Hey Friends —
I received disappointing news last week, and it has left me all off-kilter.
Now in the big scheme of things, please know my disappointing news isn’t like a job loss, health scare, or relationship challenge. But instead, I’ve been very excited about something, and now I’m confused by the change of direction, and it has left me feeling discouraged, sad, and unsure of what to do.
And so I pray.
For YOU.
I’ve learned that one of the greatest ways to discover joy in the midst of disappointment is pray for others.
When I’m feeling let down, instead I intentionally lift up prayers before the Throne of behalf of my friends and family members — taking my eyes off of me and my circumstances, and gazing instead on the One Who sees, Who knows, Who cares.
Sweet friends, it works. every time.
Thus the reason I posted this on FB today:
Before long, my FB page and MSG box were filled with prayer requests. Each one received a precious spot in my prayer book.
Some needs were easy to pray for: back pain (yep, been there, done that — know how to pray!), speaking opportunity (check!); and then some needs were heart-breaking, gut-wrenching and left me in a puddle of tears.
How do I pray for such pain, devastation and despair?
Thankfully, last year my mentor Mary introduced me to a wonderful book called, The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of God by Joy Lamb.
This book is an amazing handbook for praying God’s Word. Whether you are praying for:
- Relationships
- Wisdom and Guidance
- Physical Healing
- Forgiveness
- Comfort for those suffering from loneliness
- Prayers for your city, state, & nation
- Prayers for healing for those who have had miscarriages or abortions
- and more….
The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of the God is always by my side.
Sweet friend, do you ever wonder about how to pray? what to pray? what to say? Then you will love this book. (You can even take a peek at the inside here.)
And good news! I’ve been given a copy of this powerful book to giveaway to one blessed blog reader!
To Win my “Favorite Prayer Book” Giveaway:
Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:
Why would you like to win The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of the God?
RULES: Starts today, Monday, March 30th, 2015 and ends Saturday, April 4th at 9 PM. Winner will be notified the week of April 13th.
Extra Entries:
•Post this Giveaway on FB
•Tweet about this giveaway including a link to this post
•Subscribe to this blog *She Sparkles*
Please be sure to leave me a comment to let me know your extra entries.
If your email address is not connected to your ID please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy@cindybultema.com with the subject “Giveaway.”
Sweet friend, my prayer book is still open and I’m fired up and ready to pray! How can I be praying for YOU?!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Have a blessed, prayer-filled week!
Disclosure: I was not provided with any financial compensation for this giveaway, and as always, all opinions are 100% mine.
So sorry for your disappointment but what an inspiring way to deal with it. Going to check out this book, may be one I need to add to my collection. Wishing you a wonderful Easter week as we celebrate our risen Lord.
Thanks, Lea! You too! He is risen!
I could really use the encouragement right now
Oh Bethany, I am praying for YOU. May God encourage you in a special way and surround you with His love and care. xo
My prayer life is GREATLY lacking. I am always looking for something that will help me get my prayer life on track.
I am facing a huge disappointment and wearing stickers of “you’re a loser” “nobody wants you” “who were you kidding?” on my sleeves. What I need to do is pray for those women who are also facing battles and come along side them–lift them up to the Lord!
Hi Kathy 🙂 I sent you an email. Hope you received it, friend. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! xo
some times I feel like my prayers “ramble.” I know God knows my heart and what I am trying to get across but I would love to have help with praying. Needs are so big in this world right now… I will share your giveaway on FB with pleasure. I don’t have a Twitter account. I already subscribe to your blog. I enjoy your honest, touching posts.
I pray your sparkle is firmly back in place!
I Would Love this book, after suffering the loss of my Mom almost five years ago I thought my life ended..Thanks to Grief share I found my life back..Until May 21 2014 I lost my Fiance 2 weeks before our wedding..Now Grief share is helping once again getting my life back together and raising my 19month old son as a single Mom..God has a plan for us now, God will Never leave us..
Oh, how I need this book! I pray GOD’S Word because my own fail me. When my friends have deep needs that I cannot meet, I know He is the One who can. When I am so emotional in my care for them that I cannot find the words, I look to His Words to speak my heart. When I do not know where to turn, I turn to His Word to be reminded of All He is.
And I shared it on a Facebook because I think everyone needs this book! 🙂
Prayer is the most powerful force on earth. And to say to someone in need “I’ll pray for you”? No greater gift. I know so many people going through such tough times right now. Sounds like this book would make a wonderful resource.
I would like to win because I’m needing help in rebuilding my relationship with God. You see, he called my husband home July 24, 2014 and I feel things haven’t been right with me and God since then. I know it is all on my part maybe I just need time maybe I need something to help talk to Him.
Cindy, I am sorry for your disappointment and pleased you shared that with us/me. I will be praying for you. Thank you for praying for me it is greatly appreciated.
I would like this book as often I can not find the words or know the scripture well enough to claim it for someone else. I think it would be a great tool to have as I continue to grow my prayer life.
Thank you Cindy for all that you do – I love you and you are phenomenal.
I know I need to be in God’s word and praying God’s word every day because we are facing a relentless enemy that seeks to destroy us. There is a battle waging for our very souls and I need to put on the full armor of God and take up the sword He has given me…His very word…so I can stand firm!
The Good Lord has given us the Holy Spirit, but its power often cannot be activated except through prayer. Jesus said that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Hence, the importance of prayer and of remaining in communion with Him. And we can only do this through prayer. 🙂
I’m lost at times when it comes to prayer…but I find comfort in the fact that God knows our hearts even if we can’t put it into words.
Because I need to get refocused on prayer!!! With homeschooling, I’m rarely ever alone and it’s rarely quiet. My prayers feel disconnected, and scattered. Thankfully I know God follows along, but this would be a great tool for me in this season. 🙂
Cindy,
I shared this on fb and twitter, I am already a subscriber.
FYI, when I tried to ‘pin’ it from your pinterest button, it said the image was too small and wouldn’t let me. I will do it from my computer, but thought you might want to know this. Also shared on google +.
I’m speaking at our women’s retreat in May, prayers appreciated! xoxo
God has placed many situations and needs in my life with myself as well as friends and unexpected others he has placed in my lifes path. Like you I find prayers for others and the variety of needs can frain me..I believe this book would help me be focused anf a help to know how to pray more effectively . God knows where the need is greatest..I pray God leads you to make the roght one..may He bless your ministry..
I want to change/improve/enhance my prayer life and this guide looks phenomenal. Thanks.
Because in praying for others my focus is not on me! Thanks for the giveaway offer!
Your name has been coming up often in my circles. I’ve been seeing you on the videos at my Grief Share group, Dena Talmage just posted a link to this book give away and Linda Eagle mentioned something about your bible study that she used last year. I don’t know if you remember me, but I met you at the Alpha Women’s Center luncheon in Lowell last year (where you spoke). 3 times is a charm, right? Would love to meet you for breakfast or lunch sometime!
My prayer life and my relationship with God need to grow and change. I feel so stagnant and in a very busy season of life.