Hello everyone,

I am posting this here, though it is somewhat of a testimony and meant to encourage --

Over the years the Lord has continually encouraged spiritual sensitivity within and for me it has been a continual learning, which I am still ... growing in. My earliest Christian experience was being brought up in a very legalistic church where doing the right thing (which I still think is very important) was not adequately balanced with a strong trusting faith. Because of that, my faith was drastically lacking and my prayer life was almost non-existent. Though it may be hard to imagine, I was devoted to the Lord and would not trade my earlier training, because it was there that I learned how to study His Word.

Several years ago the Lord, in His unfathomable ways, placed me on a prayer ministry. It was a blessing for this ministry (Just to know that God would do that!), as well as for myself. After a number of years, He took me from the prayer team, though I knew I was to still pray for this particular ministry. Within the past year, I had the opportunity to become an official part of this prayer ministry again, but chose not to because I felt the application process was moot (only because of my situation). Yet, I felt the Lord wanted me there, so I asked the Father to again place me on it, if that is what He wanted. Incredibly, He has again placed me on this prayer ministry, having by-passed the screening and application process for the second time! Not something I would necessarily recommend, except by the Lord!

I kept asking – why me, when others can pray far better? Was it because I would pray in a different way than most? I think that is a part of it, but I believe His answer is because I still have much more to learn about prayer! So I look forward to His molding in that direction and anxiously wait to see what He will accomplish through this ministry. Though Steve does not have an official prayer ministry, I urge everyone to also keep this ministry in prayer for His honor and glory!

One of the things we can do to enrich the lives of those we love is to pray a prayer of blessing. David Jernigan has written "The Blessing Song" based upon Scripture that I like so well – one that can become a prayer. Our prayers of blessing can also be in our own words as the Lord leads. Here are the lyrics to his song:

May He {the Lord} pour out the blessing of heaven.
May you cast your cares on Him and daily fall.
May you live to see your children's children.
And may Lord Jesus be your all in all.

May the Lord Jesus Christ satisfy beyond all measure.
May His Word light your path and
May His peace guard your heart.
And may your days be filled with gladness,
Joy and peace through any sadness
Filled with love that will not depart.

And may your strength be renewed like the eagle.
As you run the race may joy flood every heart.
May your memories all be sweet in each parting.
And may the peace of Jesus rule in your heart.

May His Word be to you health and
Life, joy and treasure.
May your home be a light and
May the Lord guard your ways.
May the Lord be your Shepherd.
May His goodness and mercy
Follow after you all your days.

May His mercies be new every morning.
And may His grace and Holy Spirit
Help you to stand.
May you live your life to die for the gospel.
And may you hold to His unchanging hand.

May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble.
May the Name of the Lord be your strong mighty tower.
May He grant you your heart's
Deepest dreams and desire.
May He answer each time you call.


May each one of you and your loved ones experience these blessings as you draw near,

Chelki

Chelki,

Wow! That's Good. I stand in agreement with you for this ministry and for our daily ministries we have as we walk the path with Jesus. You keep spiritually focused and enjoy the presence of our living God daily.

Thanks again for your commitment to this ministry and the Lord.

I ask the Lord for 7 fold for you and your family! In Jesus Name! Amen!