Book: Prayers for the Battlefield

About the book:Moms today have a lot to handle! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a family, especially in a culture that’s spiraling away from Christianity at an alarming speed. Yet our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The battle belongs to him, and his strength shines bright when we bring our weaknesses to Him and simply say, “Here. I can’t, but You can.”

Prayers for the Battlefield is a collection of prayers and reflections to help you stay strong through the daily challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re a new mom or a soon-to-be empty nester, Heidi St. John writes Scripture-filled and Spirit-infused prayers for every season of motherhood, helping you raise God-fearing children who will live out their love for Christ and make a difference in our world.

Let God determine the outcome of the battles you’re facing today―because the ultimate victory belongs to him.

My thoughts:
I was not familiar with this author when I saw this book available for review; however, as a Mom I was interested due to the description.  Moms need to remember we are in a battle and our children need to be covered with our prayers.  

I really appreciate this book because of the short personal stories shared by the author and the written prayers.  I feel it has been beneficial for me to read and pray these prayers.

This is a great resource to have as you are raising your children.  You will be encouraged as you lift up your children to our Father.

The hardback book is nicely designed. I liked the small design that makes it convenient to take along with you.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale blogger review program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

While My Child Is Away

About the book:
Parents and children are separated for many reasons: divorce, school, camp, even work. It might be for just a few days or indefinitely. These 140 prayers give voice to all that you are hoping for your child when you can't be the one to meet their needs. Prayers of blessings, protection, instruction and grace. Or prayers for those around your child to choose wisely, see their needs, and love then as you would. Prayers for friends, teachers, coaches and mentors to step in and fill every need. Knowing that a loving Father God is caring for your child, even when you can't, gives you the peace and assurance that all will be well.

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed reading these prayers plus devotional thoughts for parents.  As our children age they spend less time at home.  These prayers are applicable for any parent experiencing time with a child away for whatever reason.

This book has been a reminder to me of the importance of praying for my children.  The prayers in the book are written from the heart and helped me consider things I had not previously prayed for my children.

This is a nice resource for parents and will be a comfort to those with children who are away.

I received this book from the FirstLook blog tour program for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Are you waiting for answers?

We had a thunderstorm this week.  We received 4 - 5 inches one night. Certain parts of town were flooded.  Flooding has happened all around the state of Texas this spring.

We have been praying for rain here for a long time.  We have seemed to have several years of drought conditions.  Rain is requested in prayers at church, and you see yard signs that say "Pray for Rain."

The rain ceased for a while Thursday morning and then started again in the afternoon. I opened the front door and looked out at our muddy yard full of puddles.  I thought to myself is this the answer to all those prayers for rain?

It reminded me that all those prayers for rain were answered.  God did not send the rain the moment the prayers were uttered last summer, but as I watched the rain fall I am reminded that He does answer prayers.  We collectively did not give up praying for rain just because it did not rain immediately.

What prayers are you waiting to be answered?  The answer may not come today or tomorrow but be sure God does hear and He will answer in His time.  Don't give up praying!

I'm linking up today with Spiritual Sundays.



Have a day of blessings!

Book: Praying for Boys

There is a new book called Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin that I would like to share with you today.  If you are a parent or grandparent of boys, I encourage you to check out this valuable resource. 

About the book:
What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Son?
Instead of trying harder to change your boy's behavior or worrying about his future, enjoy the peace that comes when you pray specific prayers for him straight from the Bible. This encouraging book helps you target your prayers on what your son needs most--from patience and self-control to having a pure heart and making wise decisions.
Today you can start giving whatever concerns you have to God and
- learn to fight for your son's heart in prayer
- look at raising boys as a gift
- see how even quick prayers make a difference
- understand boys' deepest struggles, no matter their age
- rest in knowing that God is the only One who can change your son's heart

Written for moms but great for dads (and grandparents) too, this easy-to-use book is filled with uplifting stories and biblical wisdom that will equip you on your journey to raising a godly man.

Includes a 21-Day Prayer Guide for Small Groups, in Person or Online!My thoughts:I have read a blog called The MOB Society for a while now which is written for Moms of boys by other Moms of boys. (Check it out if you have boys!)

Brooke McGlothlin had previously published a 21 day guide to praying for boys and that turned into this book.  First she shares some background on why we should pray for our sons as well as a chapter for single Moms.  Then there are 21 chapters about specific areas to pray about for our sons such as integrity, a servant's heart, purity, and overcoming fears.  I thought the author did a great job choosing 21 things that apply to boys.  She shares a little story about her own mothering of boys in each of these chapters to make it relevant.  Each chapter is followed by verses to pray over our sons about that particular area.  Then there are some questions too if you want to use this book in a group. 

Our boys need our prayers and praying for them does make a difference.  This is a wonderful guide to help us pray daily for our boys using scriptures.    
You can find out more about this book at this website. 

This book was sent to me for my honest review by Bethany House publishers.  Thank you. 

Have a day of blessings!

Book: For This Child I Prayed

Today I'd like to share with you a book called For This Child I Prayed by Stormie Omartian and illustrated by Susan Rios. 

In this book there are excerpts from another book by Omartian called The Power of a Praying Parent.  As parents we need to be in prayer for our children.  This book can serve as a guide to help you remember to pray about various topics/areas, such as protection, feeling loved and accepted, their understanding of the Lord, their future mate, and relationships with family.  Verses are included as well. 

I enjoyed reading this little book.  The prayers are written beautifully and the illustrations add appeal.  I believe it would make a nice baby shower gift or gift for any parent.

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for sending me a copy of this book for my review.

Have a day of blessings!

Book: The Majesty of Prayer

Doesn't the cover of this book look inviting?  When you open the pages you will have to pause a minute to just look at the photos before you even begin to read the words.  The photographs in this book are just beautiful!  The reader can see many scenes of God's creation throughout the pages of this little book. 

The Majesty of Prayer by John MacArthur is a nice inspirational gift book that would be appropriate for a gift or as an addition to your coffee table or night stand.  Included are inspiring, beautifully written prayers as well as various quotes and Bible verses. 

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for sending me this book for my honest review.
Have a day of blessings!

Audio book: Praying the Bible Into Your Life

I recently finished listening to Praying the Bible Into Your Life by Stormie Omartian.  In this book you will find verses matched with short prayers.  It includes verses from Genesis to Revelation. Some of the titles of the "chapters" include:  God Makes Himself Known to You, Ask God to Know Him Better, and Find Liberty in God's Presence.    

The book was read by Tavia Gilbert.  I enjoyed her voice and listening to her.  She did a good job with this reading I thought. 

It would be good to listen to as a way to grow in the habit of praying Bible verses when certain situations arise in life.  However, I felt as I was listening that it would be easier to focus on it if I was reading it instead of listening to it.  I would like to see the verses and prayers in print, maybe because I am more of a visual learner than only auditory. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from christianaudio Reviewers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!

Book review: The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional

Are you familiar with author Stormie Omartian?  She has written several books on prayer.  I was given The Power of a Praying Wife before I got married.  Now she has a new book called The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional which I would like to share with you today.

This is a book of 100 devotionals on a variety of topics related to marriage.  Each one has a verse, a short writing, and then a prayer.  They are about 2 pages each, so it does not take much time to read each one.  There are prayers for the wife, the husband, and the couple.  This is a book that you can pick up and read all the way through or choose certain prayers about a particular area that applies to your current life situation. 

I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to you.  There is power in prayer a,nd we need to be constantly praying about our marriages.  This book is a great guide to help you do that in a new way and pray about areas you may not have considered previously.

Thank you to Harvest House publishers for providing me a review copy for my honest review. 

Have a day of blessings!
 

31 days: Day 12



Day 11:  Let's pray for the special education teachers. 

We have so many children with special needs, be it learning disabilities or physical handicaps.  I have seen several teachers through the years who do an excellent job in working with these children.  The main thing I notice is that they are full of love for their students.    

Pray for these teachers that they will be full of love and kindness.  Pray that they will be able to handle the trying situations they face with a positive attitude.  Pray that they will have support and help from the parents of their students. 

Have a day of blessings!

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31 days: Day 11



Day 11:  Let's pray for the teachers of the arts--music, band, art, theater, etc.

I was in choir from 6th grade through 12th.  I had the same choir director, a wonderful lady who is also a friend.  I learned so much from her and am blessed to have been in her choirs.  We made many wonderful memories together in our contests, performances, and visits to Carnegie Hall in New York City! 

It makes me sad that in many schools the arts are one area that are the first to face financial cuts.  These areas are just so important in the education of a child, and I can't understand how those making the decisions can cut the arts while not cutting certain other areas (like football in Texas! but that would be another post). 

Pray for these teachers that they will realize how vital they are in the education of children...whatever level they may be.  Pray for them as they plan the activities and performances of the year that these activities will be blessed and enjoyed by many as well as being educational for the students.

Have a day of blessings!

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31 days: Day 4



Day 4:  Let's pray for the maintenance and custodial staff. 

There is so much work that must be done to ensure a campus will be ready and safe for the students. Floors cleaned, painting, furniture moved around, repairs made, cleaning, plus much more. 

Pray for these workers to take pride in the job they do and realize the importance of their work to the functioning of the school.  Pray they feel valued and appreciated.  Pray that they will be diligent in their work to complete tasks in a timely manner. 

One other thing I would like to mention:  Sometime during the school year have your child take a little thank you give to the custodians, maybe a little thank  you card with some homemade cookies.  Let them know they are appreciated at your school! 
Have a day of blessings!

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31 days: Day 3



Day 3:  Let's pray for the secretaries/administrative assistance/office staff.

I have personal experience on this one because my Mom has been an elementary school secretary for many years and KNOW how much the school secretary does for the school, parents, and children. 

If your school is blessed with a great secretary, be sure you show appreciation next time you see them.  A kind word can make their day.   

The secretary doesn't just answer the phone, they are responsible for so much more.  Here at the beginning of the school year, before classes even begin, they are already working to make sure things are ready for the teachers to come back followed by the children.  During school they are often the first face a school visitor sees, therefore, they are often the recipient of many rude, yelling, irate parents both over the phone and in person. 

Pray for your school secretary to have a smooth start to the beginning of the year.  Pray for her (or him!) to remain calm in the face of pressure and trying circumstances.  Pray for her to be able to handle the multiple tasks that must be completed each day and not become frustrated or irritable.  Pray for her to be able to encourage and comfort the children that come to her office for a variety of reasons each day. 
Thank you for joining me in prayer.

Have a day of blessings!

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31 days: Day 2



Day 2:   Let's pray for school boards.

School boards are faced with many decisions.

Pray for those who serve in this role will have wisdom.  Also that they will realize the importance of their role and remember their purpose to serve students and teachers without becoming caught up in politics as can so easily happen. 

Have a day of blessings!

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31 days: Day 1



Welcome to August!  Thank you for joining me in 31 days of Prayer for our Schools.  There are so many people involved in schools and for the first couple weeks of August we will be praying for these different people. All of these people are important for the school to run smoothly.

Day 1:  Let's pray for principals and other school administrators. 

When I was teaching in public schools I was blessed to work with two wonderful principals.  These ladies really added so much to my time in public schools and helped me have such a good experience.  They mentored me and were a positive example to me. 

The role of the principal is so important.  I have seen how their attitude can really set the mood and atmosphere of the school.  This directly impacts the teachers which in turn shows up in how they act in their classrooms.  A negative principal who is always griping and being too controlling can really bring down the morale of the campus. 

Do you know the name of the principal at your child's school?  Make an effort to get to know him or her and try to be an encouragement.  They have a tough job. 

Let's pray for the principals as they are beginning a new year. 

Pray for principals to have wisdom as they are making decisions about the upcoming school year regarding such things as teacher placement and budgeting issues.  Pray for them to have high standards and to be strong leaders that follow Christ and who set a positive atmosphere for the campus.

Thank you for praying with me today. 

Have a day of blessings!

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31 days of prayer for our schools



It is hard to believe it is the end of July!!  Where has summer gone?  Caleb told me before bed the other night that it feels like summer went by in 2 seconds.  I totally agree.

I'd like to invite you to join me in praying for our schools during the month of August.  I will provide a new item to focus on in prayer throughout this month.  I have made a schedule and pretty much have the month filled up already.  The 4 main areas we will pray about are: people at the school, teachers, students, and college students.  This is where I am focusing and each day will be about one particular person or idea. 

It is my goal to have a post each morning for each prayer request.  I hope to write a short post to give you some ideas of things to pray. 

This is the first time I've done something like this, and I believe it will be a learning experience (as anything is when you do it for the first time).  I have been reminded of the power of prayer and feel strongly that our schools desperately need prayer.  What better time to join together in prayer than at the beginning of August and the start of a new school year? 

Please join me Monday morning (August 1) for the first posted prayer request and feel free to ask others to join us in praying.  Thank you. 

Have a day of blessings!

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Audio book: Penetrating the Darkness

I have finished listening to a book called Penetrating the Darkness Discovering the Power of the Cross Against Unseen Evil. The author is Jack Hayford.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The book was not what I expected. I guess I had a different idea in mind of what this book would be about based on the title and book description. I found it to be a very in depth look at prayer with guidance and instruction on praying. It includes various prayer-related phrases and explains what each one means and how to pray in that way, including supplication, intercession, and pleading the blood. Parts of the book where hard to follow as I listened and other parts really made sense. I was reminded of the power of prayer and how we need to be people of prayer to fight against the evil around us.

The narrator was Tim Lundeen. He does a good job reading this book and his voice is pleasant.

Thank you to the christianaudio Reviewers Program for providing this audio book to me for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Marriage Monday: Prayer

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Happy March! It is time for Marriage Monday. Click the button above to join us today! This month's topic is prayer.

Prayer has been a vital part of our marriage relationship and goes back to even before we were married. I remember praying for my husband to be able to come back to school each semester. Many times he wasn't sure he'd be able to due to the finances, but each semester God provided a way through on campus jobs and work in the summer. In our dating days at one point he actually broke up with me. I don't think or talk about this very much, but it did come to mind as I was thinking about prayer. In the few months we were apart I prayed. I remember saying that I knew God wanted the best for me and I was willing to wait for whoever the best was. When we started dating again, I could see how being apart had really been the best for our dating relationship and even though it was painful, it made both of us better for each other. So I always have believed God answered my prayer in giving me the best for me by using that time to improve us both.

In our marriage we pray together. We pray in the mornings before he goes to work. This really blesses my day. He says a prayer for me and then I say a prayer for him. If we know something particular that is happening that day we mention it specifically; otherwise it is just a prayer of protection and blessing on each other's day. If you don't already pray with your husband I encourage you to do so. Also before we go to sleep my husband says a prayer.

I'm so glad God gave us prayer to talk to Him. It is so important to join in communication with the Father in agreement with your spouse.

Have a day of blessings!

"Peace Be Still" Rush of Fools

For this week's song I'm sharing "Peace Be Still" by Rush of Fools.



This song has been a comfort to me many times. I remember being so nervous and then hearing this song and feeling a calm come over me as I'm reminded of God's presence and His peace. I read a wonderful devotional on Monday at Laced with Grace about peace as well. My husband and I have some prayers we are praying about some upcoming decisions. I know I'll need God's peace as we wait for His answers and timing. I hope you are blessed to hear this song today and be reminded that we can have peace through Jesus that is greater than our human understanding.

(Looking back I see this was a song I shared on a previous post as well!)

Have a day of blessings!

2009 Book #49: When Moms Pray Together by Fern Nichols

There is power in prayer. I've known this, but to read the stories of this book amazed me and touched my heart.

When Moms Pray Together by Fern Nichols is a collection of 25 stories written by moms who have seen God answers to their prayers for their children. Prayers for healing, growth, protection, prodigals to come home, and many others. These stories show how God answered prayers and in the process changed the hearts of the praying moms.

Moms in Touch is a group of moms who pray for their children and their schools. You can find out if there is a group in your area at the MIT website.

I'm so glad to have read this book. It blessed my life and I recommend it to you.
Thank you to Tyndale Blog Network for providing this book to review.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Prayer

Today our hostess has chosen prayer as the theme for Thankful Thursday. As I've been thinking about prayer I realize how important prayer is in my own life. Prayers can be quick words spoken to God as you go about your day as you remember someone or a need. Prayers can be longer times of quiet reflection as you come to God with adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Prayers can be written, spoken, or thought. These are some things I am thankful for about prayer.

~ I am thankful Jesus prayed for me. This is mind boggling to think that in Jesus' prayers, He included all believers which would include me and you! In John 20 His prayer for us (verses 20-26) refers to unity. Unity was important to Him, yet I don't know that we are really very unified now.

~ I am thankful for parents who prayed for me. Growing up I remember when I was sick my Dad would say a prayer for me. I remember many times him kneeling by my bed to pray for my upset stomach, headache, or other such ailment when I would ask him to pray for me as I was going to bed. My Mom prayed with me every day before I went to school. This was special to me, and I look forward to doing this with my son.

~ I am thankful for others who tell me they'll pray for me. I have a friend (Stephanie) who will ask me frequently in her emails/letters "how can I pray for you?" I have blog friends who pray for me too. I've recently asked Michele and Debra to pray about specific things and have been blessed by their prayers. That touches me to know someone cares to want to pray for me!

~ I am thankful for a husband who prays for me. It is comforting to know he cares for my needs and the desires of my heart and lifts me up in prayer. We can seek God together in our prayers as husband and wife also.

~ I am thankful I can hear the sweet prayers of my son. It blesses my heart when he lists specific people and needs as he prays. When he was watching a football game with Daddy recently and saw an injured player, he said we need to pray for that player.

~ I am thankful I can pray. I can't imagine how people go through life without praying! Another one of those mind boggling things is how it doesn't matter where you are or what time it is, God is listening. That is so wonderful to me!

Thank you for visiting my blog. Join us at Lori's Reflections this week and next for Thankful Thursday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;

but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.

Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!" Psalm 66:18-20