Did you know that prayer is the most powerful force in the universe? More powerful than a nuclear bomb, or an earthquake, or the eruption of a volcano, or a tidal wave that destroys an entire town. And yet, many times, when we are in trouble or facing a crisis, it is the last thing we do, not the first.
We try everything but prayer. And one of the reasons is that we think we can solve the problem or crisis under our own power. We think we can do it alone. And when things get better under our own steam or through our own efforts we pat ourselves on the back and give ourselves all of the credit. Quite an arrogant thing to do since we are not God and never will be.
Even Jesus acknowledged the need for prayer and did so Himself, many times. Just think, He has all these powers, and He could have saved Himself from the Cross at any point, but His greatest desire was to be right with God. So if Jesus was not too proud to admit He needed help, and that prayer was a powerful answer to every thing that he did, then neither should we assume that we do not need to pray.
The Lord's Prayer is our Model
Matt 6: 9-13
In this prayer Jesus tells us that every need we ever have is met.
We pray for our daily needs, Matt 6:11 " Give us this day our daily bread."
In 1 Peter5:6-7 We are to cast our worries and anxieties on the Lord.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
And finally in Phil. 4:6-7. We are to pray about everything instead of worrying.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Evidently, we are not to worry about anything, but ask God for help, with thanks, and he will give us peace about the situation.
And there is another passage in the Old Testament where God says
" Be still, and know that I am God."
Which is the most powerful verse in the Bible. So when you have done everything that you can possibly do about a situation then you are supposed to " BE STILL" and let God work on your behalf.
If you have any questions concerning prayer and how it works, please don't hesitate to ask a question to the Counselor as per the instructions below.
Rising divorce rates inspired Dr. James Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family, and his wife, Shirley, to author a devotional for couples in an attempt to strengthen the marriages of younger generations. Night Light: A Devotional for Couples contains six months of daily devotions stemming from the Dobsons' 40 years of marriage experience. Beginning on Sunday, an inspirational story addresses a relevant theme, such as communication, money, forgiveness, or conflict resolution, which is expounded upon throughout the devotions for that week. Scripture, probing questions, and short anecdotes encourage intimacy between the couple in an attempt to ward off stagnation and habitual laziness in spiritual growth. While the questions and suggestions will affect every couple differently, this devotional stimulates conversation about weighty issues of the heart and turns the head toward what matters for eternity. Knowing that most couples are too exhausted by the end of the day to analyze every facet of their marriage, however, the Dobson's have crafted the devotions to be completed within 10 minutes. One would expect this to be most helpful for newlyweds, but it is a revitalizing aide for those who have had poor communication throughout their marriage or are looking to refocus their marriage on Christ. Night Light is a wonderful way to set your mind on the Lord before turning out the light and for drawing closer to your mate in the process. --Jill Heatherly
Book Description
The challenge of sustaining an intimate, faith-based marriage in today's "hurry-up" society has never been greater. Now Night Light, the inspired, first-ever couples' devotional from Focus on the Family ministry founder Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, brings spouses together each evening, helping them stay connected with each other and their Lord. Stories that strike an emotional chord, Scripture readings, provocative questions, prayers, and personal commentary from the Dobsons encourage men and women in their homes and spiritual lives. More than just another devotional, Night Light is a practical, uplifting guide for every couple who longs to experience the joyous, intimate, "three-person" marriage covenant God intended.
Book Review: From Amazon
I have had this book for two months. It's a book with specific chapters for specific needs. It does not have to be read front to back. I recommend reading through the first chapter "His Wife". You think you're reading about how to "help" or even "change" your husband...you soon discover the Lord showing you things in your own life that need prayer and change! Don't you hate it when that happens? Me too. But, if you allow the Lord to speak to you through Stormie's writing and experience, you will not believe what happens! It is difficult to put into words the change that has taken place...in me. Attitudes, expectations, desires, wants, and needs, are all addressed. Biblically. I go to different chapters at different times on different days. Lately, I have been reading it along with Scripture in my personal time. I've known my husband since 7 yrs. old and have been married for 23 yrs. God is always faithful and always good. He will teach us if we take the time to listen. Married? Engaged? Hope to get married? Get this book. Then, read it. Then pray. Then apply it. God Bless.
If you would like advice or counseling from Patricia Jones there are three methods that you may choose from:
1.) Long Question For a fee of $45.00.
A long question should contain background information and list any concerns or questions that you have about a particular issue or issues. It may be as long as
you wish. I will reply back to you via email with an extensive response ( several pages in length ) within 24 to 48 hours. See an example of a Long Question here.
2.) A Short Question: For a fee of $25.00. A short question should give some background information and ask one question about one particular issue that you may have. I will reply back to you via email within 24 to 48 hours.
