Personal Prayer List
Perhaps the most neglected of God’s gifts is the use prayer as we should, based on God’s word (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I have recently made study of prayer and how it was used by Jesus. For my own benefit, as well as others, I have conceived a program called my “Personal Prayer List” (P.P.L.). I have a personal list of people I pray for every day. Here is how it works. I list the following:
- My name first on my list. We all need to do this.
- The names of my earthly family, for various reasons.
- The names of those I know who are sick or suffering.
- The names of those who suffer from grief or other problems.
- The names of those who have marriage or family problems.
- The names of those who have problems with their children.
- The names of those who have not yet obeyed the gospel.
- The names of those who struggle with a weak faith.
- The names of Christians who have turned from God.
- The names of people who have offended me in any way.
- The missionaries who serve in hard places.
- The faithful churches and preachers in the church.
- The churches that have turned away from the old paths.
- The homeless and hungry people both here and abroad.
- The victims of disasters around the world—natural and man-made.
- The members of the military, law enforcement, fire fighters, and other public servants.
- The leaders of our country and other nations.
I challenge you to be more active in your personal prayer life, using this method or another method of your choice. Thirty-two congregations have considered this method. You will be surprised at the benefit you personally receive. My personal prayer list presently contains over 130 names, as well as congregations. It requires a lot of determination to continue.
I prepared a small note (below) to give to people stating I pray for them daily. You will be pleased at the reaction you will receive. —Doug Sims
Your name was brought before the throne of God in prayer today. (No matter what day this is.)
Number One Mental Health Problem
The world needs the gospel of peace (Romans 10:15). The National Institute of Mental Health recently stated that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in the U. S., afflicting some 19 million adults. Anxiety is also the number one mental health problem for children ages 9 to 17. We have a need for peace of mind today. We can have it if we will trust God with our problems: Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). —William Ray
The Believer’s Job
A minister who was an avid golfer was taking part in a local golf tournament. As he prepared to tee off, storm clouds rolled in. The organizer of the tournament pointed them out to the minister, and said with a smile, “Preacher, I trust you’ll see to it that the weather won’t turn bad on us.” The preacher shook his head and said, “Sorry. I’m in sales, not management!” When we pray, minister, share our faith, and follow God’s guidance, its important—and liberating—to remember that the results aren’t up to us.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) —Glenn Hitchcock
Success Is a Habit
“Winning is not a sometime thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” —Vince Lombardi
