Prayer Request

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2015;%202%20Chronicles%2026&version=NIV

I was going to write today about the dangers of pride, focusing on the passage in 2 Chronicles 26:16 that tells us that after King Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. But to be honest with you, I’m struggling to write. It happens often when I try to blog, so today, instead of talking about pride (or maybe because we are talking about pride), I’m going to humble myself before you and ask instead that you pray for me.

Actually, I ask that you pray for all of us who blog. I have no doubt that Satan isn’t a big fan of the blog and will throw all sorts of distractions in our direction to stop us from being effective in what we write – or to stop us from writing at all. It happened to me last Sunday when I got distracted by saying goodbye to my sister and taking her to the airport, by church and lunch and by July 4th and preparing for friends to come for dinner. Those aren’t excuses – I should have remembered and planned ahead – but I didn’t and I forgot and I apologize.

But tonight when I felt so stuck when I tried to write and completely unmotivated, stuck, and as if I had nothing wise or worthy to say, I was just reminded of how familiar the feeling was – that it happens so often when I try to blog or when I’m preparing my lesson to teach on Sundays. As one who believes in spiritual warfare (and if you don’t, keep reading the Bible, because it clearly speaks of it), I believe that often the struggle to blog is spiritual and the best way to prevent that is prayer coverage.

So I’m asking you to pray for me – and for Kelly, Russ, and Chad as we blog. It amazed me to read Kelly’s post earlier in the week that noted that we are half way there. Pray that we persevere in our commitment, that we might be protected from distractions. Pray that God would protect our minds, give us clarity in thought and in word, and that he would plant in our hearts the words that would touch yours. Please pray that the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and power, and of knowledge and fear of the Lord would rest on each of us as we continue on our journey.

In return, I am making a commitment to pray for each of you. I pray that you also might persevere. I pray that you grow in knowledge of God, his Word and his abundant grace, mercy and love for you. I pray that the truth in the Word might plant itself in your hearts. I pray for excitement and joy as you learn more about him. I pray that your desire for God and knowledge of him would increase daily. And I pray that he places a shield of protection around you, your minds, your hearts, and even your physical bodies.

Lastly – please feel free to post any prayers requests that you have – not only today but any time. It would be our pleasure to pray for you.

Love to you my friends – and thank you for the privilege of sharing life in Christ with you on this journey.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels