Prayers that Changed History

Prayers that Changed History
Written by Tricia Goyer
Published at Zondervan

About the book

Twenty-five stories of historical figures who prayed to God and as a result, history was changed.

One prayer can change everything.

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books, and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In this book from bestselling author Tricia Goyer, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with the major prayer that changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

My Thoughts

As soon as I saw this book promoted on facebook, I thought it would be great as a homeschool resource.   I wasn’t mistaken.  The book is packed with interesting stories about prayer but it doesn’t stop there.   Following the historical example of prayers you will also find a section of the chapter that will find a biblical story that ties to the person’s life and actions, learn how that person changed history, and finally how you can apply the lesson learned in your own life.

There are over 25 stories of notable people presented through the pages of this book; Polycarp, Constantine, St. Patrick of Ireland, Oswald King of Northhumbria, Christopher Columbus, Martin Luther, Governor William Bradford, John Eliot, Susanna Wesley, John Newton, Robert Raikes, Mary Jones, Sojourner Truth, Catherine Booth, David Livingstone, Florence Nightingale, George Müller, Billy Sunday, Helen Keller, Amy Carmichael, John Hyde, Mother Teresa, The British People of WWII, Corrie ten Boom, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Each of these people is chronologically presented in the book.  

As much as this book is originally intended for kids, I think it is a great read for parents as well.  It could be used as part of your homeschool as a read-aloud or as part of family devotion in reading and discussing a specific person.  The book can complete a study on prayer or be used as part of your history lessons.   We recently studied the explorers as part of our homeschool coop and right inside this book I could use Christopher Columbus and David Livingstone for read-aloud with my kids.  One of my boys did a presentation on Christopher Columbus and we made sure to read the chapter on his prayer before the presentation.  No matter how you plan to use the book, it is definitively a fabulous addition to your personal library whether you read it aloud or you assign the book as a personal reading for a child.  It is a great resource to teach about prayer.

Prayers that Changed History is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available for Kindle or Kindle app.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 30–His Future

What’s in store for the future?  We don’t know but God can guide us in the proper direction toward something that will be good for us.

Not too long ago we had the hope of planting a church in the downtown core.  For over many months we worked hard.  We also held some Christian raves.  For some reasons the church idea didn’t worked out… I won’t expand on the details.  But the church plant has been transformed as a ministry.  Another couple is taking it over – the transition is almost complete.  The Christian raves are doing wonderfully good.  Apparently the secular ones are not doing as good as before…   Many are seeking a place where it will be clean – no drugs or alcohol.   

But since 2 years (since we closed down the church) we were searching a new church but also where Rob could be involved in something.  He had some ideas but we surely didn’t expect God to open a door and set things in motion when we had invited a couple for lunch one Saturday morning about two weeks ago.

The tiles fit perfectly and next Sunday – July 3rd – my husband is leaving for Calgary, AB to get some training to be a leader for a ministry in town.   And to see the rapidity to which everything fell in place for him to attend is breathtaking.

God has poured passion again in my husband.   He is dreaming of what he can bring and how he can help the group already in place.

1 Corinthians 2:9

No eyes has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.  (Isaiah 64:4)

Whenever I read this scripture I think of how we were thirteen years ago – newly married, not knowing what adventures would come to us.  It had its ups and downs but we went through it together.  I don’t know what the future had in store for us, for the kids, for our family, for me… but I know that God wants me to trust Him and that He will guide us one step at a time.

Lord, I pray that You would give Rob a vision for his future.  Help him understand that Your plans are good,  to give him a future and a hope.  Fill him with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that he may have a walk worthy of You, fully pleasing You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You.   May he live with leading from the Holy Spirit and not walk in doubt and fear of what may happen.  Help him to mature and grow in You daily, submitting to You all his dreams and desires.   Give him God-ordained goals and show him how to conduct himself in a way that always invests in his future.  I pray that he will be active in service for You all the days of his life.  Keep him from losing his sense of purpose and fill him with hope for his future.   Plant him firmly in Your house and keep him fresh and flourishing and bearing fruit into old age.

And when the time comes for him to leave this earth and go to be with You, may he have a strong vision for his eternal future that it makes his transition smooth, painless, and accompanied by peace and joy.  Until that day, I pray he will find the vision for his future in You only.

Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.   They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the LORD, that is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Jeremiah 31:17

So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD. You children will return to their own land.

My challenge to pray for my husband during the month of June is now complete.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 29–His Faith

No matter what we believe it takes faith… because deep down when you start thinking about it, we choose our beliefs.

Faith is something we can’t live without. … Our faith determines what happens to us after we leave this world.   …   Confidence in our eternal future gives us a perspective on living in the present that is laced with confidence as well.

Oh don’t take me wrong – we can have doubts at times too – but I find that my faith will grow stronger when I doubt sometimes because it forces me to question and research the answer.

Take homeschooling for example.   Every now and then, I wonder if our choice was good, if the kids are learning what they should be learning, if they meet enough friends an so on.I have periods of doubt.   And then I go somewhere with them and a stranger tell me I am smart to do so, another one encourage me to pursue it – even though she asked me if they go in the school yard to meet other kids – yeah really.  My latest encouragement was more recent.  Someone I know came to me out of the blue to tell me she appreciates the fact that my kids were well-behaved, not talking too loud, not yelling, not running around and not bothering other people in a public place.   She took me off guard.  I didn’t expect it and she blessed me by saying to me “You do a good job.  Keep it up!”    I had tears in my eyes and said thank you because I needed to hear this – because sometimes I wonder…

To get back to my husband, I saw him struggling with doubt sometimes  - when we made important decisions.  But ultimately, his faith will determine the results.  Bottom line is that we need to trust God in matters of Him being part of our lives.  And He is…

Lord, I pray that You will give Rob an added measure of faith today.  Enlarge his ability to believe in You, Your Word, Your promises, Your ways, and Your power.  Put a longing in his heart to talk to You and open his ears to hear You.  Give him understanding for what You are telling him in his dreams, through others or while reading his Bible.  May he seek You, rely on You, be led by You, put You first, and acknowledge You in everything he does.

With You all things are possible. Help him to remember the times when You moved the mountains in our lives and opened doors when we least expected it.  

I pray that his faith in You Lord continues to grow every day.

Amen.

Matthew 17:20

… if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.

Tomorrow, as our last day of S.H.M.I.L.Y. for June 2011, the chapter is about his future.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 28–His Self-Image

From the beginning of the chapter, the author mentions that

God has a time for everything and He works in us what needs to be done to prepare us for what is ahead.   Having a sense of God’s timing brings the peace to wait on the Lord for it.

I couldn’t agree more.   I know from experiences that it is true.  We lived it in the past – multiples times – and more recently again with an opportunity for Rob to be involved in a ministry.  Opportunity that arrived out of the blue.  We definitively didn’t expect it.

But sometimes a person might be discourage when nothing opens for him or her.    Like it or not everyone will go through a midlife crisis whether it is a short one or a long one.  When we give priority to God, He leads us in every aspect of our life.   I could recall how many times He has helped Rob in programming, obtaining contracts, opening doors for business and ministry.  All we need to do it to trust Him even in the midst of discouraging times.

Lord, I pray that Rob will continue to find his identity in You.  Help him to understand how much he is important through Your eyes and by Your standards.  May he recognize the unique qualities You’ve placed in him and that he appreciate them.  May his true self-image be based on the image of Christ.  Amen.

Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Tomorrow the chapter is covering his faith.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 27–His Obedience

Obedience to God is an important part of being a Christian.   What does it mean though?  Well, essentially we try to keep His commandments but also follow His specific instructions when He talks to us… which could happen via the Bible, people around us, at church, while driving…. you get the picture.   When we are obedient we

find mercy, peace, happiness, blessings, plenty and life.  Not living in obedience brings harsh consequences, unanswered prayers and the inability to enter into the great things God has for you.

As a wife I have seen how important prayers are for Rob in this matter.   More recently, after a wait of over two years, an opportunity presented itself for him to be involve in a ministry in town.  Totally out of the blue… we were have friends over for lunch and they started talking about this ministry they are involved with – actually she is the leader in Ottawa.   Her husband was going on training in a few weeks…   Rob was clearly excited about it.  He considered it and decided to follow God’s lead on this.  He wanted to go to the training.    All the possible roadblocks disappeared in a matter of days (The deadline was passed and the training was three weeks away!).  Everything fell into place to allow him to attend the training in early July.  It is amazing!  Only thing is that it is the first time he is leaving for one week.  He is going to Calgary to get some training to become a leader in this ministry.   I can see the passion getting reignited.   I’m happy for him and I think it is a perfect fit.

The workers are few for this ministry and God is rising another one.   I’m so glad that Rob is following His lead.

Lord, please hear my prayer as I ask You to reveal where there is any disobedience in my life – especially when it concerns Rob.  Show me if I am selfish, unloving, critical, angry, resentful, unforgiving or bitter toward him.  Highlight the times when I have not obeyed You or lived Your way.   I confess it as sin and ask for Your forgiveness.

I pray that You give Rob a continued desire to live in obedience to You.  Help him to bring every thoughts and action under Your control.   If anything is place in front of him that is not from You, please reveal it to him.  Remind him to do good, speak evil of no one, and be peaceable, gentle, and humble.  Teach him to embrace the discipleship and discipline.  Show him Your ways and teach him Your paths.  Lead him in Your Truth.

May he be a praising person for I know that when we worship You we gain a clear understanding, our lives get transformed by receiving power from You.   Help Rob to hear Your instructions and to obey them.   Give him a heart that longs to do Your will.   Amen.

Jeremiah 7:23

but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people.  Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.

Tomorrow the chapter is covering his self-image.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 26–His Deliverance

The 1828 edition of the Webster Dictionary define bondage as this:

BOND'AGE, n. Slavery or involuntary servitude; captivity; imprisonment; restraint of a person's liberty by compulsion. In ancient English law, villenage.

1. Obligation; tie of duty.

He must resolve not to be brought under the bondage of observing oaths.

2. In scripture, spiritual subjection to sin and corrupt passions, or to the yoke of the ceremonial law; servile fear. Heb.2. Gal.2. Rom.8.

All kind of things can put us in bondage – temptation, people, self-destructive tendencies, and so on.  It could be lust, alcohol, drugs, medications,…  You get the idea.  The important thing is to be praying about the bondage you are experiencing to see deliverance.  We can’t do it on our own.   At this point in our life, I don’t think there is anything that bonds my husband.   But you never know when it could happen.   Prayer is important even if you don’t see anything in your spouse’s life.

Lord, You have said to call upon You in days of trouble and You will deliver us.   It is giving us a peace of mind to know that You are there at all times.  If there is anything in my husband’s life that binds him, I pray that You set him free.  Be a rock of refuge for him, for me and for the kids.

Help him to identify and recognize the work of evil, to stay confident that You are working in his life.

I pray that he will be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God, so he can stand against the enemy’s schemes in our life.  Help him to gird his waist with Truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod his feet with the gospel of peace.  Enable him to take up the shield of faith, with which to avoid the darts of the wicked one.  I pray that he will take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful and standing strong to the end.   Amen.

 

Psalm 18:2-3

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.   He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

 

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (also in Isaiah 61:1-2)

 

 

Tomorrow, the chapter covers his obedience.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 25–His Repentance

What is the first thing we ask our kids to do when they do something wrong?  Ask for forgiveness.  But if they keep doing it over and over – repentance is in order.

Everyone will make mistakes.  Sometimes when we are caught into something that we can not stop doing repentance is needed.  What is repentance though?   I love my husband’s illustration when he explained it to our kids.   He always refer to one army movie where you see the guys walking and suddenly someone yells “REPENT”.  Do you know what they do?   They spin 180 degrees and start walking the other way.   That’s repentance – turning away from sin and leave it behind you.

The author has explained the three steps found in the Bible needed to change a behavior.

First there is confession which is admitting what we did.  Next, there is repentance, which is being sorry about what we did.  Then there is asking forgiveness which is being cleansed and released from what we did.

Lord, I pray that if there is anything in my husband’s life that need repentance at this moment that You would convict him and that he will take the steps to remove it from his life.   Help him to recognize his mistakes.  Give him eyes to see Your truth, ears to hear Your voice, and a humble heart to turn away from what needs to be remove from his life.   Amen.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Tomorrow the chapter will cover his deliverance.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 24–His Talk

Ah….  The power of the tongue.  Words can lift someone up or bring him/her down.

Our words can justify or condemn us (Matthew12:37).  They can bring us joy (Proverbs 15:23), or corrupt and dishonor us (Matthew 15:11).  What we say can either build up or break down the soul of whomever we are speaking to (Proverbs 15:4).  The consequences of what we speak are so great that our words can lead us to ruin or save our lives (Proverbs 13:3).

Lord, I pray Your Holy Spirit would guard my husband’s mouth so that he will speak only words that edify and bring life to people around him.  Help him to be disciplined enough to keep his conversation godly.  fill him with Your love so that out of his heart will come words that build up people around him.  Work it in my heart also.  

May the words we both speak be words of affirmation toward each other and toward our children.  Help us to be respectful, speak words that encourage, share our feelings openly and be able to have a mutual agreement.  Amen.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Tomorrow the chapter is about His Repentance.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 23–His Walk

Right from the start of this chapter we are remembered that

A man’s walk is the way he journeys through life – his direction, his focuses, the steps he takes.  Everyday he chooses a path. … The way he walks affects every aspect of his being – how he relates to other people, how he treat his family, how people view him,…

Moral correctness, without fault, with godly advisors, in obedience, with people of wisdom, with integrity, in holiness – these are all ways of walking mentioned in the Bible.

When I look at how my husband walks through life, I know he is following the Shepherd.  Sometimes choosing the right path can be difficult but necessary to grow in your faith.

Lord, I pray and ask that You continue to direct my husband’s steps in life.  Lead him in Your light, teach him Your way, so he will walk in Your truth.  I pray that he will have a deeper walk with You and an ever progressive hunger for Your Word.  May Your presence be like something he never ceases to want.  Lead him on Your path and if for some reasons he strays on it may he be quick to confess and come back to it.  Reveal in his heart any hidden sin that could hinder his walk before You.  Give him a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit with him. 

I pray that Rob walk in the Spirit every day so that he bear its fruit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Keep him on the Highway of Holiness so that the way he walks will be integrated into every part of his life.  Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-2

… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Tomorrow the chapter covers His Talk.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 22–His Emotions

Emotions can affect not only your life but the lives of those around you.  Emotions can be either positive or negative.   When you read the PSALMS you can see that David himself had plenty of emotions – My soul is full of troubles says one of them,  another one will say I groan because of the turmoil of my heart – yet at other times he is joyful and dances for the Lord while playing music…

I once was told that I was too emotional to go in ministry (coming from someone who had not much emotions…).  I don’t believe this whatsoever.  God made me this way for a reason and I believe it makes me more real, more reachable for others, more in tune with their own emotions.

Men have emotions as well however they don’t necessarily show it the same way as women.

Lord, I pray that Rob would have faith in You to redeem his soul of potentially negative emotions.  May he never be controlled by depression, anger, anxiety, jealousy, hopelessness, fear, or suicidal thoughts.  You alone can deliver and heal and if there is an issue I pray that You use me as Your instrument of restoration.   Help me not to be pulled down with him if he struggles.  Pour understanding on me so that I can say what needs to be said.  May he be totally free to share how he feels with me or others if needed.

Give him the gift of laughter and the ability to find humor in every situations.   May he trust in You in all circumstances.  Amen.

PSALM 23:3

He restores my soil. He guides in path of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Tomorrow the chapter will cover his walk.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 21–His Marriage

It has been thirteen years we are married together.  The journey started in 1998 – I pray and hope that we will have many years together.

It is essential I find to pray for everything in a marriage.  I do not take this relationship for granted.  It takes work to have a mutual commitment strong.

When Rob entered my life, I had given up on the possibility of ever getting married and have children.  I left it in the Lord’s most capable hands.   And you know what?  He definitively knew what I needed because Robis perfect for me.

Lord, I pray that You continue to shield our marriage against anything that could harm or destroy it.  Protect us from unhealthy or dangerous problems.  Remove any thoughts of divorce or infidelity in our hearts.   Liberate us from past memories/relationships that could cause issues to arise between us.  I ask that jealousy stay out of this home.  Let nothing come in that could destroy our marriage in any way, shape or form particularly influences like alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, lust, or obsession.

May our relationship be strong and we spend time together on a regular basis.  Provide babysitters if needed.   I pray that Rob will be so committed to You, Lord, that he will not be shaken when the storms of life will rise.   May our love continue to grow stronger every day that passes so  that we can leave an amazing legacy to our children.

Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.   But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 20–His Attitude

When you have a bad attitude i.e. complaining, being angry, miserable, all the time it isn’t fun for anyone.

Between the two of us, I am probably the one who will tend to be more negative.  Why am I like this?   I am uncertain but it might be that I saw it modeled in my past.   Over the past thirteen years, I decided to change.   I still have a tendency to think negatively but I am working on controlling this and see the positive in everything. 

Our attitude in life is a choice.  Just as it is a choice to choose to accept God’s love in our life.   

Instead of having a bad attitude, choose to have a heart filled with

praise, thanksgiving, love and joy

Sometimes life throw us curve balls.  We need to have a good attitude to come out of these stronger.

Lord, fill Rob with Your love and peace today.  May there be a calmness, serenity, and sense of well-being in him because his life is God-controlled.  Enable him to walk daily with a clean and perfect heart before You.   Shine Your light upon him and fill him with Your love.

I pray that he will be kind and patient in any situation.  Enable him to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.

Release him from anger, unrest, anxiety, concerns, inner turmoil, strife, and pressure.  May he trust You with everything in life.

Rob,

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers:24-26

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.   For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

The next chapter is about his marriage.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 19–His Past

Everybody will probably have issues from the past.  But God can redeem and restore us.  All we need to do is trust Him.

I have seen (and still see) someone dear to me live in and bring back the past on a regular basis. (Don’t worry it is not my husband…)   But I can tell you one thing – IT IS NOT HEALTHY! 

Trust me.  I know from experience (I did mentioned it was someone dear to me right? – no it isn’t me either).

Even the author of the book The Power of a Praying Wife says it:

We can NEVER move out of the present into the future of what God has for us if we cling to and live in the past. (emphasis mine)

And guess what… like it or not the past not only affect us but ultimately it will affect our kids too.

We can leave a legacy as painful and damaging as the one we experienced ourselves.  We can bequeath a heritage of divorce, anger, anxiety, depression, and fear.  Whatever you and your ghusband can free yourselves from will mean more freedom for them (meaning our children).

I know I don’t want my kids to inherit the bad luggage from me.  I know it is the same desire for my husband.

Lord, I pray that you would enable Rob to let go of hid past completely.  Enlarge his understanding to know that You make all things new.  Give him the mind to discern Your voice from the voices of the past.   When he hears those voices, enable him to stand on the Truth.   Pour forgiveness into his heart so that bitterness, resentment, revenge and unforgiveness will take no ground.Amen.

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Tomorrow we will cover His Attitude

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 18–His Fatherhood

We have four kids – all different from one another.  Three boys and one girl at different ages – 10 (next Saturday), 7, 5 and a half and 3 and a half -  and having different levels of ability.

My husband has taken the habit of doing one-on-one days with the kids during the summer time.   It will be different for each kids due mostly of their ages.   But each of them are looking forward to have their Daddy Day like they call it.   It permits my husband to spend time individually with them.  

He is also the principal of our homeschool, the leader of our house and a great father.   We are not perfect at parenting our kids but we seek our Father in Heaven to help us to the task.  Ultimately, He is the One we should base ourselves on.

While reading the chapter, I got reminded that

How my husband relates to our children will shape their lives for bad or for good.  It will change his life forever  too.    For if he fails as a father, he will always carry that send of failure with him.  If he succeeds, there will be no greater measure of success in his life.

Lord, continue to guide and teach Rob to be a good father.  Where it was not modeled for some reasons to him according to Your ways help him to forgive and show him how to do it.  Continue to draw him close to You so he can become the father he is meant to be.  Give him a heart of compassion and love for our children.  Help him to be merciful, to be just and to teach them about You.   Show him when to discipline and how to do it.  I pray that we will be in agreement in the rules we set for our children and how we raise them.

Give him skills of communication with the kid s- each is different so it will be different for each of them.   Help Rob to be kind, loving, soft-hearted, warm, interested, affirming, affectionate, involved, strong, consistent, dependable, verbally communicative, understanding, and patient.  May the kids honor him in their lives. 

We know we are passing a spiritual heritage to our kids.  Let that heritage be one rich in the fulness of Your Holy Spirit.  I pray that You help us to be great parents, delight in our kids, and see them grow in Your ways.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:18

I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Tomorrow, the chapters will cover His Past.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 17–His Relationships

Canon really go through life without having relationships?  I doubt it.   When you start thinking about it you you realize that whether you like it or not you need to interact with people.   We were designed for relationships – plain and simple.

Having people around you is essential for encouragement, strength, balance, fulfillment, and more.

Being friends with godly people… doesn’t happen by chance.  We must pray that such people will come into our lives

I agree with what the author has said in the book.   Having good friends as a couple is something to prayerfully consider.   Not everyone will be a good match with you both.  

As a wife, I need to pray for all my husband’s relationships – wife, children, parents, siblings, extended family, employees, clients, contacts at consulting firms, neighbours, his mother-in-law, and his interactions with strangers.

Lord, I pray for Rob to have godly male friends with whom he can share his heart without fear of being judged.  May they be trustworthy and speak the truth into his life.  Give him discernment to separate himself from bad influences.   Please give us believing married couples with whom we can feel comfortable sharing our lives.   I pray for strong relationships with anyone on his path.   May open communication and mutual respect be present.  If reconciliation needs to take place may You be present in the process.  Enable him to forgive anyone who might have hurt him.

John 13:34-35

A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Tomorrow the chapter is about His Fatherhood.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 16–His Priorities

Priorities are important to avoid any problems.    A man can prioritize work over family and it will cause problems.  If I want my husband to prioritize me above work, friends, activities and kids, I need to do the same for him.  

Above all though, God should be our number 1 priority.

Priorities have to do with the position of the heart.

So where is your heart bending toward… golf? work? something else? Take the time to evaluate your priorities and the ones of your husband.

God I proclaim You LORD of my life.  Help me to seek You first every day and set my priorities in perfect order.  For example, this morning I took care of the laundry and putting the clothes away first – sorry Lord…   Forgive me.  Reveal to me how I can put Rob before children, work (blogging/writing), school assignments, family, friends, activities and interests.  Show me what I can do today to demonstrate that he is high on my list.   Show me how to prioritize everything so that whatever steals life away will be reduce on my schedule.

I pray for Rob’s priorities to be in the order You want it to be.  Be Lord and Ruler over his heart.  Help him to choose a simplicity of life that will allow him to have time alone with You.  Speak to him.  Continue to encourage him to put us in greater prominence in his life.  I pray that he continues to seek You first and submit everything to You.  Amen.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Philippians 2:4

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Tomorrow, the chapters will cover His Relationships.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 15–His Reputation

Having a good reputation is something we need to work at constantly especially in today’s age where facebook, twitter and blogging is used to deliver rapid communication.

A reputation is something a person should value and protect.

Our reputation can be ruined by wrong things we do, by the people with whom we are associated, or by disparaging words spoken about us.

While reading the chapter this morning  I got reminded that praying for Rob’s reputation should be an ongoing process.  It is even more important I find because we have a home business in the IT industry.  Being contractors, we sometimes get contracts because of the relationships we have with 3rd party firms and clients as well as the reputation of the business.

Lord, I pray that Rob will have a reputation that is untarnished.  I pray that he will be respected in his field and people will speak highly of him.  I pray that there will never be any reason for bad things to be said of him.  May You keep him away of lawsuits, criminal proceedings and legal entanglements.   Defend him from the people who rise up against him.  Help him to stay calm and peaceful if such situation arise. I pray that Rob will bear good fruit while he works.  May honesty, trustworthiness and humility be part of him at all times.   Keep his reputation safe from the mouth of gossiping people.  Where there has been ill spoken of him, I pray that You would touch those lips and reveal that what has been said was false.   Bring these people to realize what was said was wrong and may they apologize to him.   May Rob trust in You every day.  Lead him, guide him and be his fortress.   May he shines before others so that they see You in the end.  Amen.

Romans 8:33-34

WHo will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he that condemns?  Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Tomorrow, the chapter will cover his priorities.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 14–His Integrity

Integrity is define as who you are when no one is looking.

Bottom line it is the line you won’t pass to do things easy no matter what is happening around you.

It’s honesty.

It’s truthfulness.

It’s honor.

Even when you think no one is looking, One still sees you – God.

Mu husband is a man of integrity.  I’ve seen how he manages the business.  He is always honest about how he deal with his contacts.   He will refuse to be dishonest even when a consulting firm is suggesting it – it happened recently.    I’m proud of him when he stands up on this.   It also gives an example to our kids.

Lord, I pray that You will continue to make my husband a man of integrity according to Your standards.  Give him strength to say YES when he should and courage to say NO when he needs to.   Enable him to stand for what he knows is right and not give to the pressure from the world.  Give Rob a teachable spirit that is willing to listen to the voice of wisdom and grow in Your ways.   Make him a man who lives by truth and help him walk in Your Spirit daily.   Be with him at all times so he can be a witness for the truth.   Protect him from deception and lies.  Amen.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Tomorrow the chapter is talking about his reputation.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 13–His Trials

I don’t think that anyone doesn’t go through life without facing hard times.  I know that for a fact.  After 13 years married and 14 years together, we have experienced some though times from the ice storm in 1998 (the year of our wedding) to though times in the current economy.   We were even told that our chances to have kids naturally were slim – almost impossible.  Yet God has provided during our hard times and we have now four wonderful children.

Like the author says in the book

It’s the attitude we have when we go through them that matters most.

Praying for my husband during hard times can

help him maintain a positive outlook of gratitude, hope, patience, and peace in the midst of it.

While reading today’s chapter, I got reminded that

When we serve God, His love attends every moment of our lives – even the toughest, loneliest, most painful and desperate.  He is always there in our midst, working things out for good…

I know it is true because I’ve seen it in our own life together.  When we least expected it, God was there, opening a door, blessing us above and beyond what we could imagine.  He took care of us just like He does with sparrows.

God also used these times to teach us how to trust Him more deeply and depend on Him entirely.

Lord, You alone know the burden Rob can carry on his shoulders sometimes.  I might know some at times and I try to help but You are the only One who can help totally.   God, You are indeed a refuge and strength when the storms of life hit our house.  I ask for guidance and strength for Rob (and I) when we face trials.   Build him up so that no matter what happens he will be able to stand strong through it.   Give him endurance to run the race and not give up.  May he learn to wait for You, that he will find his strength in You alone. Amen.

Psalm 55:16-18

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.  Evening, morning and noon I cru out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransom me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

S.H.M.I.L.Y Challenge Day 12–His Protection

A battlefield can have hidden dangers.  As Christians, we are on a battlefield on a daily basis.   Every day we can encounters hidden bombs that could shake our world.   Husbands are not spare from that battlefield.

Only God knows what trap the enemy has laid to bring accidents, diseases, evil, violence, and destruction into our lives.

These days, few places are completely safe… Even your own home can be a battlefield.

As a family, we pray for safety every time we get on the road for a vacation.   We have seen numerous times when God has answered this prayer.    While I am writing this we are on a small vacation in New York state.  While driving here, we experienced a flat tire on our RV.   Being on the side of an highway to change a tire when transport trucks zoom by you at over 100KM/H is not fun.  The RV was shaking every time it happened.   But we completed the task and continued our trip.    We got delayed but we were kept safe.

While reading the chapter, I got reminded that praying for protection for Rob should be frequent and ongoing because I never know when it might be needed on the battlefield.

Lord, I pray You would protect Rob from any accidents, diseases, dangers or evil influences.  Keep him safe, especially while he travels in a vehicle.  When he walks, secure his steps.  Hide him from violence.  Keep him on Your path so that his feet don’t slip.   Give him the wisdom and discretion that will enable him to walk safely.   Be his fortress, strength, shield, and stronghold.   May he dwell in the shadow of Your wings.  Be his rock, salvation, and defense, so that he will not be moved or shaken.  Save him from any plans of the enemy that seek to destroy him.  Preserve his going out and his coming in from this time forth and even forevermore.

Psalm 18:2-3

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

Tomorrow the chapter is covering the subject of trials.