missed going to church on Sunday which left me feeling an emptiness in my soul. 
I truly missed my prayer time built into my daily life, where I come before the Lord.  My prayers were not as focuses and purposeful.  I must say, there were some spiritual battles going on and the enemy had the upper hand as I was weak and ineffective in my daily walk. 
So today, as I opened my Bible, I was able to focus as I read God’s word.  A couple of things stood out to me as I read my devotional from John 20″11-13:  “11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”  She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
The commentator pondered that Mary Magdalene’s life was transformed after she was delivered from demons and experienced the joy of being with Jesus. 
I wondered, when I lack joy is that an indication that I am not walking closely with You?
The second reading was about the father who comes to Jesus and is desperate for Jesus to deliver his son from demon possession.
21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:21-24
As I read the words of the father I asked, when I’m desperate but struggling in my faith, do I turn to Jesus and cry out, “I believe, help me with my unbelief?”
Oh Lord, I missed You greatly.  If for no other reason than the fact that daily life keeps me close to You, I’m grateful to be back.  Jesus draw me close and never let me go.
 
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Lazarus’ Prayer

Posted in God's Love, God's Timing, Prayer by


God’s love for you is certain
His love cannot be measured by time
Your prayers will be answered
His blessings will be made visible
In a package well-disguised
In God’s perfect time
by Susan Wachtel
January 28, 2012
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.  It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.  Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.  Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”  John 11:1-7
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Five Minute Friday: Color This Week Over

Posted in 5 Minute Friday, Prayer, Wrestling with God by
Color this week over, I’m glad it’s done.  It was a hard week, a challenging week in many ways: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  It left me feeling blue.  I did some wrestling with God this week in prayer.  There were tears shed.  I wondered if my prayers did any good.  It seems I pray and pray and pray, but it comes to naught.  Right about then God does a big work in the life of someone I’ve been praying for.  It kind of feels like a poke in the chest and God saying, “See I hear your prayers and I do answer them, but in My time frame and according to My plan.” 

After struggling with prayer today, I realized that it was the enemy trying to discourage me.  When I got a hold of that…I prayed those faithful prayers, that Lord willing He will answer.  Especially the prayers for the salvation of my family and friends, Lord willing.

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  

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On the Lookout

Posted in Believing God, Prayer, Salvation, Trusting God by
As I was praying this last week, I felt rather downcast and hopeless.  I had finished praying for the salvation of people whom God has laid on my heart.  It seems that the list continues to increase.  Some of the people have been on the list for many years.  Some people have moved on and I may never see them again, but I continue to pray for their salvation. 

As I walked into Corner Bakery to pick-up my breakfast, I felt that the Lord rebuke me for my downcast attitude. 

Here I am praying to the God of the universe…the Creator of all things, the One Who spoke the words and our world came into existence.  God, Who from before the foundations of the world, knew me and chose to save me from my sin through the atoning death of His Son, my Savior Jesus Christ.  God Who knows me intimately, knows the number of hairs on my head, knows my thoughts before the words come out of my mouth and puts my tears in a bottle.  I’m praying to Almighty God and I’m feeling downcast?  Are you kidding me? 

I felt as if God challenged me that day.  I pray many prayers, but am I on the lookout for God at work each day.  Do I look expectantly and am I excited to see what God is doing each day?

To prove His point, later that day I had an encounter with someone for whom I’ve been praying.  I got to hear what God is doing in their life, a definite God thing…a work that only He could be doing. 

My downcast and hopeless feelings were nothing short of unbelief, which is sin.  I didn’t have my eyes on God, nor trust Him and His perfect timing to answer my prayer. 

Now I’m choosing to remind myself to Whom I’m praying to each day, and be on the lookout for the answers to those prayers and see God actively at work in all situations. 

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