I did something I rarely do last week.

I asked for prayer. 

A peace-less pit is where I had found myself. In a trench of unanswered prayer filling fast with anxiousness and self-reliant striving to determine my own destiny. Stuffed on top of perpetual pride. Too proud to ask for help, and definitely too proud to ask for prayer.

My book proposal had been submitted to 18 publishers six weeks prior. The wait for a “yes,” combined with the trickle in of now nine rejection letters, was taking its toll on my encouragement and the hope I had built up and borrowed.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I would pray. In fact, I was pleading for peace every single morning. But, as soon as I reached my “Amen,” the enemy slithered back by with whiffs of doubt and dismay, smothering the sweet scent of serenity.

It was as if I needed reinforcement. All hands on deck to open my complete surrender and reveal the provision and power of God‘s peace and comforting presence.

So I succumbed… and swallowed my pride. I asked others to join me in prayer for a “yes” in the coming week from a publisher, because encouragement was depleting while discouragement swelling. But more importantly, I noted my desperate desire for peace in the pause for God’s answer.

I bet you can guess what happened… No, I didn’t get the “yes” (please keep praying friends), but I did get what I needed… I got PEACE. (Praise God!)

How about you? Chances are, you’re praying for something right now too. Would you email me and share what that is? I believe in prayer. God does listen. And He answers. I’d love to help strengthen your plea and voice before him.

And even if you don’t get exactly what you’re praying for, or in the time you’d like… Can you imagine how saturating peace washing over you might drastically change your days? Infusing light and bright to your darkened dragging wait?

Peace changes everything.

Prayer opens the door to peace. And it can be yours. Try it. It might feel fleeting with quick abandon, but then pray some more. And ask others to join you.

And before you come up with an excuse as to why your something isn’t insignificant enough to bother God, remember to never question the size of your request. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. Because (another reminder) he loves you wildly.

Pray… And linger in peace today, sweet friend.

Reflect: 

What have you been praying for? Have you continued to ask for peace while you wait? Have you asked others to pray for you?

Pray:

Lord God, you know my heart. You know my deepest desires and my current concerns. I need your peace. Fill me with your comforting presence and sturdy faith in your reliable faithfulness. In your abundant name, Amen.

Seek The Word:

“…in every situation, 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.”  (Philippians 4:6b-7)

Have a blessed week! 

Your friend, Keri Ann

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