On this day 2-14-2014, we _____ and _____ agree together with God's help to pray together at 9 pm for His blessing in our relationship. For His mercy in this world & for His glory. Amen
"If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:19
Everyone with a prayer partner should commit daily to one another to pray together. If you're single get a friend or just use this with your personal prayer time daily.
The Big Hurdle- it is being willing
- Psalm 143:10
- Psalm 51:6
- Philippians 2:13
Copying directly from the book, I like this: "Praying with another person makes a further demand. In prayer with another I must allow that person to be himself or herself too. This is why earlier we said that prayer together is the doorway to intimacy. Ask yourself, if my partner is not willing to pray with me, am I at fault? Am I forbearing and forgiving? Have I allowed the nine fold fruit of the Spirit to come forth in my life- as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23)? Praying together as husband and wife does not demand that the two of us have "arrived" at all these virtues, just that we confess our need of them in overcoming the others resistance to the vulnerability prayer requires."
So I am going to make a confession. My own personal hurdle that I need to overcome! I have no problem praying alone or in a restaurant over a meal, but on several occasions Angela, while we've been separated for work or whatever has asked me to pray with her over the phone. It's something we had started doing daily together before I was locked up. And if no one was listening that was no problem but if I was walking through the motel or in the elevator or in the room on the phone with someone else in there it makes me feel funny. I think vulnerable! And it shouldn't, I don't think. Last night I called her at 9:00 (our prayer time) and she was about asleep but God wanted me to pray with her over the phone right there with ever one listening in prison and I "failed miserably". Like a coward I told her that when we got off the phone with one another we should take 5 minutes to pray for one another. This would give me time to get alone so no one could hear me and think I'm "crazy". I don't think that should be the norm! That shows me I have some growing up to do. So maybe you guys and gals will notice some similarities in your life as such and we can pray together about our attitudes and be proud of what we believe! Does an one else have this same trouble with praising God? Please pray for me on this one!
When I have struggled with addiction in the past, Angela often asked me this question, "Cody, when will I be good enough for you?" I think it's an appropriate question and can so hear the Lord asking it in my life, "Cody, when will I be good enough for you?" Can anybody relate with that? My answer today is I'm trying harder than ever Lord and Angela. Pray for me because we all know I need it.
Prayer: Lord, I ask that in our lives today you will help us all to be willing to cross the big hurdles in our lives. I ask that you bring forth the fruits of the spirit in our lives like it says in Galatians 5:22-23 and that in all areas of our life "you will be good enough for us." Amen.
Random Thoughts: I wonder if God minds me playing poker in jail? It's how I pass my time, it's fun, it helps me afford some "extras" in here and I like it. Although, due to the nature of the table and the environment I'm in, there is no other place in here that is more dangerous for me to be (Imagine that). Attitudes flare quickly and a fight could break out at anytime because people don't like to loose their money in prison. I'be been up 14 or 15 stamps on the table for a couple weeks. People have become upset with me because I'm always up and never down. Some have accused me of cheating but fact is I'm just playing smart and getting lucky! I sense trouble brewing but I really enjoy "winning". hmm... I've been contemplating, since Angela sent me some money to buy postage and paper, just loosing my money back to them on purpose but honestly my competitive nature just wants to "rub it in their nose" lol God help me!
There is something I hope that my kids, family, and friends realize: I hope you all see me as being very transparent and real, and daily growing in the Lord. I find things wrong with the way I live, think, and act every day. My prayer life and my transparency for now is my way of confession, getting right with God, my way of trying to show you that I am not perfect but very human just like all of you! I believe there is a better way to live and want to share it with people! Sometimes I think that because I'm "trying" that people might expect me to be like "Billy Graham" when I get out! I'm sure that's hardly going to be the case! I still struggle daily with the "desires of this world". There are thousands of them. One I'm fighting right now is how my first night with Angela will be. I love her and want to be married with her but I am probably going to fail miserably in that area when that time comes. Maybe she will by them help me and we can wait till we get married, even though it will be hard.
I want my kids to see that I'm no different than them. We all have struggles, somewhere in our lives, but by being honest, searching for God's heart and His will for our lives hopefully together we can work through the issues we have in our lives and help each other daily to live a life that will glorify God! So to my kiddos, In life if you screw up, get up, dust off, ask for forgiveness, make it right, and keep on trying. God knows our hearts, and your dad and the Lord are both pulling for you! :) Love you guys!
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