It’s time for your “ugly prayer face”. Seriously, prayer is so important right now with all we are facing. Prayer is critical to stop this thing in it’s tracks and it’s critical for the healing of our land. Do you agree? Later, I’ll end this post with a sample prayer for a strong woman. But, first, let me walk through what I’ve learned about the contexts of prayer. đ I’m curious if my experience is similar to yours.
No doubt about it. As I write this, it is a scary, scary time in my country and in the world as a whole.
Anxiety plagues so many people, and rightfully so. Sickness is prevalent, but so is a balm (or the healing substance in Jesus).
Even though I cognitively know this, it’s still difficult to get through the days with this illness spreading and the death toll rising. It’s a hard time we’re facing. For sure it is.
Ya know, I’m usually a pretty nonchalant, calm person, but these days, I’ve been on “edge.” Waiting for the next news report. The next presidential address or the next terrifying statistic.
It’s a lot. Most cannot tell by looking at me, because I have this secret (I’ll tell ya in a minute), but I’ve felt deep, deep restlessness and nervousness from time to time. Have you as well?
Needed: a prayer for a strong woman…and an ugly prayer face.
Girl, lately, “I be” runnin’ to find some peace in scripture and during in my prayer time.
Remember, I mentioned my “secret”?
Well, here it is! Fast, quick easy access to prayer. This season of “shut down” makes that possible and I’m glad it does.
Don’t think I’m joking. I really do run (literally, most days) to my prayer room to get a sense of calm and solace in this current struggle.
And when I tell you God delivers every time, I mean it. He supplies peace that almost seems liquid in form as it flows freely and generously from heaven into my dry, parched, arid spirit.
I go into that room and just “DUMP” all my cares and worries. Yes, I also have my ugly prayer face.
You do know what I mean, right? During worship and prayer, some people (like me) frown when there is nothing wrong.
The intensity in their expression is what I call the “ugly prayer face”. My prayer room knows that “face” well. đ
I always admire women who pray “cute.” As you can see, I’m not one of them. I’ve seen pictures and I look like I’m trying to squeeze a watermelon out my ear or something.
Back to my point.
The only way, you’ll get through this trial (or any trial) is by becoming a woman of regular, consistent prayer.
If you don’t pray regularly, you will be weak. You will falter. You will be overcome with depression and hopelessness. Getting out of bed will become hard. Optimism will feel elusive. When you feel this way, it is prayer that is missing from your regular routine.
Prayer connects you with the Source of all you need so you don’t feel alone or in deep despair.
When you don’t pray…
Not praying is like having a car with an empty gas tank, yet being too stupid to go to the gas station to fill it up – i.e. not going to the source of what you need. How dumb!
You gotta go to the Source of your strength (Jesus) to level out the crazy parts of life. Doing so will release supernatural resources, block wicked plans the enemy has devised and provide a slow “IV” drip of peace in times of stress, worry, fear and doubt.
You need a prayer life and you need a strong one.
The many facets of prayer and the ugly prayer face…
As you know, prayer takes many, many forms.
First, you’ve got:
– silent prayer,
– then you’ve got “on the go” prayer,
– you’ve also got written prayers.
Are these the only ways to pray? I think so but, I could be missing one. What other kinds of prayer can you think of? Share in the comments below!
Also, tell me how do you prefer to pray? And you MUST tell me if you have an ugly prayer face too! Don’t leave me hanging here. đ
My personal, favorite prayer “boogie” is…
Actually, my preferred type of prayer occurs when I’m alone in my dimly-lit prayer room.
Aaaaaah…the consolation of it.
The result is peace, but the process…not so much.
See, I tend to pray loudly. I can’t help it. It’s just me. So, I love to pray when no one else is actually home.
An empty house is also a good idea for me because my family is so nosy (and NOISY TOO)! If I’m praying, my husband almost always knocks on the door to make sure I’m OK.
After all these years, he still does it. What’s up with that?
It almost makes me laugh when I hear his footsteps down the hall …then a pause right outside my prayer door. LOL #nosy
Honestly, between you and I, I think when my hubby hears me crying/sniffing behind a closed door, he listens to make sure he’s not in trouble or hasn’t done anything wrong. *hahaha*
For real though, I love prayer when everyone is asleep or just… GONE!
Pray to stay sane!
I want you to love prayer time as much as I do. Do you? If not now, have you before? Will you plan to pray more often? I hope so.
Talking and being with the Lord is your lifeline. Especially these days because so much panic and fear have saturated the atmosphere.
When you feel that angst, I want you to cast it on the Lord in prayer before it takes it’s toll on your body or your mind. Do it immediately and do it often as I do.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Get still and concentrate on Him and His Word. Listen to Him.
Exhale and relax in His presence. It will rejuvenate you and breathe life into your “present moment.”
Pray to fellowship and spend time with the Father.
Iâd like you to view prayer time as intimate time with the Lord – the Source of your strength. Don’t view prayer as just another thing you have to do or get done.
I’ve felt that way before; that’s wrong and misguided, not to mention unfulfilling.
No, see it for what it is – it’s fellowship; it’s sweet communing with the One who loves you most.
Think of that: the One who loves you more than anyone can or ever has.
Fellowship with Him does require time with Him. It’s not just a “one and done.”
It’s time. Dedicated time EXCLUSIVELY for Him …with Him on a regular basis. This time will change your life, confidence level, and your general sense of well-being, I’m telling you the truth!
In addition to sweet fellowship time, prayer for a strong woman will act as a spiritual gym and make you stronger mentally and spiritually. You can’t lose with consistent time with the Lord.
As I write this, our country is in a state of emergency. I must tell you, it is very easy to discern who among your social circle has a strong prayer life and who likely does not.
I do not say this to judge anyone, please know that. After all, who am I to judge? I’m just calling it as I’ve experienced it.
You never know what is inside a berry until you squeeze it. Whenever life “squeezes” me (like now), all sorts of stuff comes out. Some rotten, some sweet, but pressure reveals it all the same.
A routine prayer life helps ensure what comes out is sweet and mature.
In any event, Girl, you need peace…NOW!
Now more than ever, peace and hope are essential to riding out this current season. Prayer gives us both!
But, you’ll have neither unless you spend time with Him little by little, on a regular basis, during the course of your week.
Note: I started this blog post before the world experienced this current season. It’s blowing my mind how relevant it is today. Look at God!
Girl, God will “mess” with your prayer process! So be prepared for that!
I’ve made it abundantly clear you must have a strong prayer life and why.
Now, let me issue a warning: God owns your prayer time.
Through the years, my prayer life has taken so many different forms. Itâs morphed, adjusted, and transformed itself over and over again.
To be quite honest, I have not always been comfortable with all of the forms it has taken.
You know, for most of my Christian life (I’m in my 50’s now), my prayer life has looked a certain way.
It has been at a certain time (usually 6 AM), and I was always in a specific position on the floor (kneeling). My prayer format was as comfortable and predictable as my favorite pair of house slippers.
Then, all of sudden my prayer time sucked! It “blowed”!
As my “familiar” prayer process started feeling…well, weird, I tried to stick with my “tried and true” process.
However, it felt “different”. It became sort of strange and unfamiliar. It didn’t seem to “fit” anymore.
I felt something change, something shift and I didn’t know how to adapt to it.
At one point, I felt God was leading me toward an evening prayer instead of a morning prayer time. That really threw me! I was like “what the what????”
God was mixing things up.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t like it.
In case you havenât figured it out yet, I am one of those people who really likes calling the shots and I love being in control of just about everything.
Sadly, for me, God doesn’t care that I “like” being in control, because He’s God and I’m ….not. Plain as that.
With that said, for prayer (and the entire Christian journey for that matter) to work properly, you just got to relinquish control.
When you do, Holy Spirit steps in and takes the reigns and gets things on track according to God’s will.
Acknowledge God is in control of your prayer life.
Are you a “controller” like me? If you answer “yes”, you totally “get” what I’m talking about! If not, pray for us cuckoo birds. We can often be God’s “problem children.”
We got it twisted, prayer has so little to do with âusâ.
Contrary to what you may believe, prayer is not at all a âteamâ sport. In this analogy, only one team member matters and it’s not you.
Prayer is about HIM downloading HIS plan into your spirit.
Itâs about HIM using that quiet time to transform your heart into something malleable and flexible instead of a hard, bitter, rebellious chunk of useless rock.
Why are we such dopes…idiots…and spiritual buttheads?
In my humble “old lady” opinion, far too much of modern Christianity focuses on us and our feeble opinions. We forget it is about Him.
"Too many Christian songs have far too many personal pronouns in them to be true worship. The only pronoun that matters is "He." Click To TweetI once heard a pastor say the above quote. I can’t remember where. But, he was right. Worship – and also some prayers – have way to many “I’s”, “Me’s” in them.
Think about some of today’s most popular praise songs.
Many of those songs center on our own personal experiences and how we experience God. Itâs about what âweâ want to do or how âwe feelâ.
Too many of our "worship songs" arenothing but positive affirmations set to music! No good. Click To TweetSure, we may label it âworshipâ, but some of these songs make me wonder exactly who it is I am worshiping – God or myself?
In my opinion praise and worship should have very little to do with me and definitely not refer to me often.
Itâs about exalting the Lord and keeping him preeminent.
Here is a praise and
worship song that demonstrates what worship should be – in my opinion anyway!
Worship has a purpose…
Back in the day, worship challenged me in my Christian walk. It would refocus me. It use to convict me. Do you know what I mean?
Years ago, worship seem to prick your heart. For me, occasionally, it would even convict me of sin in my life and bring me to complete repentance.
The hymns did a great job at this! Oh Boy!
Want another example? Here’s one:
“Alas, and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day!
Was it for sins that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well, might the sun in darkness hide, And shut His glories in, When Christ, the mighty Maker, died For man, His creatureâs sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears. Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt mine eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can neâer repay The debt of love I owe; Here, Lord, I give myself away, âTis all that I can do.
Can’t be confused with this hymn! It’s clear who is esteemed in this song, isn’t?
NOTE: I love some of the new stuff out there too! IJS
Don’t misunderstand, Girl, I don’t hate all contemporary worship. I love a lot of it. It’s just important, in my opinion, to keep the focus on the Lord. That goes for prayer too.
When God goes sideways…
So far, I’ve established 1) it’s all about God and 2) we are in control of nothing, right?
Here’s another thought: what if God doesn’t answer your prayer right away.
What if you pray and God goes completely in another direction?
I blogged about when this happened to me once. Here’s a piece of what I wrote:
âThrough tears, I type these words knowing He did not answer my prayer the way I wanted Him to answer it.
I guess, itâs like my child when I decline his request and he simply cannot see any reason or logic in my decision.”
Never forget: God knows the best outcome to every situation.
You’ve gotta trust God as you pray.
Trust is such a big part of the Christian walk, isn’t it?
Baby Christians donât trust because they canât share the power of life with an invisible God. Everyone knows babies and sharing donât go together. The same principle is at play here, I think.
As I grow and mature in my Christian walk (or at least as I’m striving to do so), I’m learning to leave the “end of the story” to the Lord.
This means before I even pray, I have already concluded that my request is not nearly (even close to being) as important as Godâs plan.
When God doesn’t answer prayer the way you want Him to answer; the proper response is “Lord, this hurts, but I surrender to your will.”
Easier said than done, I know.
Nevertheless, He knows what He is doing and what is best for everyone involved.
Read my post about when God chose NOT to heal as I had prayed: https://godsygirl.com/when-god-does-not-seem-to-answer-prayers/
Ready for my sample
prayer for a strong woman?
Before I show ya my sample, let me say that formulas are stupid as it pertains to prayer, so I’m not going to give you one. đ
I do, however, like prayer structure.
What is commonly called the âLordâs Prayerâ is really a sort of structure – not a formula to emulate. Let’s talk about it and then you’ll see my sample prayer later.
1. It begins with worship and adoration.
âOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.â
Personalize your prayer! You have a relationship with God as His child. Refer to Him as Father. He is!
Don’t you love that Jesus demonstrated this for us? He’s calling Him “Father” and as joint-heirs with Christ, we can too! (Ref. Matthew 6:9)
2. Throw in some “It’s all about YOU!” spice.
âYour kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heavenâ
Haven’t I said it enough? I know you’re nodding your head and thinking “YES, GIRL!”
Humor me.
One last time for good measure: prayer is ALL ABOUT HIM!!!! Make sure your prayer includes this sort of attribution and declaration as well. (Ref. Matthew 6:10)
3. Give us this day our daily bread.
Have you ever heard seasoned, mature Christians say “take one day at a time?”
So much wisdom in that old “saying.” Usually, when I stress it’s because I am forecasting and taking my life in “chunks” instead of just one day at a time.
By “chunks”, I mean when I worry about my job security, my mom’s health, my husband’s health, or even retirement.
Sure we plan, but we can’t worry about the future. It’s futile.
Old Song Alert: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow by Ira Stanphill
I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For it’s skies may turn to grayI don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
Ev’ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb
Ev’ry burden’s getting lighter
Ev’ry cloud is silver lined
That song will make ya “ugly cry”!
For real, you’ll find so much peace in just taking your life in the small, bite-sized pieces called the present.
Just ask God for what you need TODAY. Don’t worry about tomorrow to the point of stressing yourself. Get through today and ask for what you need for today.
(Ref. Matthew 6:11)
4. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Here, in this part of the Lord’s prayer, Jesus starts getting into your “business.” He dips into your Kool-Aid a bit. Your prayer for a strong woman should include some self-examination and release.
In your prayer, confess your own sins and misdeeds to the Lord. Ask His forgiveness.
But, that’s not it.
Forgiveness received means forgiveness distributed.
As you relish in the grace and forgiveness God so freely gives you, proceed to, likewise, forgive anyone who’s hurt you.
(Ref. Matthew 6:12)
âIf you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.â
Matthew 6:14
5. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
The final part of the Lord’s Prayer is to keep us from temptation and protect us from Satan. Your prayer as strong Christian women should include this as well. (Ref. Matthew 6:13)
6. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tell God He rocks! Praise Him and declare His might and His glory in your prayer time! If you’re like me, you do so loudly! Although quietly is OK too. đ
(Ref. Matthew 6:13)
So thatâs it. Thatâs our example, or prayer structure, given to us by Jesus.
Did you know it’s the perfect amount of time to wash your hands? It’s more meaningful than singing “Happy Birthday” twice. Try it!
How about we put all this into action? Hereâs my take on using this structure. Be sure to find your own voice, ok?
My Sample Prayer for a Strong Woman…
Heavenly Father, God of the universe and Creator of all things, I praise You and glorify your wonderful name!
Youâve created all things for me to enjoy and your might is matchless. There is none other like You, Lord. I glorify You and lift up your holy name. I praise You in spite of me and with all that is inside me.
My life is in Your hands, Father. I place my hopes, my dreams and my endeavors in Your will.
Your purpose for me is all I want and is all that matters. I live for you and I am crucified with you. Live your life through me, Lord.
Lord, today, I ask for _______________.
Believing Iâve received, I thank you for answering my prayer.
Holy Spirit, work in me to have the confidence and peace to move forward in faith. Help me not worry about the very things I pray about.
Lord, as you know, I am but dust. Please forgive me for my sins of _________. I do want to be like you, I want to live as you lived here on earth and I repent of doing things my way.
Just as I asked for forgiveness for myself, please help me forgive ________ for what they have done.
I wipe his/her slate clean now. I release her/him from the offense. I understand if I want forgiveness, I must also forgive. So, I determine to do so right now in Jesus’ name.
Lord help me not go into situations that will tempt me or You. Guard me, Lord. From my own selfish desires and sinful inclinations and protect me from the evil one and his deeds.
Iâm not ignorant of his devices. I know he wants to destroy me. Holy Spirit give me discernment and insight into his strategies.
Soooo….what do you think about
this prayer for a strong woman?
As I said before, I don’t like formulas. So, don’t pray this prayer exactly as I prayed it…unless you’re a new Christian and need some tips. đ Even so, I want you to have your own words come from your own heart. Make sense?
This prayer is rooted in
scripture and here they are listed…
Here are the scriptures Iâve referenced in my âtakeâ on a prayer for a strong woman:
âCommand those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.â 1 Timothy 6:17
Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
But now, this is what the Lord saysâ he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: âDo not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush[a] and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 will say to the north, âGive them up!â and to the south, âDo not hold them back.â Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earthâ 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.â Isaiah 43:1-7
“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.â John 1:3
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
“For he knows we are but dust 15 and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, 16 blown by the wind and gone forever.” Psalm 103;14-16
“whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.: 1 John 2:6
“Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
I hope this blessed you! I’ll never know unless you “talk” to me below in “them” comments!
Be strong! Pray often and have faith in what you pray for and in Whom you pray too!
As you live out your own prayer for a strong woman, remember, keep God at the helm, surrender to His plan, be flexible and you’ll be just fine!
I know, right? Thatâs how I learned the song feom Time and Lindsey ???. Service wasnât even over before I found it on YouTube! Such worship! Thanks for reading my thoughts! ???
Thank you my sister , threw all of what’s going on today I needed to read this and hearing that song I had my eyes shut and for a brief moment I seen Lindsey and Tim .Lol . Prayer is all I got , talking to my Abba Father bring me peace in the middle of this storm and I pray my soul is anchor in Jesus , can’t let go of the oars now, I come to far by Faith. Be blessed