My “joy” verse for June is 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.” NIV John wrote this about his spiritual children – those in the church that he discipled. But as my daughter finished one phase of her life and launched out into ministry this summer, I find myself referencing this verse over and over when praying for her.
I also know the pain and struggle of praying for a child who is not walking in truth. So this scripture serves as a reminder for me to pray for those far from God’s path. With these words top of mind, I offer two prayers on this First Friday:
Insert the names and replace the pronouns with the appropriate ones for the person (or yourself) that you need to pray for. And if I can pray alongside you for someone in your life, I would love to do so. Drop a comment below without mentioning their name or send me a private email to lauren@laurensparks.net if I can pray for them by name. I’m praying for you in this. Don’t forget to share on social media or with a friend who could benefit. It would mean so much to me. And if you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word Wednesday, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
Michele Morin handed me a little dose of conviction and a huge helping of encouragement with Celebrate the Glorious Partnership of Willpower and God’s Power. I think you’ll be blessed.
The Link Up
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
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Now Let’s Link Up!
Yes, sometimes the greatest help in prayer is the gift of borrowed words. And yours here are so beautiful and heartfelt.
Also, I never get over the honor and humility that come with the gift of another writer sharing my words. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
It is always my pleasure to share you posts and I thank you for praying with me.
Prayer is powerful, Lauren! ~Visiting from Sweet Tea & Friends #73
Amen.
I loved both your prayers and I thank you for sharing them since several names on my prayer list can be inserted into both of them. Congrats on your daughter’s growth and never give up on your prodigal.
Thank you for the encouragement, Jerralea.
Lauren, this post speaks to my heart. Reading of your daughter launching into ministry and having a heart that seeks to walk closely with God makes me rejoice for you. We have loved ones whose hearts are not the Lord’s right now. I’ve been praying for them. I’d love your prayers for them as well, if you don ’t mind.
I am praying for your loved ones now, Jeanne.
Praying with you today, I appreciate First Friday Prayers.
Thanks so much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Thank you for praying with me, Paula!