Holly Good, assistant to Lysa TerKeurst and She Speaks! Graduate
"He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." Colossians 4:12b (NIV)
It will never be topped; that I know for sure. Inconspicuously wrapped in a handwritten envelope sealed with love was my most memorable Christmas present ever. In all of my 42 Christmases, I had never received such a treasure as I did last year. It was a gift that provided comfort, peace and joy for 365 days. And as 2009 comes to a close, I woefully watch my special gift coming to an end.
I attended a white elephant gift exchange with the Proverbs 31 Ministries' office staff last December. As I opened the gift I had chosen from Melissa Taylor, I read my card out loud: "Last night as I was wrapping your gift, God put an idea in my heart and I wholeheartedly agreed with Him. If you are the recipient of this gift, not only are you holding a new ornament, but also a promise from me. It will be my privilege and honor to pray for you every day in 2009. On your good days and bad days, you can rest assured that you are being prayed for by name by me. I love you. Merry Christmas."
Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks as I silently got up and hugged my friend. Her written words were an immediate healing balm to my soul. My mouth could not produce the thoughts I was longing to say aloud. I calmly folded my sweet letter and replaced it neatly in the envelope. And smiled.
Someone would be praying for me every day! Without fail. What a gift.
This was something I had never been promised before. Sure, friends will tell me that they will pray for me when I voice a struggle to them. Or someone will call me and tell me that I came to mind that day and they prayed for me. And still others will mention that I am in their prayers. But to have the comfort of a loyal daily prayer warrior was beyond my realm of thinking.
I suddenly felt inspired that day.
I felt encouraged, confident, and optimistic.
But mostly, I felt loved.
You see, I know the power of prayer. I have experienced healing, growth, miracles and peace through personal prayer, prayer with my family and corporate prayer. I have humbly come to a place where I recognize that I must completely depend on Him daily, and it all begins with prayer.
A prayer filled life is not necessarily a belief that God will do exactly what we ask for, but a trust that He will hear our desires and know what's best for us. A trust that He will lead, guide and direct us as we seek His will. I wholeheartedly rely on this assurance.
I went home from our party that day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my yearlong gift of prayer. In turn, I committed to also pray for Melissa each day. What a challenging year this has been for her personally – she has needed my daily prayers.
As I think of her with a humble and thankful heart, I can't help but recall the beautiful words in 1 Corinthians 1:4, "I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
Thank you for praying for me Melissa. What a comfort. What a commitment. What a rare gift indeed!
Dear Lord, thank You for friends who love us with Your love. Thank You for faithfully listening to our requests and responding as You see fit. We trust You and love You and honor Your Holy name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog to post a prayer request for Holly and Lysa so they can pray for you during their early morning run this week.
Visit Melissa Taylor’s blog to find out what inspired her unique Christmas gift.
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Read Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples as a model for them. How can you use this prayer, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer, as a model for your daily prayers?
Reflections:
As you spend time with friends and family, look for opportunities to ask, "How can I pray for you?'
Look intentionally for others you come across today that you can ask, "How can I pray for you today?"
Journal your requests and look for God to do a great work.
Power Verses:
Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (NIV)
Psalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (NIV)
Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (NIV)
© 2009 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.
"He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." Colossians 4:12b (NIV)
It will never be topped; that I know for sure. Inconspicuously wrapped in a handwritten envelope sealed with love was my most memorable Christmas present ever. In all of my 42 Christmases, I had never received such a treasure as I did last year. It was a gift that provided comfort, peace and joy for 365 days. And as 2009 comes to a close, I woefully watch my special gift coming to an end.
I attended a white elephant gift exchange with the Proverbs 31 Ministries' office staff last December. As I opened the gift I had chosen from Melissa Taylor, I read my card out loud: "Last night as I was wrapping your gift, God put an idea in my heart and I wholeheartedly agreed with Him. If you are the recipient of this gift, not only are you holding a new ornament, but also a promise from me. It will be my privilege and honor to pray for you every day in 2009. On your good days and bad days, you can rest assured that you are being prayed for by name by me. I love you. Merry Christmas."
Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks as I silently got up and hugged my friend. Her written words were an immediate healing balm to my soul. My mouth could not produce the thoughts I was longing to say aloud. I calmly folded my sweet letter and replaced it neatly in the envelope. And smiled.
Someone would be praying for me every day! Without fail. What a gift.
This was something I had never been promised before. Sure, friends will tell me that they will pray for me when I voice a struggle to them. Or someone will call me and tell me that I came to mind that day and they prayed for me. And still others will mention that I am in their prayers. But to have the comfort of a loyal daily prayer warrior was beyond my realm of thinking.
I suddenly felt inspired that day.
I felt encouraged, confident, and optimistic.
But mostly, I felt loved.
You see, I know the power of prayer. I have experienced healing, growth, miracles and peace through personal prayer, prayer with my family and corporate prayer. I have humbly come to a place where I recognize that I must completely depend on Him daily, and it all begins with prayer.
A prayer filled life is not necessarily a belief that God will do exactly what we ask for, but a trust that He will hear our desires and know what's best for us. A trust that He will lead, guide and direct us as we seek His will. I wholeheartedly rely on this assurance.
I went home from our party that day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my yearlong gift of prayer. In turn, I committed to also pray for Melissa each day. What a challenging year this has been for her personally – she has needed my daily prayers.
As I think of her with a humble and thankful heart, I can't help but recall the beautiful words in 1 Corinthians 1:4, "I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
Thank you for praying for me Melissa. What a comfort. What a commitment. What a rare gift indeed!
Dear Lord, thank You for friends who love us with Your love. Thank You for faithfully listening to our requests and responding as You see fit. We trust You and love You and honor Your Holy name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog to post a prayer request for Holly and Lysa so they can pray for you during their early morning run this week.
Visit Melissa Taylor’s blog to find out what inspired her unique Christmas gift.
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Read Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples as a model for them. How can you use this prayer, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer, as a model for your daily prayers?
Reflections:
As you spend time with friends and family, look for opportunities to ask, "How can I pray for you?'
Look intentionally for others you come across today that you can ask, "How can I pray for you today?"
Journal your requests and look for God to do a great work.
Power Verses:
Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (NIV)
Psalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (NIV)
Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (NIV)
© 2009 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.
Labels: Friendships, Perseverance, Prayer, Serving, Spiritual Growth, Waiting On God
12 Comments:
My husband gives me a "prayer hug" every morning before I leave for work. He hugs me and says a short prayer over me. I love this! It makes me feel loved and as if I am receiving a blessing to go with me through the day! Lately, I have been running late and missing that prayer. After reading this devotion, I am reminded of that blessing and am motivated to make sure I have enough time in the morning to receive it. Thank you.
Love this!!
I am posting the link on facebook and my mommy n me message board. What a priceless gift.
I also like what "anonymous" said about her husbands prayer hug. I will try to start this with my girls.
Melissa and Holly-- Girls, I love this! This has put a smile on my face this morning! You have inspired me in so many ways. I am linking to this on my blog post I wrote today about having a simple Christmas. I talked about simplifying our gifts. What a simple yet profound gift that didn't cost any money but was more valuable than anything Holly received last year!! Melissa thanks for being obedient and Holly, thanks for sharing it through this devo.
Prayers are so special and absolutely are a must and oh how awesome it is to trust in our heavenly father and know he will take care of everything not only for us but also our love ones.My
prayer today is for everyone that
reads this page will be blessed.
That is the most amazing gift I have heard of.
This may be the most awesome gift I have ever heard of. If you do not mind I have 2 very special women in my bible study group who are my mentors and this would be the perfect gift for me to give them for Christmas this year. Thanks for the idea and I can't wait to pass this along.
Karen
I'm sure I speak for Holly too when I say how awesome that this gift of prayer is being passed on and so many of you are inspired to give it to certain people in your life!
I know I have blessed a hundred times over through praying for Holly. And I am humbled by her words in this devotion.
Never underestimate the power of prayer for the one who prays and the one who is prayed for.
Thanks so much for passing this on through your blogs, email, etc. That too blesses me!
:)
Melissa
wow i wish i had recieved a gift like this but i know just who to give it to a friend who i call on every time i need a prayer said.
this will be quite a committment for me as i don't pray everyday but maybe this is what i need also to start talking to god every day.
Guess what?? I'm going to a White Elephant gift exchange at my Small Group pot-luck tomorrow night, & I don't have a gift yet! But I would NEVER consider this a "white elephant" gift! So, perhaps I'll have to find something tacky at the dollar store & just share this w/ the gang. Maybe we can gift each other w/ a commitment of prayer for the coming year.
Thank you! <3
I am blessedly overwhelmed by this story! It brought tears to my eyes. Really, is there any better gift? I am so inspired! I'm going to take this, apply it, and pass it along to others. Thank you, Melissa, for giving such a priceless gift. And, thank you, Holly, for sharing it with us.
(I hope it is okay that I link it to my blog post I'm writing about Christmas?)
Blessings!
Thank you for sharing this sweet and most wonderful gift in this devo. It brought tears to my eyes. This is the best gift I can give this Christmas and the very BEST gift I could receive. Absolutely priceless.
Also, thanks to the lady that told about her husband's "prayer hugs". Now I will be giving out my own "prayer hugs".
Sounds like a wonderful gift...wow...I can't imagine anyone actually doing this.... It's amazing...that is truly love (an action word)
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