Do you find the days after the holidays to be a let down?  The sparkle of the lights are gone, the decorations put away and things look empty and drab.  In addition to that, flu viruses rage, politics and world news produce anxiety.  Winter days can be dark, sub-zero, treacherous and slippery.   In many ways, the middle of January, 2020 may be zapping your strength.

Since the 2nd of January, I have been down with a cold virus- flat on my back, actually.  Therefore, I think I’m highly sensitive to many of the distractions around me pulling down my spirit. I feel a low grade malaise, wondering where to turn next, what to do and not feeling like doing anything.

However, God reminded me He is present. He doesn’t change my circumstances but He can lift my spirits. He is the one who will guide and strengthen my soul.  One way to do that is through scriptural prayer, praying His words back to Him.

Scriptural Prayer

Scriptural prayer takes the scripture and lets you put your own name in the passage and your own circumstances. This then becomes a prayer back to God. In the case of needing strength for my circumstances, He  reminded me how I can put on His armor. Using Ephesians 6:10-18, I can pray and be encouraged to follow His words, no matter the circumstances. By praying His words, I can be strengthened.

Paul, a missionary, in the New Testament, is writing this letter of encouragement and prayer to the people living in Ephesus.    We can make it our prayer, putting on God’s armor for strengthening our days. (Note: the phrases in bold are for emphasis. The italics are phrases I have added.)

Praying Together:

Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last:

Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.

Thank you Lord Jesus that we can do that.

Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!

Help us remember that  our hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.

Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.                   

We are so grateful to remember that we will rise victorious and there is a real battle to fight.

Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph.

Help us realize that as we put on truth we need only stand.

Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart.

And that holiness is a way to cover our hearts because we are focused on you.

 Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.

Again another reminder to stand alert.  So often we want to be doing something, Lord.  Help us to be standing ready to share Your blessings.

 In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One!

Faith is being certain of what we do not see.

Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God.

So grateful for Your Word Lord that protects our thoughts.  May we keep Your Word tucked away deeply in our minds..

Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.

May You help us be aware of who we are to pray for and when.

We thank you Lord for these reminders of truth, holiness, standing alert, faith, salvation, Word of God and prayer to be our armor and give us strength for our days. 

We can be blessed and strengthen when we stand with You and keep our focus steady.

Amen

All Scripture quotations are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.

My Heart for You.

I am passionate that you develop a two-way conversation with God, much like we did in the scripture prayer above.  I believe that each of us can have those kinds of conversations.  You can take scripture and listen for the impressions He gives you as you read it.  What does He want to say to you through His word?

In this Fierce Calling podcast, you can hear my heart for you as I talk with my friend Doris Swift.  I shared with her my passion, purpose and calling to prayer and encouraging women to have two-way conversations with God.  They can be your experiences, too.  I love creating the safe space you need to hear His voice.

The Take-Away

What keeps you from hearing God’s voice on a daily basis and getting your armor on?  What do you need to gain your strength?    Do you want to experience more of His truth and holiness?  Or standing alert and practicing faith?  Or focusing on salvation and the Word of God?  Or taking the time for two-way conversations in prayer?  What are you longing for to strengthen your days?

I am reminded in writing this blog that God is near when we call on Him.  I still have my cold virus.  The world is still plodding on, yet I can stand alert. I can pray and He helped me write this encouragement to you and to me to keep His armor on and be strengthened.

I would love to pray for you.  Reply to this post and let me pray with you and for you.  God answers when we ask.

Blessings,

Nancy

Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God.  She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer.  She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you.  Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..