Praying Women- Tam’s Prayer Journey

 

'This post is dedicated to the Beautiful and Prayerful Women of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge Circle at Lite Your Path'

Praying was something I only did in private, until Shan invited me to become a part of a small prayer group of women.

For as long as I can remember I always made an effort to pray but didn’t think I was particularly good at it. I was able to communicate exactly what I needed and gave my thanks, but I certainly did not believe I had the language that denoted a good prayer.

I learned through that initial group of women that praying was simply and easily a heartfelt conversation with my maker and I became more confident in my prayers and my ability to pray not only for myself but also for others. 

Recently, without having a particular reason, I decided to participate in a 40 Day Prayer Challenge with another small group of women. This 40-day challenge was guided by the Devotional, Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson, and this experience was life changing.

Throughout the 40 days I realized that there were levels to prayer, different ways to pray and most importantly, I realized that I needed to change my prayers. I did not just need to have a conversation; I needed to have an authentic and personal conversation with God every day. After all my maker already knew what was in and on my heart. 

There were times  in those 40 days that I literally felt His presence. Praying is now a focused daily occurrence for me. In fact, I cannot get through my day without it, and I often pause at a particular time of the day to lift up my heart and voice to speak to God. My prayers move me daily, from places of distress to peace, fear to confidence, hopelessness to contentment, and pain to comfort.  

Praying has strengthened my faith and caused me to believe that I can achieve ‘crazy’ dreams. Mark Batterson taught me to “pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on us”, in order to see things change in and around my life. 

I have learned that I need to be bold in telling God exactly what I want him to do and there is nothing wrong in doing that. I also understand that not now, does not mean no. I am more committed to being unceasing in my prayers because the day I stop might be the day my breakthrough is to happen.

Changing my prayers means that I have come to a place of total submission. My focus is now on asking for a spirit of acceptance for what God has designed for my life. Though His plans and ours are not always the same, I use His words to claim His promises to me. My God is not a liar; what He promises He delivers.

One of the sweetest parts of making the connections I have through these prayer experiences is having groups of like-minded women who can lift me up. Having a circle is vitally important as you draw your own circle around the things in your life that sometimes you cannot find the words to pray about for yourself.

Explore the power that is packed in prayer friends.  You will be amazed at the surprises that are waiting to be revealed to you.

~Tam~