Prayers for a Woman’s Soul by Julie Gillies
Today I have asked my friend Julie Gillies, author of the new Prayer’s for a Woman’s Soul to share a guest post today. One person who comments will win a copy of her book. :)
Julie is the author of Prayers for a Woman’s Soul (Harvest House Publishers). Healed from a traumatic childhood and awed that God saved her seriously troubled marriage, her message helps women pray with boldness, confidence, and the certainty that God hears.
Julie is the Critique Groups Director for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and serves on the editorial team of P31 Woman magazine. She’s the joyful wife of Keith, mom of two soldiers and one civilian, and Grammy of four.
She loves hanging out with the entire gang at home, especially on days when her house is clean. Sign up for 5 Days of Extravagant prayer, find other FREE resources and connect with Julie at: www.JulieGillies.com
Praying your Priorities
It was one of those days, which arrived on the hind end of one of those weeks, which in reality was two of those weeks. My full schedule left little wiggle room, and when a forgotten obligation appeared, I followed through. But it cost me. By the time evening arrived I was on the brink.
The brink of tears.
The brink of sanity.
The brink of collapse.
What made that particular day worse for me was that I’d barely had time to breathe a single prayer. And it showed.
It’s so easy to slip into front-burner prayer mode—praying for whatever is boiling over at the moment. And if your life is anything like mine, there is always something boiling over!
But as women of faith, our prayer lives should reflect our priorities, not just our latest crisis. In other words, we should consistently pray about the things that matter most to us. And yes, that includes our husbands, our kids, our finances, politics, world events and much more.
Yet as contrary as it probably feels, one of our priorities should also include praying for ourselves.
Praying for ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s vital. It’s the humble acknowledgement that we can’t do this crazy life apart from God’s help. It’s the recognition that if King David prayed for himself (read the Psalms!) and Jesus took time to pray for Himself, then we should, too.
Praying for ourselves infuses us with inner strength and equips us to be the wives and mothers we yearn to be. It enables us to soar through our days. No, our days won’t be perfect. But as we prioritize praying for ourselves, we will walk in greater wisdom and in the power of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately, in deeper intimacy with Jesus.
And isn’t that what we’re all aiming for?
When we make praying for ourselves a priority, you’d better believe those boiling-over days will still make an appearance. The good news is they won’t drive us to the brink.
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To be entered to win a copy of Julie’s book, tell us, when was the last time you had one of “those days”? Or, leave a comment on any aspect of prayer. Why do you find it hard to carve out time to pray? Any other obstacles? What do you love most about prayer? Any favorite verses on it to share?
Winner announced Monday.
I resently lost my husband to cancer and also found out that my son is on drugs. I know that without the Lord in my life I could not have made it through. I have to admit that sometimes I allow satan to put fear in my heart and start wondering what am I going to do if I lose my son because of the drugs. I am like so many others and stay so busy trying to hold things together but it is when the Lord gets my attention and speaks to my heart and gives me that assurance that I need that no matter what the future holds He is still in control……. Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. I all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.
One of those days… seems like they appear all the time. I love the thought of not just praying for what is over flowing.
Sounds like a great book to study.
Thanks.
I’ve been walking through the valley of the shadow of death for over two years. I have gone over the edge many times, but I have also experienced the peace that passes understanding. I find that often, sleep deprivation drives me to neglect prayer time. I am slowly learning to begin each day humbly with gratitude. When I focus on who God is and what He has done for me, I am blown away. My storms, both big and small, take a back seat to the glory of our Lord and King.
I think the “urgent” often takes precedence over the “important”. As a wife and mom, it seems there is always something that needs done NOW. The trick is to tune in to and make time for the “important” – prayer. The “urgent” things will usually still be there AFTER prayer. Easier said than done, however!
This book is on my wish list. :)
I try to pray everyday for my family and friends. When I pray each day I try to say a prayer of thanksgiving first for all God has blessed me with even though I might be dealing with some bad stuff. Also if I am worried about something I will send up prayers many times in one day for the same thing asking God for his help and his peace.