Cancer Curve Ball

I recently reconnected with an old high school friend on face book, an Internet social network. I have thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with him and many others from my childhood.

I was especially delighted to hear how my friend had accepted Christ years ago after he successfully defeated a bout with cancer. We became closer on face book than we were during high school. I have really come to look forward to his funny comments on my status updates or his sage perspective on my notes and through personal email.

Well, about three weeks ago he emailed me asking for prayer because he had just found out from his doctor that his cancer had returned. He asked me to pray for him but to keep his news confidential for now. I have been leaving him phone messages of encouragement the past few weeks but yesterday he sent me a text message the doctors are estimating he has only about four to six months to live.

Please join me in lifting him and his family up in prayer during this difficult time.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today my thoughts and prayers focus squarely on my friend's health. I am very grateful that he knows a personal relationship with You. As you know, the Doctors are not giving him much hope of surviving his illness. But Lord I know that with You, anything is possible. I have not given up on the situation.

Lord I pray for a miracle healing for my friend. I pray blessings on him, his family, and friends.

Father God as my friend rushes to get His life in order I think of what I would do if I knew I had only a few months left to live. I know I need to live my life a little different than I am currently living it. I definitely need to attend to some personal relationships, matters and other issues in my life.

My friend's condition reminds us all that each day of life is a precious gift from heaven. Lord I want to make each day count.

Help me to live a life that honors You every day. Help me to live a life of obedience to Your Word. Lord, I love You. I thank and praise You for my brave friend and what he is showing me with His courage and faith in You.

God bless him. And praise and glory be to You, my King. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Intercessing...

Today I am faced with one of my longest days of the week. And that is followed by not being able to sleep hardly at all last night. I need God's Grace more than ever right this moment.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You know what my day is going to be like today. Help me to have a good, full, productive day, my King. Help me to impact many for Your kingdom sake today. Guard and Bless my health that I may do Your will my Precious Lord and Savior. I want to honor You.

I love You Lord and want to live an obedient life. Help me to be a better servant.

Lord I pray blessings on the Bible Conference at Wild Peach Baptist this week. I pray blessings on my sweet wife and family. Father God I stand in the gap for our country and it's leaders. Lord I pray that America would turn from it's wicked selfish ways and honor You.

Father God I pray a special hedge of protection around Elijah. I especially dislike the fact that I will be gone from home most of the day and will not get to interact with him very much. Please keep him safe and sound and also pray that he have a good and fun day at home while I'm gone to work.

Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer for our Country...

Every day I am feeling a greater sense of urgency at what is going on politically and socially in the United States and the global community around the world.

President Obama has moved swiftly on his promises to bring 'change' to Washington. He has set in motion actions that will kill more unborn babies than ever before in history and he is not only going to help kill babies in America but he is aiding other countries around the world to kill their babies, also.

It is almost a full time job keeping up with the social changes America is facing.

This is not the America I want my sons growing up in.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am so sorry for the actions of our President. I do not agree with what is going on in America. Help me to stand strong for my beliefs and convictions in this age of evil where we call right-wrong and wrong-right.

Father God, I lift up President Obama and our lawmakers to You. Turn their hearts, Oh Lord. And Lord, I know that You must have a special purpose for my family and I throughout all this.

I pray to know Your will, my KING. Lord I will follow You. Grant me discernment in these perilous times.

I pray blessings on my precious wife who had difficulty sleeping last night. I lift up Pastors everywhere this morning. I ask blessings on my dear sister and my extended family across the country.

Lord I love You and pray all these things in the power of Jesus' name, AMEN.

Prayer for our Country...

I have been up most of the morning since 3:30 AM, unable to sleep. I have written a letter to President Obama and been posting thoughts and comments on my facebook profile, and of course praying about it!


What is the hot topic, you ask? Well there are many, but my chief concern is abortion and the federal funding of it.


I am against pro choice. I endorse Pro Life...



Dear Heavenly Father,


My heart weeps for the slain innocents and all those who have taken a part in killing precious lives. I want to take a stand in defending Life. Lord I ask Your will in this matter. How can I best affect this situation...? I will never stop praying for this issue but I want to put hands and feet to my feelings.

Shall I host a fund raiser for a Pro Life Group? Should I stand in front of an abortion center with a sign...? Lord I pray with a great sense of urgency this morning. I lift up our country. I lift up our President and his family. Oh Lord I pray You turn his heart.

Father God, I love You. I want to be right in the center of Your will. I submit my life to You, Lord.

I pray blessings on my own precious family this morning. I lift up the big tennis event I am working at today. I pray for safe travelling and good sportsmanship for all the tournament participants and their families today.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us I pray, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thanks, Praise, and Love

Today I thank God for another precious day of Life.

I thank God for Blessing me with a beautiful family.

I thank God that I am self employed and that He always provides enough business for me to take care of my family.

I thank God for His Word the Living Bible that Transforms me daily.

I praise God that He is Bigger than any problem I will ever face.

I praise God That He provided an escape from final condemnation.

I Love God.

Lordship

Hmmm... I'm taking a class at church that discussed the Lordship of Jesus Christ last night...

I feel very foolish. I realize that I've really lost track of what the word 'Lord' means...

Certainly when used in reference to Jesus Christ, the word 'Lord' has a 'special' meaning.

One scripture verse passage used in our study to illustrate this was Luke 6:46-49

The study asked if there are places in our life that have not been turned over to Jesus. If you decide which parts of your life Jesus gets to rule over and which parts you reserve for yourself, who is really in charge? -Jesus is NOT the Lord of your life, YOU are...!

Then the big question was asked: What does Lordship mean to You...? That's what got me.

I confess that for many years I've used the word 'Lord' in my prayers. But I've used the word as another name for Jesus. I haven't really used it in the context of He has supreme authority over every issue of my life...

Now that I see clearly, I am literally sickened by that. I am definitely the person Jesus is speaking to in Luke 6:46-49...

The study: Building Blocks of LIFE meets on Wednesdays at 6:15 PM at Life 4 Square Church for the next 13 weeks or so. If you live in or around the Angleton area I would love to invite you to join me one evening in fellowship for the study of God's Word. Dinner is served and excellent child care is provided free of charge...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You REALLY are Lord in my life. (now, at last...) I am so sorry for carelessly tossing around your name. I love You and recognize that all good things come from You. Apart from You I can do NOTHING. You have blessed me far beyond what I deserve.

Father God, help me to live a life totally, recklessly abandoned to You. Show me You will for my life, Father. I've got a good idea what I'd like to do but help reign me in to be obedient to what You would have as the number one priority in my life.

My Precious Redeemer, I lift up my sweet wife to You as she is preparing to teach her art classes this morning. Bless her to make a difference in many lives today.

Thank You Father for another day of Life and another day to make a difference in this world.

I pray for President Obama and our country this morning. I lift them both up to You, my Lord.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Keep Praying...!

I am determined to pray more than ever. I never want to be so engaged in an activity that I lose track of who I am in Christ and that I was made to worship HIM and effect those around me for Him.

Oh I wish prayer would be my reflex to a trying situation instead of anger. I have always had an empathy for others, and a natural bend towards intercessory prayer. God made me that way. That's why I started this blog years ago.

CHRIST is the source of our strength and that we need to pray for HIS leading in all things.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I just ask You to help me to pray better. I want to draw closer to You and impact those around me. I lift up my family, fiends, and country to You, My King and pray blessings over them.

Father God I unite with many others around the country praying for President Obama, his family, and his administration. I especially lift up his family because I believe there is no quicker way to a man's heart than through his family.

I love You Lord. I give today to You and pray in the power of Jesus' name, AMEN.

Prayer for today...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift my day up to You. I humbly ask Your Blessing over my activities and my encounters throughout the day. Bless my precious family, Lord. Help me to be a Godly influence and bring Glory and honor to Your name.

I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Presence of God

I came across a quote from 'Brother Lawrence', a French monk who lived during the 1600's.

He spoke about learning to make a 'private chapel' in his heart where he would go frequently to commune with God peacefully, humbly, and lovingly.

I thought wow, that sounds great...! I remember a friend of mine mentioning 'Brother Lawrence' to me a long time ago. I did an internet search for Brother Lawrence and to my delight found a link that contained a complete compilation of Brother Lawrences Letters. I've just begun reading it and highly reccommend it...

http://www.practicegodspresence.com

Seriously, the Author's Preface is so compelling that I can't wait to get back to finishing the article. The 'Book' is only about twenty pages long. I hope some of the followers of this blog will read it and then we can discuss it together...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord help me to spend more quality time in Your presence. It is said that Brother Lawrence learned to be in Your presence virtually all the time. While I know You are 'with' me all the time, I know I fail to be 'in Your Presence' very much at all.

Help me Father, I want to draw close to You. I pray blessings over this day, Lord. I lift up Pastors and Clergy everywhere as they prepare to deliver messages and it is also my prayer that many lives are changed by what they will hear this morning, especially mine...!

I love You Lord, and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Isaiah 5:20

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness."- Isaiah 5:20

This scripture verse came to my mind this morning when I awakened from my 'nap'.

I say 'nap' because I hardly seem to be sleeping any these days. You see, it seems that I'm consumed with the future of our country, society and the path this world is headed.

Every day the Holy Spirit seems to be convicting me more and more to take a stand for what I believe in. My wife feels the same way. We feel God's calling to make an impact on everyone within our sphere of influence.

Most importantly, we want to train our children up to be difference makers in this world...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord help me to make a difference in someone else's life today. Father God I'll have a great opportunity to bring You glory today as I conduct a tennis tournament. I pray blessings on today's event and all it's participants.

Lord I lift up my wife and family as I will be away from them all day today. I especially lift up my dear precious wife as she is trying to catch up on her studies today. Thank You for my self-less bride who gives 100% of herself everyday to her family and friends.

Father God I love You. It is my desire to honor You in every way today. I praise You Lord. I love You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen...!

Isaiah 41:14 Need a Little Help...?

Today I awakened feeling a bit over burdened... I have so much to get accomplished in a very short time and I am starting out the day pretty exhausted physically.

Elijah kept me from going to bed early, I had a restless night anyway, and then had to get up early on top of that... I've been praying about it all morning.

This is God breaking me. I'm simply trying to accomplish too much at one time. I'm facing the futility of it all this morning, that's for sure. It's futile if I continue to try to accomplish this under my own power.

This morning's Spurgeon Devotional was EXACTLY what I needed. Honestly, I feel much better now.

God is my strength.

He's my source.

With God's help I can knock out this workload in no-time...! With God's help I am refreshed physically. God PROMISED to help His people, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are in control of all things. You've certainly got a handle on what's happening in my life. Thank You Father for helping me to overcome busy-ness. You are My Great and Awesome God...!

Lord I pray a special blessing over my precious family today. Lift them up and draw them close to You my King. Thank You for a good day yesterday for my wife with her art classes and for a nice day of tennis lessons with my students too.

Lord Jesus, I give today to You. I walk in Your power. I give You the Glory and Honor for every good thing in my life. I love You Lord. And pray these things in Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission

Today's early light devotional with Dr Charles Stanley discussed the Great Commission. Dr Stanley wrote:

The Father gives different opportunities to each believer so we all can fulfill His command in unique ways. Since He never flings a door wide open unless He intends for us to go through it, stopping on the threshold is disobedience.

Hmmm... Dr Stanley's comments have given me some things to think about. Looking back on my life I can see several doors God has opened for me that I did not walk through. Oh I need to be more discerning in the future...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I've made some mistakes in my life. I am sorry for my disobedience in the past. Help me to make the most of current opportunities and make wise decisions in the future. I want to be right in the center of Your will for my life.

Father God I lift up my precious wife today as she prepares for her art classes later this morning and afternoon. Bless her efforts to touch the lives of the young people in her art classes.

Lord I thank You for the blessing of a wife who loves her husband and works tirelessly to make a good home for her family. I want to honor that blessing by being the best husband and daddy I can be. Help me to realize my potential in those areas.

Blessed Savior, I love You. I give my life to You. I am not ashamed to shout to the world that You are my King. You are my Rock. I can do all things through You. Lord I live today in Your honor, for Your Glory. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Perspective...

I am up early this morning. I planned it this way. I scheduled this special time with my Lord and Savior on purpose. I love how the house is nice and quiet around 4 AM. I love the stillness of it. This is the time when I meet my Jesus. Oh how precious are these moments...!

Today is a milestone day for this journal. This post is my one thousandth online post since beginning this journal on blog spot back in 2004...! Of course, journaling is nothing new for me. I have written prayer and life journals dating all the way back to 1989... In fact, I'd love to go dig up my first journals and look in at the beginning of my Christian walk to gain perspective.

But anyway, I've been working on a discussion of the deterioration of the American family. I'm placing that on hold because another thought has been on my heart lately.

The scripture verse Matthew 19:24 flashed at me a few days ago. It was just a thought that popped into my head... It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

I've never thought that scripture has or would apply to myself. I've always considered myself 'poor'. But It's all perspective, isn't it...? And my perspective has blinded me. I realize now that even the 'poorest' American is extremely wealthy by global standards. The fact is:

AMERICA is that rich man... And the bible says that a rich man will have difficulty entering into heaven. In fact, according to Matthew: a camel has a better chance passing through an eye of a needle than a rich man has to enter in to heaven.

Without going into over analysing of that verse I got the sense that the Holy Spirit was just 'warning' me to not fall into the trap of thinking that I wasn't wealthy. By many standards, especially God's, I am VERY wealthy.

And then the another scripture verse came to mind: Luke 12:48 To whom much is entrusted, much is also expected...

And I thought, WOW...! And asked myself, What does God expect of me, and how have I done so far..?

I'm not EXACTLY sure what God is expecting, but I don't think I've really come close to realizing my potential so far. And meanwhile, the clock is ticking...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for those flashes of insight from the Holy Spirit. I realize how blessed and set apart my family and I are...! I recognize that You expect BIG things from us. Oh Lord I pray earnestly that You enable us to reach and exceed our potential as individuals and as a family unit in serving and glorifying You.

Lord I pray for peace in Israel. I pray for a NEW Great Awakening in America. Father God I lift up my friend who's sick with cancer. Lord Hear My Prayer...!

Father God I pray for my own family. I lift up my precious wife. I lift up Elijah and Connor to You, My King. Bless them with a safe day. Bless them to draw closer to You.

I love You, Jesus. And pray these things in Your precious, holy name. Amen.

Praying for Israel

A recent face book discussion troubled me when I learned that many of my friends have so many different opinions regarding the Israel - Palestine situation. SOMEBODY is completely off base and honestly, I don't think it's me. Today I pray for peace in Israel and also for discernment regarding the entire issue....

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am deeply concerned for what is happening between Israel and Palestine right now. Father God, I pray for peace. I know these two entities have been fighting pretty much forever. I believe that Your word says we should stand with Israel. Help me to dive deeper into Your Word for more clarity on this issue. Lord help me to persuade my friends with The Truth...!

Father God I love You and give this day to You. Lord I pray a blessing over my family today. Father I pray a blessing over myself as I travel to Houston for an emergency dental appointment.

I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 34:4 and Tips for Successful Prayer

I sought the Lord and he heard me... Psalm 34:4

God DOES hear prayer. My life is living proof of that. This prayer journal is a tribute to that fact. I'm going to try to do a better job of recording the answered prayer in my life here in 2009... I want to make a praise report a regular feature of this blog...

Now, does every prayer get answered right away...? -NO

And sometimes I may never know the outcome or impact of certain prayers in this lifetime. I'm OK with that...

As Mother Teresa has said in the past, “God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.”

Although I try to stay connected in prayer pretty much all day, even while I'm engaged in another activity, I think It's important to carve out at least one or two specific, quiet prayer times a day. We all need special time alone with God. I always try to make some morning time first thing in the morning if possible because that's how I want to start my day, alone with my precious Lord and Savior.

Another time of prayer for me is when I'm alone driving in the car. I also use driving time to work on scripture memorization. One of the most important things we can do is memorize scripture. In pretty much every case of their interaction in the bible, Jesus rebuked Satan by quoting scripture.

One of the most important tips I can offer for successful prayer is to have faith that God hears us. A hopeful expectation is not faith. Faith is active and powerful. Faith accesses all God's provision for our every need. Without Faith, prayer is a colossal waste of time...

Faith IS expectation, period. George Mueller had expectant faith and that's why God answered so many of his prayers...

Today my prayer is for an expectant faith...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I believe in You. I believe in the bible. Why isn't my faith stronger...? Too many times I know I'm praying from a position of hope rather than an expectant faith. Help my faith, Father.

The book of psalms are pretty much a collection of prayers from Your servant, David. The Psalms are David's prayer journal. He cried out to you in faith and You listened...! Oh praise You Lord for David's example and Praise You for Your Holy Word.

I KNOW You will hear my prayer this morning.

Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. We can count on You to never leave us or forsake us. We take strength in knowing you are always there by our side. Lord You have blessed me with such a sweet family. Thank You for my precious wife and children. I pray for the blessing of a good day upon them today.

Father God, I pray that You help me with my organizational skills today. I still have much to get caught up on. I want to get caught up and then never look back on getting behind again. I want to be caught up and free to spend my time completely in Your will for my life.

Lord I lift my sick friend up to You again this morning, looking for complete healing and a miraculous recovery. Father God I also pray for this sin sick country and am looking for a complete healing and a miraculous recovery for America, too.

Lord I love You, and I pray these things in confidence in the name of Your precious son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

So Much To Pray For...

My Dear Sweet wife is teaching art classes this morning. I am lifting her up today. I am praying for myself also because I seem to have an overwhelming amount of work to get done, and as usual, not enough time to get it done and still retain my sanity! I need help prioritizing my time this morning. I still have sick friends out there, AND I must pray for our country and it's leaders.

To all my prayer warrior friends who read this blog, please take a moment to lift these prayer requests up to God. Thanks...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

First of all, thank You for prayer. I don't know where I would be without it. Father God I am also thankful for my precious wife. I lift her up this morning. Bless her time with her students in a powerful way these next few hours. I pray that many lives are touched by my wife's sweet, gentle manner. I pray that everyone can see Your Joy and the light of Your Glory in her heart.

Lord I lift up Elijah and Connor at school today as well. I pray for their teachers. Lord I pray that my children will be inspired and influenced by caring, Godly adults and other youth throughout their day today. Protect, guard and shield them from the enemy and his deceptions Lord. Bless their day, and let them be a blessing to others as well, my King.

Lord I continue to lift up my friend who has cancer. He doesn't want his name listed publicly, but You know him, Lord. Bless him with healing, Lord I pray.

Father God I stand in the gap for America and it's leaders. I pray for a change of heart for President Obama regarding abortion and Israel. Lord I pray for Godly people within his administration to witness to him and influence him for the sake of Your Kingdom. Lord I lift up the people in His family's life, especially his daughters. There's no quicker way to get through to a man's heart than through his children. Lord I pray for America as a country. Awaken those who call themselves Your children to impact our society, not to be impacted by it..!

Finally Lord I pray for blessings on myself. I am overwhelmed right now. Help me be strong. Help me to make wise decisions. Help me to not take on more than I can accomplish. Lift me up to be a great coach today and inspire young people to be the best they can be today.

Lord I love You and give this day up for Your Glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Praying For Today...

Today is a big busy day for my precious wife and so I am going to be lifting her up in prayer all day long. I have a good friend who is battling cancer today and I am going to be lifting him up all day. There's a lot of other people and situations I'm praying for too...

Dear Heavenly Father,

As always I lift up my beautiful bride to You today. Bless her as she takes today to prepare for her art classes tomorrow. Help me to manage Elijah and give Monica peace and quiet so she can concentrate on her work this morning.

Lord You know about my friend who is battling cancer. Bless my friend Lord. I pray for healing. Let this be a great testimony of every one's faithfulness, Lord.

Father God help me to walk closer with You today. I love You Lord. I want to show my gratitude and love by living my life for Your Glory and honor my King. I am very sorry for things I have done that have not honored You in the past and with the help of Your Holy Spirit will sin no more...

I rest in You, Lord. And pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen...!

Prayer for the John Travolta Family

The death of John Travolta's son has been one of the top news stories in the past 48 hours. My deepest sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one, especially a child. I can not imagine the horror of losing Elijah or Connor.

With all the news coverage, the faith and spiritual beliefs of John Travolta and his family have received much publicity. The Travolta's are devout Scientologists. This religion does not put it's faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Join me in lifting up the Travolta family over the next few days as they begin to cope with the loss of their son, Jett.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. Today I lift up John Travolta and his family. Father God, I pray that throughout all of this that the Travolta family finds You. I hope that there might be a Christian believer close enough to the Travolta family to witness to them and comfort them in this desperate time of sorrow and loss.

Lord I thank You for my own salvation and the promise that salvation brings. I can think of nothing more important than knowing that my friends and family are saved and more and more each day I am under a stronger conviction to be more active witnessing to those within my sphere of influence.

Lord I pray You draw close to me as I draw close to You. Help me to live and share my faith unashamedly.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

George Mueller Story

I mentioned George Mueller in my previous post... His story is amazing. I had heard of him before, and was reminded about him when I read the following story in a Sunday bulletin at a church I was visiting recently.

This story is told by the captain of a ship that George Mueller was traveling on. During his life, Mueller received over one million dollars from the Lord, without advertising, every penny came from answered prayer.

We had George Mueller of Bristol on board, said the captain.

Mueller came to the Captain and said, "Captain, I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec by Saturday afternoon"

"That is impossible, said the captain. "Then very well, if your ship can not take me then God will find some other way." said Mueller. " Let us go down to the chart room and pray."

Then the captain, thinking Mueller must be crazy, said: "Mr Mueller, do you know how thick the for is...?'

"No," replied Mueller, "My eye is not on the density of the fog but on the living God who controls every circumstance of my life..."

Mueller then knelt down and prayed a very simple prayer. When he had finished praying the captain also knelt down to pray but Mueller stopped him.

'As you do not believe God will answer my prayer, And I believe he will, there is no need whatever for you to pray about it.' said Mueller. 'Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years and have never once failed to get an audience with the King...' "Get up Captain, Open the door and you will see that the fog is gone..."

The captain opened the door and the fog was indeed gone. And Mueller did make his engagement in Quebec on time...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for prayer and that You are a prayer-hearing God. Today I pray blessings on my family. I lift up those in need of healing by You this morning. Lord I pray for opportunities to impact those around me today for You. Father God I pray You guard my health today .

Lord help me to draw closer to You. Help my faith Lord. I draw great encouragement when I hear stories of the lives of men of faith like George Mueller. I pray for faith like His, Lord.

I praise You for this awesome new year we are being blessed with. I offer today to You my King. I live today for Your Glory and Honor. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

What Role Does Prayer Play in Your Life...?

I have been Reading Dr Tony Evans Book on Spiritual Warfare... In one section he states that many Christians are not ready for Spiritual Warfare because prayer is NOT a dynamic, vital, potent, consistent, controlling, all-encompassing reality in our Christian lives.

That statement hit me right between the eyes. Although prayer is definitely present in my life I would not dare define it along those terms.

Prayer is communion with God. Prayer is communication with God. Prayer is worship.

God's purpose for our lives is to know Him and worship Him. We can't accomplish worship without prayer.

Here's Dr Evans description of an effective prayer life in list form:

Dynamic

Vital

Potent

Consistent

Controlling

All Encompassing Reality

Wow... That's what I'm talking about...! I've gotta have a prayer life like that...! In the next few days and weeks I'm going to look at the lives of some great men of prayer... We're going to start with George Mueller.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord my humble prayer to start the new year is to just be a better PRAY-ER. Help me to have the kind of prayer life Dr Evans is discussing in his book about spiritual warfare.

Lord I want to draw closer to You in 2009. I want to impact my family, friends, students, and the world around me for You.

I love You Lord. I praise and worship You my King. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.