Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I could see lots of stars and the brilliant crescent moon, so I thought the sky was clear, but off in the west, I saw flashes of lightning, so someone is getting rain.
As I walked yesterday there was a nice breeze and the air actually felt a degree or two cooler. Could Fall be approaching? I walked to the gator nest and didn't see Mama, but counted 11 babies, very well camouflaged in the ferns. They wiggle and swim, so it's hard to count them. I am sure Mama was not far away, perhaps behind the nest with the rest of the young'uns. God's creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why is prayer important?
Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain greater understanding of ourselves and of God.
How will God respond to my prayers?
Psalm 9:12 "He who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help."
Psalm 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."
1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God,for he cares about what happens to you."
We experience freedom when we give a burden over to the Lord in prayer--even before the prayer is answered. The assurance of God's love and concern refreshes us and renews our hope.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Happy birthday, Lizzy!
