Prioritizing the Power of Prayers
Hello Women of Faith Family!
In the final days leading up to our Christmas celebrations, I find myself checking and rechecking all my TO-DO lists in preparation for all the festivities.
My gift list…are all the gifts and stocking stuffers purchased and wrapped?
My grocery list… are all the ingredients purchased to make the family’s favorite meals?
My cleaning list… is the house ready for company?
My communication list… does everyone in the family know the plans for all the celebrations?
My cooking list… have I prepared as many goodies and dishes ahead of time as possible to make the upcoming days a little more manageable?
And now, it’s time for the most important list! My prayer list.
As I prepare for these upcoming days, I pull away from the noise, slow down, and prioritize my time to pray and reflect on the meaning of this season. The reason we have the opportunity to celebrate is because of our Lord and Savior’s birth. Reading through the Christmas story, a new level of love for Jesus continues to grow
For a child is born to us,
A son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
I also pray to prepare my heart for time with family and friends. As I spend time with those I love, the gifts, the preparations, and the food aren’t the priority.
If the cookies burn, the gift doesn’t fit, or a guest finds cobwebs in the corner, it truly doesn’t matter.
You know what does matter? Loving and encouraging those around me. My preferences are not the focus but rather the ways that I might bless others by being the hands of feet of Jesus in our time together. I pray the LOVE and the goodness of God may be what others see as we celebrate together.
Here is a bonus idea for you: (Pray about whether you include this in your prayer time.) I write a note for each of my family member’s stockings. I share with them how I pray specifically for them this year. Not only is this note meaningful for them, but then clarifying these prayers in my own journal helps remind me throughout the upcoming year, that the Lord has asked me to pray for each of them specifically.
Will you join me in making YOUR prayer list the focus of this season?
As we engage in this intentional time of prayer and reflection, all of us here at the Women of Faith Team pray for you to experience an even deeper relationship with Jesus this upcoming year. May all our prayers this season bring us closer to our loved ones and, most importantly, to our Savior.
May you receive God’s most special blessings this Christmas season!
Blessings and Love to you,
Alita & GJ Reynolds, and the Women of Faith Team