With just one day to go until Thanksgiving, I placed my to-do list next to the driver’s seat in the car. On the list were the day’s duties that faced me—as “prayer warrior” on the phone lines at my church 10 miles away, as “distributor” of food and clothing at the women’s shelter 15 miles beyond the church, and as “greeter” for the Thanksgiving Tea at the church, 15 miles back-tracking in rush-hour traffic. A strong wind was kicking up—driving in this would be another challenge.
As I set out to face my full plate of things to do, I brought my car to a screeching halt—my purse! I had left it on the dining room table. In it was another list—groceries to buy, food to cook for tomorrow’s houseguests, and a dirty house for my husband, Terry, and I to clean (probably taking us until midnight).
“Lord, help!” I moaned to myself, as I rushed into the house. Running short on energy, I resisted the urge to bypass the dining room table and go straight to bed.
It was there in the quiet moment in our deserted dining room that something caught my eye. It was the big oak tree outside the window. Attached firmly to the giant tree was a sturdy branch—not rocked or moved by the craziness of the unpredictable seasonal winds.
I was reminded of Jesus’ personal instructions in John 15:1-8, for us to abide in Him, for He is our Vine and we are His branches. It suddenly hit me that my lists of doing for the kingdom were longer than my moments spent simply being with the King of the kingdom.
In the quiet of the empty, shadowy dining room, I sat down at the table, bowed my head and wept. I let Him fill me afresh with His very presence.
I emerged from our house with a fullness of joy that could come only from being with Him (see Ps. 16:11). Christ, my Vine of life, was the only One who could give me power—and I could do “all things” through Him (see Phil. 4:13).
The Bible states that you and I are ambassadors for Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:20). This Thanksgiving, I invite and challenge you to join me to set aside quiet moments for just being with the King of the kingdom before you ever set about doing His kingdom work. It might just make all the difference in your day—and in someone else’s life, as they are touched by His ambassador, one not merely doing the motions but filled with His loving presence.
PRAYER POWER FOR THE WEEK OF 11-19-2012
This week take time to be with Him. Make it a priority before you start your busy schedule so that you can start with peace and clarity of purpose. Begin with a time of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for who He is and tell Him that He is worthy of your praise and gratitude. Ask Him to show you how you can be a blessing to others in this season. Make yourself available to share His love with those beyond your inner circle and take time on Thanksgiving Day to reflect on His goodness. Pray for those elected into office on both national and local levels. Continue to pray for healing, restoration and revival in our land. Remember Israel. 2 Cor. 5:20; John 15:1-8
To enrich your prayer life and learn how to strategically pray with power by using appropriate Scriptures, we recommend the following sources by Apostle John Eckhardt: Prayers that Rout Demons, Prayers that Bring Healing, Prayers that Release Heaven on Earth and Prayers that Break Curses. To order any or all of these click here.
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