The Art of Spending an Hour in Prayer

Sometimes I imagine that God sees my time in prayer with Him like trying to discuss a doctoral thesis with a hamster.

I can be all over the place with my thoughts, struggles, and desires. So many people and issues pop into my head for prayer, I often can’t focus on one thing long enough to get anything productive done in the heavenly realms.

Well, about six months ago I attended a night of prayer at my church. Our pastor shared a simple, yet powerful tool that has helped me organize my prayer time ever since.

The goal is to spend one hour in prayer
AND BONUS…
by praying through this list, you will actually cover everything we’re told to pray for in scripture.

Seriously!! Find something we’re asked to pray for, and see if you don’t find that it fits somewhere on this list.

*It’s worth noting how carefully crafted this list really is. I will assume this was done intentionally, I haven’t actually asked, but each category flows so perfectly into the next! Read on to see what I mean.

So…

• 12 categories
• 5 minutes each
• 1 hour of prayer!

Quieting Your Heart (5 minutes)

Take time to breathe deeply, fix your thoughts on Jesus, quiet your mind, settle your heart, and prepare yourself to pray.

I found this to be a HUGE game-changer for me. The truth is that my impulsive nature desperately needs a few moments to just settle into the Lord’s presence. When I approach the Throne Room, I’m encouraged to come with boldness and confidence, but I also want to do so with reverence and humility. Well if we’re being honest, this girl needs a couple secs to get there.

So without a shopping list of demands, I focus on just Jesus. When focusing on the amazing Lord and Saviour that He is, I find myself getting into a right spirit to connect with Him in prayer.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the graciousness of the LORD, and to visit early in His temple.

– Psalm 27:4

Thanksgiving (5 minutes)

List every possible thing that you can think of that you’re thankful for – big or small!

When I feel rushed in my prayer time, it is really hard to think of things I’m genuinely thankful for without feeling like I’m just going through the motions. When I’ve taken enough time to settle my heart in His presence, I end up bursting with gratitude. And in light of this current global pandemic, and so much social unrest surrounding race inequality, I have never felt more grateful to live in our little Canadian town, to have a home, a job, a healthy family, etc, etc, etc.

This season has been a huge perspective shift for me in that way. Realizing anew that every good and perfect gift comes from above makes it so easy to give credit where credit is due.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.

– Psalm 136:1

Worship (5 minutes)

Put on some worship music, or just speak out words, but take some time to lift up the Lord

You know what makes it really easy to worship God with sincerity? Taking five minutes to rattle off things you’re thankful for first. I mean, WOW! When we take time to acknowledge that God truly is the source of every good thing, worship of that God naturally follows.

I am intentional in choosing songs that focus on God and His attributes, rather than what He’s done for me. This is because I need the regular reminder that God is good, even when my circumstances are not. God is love, even when I feel unloved and unseen. God is faithful even when I feel betrayed and alone. And He DESERVES my worship whether I feel like it or not.

Though the fig tree does not bud,
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails,
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen,
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

– Habakkuk 3:17-18

Confession (5 minutes)

Acknowledge your sins before the Lord – sins of action, inaction, word, thought, etc. – and ask for His forgiveness and grace, and the strength to turn from them today.

If this is a touchy one for you, I’m sorry, but also, not sorry. There isn’t a soul on the planet who hasn’t done something wrong, or failed to do something right. Romans 3:10 says, “there is no one who always does what is right, not even one.” By the time I reach this category, I find it easier to recognize the sin that I need to repent of. And you know what?! God is SO much more gracious with me than I am with myself. I John 1:19 says, “if we confess our sins to God, He can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.”

So why WOULDN’T I take that baggage of mistakes off my chest?! I always feel so light and free and ready to face my day when I’ve given to God all my shortcomings, missteps, and failed attempts at getting it right. These are all fluffy words for “sin”, if they happen to make you feel better. But only God can make you free of them.

So I confessed my sins and told them all to You. I said, “I’ll tell the Lord each one of my sins.” Then you forgave me and took away my guilt.

– Psalm 32:5

Family and Friends (5 minutes)

Pray for anything you need for your spouse, kids, siblings, parents, circle of friends, etc.

I used to really struggle to keep track of the people I wanted to pray for. Now, I simply begin with my immediate circles and work my way out. If someone comes to mind who fits into a different category, I just save them for that category.

As a result, I don’t feel overwhelmed by long lists of people on my heart and mind. Instead, I am more invested in my loved ones, and have been so humbled and inspired by the answers to my more focused prayers.

Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need.

– Colossians 1:9

Sickness (5 minutes)

Think of any you know who are ill or in physical pain, and bring them before the Lord.

Much of this approach to prayer has been an exercise in obedience for me. A discipline to pray for things that really challenge my faith. I’ll be honest, sometimes, I just find it hard to pray for healing! I am still learning to have faith that God can truly heal. Although I have seen it, and I personally know people who have been miraculously healed, I also know people who haven’t. Where chronic pain continues, where a hopeful prognosis took a turn for the worse, where a life was so tragically taken. Where prayer was ceaseless, and the Lord just did not answer the way I hoped.

But in this prayer of obedience, I am learning to bring all of that to Jesus. All my doubts, discouragement, lack of faith, fear, and desperation. God wants healing for this broken world more than I do. So I pray for healing, but I also pray for His grace, mercy, peace, and joy to fill the hearts of the people I am bringing before Him. Because it’s incredible how God can lighten the burden of hardship when the burden is carried with Him.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

– Psalm 103:2-3

Church (5 minutes)

Pray for the church’s unity, mission, finances, and leadership.

The devil loves to see the Church in conflict. And we often make it so easy for him to cause division. Being united in Christ is the foundational step in getting anywhere with the mission of the Church. And what’s the mission? Well, every church will approach it differently depending on gifting and vision. But ultimately, if we are not drawing people to know Jesus and making disciples, we’re missing it.

Praying for the Lord’s provision in the finances required to carry out the mission is vital too. As the Church, we have an opportunity to put our money where our mouth is. And I’m increasingly aware that every time I spend money, I’m casting a vote for the kind of world I want to live in. Finally, pray for the leaders! James 3:1 says that, those who teach (lead) will be judged more strictly. They set the tone for both theology and practical living. These days, I pray more intentionally for wisdom in navigating “church” during the Coronavirus, and the fight for racial equality, especially.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what’s good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

– I Thessalonians 5:12-18

Land (5 minutes)

Pray for the prosperity and protection of your city, province/state, and country, and for the leaders at each level.

This was new for me to tackle on a regular basis. I never really considered how my prayers could make a difference on such a grand scale. But James 5:16 says that, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. If you confess your sins to God, and receive His forgiveness, you are in right standing with Him – righteous – and your prayers can be powerful and effective!

Has our world ever felt more broken? It feels like it’s straight up IMPLODING between a global pandemic and the culmination of centuries of racial inequality. Praying for our mayor, premier of Ontario, and Prime Minister has helped me grow in empathy and compassion for each one of them. I do not envy their burden of leadership and the hard decisions they’re forced to make affecting us all. Very simply, I pray that God would impress on their hearts to make decisions that honour Him and serve ALL people.

First, I want you to pray for all people. Ask God to help and bless them. Give thanks for them. Pray for kings. Pray for everyone who is in authority. Pray that we can live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior. He wants all people to be saved. He wants them to come to know the truth.

I Timothy 2:1-4

The Jewish People (5 minutes)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for blessing upon God’s Chosen People.

I had a hard time approaching this category at first because it just didn’t feel relevant to me in any way. However, I recently came across an excerpt in my Bible that I’ve included here. It’s referring to Psalm 122, and praying into this category completely shifted for me ever since!

In the psalmist’s day, Jerusalem was the physical place that God had set apart for Himself and in which He promised to live among His people. The name Jerusalem means “city of peace”, so it is only fitting that the psalmist asks worshippers to pray for peace to reign there.
In the Bible, Jerusalem can also refer symbolically to the salvation available in Jesus Christ’s church on earth and to His glorified church (the New Jerusalem) in heaven. In this context, to pray for “the peace of Jerusalem” is not only to pray for the literal city, it is a prayer that peace will reign within God’s visible church and His eternal rule over heaven and earth will be sure and will come soon.

Moreover, Romans 11 explains that God has not forgotten nor discarded Israel. He has a plan for His chosen people and Gentile (non-Jewish) believers get to be a part of it. We are encouraged to bless Israel. And God’s Word promises that God blesses those who do! The following verse is God’s promise to the patriarch, Abraham, regarding this very thing. This promise still holds true today.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

– Genesis 12:3

The Lost (5 minutes)

Pray for the unsaved in your circles, that they may know the Lord, and that you may be used of God to reach out to them; pray also for the missionaries you know, and for the global mission of the Church.

This category fills me with hope as I pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus. This is also when I pray blessing over this blog. I long to be a voice and a light pointing to Jesus and His amazing love. So I pray that God would use me through my writing. Praying intentionally for the people in my life who don’t know Jesus makes me that much more aware of how I actually LIVE my life. I also pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me and to give me wisdom and discernment in sharing God’s love with others.

Praying for the missionaries that our church supports has also become so special to me. Including them in my regular prayer time like this has never been easier. And it makes me feel that much more invested and passionate about their work throughout the world.

Here is what love is: It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins.

– I John 4:10

Protection (5 minutes)

Pray for protection against the devil and his demons, and for victory against his efforts in your life today.

For me, this doesn’t play out quite as “exorcist” as it may sound. But I do know Satan is real. He means me real harm, and he’s RELENTLESS in his attacks. The way this manifests for me is in my selfishness, my short temper with my children, pettiness with my husband, frustration with people I disagree with. Just me me me me ME MEEEEEE! I pray against the temptation to make everything about me. My needs, wants, demands. I ask God to help me recognize when the enemy is attacking so I can step back, surrender it to God, and not fight against whoever is threatening my false sense of “being owed everything”.

God has promised to meet all my needs in Christ Jesus. When I remember that, I find His peace, and that peace ripples out to those I interact with. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.“

But no weapon used against you will succeed. People might bring charges against you. But you will prove that they are wrong. Those are the things I do for my servants. I make everything right for them,” announces the Lord.

– Isaiah 54:17

God’s Will (5 minutes)

Pray that God fills you with the knowledge of His will, for the strength to walk in it, and for His will to be fulfilled in your life.

With 5 minutes left in our hour of prayer, we’re left with the question: So, what’s next? What will you have me do, God? Although tangible specifics would be nice, all I really want is to be more like Jesus. So I ask God to use whatever I face each day to draw me closer to Him and for the strength to do what He calls me to do.

In fact, this blog was born out of several months of praying just that! It’s been so fulfilling, enriching, and dare I say – invigorating, for me to do something that I KNOW God has called me to. Rather than just do random stuff, and hope God blesses it later. When you’re doing what you know you were created to do, you can be filled with so much peace. I pray you will come to know God’s will for your life through this simple prayer tool as well.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

– Ephesians 2:10

Final remarks: This list is not law. Here’s how you can switch it up!

• Break it up over a few days if a one-hour timeframe isn’t realistic
• Write out your prayers in a journal, and go back over answered prayer with a highlighter!
• Pray through this list while exercising, or out for a walk in God’s inspiring creation
• Use a stopwatch/timer to help you keep moving…
• …or skip the set times altogether and go with the flow!
• There’s no right or wrong, just a desire to show up and connect with the Lord

I’m always looking for new suggestions or approaches in prayer. Have you got any to share?
I’d love to hear your thoughts or comments. Let’s connect!

It’s been one month, almost to the day, since my world shut down. I know the timeline of Covid-19 is a little different for everyone, but that’s mine.

I have started, and re-started this post more than any other I’ve written thus far – probably over a dozen times. It’s such a HUGE topic, affecting literally the entire planet. Yet we are all experiencing and reacting to it a little differently.

I kept reflecting on what I could possibly say that would be of any value at this time. Y’all don’t need another person to tell you to stay home. And you could easily look up your favourite influencers who communicate more eloquently than I. But there’s just something about hearing someone’s personal experience that draws us in, y’know? So if you’re still reading, thank you!

Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed about this forced quarantine:

• Slow mornings with the kids – our internal clocks have shifted, so getting up later and not having to rush out the door is so nice.
• Tea time with my boys – rooibos with honey and almond milk for them, black chai with vanilla almond creamer for me.
• Not having to make school lunches every night – even though it feels like they eat ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY, the break from school lunches is still a win.
• Relaxed evenings together – lots of movies, games, or just sitting nearby reading with no extracurriculars to rush off to.

Here’s what’s been really hard for me during the quarantine:

• Solo-parenting despite husband working from home – he is busier than EVER getting the church services streamed online. So even though he’s home, we don’t see much of him.
• Being surrounded (bombarded) by my children AT. ALL. TIMES. – They aren’t bad kids, and they mostly get along, but being “ON” all the time takes its toll.
• Being my boys’ new teacher – one eldest child thinks it’s a good idea to wake me up begging to start his schoolwork before I am conscious. One middle child has speed-passed into the eye rolling angsty teen years now that he’s required to identify words that begin with S.
• Working from home – this isn’t new for me, I’ve always worked from home, but juggling that on top of everyone else being home has been a challenge.

So what’s been getting me through?

If you read my last post, https://fromtheoverflow.home.blog/2020/04/03/writing-these-words-on-my-heart/, you know that I go to my Bible when I want to speak into someone’s life. Well, this also applies for me personally! I don’t find much value in positive self-talk. Mostly because I quickly spiral into negative self talk. I prefer to go to God’s Word to see what He has to say about me, and how He might encourage me instead.

So here are some passages that have blessed me through this time, plus a little commentary or background info thrown in, free of charge.

For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.

– II Timothy 1:6

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I’m reminded that fear and anxiety are NOT from the Lord. What He has given me, because I’ve given my life to follow Him, is a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. He has equipped me to face hard days, sad days, overwhelming days, exasperating days, and everything in between. I don’t always get it right or do it perfectly, but this verse is a great reminder of what God has given me to help me!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.

– Isaiah 41:10

This verse has been a constant source of peace for me for many years now. I frequently need the reminder to not be afraid. I also need the reminder to not be discouraged. And I definitely need to be reminded of why! Because God will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up when I don’t feel like I can go on.

Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The enemy you see today will never be seen again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

– Exodus: 14:13-14

This is one of my favourite verses. The Israelites had just escaped slavery in Egypt but find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place: The Red Sea ahead of them, and the Egyptian army on their tail. Not surprisingly, they are in a panic. Moses tells the people not to be afraid! This looks like a hopeless situation. But they are told to simply trust in God more than what their eyes can see. STAND FIRM IN FAITH! And then watch how the Lord will fight for you. Just be still in His presence, and watch.

I sooooo need this reminder on the DAILY. To calm my heart, to be still, and then watch how the Lord will work things out when I don’t think there’s a way out. As God miraculously parted the Red Sea for the Israelites in a moment that felt hopeless, He can make a way for you and me as well.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

– Deuteronomy 31:8

This verse is another one my favourites! The context takes place during Moses’ final address to the nation of Israel before they embark on their journey to the Promised Land without him. When I put myself in their position, I’m certain I would be terrified to go on without Moses. He represented God to the people! If anything went well for the Israelites, it is because Moses was obedient, or Moses pleaded with the Lord for mercy on their behalf. He wasn’t just a strong leader, he was the only leader they knew! Everything about their lives was about to change: leaving the only home they had ever known, the desert. And with a new man in charge, Joshua. So much change, so much unknown.

But Moses reminds the people that the Lord is the most important CONSTANT they ever need. He goes ahead of us, and He is always with us. He will never leave or abandon us, so we don’t need to be afraid or discouraged.

²⁵ “I tell you, do not worry. Don’t worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don’t worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than eating? Aren’t there more important things for the body than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are? ²⁷ Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work or make clothing. ²⁹ But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all his royal robes was dressed like one of these flowers. ³⁰ If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won’t He dress you even better? Your faith is so small! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. ³¹ So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’ ³² People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. ³³ But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you. 
³⁴ So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

– Matthew 6:25-34

This is a longer one, but with so much uncertainty surrounding this Covid-19 pandemic, and especially how it has affected personal finances, health, and basically any aspect of normal life, I don’t think it has ever resonated with me more.

It is such a timely reminder to focus on just one. day. at. a. time. To trust God with anything and everything that might give me cause to worry. And to truly believe that the Lord will provide for my needs. He has been faithful to do so before, so I KNOW I can trust Him now.

The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light. He is like a shield that keeps us safe. The Lord blesses us with favour and honour. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

– Psalm 84:11b

There are so many promises throughout scripture that we can claim as followers of Jesus. This is one I especially cling to at this time. The Lord lights up my life and He is my protector. The Lord loves to give good gifts to His children and this is one of many verses that points to just that. When we follow Him and walk in His ways, we can trust that He will bless us, for our good and His glory. It may not be in the way we want, but it is always for His good purposes.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

– Philippians 4:19

I think it’s worth including verses from both the Old and New Testaments that speak of God’s promise to give us good things and meet all our needs. So, this verse is similar to the one above it in that way. When we commit our lives to Jesus, God promises to meet all our needs. And THIS is why we don’t need to worry, or be afraid. We can trust that He will provide a way, even when it looks like there is no way.

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

– Ephesians 3:14-21

This is one of those powerhouse passages that’s worth re-reading, or dare I say, memorizing! I don’t know where to even begin commenting on this one. But I am especially encouraged with verse 20 that states that the Lord is… able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I ask or imagine according to his power… Honestly, I find it hard to remain in a state of despair or discouragement when reading that. That the Lord can do more than I ask or even imagine? Not just a little more, but immeasurably more? Yes please! I’ll take some of that at a time like this!

If you’re not familiar with the Bible, or unsure about exploring it, these songs are another place to start. They have filled me with so much peace in this unprecedented season.

If these songs, or words of scripture are new, but have also been an encouragement to you, I’m so very glad.

If you have questions about any of them, or would like more suggestions, just HOLLAAA! (Because honestly, it was so hard to narrow down Bible verses and songs for this post… way more where that came from!)

I am very aware that this is a really hard season for so many. But I also very strongly believe that Jesus loves you and wants to give you peace through this time. He is worthy and worth it. Ask me about Him! He has never let me down. He is faithful and true.

Finally, If you’ve had someone specific in mind while reading this, I encourage you to share it with them! And please let me know if you do!

I am now living through my 4th decade of life. I don’t know what it is about the 4th year of each decade, or why they’ve been significant, but they have been. And I’ll explain shortly.

But first, the inspiration behind today’s post came to me from a small but special moment in the book of Joshua from the Bible. You’ve likely heard of the battle of Jericho. The walls of the mighty city of Jericho came crumbling down miraculously, all because God’s people walked around the city. Well, before that happened,

the Israelites had to make a long trek across the Jordan River to get there. Without boats or a bridge, this was an impossible task preceding an impossible battle against Jericho. But the Lord pulled through! He stopped the water’s flow so that the entire nation of Israel could cross the Jordan River by foot, on dry land.

Once they had crossed, the Lord told Joshua to have twelve large stones stacked together, one representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel. But why? 

In Joshua chapter 4 (no coincidence on the chapter number!) it says that these stones were to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. So, for no other reason than to commemorate what God had done! It continues with Joshua telling the Israelites,

“In days to come, your children after you will ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Their parents must tell them, ‘Israel went across the Jordan River on dry ground.’ The Lord your God dried up the Jordan for you until you had gone across it… He did it so that all the nations on earth would know that He is powerful. He did it so that you would always have respect for the Lord your God.”

– Joshua 4:21-24

So this blog post, in a small way, represents four stones that I’m stacking together as a memorial. Here is the story behind each one:

Being raised in a home…

with parents who follow Jesus, it is not uncommon for the children of Jesus followers to want to follow Jesus as their parents do. So it wasn’t a surprise that at the tender age of 4,

the first Year of 4,

my parents prayed with me to accept Jesus into my life as my Saviour; the formal beginning of my faith journey. I asked God to forgive me of the wrong things I had done and would do. I accepted that Jesus died for me so I could be free and could live with Him in heaven forever. I didn’t fully understand all of it, I still don’t. But I knew I needed Jesus, and that was an important start.

Fast forward a few years and by junior high I was teetering between following Jesus and doing my own thing. A little too loud, and a little obnoxious, but sincerely trying to see how God actually fit into my life! At the age of 14,

the next Year of 4,

I went to the Christian summer camp that I had attended for years, but now as a staff member for the first time. I wasn’t prepared for what the Lord had planned for me that summer. On my agenda: hang out with friends and meet all the boys, if we’re being honest…

Well the Lord had other plans because there were no takers. Nada. Not one. God was after my heart and everywhere I turned I was faced with staff who were modelling Jesus to me. They were kids themselves, just a little older than me, and I really admired them.

They knew how to pray. They knew how to worship. They knew how to read their Bibles. They knew how to love on people, especially the outcasts. And even though I had been a Christian my whole life, I had never really seen that kind of Christ-like love modelled by people my own age.

It was contagious. A fire was lit inside me, and a real change in my spirit occurred. I changed from the inside out, and it showed. 

People began to notice and tell me I even looked different. It was an external indicator of real heart change. The truth is I was actually and genuinely so full of joy that it was bubbling out of me. I was so happy, I couldn’t stop smiling. I finally understood how much the Lord had done to rescue me by sending His son, and I was excited to finally start living for Him. Following that summer, I got more serious about reading my Bible and praying, which was also when I started journalling my prayers. This change in me was also the beginning of exploring my career path. I started volunteering at a youth drop in centre and my desire to pour into youth was born. After a few years of being a leader at youth group, I knew I wanted to be a high school teacher.

After getting married and starting my career as a high school history teacher, I had fallen into a complacency in my faith. I knew I would never deny the Lord, or walk away from Him entirely, but I got lazy. I had fallen into a routine and the spark was gone. During my second year of teaching, I was 24 years old.

The next Year of 4 was upon me. I just didn’t know it yet.

I had time off before my teaching contract was due to start so I had the freedom to take a trip! I was invited by a group of women to attend a women’s leadership conference in North Carolina. I didn’t really have a reason to go since I wasn’t actually a woman in leadership. I was helping out at youth group, I led a small Bible study, but that was it. Nothing glamorous or note-worthy. Still, I went because I felt called to go, and it was truly life-changing. I was on fire once again, and excited about my encounters with the Lord and what would come of this new change in me. During one of the last nights at the main session, I received a word from the Lord. 

With a heavy beating in my chest and my hands shaking, there were two things the Lord was asking of me. The first was to get more serious about my prayer life.

To carve out real time each day to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence (Heb. 4:16). To intercede on behalf of the people He loves. And I did. The journaling I had started 10 years prior had slowly become more of a report on life events and that changed right away. Being intentional in praying about the things that matter has spurred on my faith as I’ve seen the Lord answer, provide, and move on my behalf.

The second thing I knew the Lord wanted of me was to start memorizing scripture.

I memorized a handful of verses as a child, but besides that it just wasn’t on my radar. But the Bible says that these words are to be on our hearts. (Deut. 6:4-9) We’re commanded to memorize scripture! And for good reason! I’ll have another post about this with more detail, but suffice it to say that this has been one of the richest aspects of my faith. I couldn’t stop memorizing Bible verses after that. 

Since then, we’ve moved churches, homes, and cities. So much change within each decade and being an ’86 baby, I am embarking on

my fourth Year of 4.

I already feel the Lord stirring and moving and pushing me into new territory with Him. I’m so excited for what’s to come. I won’t turn 34 for a few months yet but oh Lord, I. AM. READY. And I have a sense that this blog is part of that!

Can you relate to having significant milestones or special moments around certain dates, numbers, or ages?

Numbers are meaningful. And establishing memorials for yourself to remember the special things God has done is important too! We saw that through what God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to do thousands of years ago, and we’re encouraged to do the same today.

My prayer and hope is that in a small way, this blog can serve as a reminder to me AND to you that the Lord is still moving and saving and doing impossible things. To Him be the glory. Another Year of 4 is just beginning.