I want to start by thanking you all for the love and encouragement you are sending for the new series, “Praying God’s Word Wednesday”. It means so much to me that you see the benefit of praying scripture and want to do it alongside me. I don’t take this privilege lightly.
Confession: the idea came from my mom. She has been a daily prayer warrior for me and my sisters since our conception. And she often uses the Bible to formulate her petitions.
I remember her intervention years ago when I ran to her as a newly married wife with a step-son and very little clue. Before the time of free mobile long distance, I sent her an email spilling all my woes about a very difficult situation. I had reached the breaking point and felt hopeless. She sent a message back that morning (I can hear the dial-up tone now) that began with 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed: we are perplexed, but not in despair: persecuted, but not forsaken: cast down, but not destroyed.
The note then instructed me to read Psalm 27:1-14 when I got home from work. The passage taught of the sovereignty of God. The Psalmist asked who he should fear if the Lord was his light, salvation and stronghold? He spoke of the Almighty defeating evil. Verse 13 said, I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
My mom then quoted Galatians 6:9 in her note. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. She reminded me that she referenced this scripture to pray for me over and over again during my difficult teenage years. Her email changed the course of my day. My mom, using God’s word, put everything in perspective for me. To top it all off, she and my dad came to my house that very night. They drove an hour and a half to give me a hug when I needed it most.
As a grown woman I still learn so much from my mom. That email sent many years ago started me on a journey to study God’s Word. I strive to keep it on my lips for use at all times. Thank you, Mama, for your generous love and good example. You mean the world to me! And Happy Mother’s Day to you and all the moms out there.
And now for this week’s featured link up post.
Mary Rooney Armand of Butterfly Living gave me a name for something I did not know I was experiencing in What is Spiritual Fatigue? And How to Overcome It. The author gives us signs to look for to “diagnose” this “condition” and practical ways to combat it. I may be referencing this for weeks or months to come.
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MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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Lauren, this is so beautiful. I loved how your mother prayed for you and your siblings from conception. I did the same for my girls. Your mom is a good and faithful servant. Thank you for sharing this blessed post. Blessings
~Selah~
She is amazing. Thank you for helping me honor her, Paula.
Thank you for such an example of one sharing the Word skillfully and caringly (if that’s a word…) Your mom must have been walking with the Lord and reading His Word for a long time in order to have the wisdom and the verses the Holy Spirit could bring back to mind that just fit the situation. I hope to be such a godly mom and grandmother.
She is my hero. In so many ways. Thanks, Barbara.
What a wonderful example your mother set for you, Lauren! I have a mother like that too. I miss her terribly, but her ripple effects continue to spread far and wide. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
It sounds like you were so very blessed with the mother you had! And I hope your Mother’s Day was lovely.
I love this Lauren – I want to be a mom like that! And I love your Wednesdays! I could fill this up with heart emojis! These scriptures are just what I need today, too – “perplexed but not in despair” sums it all up! Hugs and Shalom for this! ~ Maryleigh
Thank you so much, Maryleigh. Your praise holds a lot of weight with me!
Lauren, what a gift to have a mother who prays for you and directs you to God’s word. Your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m blessed to have a mom who prays for each of her daughters, spouses, and grandchildren. That is a true gift indeed.
Such a great gift. Praise God!
Beautiful post and message, my friend! Moms have a really great way of saying exactly what we need to hear when we need to hear it. This part of the scripture really jumped out at me…”Let us not be weary in well doing…” I know that I don’t have to tell you because I am sure you already know…that struggle is real! Being the best possible human that I can be requires constant well doing…and as you know, constant well doing in an often ungrateful world can make us very weary, very quickly! And this wonderful story about your mom makes me miss my mom! But it also makes me appreciate the woman she was!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I’m sorry you no longer have your mom. That is one of those griefs that never goes away. I’m so glad you were blessed with a good one, though.
My mom was an avid prayer warrior – when she passed away in October 2012 – there was a void in our family. Who will pray?
I would be honored to, Susan. lauren@laurensparks.net. Send me those requests!
What a lovely tribute to your mother and her positive influence in your life.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you, Rena. She is a good one.