We conquer by faith. This is a common verse yet as I read it today it jumped out at me. Faith is all we need. When we pray, the Lord doesn’t always answer giving us the details of his quest. He may give us the Goal as when you feel led to do something but he doesn’t include in that calling a step by step guide.
The Righteous will live by Faith
Romans 1:17
The righteous will live by faith means we have to trust him when we don’t understand. Trust him when the way seems foggy. Trust him when our career goes asunder. Trust him when a loved one gets hurt, or even passes. An old hymn says we will understand it in the by and by. Understanding comes with:
Praying for Guidance
Reading the Word
Quiet Reflection
Listening for Directions
Looking back over your life and the evolution of its path
Connecting the dots to see where it’s leading
Sealing the time with Prayer
Trust God. Trust his leadership and guidance. Because his words says the righteous will live by faith not worry
Those were the words I saw on a list of things to do written by my little one. She was in Grad school and as most of us know, moving becomes a part of college life. As she packed to move she had a list of things to do. A trait taught by her mom to ensure everything or most things are captured as part of planning life’s journey. As I went to help clear an area in the kitchen, I pounced on a post-it list of things to do for the packing. On the list I read the words “ask the Lord’s guidance“. Wow! As a mom I was happy see her giving the lord the place she needs in her life. My goal was to discreetly capture a picture of the list but my phone was some place else. Later, I left and forgot to capture the treasured list.
Commit to Memory
I think of Sergio’s family who lived in the building that came crashing down in Miami. A building labeled as a catastrophe (unknown to residents). It claimed the lives of over one hundred people while they slept. Immediately people of faith prayed and prayed, pleading with God for the safe survival of those affected. Sadly it was too much and after 14 days searchers resorted to a rescue mission instead to retrieve the remains of fatalities. This was a national crisis acknowledged by community leaders up to the President. Such catastrophes we may not easily forget as we remain on our knees.
I reflect also on Hailey’s mom who had a degenerative condition. Similarly, Ken’s brother was admitted in the hospital for prolonged treatment while Laila felt discouraged as she couldn’t find a job.
Common to these scenarios is that all asked asked friends, colleagues and the church to pray. Many joined in prayer at the outset but as time progressed forgot to pray and only remember intermittently. Life’s daily priorities often overshadow even the most devastating catastrophes as they linger.
Prayer Checklist
That’s where a prayer checklist comes in. It serves as a basis for times when there’s too much to remember. Though we mean well, our fickle minds forget to pray for the sick, those in relationship turmoil, the jobless, the discouraged, and our daily needs. Let’s not forget to mention how often we forget to give thanks for answered prayers.
A prayer list is invaluable. To satisfy your curiosity, here are five reasons:
It helps us remember what and who to pray for.
It serves as a testament for Praise and Thanksgivingwhen prayers are answered.
It provides a medium for reflection when we look back at what the Lord has done.
It serves as a means for acknowledgement of our journey with God. Sometimes he had to carry us. Sometimes he comforted. At other times we look back unable to understand how we made it through. That’s when he strengthened us in our weakness.
Most importantly, it serves as a yearend dialogue with family and friends when we reflect.
Start capturing those prayer requests today. An e-notepad (smartphone) or a simple sheet of paper will do, but a prayer journal will help to keep them more organized. You can get them at most pharmacies, grocery or convenience stores. But here’s GreenLight Journal that will definitely help.
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts about a Prayer checklist? Do you use them? Please share. We would love to hear.
GREENLiGHT 