50 States of Pray

      The Linky List can be found at Mark Koopman's Blog if you'd like to visit the other participants and share in their prayers, thoughts, memories, hopes, regrets about the past and/or wishes for the future.

My Christmas Prayer for New Jersey

        I don't live in New Jersey nor have I ever.  But my three daughters live there with their families.  This includes my three wonderful granddaughters whom I rarely get to see, but look forward to seeing during these holidays.  

       In the past I always pictured New Jersey as a dingy urban blighted place.  Now that I have loved ones there I've become more familiar with this fine little state.  There is actually some pretty countryside, ocean coasts, and small towns.   I wouldn't even mind living there one day if that's where my daughters choose to stay.

      New Jersey has had it's share of tragedy over the past couple years and I pray for the redevelopment of the areas that were affected by the hurricane in 2012.   I also pray for the economy so that many will find prosperity in their lives.   My prayers go out to the health and safety for all of the state's citizens.

       The United States despite whatever shortcomings it may have remains a great and mighty nation and this is due to wonderful states like New Jersey.   May God's abundant blessings fill New Jersey in the coming year.

      New Jersey, I will see you soon.  Take care of my kids and grandkids.

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When Are You Praying?

           Halloween is almost here.  Don't forget to get some goodies for those trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood.  It's on my to do list for this week.  However today is my Sunday post and I am going to continue with the topic of prayer.  When do you feel compelled to pray?



But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.  Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

Psalms 55:16-17

         Many of us have memories of kneeling by our bedside to say our nightly blessings.  Some of our parents taught and guided us in this practice because of firm religious convictions, some as a tradition they learned from their childhoods, and maybe some just thought it was kind of cute. Likewise as children we may have been taught to pray before our meal.  Often this may have been only at an evening meal or a family gathering such as Thanksgiving.  In some cases it may have been merely a semblance of real prayer,but even if the thought alone established a prayer consciousness within us then that was a good thing.

       I think that many families today have drifted away from some of the traditions of past generations.  It's sad because the traditions of the "now I lay me down to sleep" and "God bless this food" provide a sense of security for children and togetherness for family. Many modern families rarely take time for a meal together. In today's world many of us are  far too busy to take time for prayer.  Or are we?  Perhaps it's time to stop on occasion and give thanks to God or at least meditate on the good fortunes that bless so many of us.



 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. 
 Psalms 86:7 

          It's so typical for us to forget about God most of the time, but suddenly want Him to do something when we are in trouble.  Perhaps this is just human nature. When everything is going great and you're on top of the world it's all, "Look at what I've done for myself-- I'm a motived hard-working achiever."  Then when things crumble around you, disaster strikes, illness brings you down, or others fail you, you then remember God and it becomes, "Oh what did I do to deserve this --Please God get me out of this mess!" When things get really bad then that's when you want to call to God -- on your schedule.  Go ahead, even though you may have forgotten about God in your past, God never forgot about you. 


Be merciful to me, O Lord; for I cry to You daily. Psa 86:3

           Start praying on God's schedule.  Don't just wait for the times of trouble, but praise God and pray to God everyday.  If you get in the habit of talking to God it gets easier.  You don't think about it, you just do it.


"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).


           Even if you don't believe in God or don't accept Jesus Christ as your redeemer, there is some good psychology behind prayer.  And if you don't like calling it prayer, then don't.  Think of it as a thought process in which your state of mind is joyous, thankful, and always aware of the many ways in which you have been blessed, are blessed now, and will be blessed in the future. Keeping your mind in this state is healthier and will bring you greater peace and contentment in your life.  I really don't think anyone can deny this and be able to support their argument.  However, in my opinion accepting the existence of God-- your creator, saviour, liberator--makes life so much easier. Let God provide you His strength and you can deal with anything.  Talk and walk with God and you have a friend who will never ever let you down.



But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

What Are You Praying For?

           Halloween as an economic driver will be a continued topic tomorrow.  Today I would like to reflect briefly on the topic of prayer. 

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Psalm 66:19-20

The following are anecdotes I made up in order to illustrate a point. They didn't really happen to me.

          The other day after I purchased a lottery ticket I got down on my knees and fervently prayed to God, "Please let my ticket be the winning ticket."  And I proceeded to tell Him how much I needed the money and all of the wonderful things I would do if  I were to be the big winner.  Passionately I prayed and wept, believing that if I were sincere and faithful God would answer my prayer. After I rose from my prayer attitude, I pondered to myself, "How many other people are praying for the same thing?"  I started wondering how would God deal with all the prayers from people all having similar needs and wanting the same thing. Whose prayer is the most deserving, whose needs are the greatest.  To take my mind off of things I turned on TV.  A college sporting event was starting.  Both teams were shown to be praying before the game. I wondered if they were both praying that they would win.

The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. —1 Chronicles 28:9


          From the time I was a very small child I adored my grandmother. My grandmother would give just about anything that I would ask for.  She was always there whenever I needed a word of praise, sympathy, or encouragement.  She never forgot my birthdays or Christmas and it wasn't unusual for her to give me a gift just because I was special to her.  As I grew older I became more involved with my friends and my activities and did not see her as often.  But she still always remembered me. She displayed my pictures with pride and greeted me warmly whenever I called or visited her.  After I had been attending college for a couple of years, I was getting ready to leave with friends on a Spring Break trip.  I received a call from my grandmother who asked me if I could please come to visit her. Her voice sounded very weak.  I told her about the trip and that I would come to see her as soon as I got back. She told me she was afraid that she might not see me again.  I told her not to worry, that I would be very careful, and I would come to see her when I returned. When I got back from my trip I learned that she had died.  Later, I was at her old house with family members.  As I silently looked around the house that held so many fond memories, I came to the kitchen where my eyes were drawn to the cookie jar that had always been full of tasty treats that delighted me so when I was a child.  I opened the lid to look inside.  It was empty.

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:2-4

New International Version (NIV)



         These are some things to think about.  And so much more can be said.  And I will.  Later.