Welcome to Connections2Excellence! We are in a series about bridges and how they connect to excellence! On Faith Connection Friday, we extend the concept to connect to our faith.
As we looked briefly at the varieties of bridges, one type that intrigued me is the covered bridge. One purpose of a covered bridge is to protect from external forces.
As I considered how to connect this to our faith, I was reminded of the coverings we receive through prayer. Many external forces come against us throughout the day. Trials, adversities, pressures, time demands–circumstances in which we feel as though we do not have the strength to endure–and it is a true blessing when others pray for us.
Covering in prayer is the practice of praying hedges around ourselves, our loved ones, and those dear to us–our friends, spouses, children, and future generations. As we pray for others, a special connection is formed with each person, a bond in knowing you have a significant part in their lives. Sometimes, we are privileged to see God work in His unique way.
What do I pray? Examples include prayers for salvation, spiritual growth, protection, guidance, and strength. Continuously pray that they grow to be godly men and women seeking to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Scripture is full of prayers that we can pray over ourselves and others. Many are recorded in the Psalms, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Find a verse, and personalize it by praying the Scripture back to God. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:3-11; Colossians 1:9-14)
What if I pray and have not received an answer? Keep praying. God honors your faithfulness. Even if you do not see an answer, it does not mean your prayer will not be answered. God has it.
When I was pregnant with my son, I began this practice and am so very thankful to the Lord for answered prayers. Before he was born, I also prayed for his future bride and future generations. This legacy of prayer continues.
A helpful series of books on prayer is written by one of my favorite authors, Stormie Omartian. The Lord has used The Power of a Praying series in my life for many years to help me pray, and each book is filled with Scriptures.
Our Faith Connection Challenge: Practice praying Scripture over yourself and your loved ones. Be blessed!
Dear Lord, I pray over this precious one using Ephesians 1:18-19. I pray that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened, that they know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward us, according to the working of Your mighty power. In Your glorious name, Amen.
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