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The act of writing, of sharing the circumstances, the gifts and the graces planned and carried out by my Savior and God brings joy, peace, and contentment to know that He has my life in His hands. My prayer for those who read, who share in what I continue to learn each day, many times through my weakness, is that you will be encouraged to look for God's presence and grace in your life also.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A book study opportunity...

Ephesians 6:18
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

A couple of years ago a dear friend gave me a book that has been such an encouragement to me the area a prayer.  When Shannon handed me the book she said, "You once said that you wished your prayer life were better...If you read this book it will be."  [You can also read this earlier post I wrote: "the beginning"]

I thought okay, we will see.  I mean I had read other books, great books on prayer, but none that had brought about a real difference.

I guess I always thought that was my fault.
   I wanted to pray,
      I wanted to see God work.
           I wanted to talk to my Father often;
But I didn't...
    I didn't take the time to pray on a consistent basis,
         I didn't get up early enough,
              I usually fell asleep when I prayed
                —I even used prayer in the middle of the night to put me to sleep.
Obviously I wasn't doing very well.


So I listened to my friend's advice and started reading A Praying Life by Paul E Miller....and couldn't stop.

And what happened was—
    "I began praying more, a lot more, after just one chapter."

So over the next months, I recommended this book to a lot of people.  Many of those who took my advice have shared their excitement over praying and what they are seeing happen. One woman told me she is on her fourth time through the book.

 Last year I actually took eight weeks after our Women's Bible Study ended and many in our small group continued to meet one day a week and talked about what we were learning from this little book....and we watched God work.  We watched Him answer prayer in not only our lives but the lives of those around us, the ones we were praying for....and then we thanked Him for His grace and answered prayer.

John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

I feel strongly (the Holy Spirit) that I should do that again, so this year I'm opening it up to anyone who will make the commitment to come.  We will meet on Thursday mornings at 9:30 (2 hours) at my house (Rockrimmon area) and we will share about what we read that week and pray. (We will read 2-3 chapters a week.)

This will not be a formal study but just a sharing about what we read that week and how God is changing us.

There will also be tea in real tea cups on the deck (when warm enough) along with birds and waterfall sounds.

Schedule: April 26 — June 14
Please pray if God would like you to be involved....and then let me know if you plan to come.  (phone, email, comment here, or FB)

•There are some who don't live in Colorado Springs....would love to have you....(smile)  But since you can't, why don't you get the book and read it with us.  You can post your comments via email and I will share with the group
OR you can begin a little group of your own.  Would love to hear what happens in your group(s).

The book is available at Amazon (there are even used copies) or in the Narthex at the church.

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Darnly,
    ...my favorite subject! Learning to abide...if I lived in Colorado Springs, I would so be there...but know that I'm going to check out this book next time I'm at the bookstore!

    I'm reading Jesus Calling as well. My favorite is from March 21st: My power is absolutely unlimited! Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet, drawing My power into your neediness.

    Thanks for coming over to www.athirstforGod.com

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  2. I've heard of that book and think I'll have to add it to me "to read" list.. which sadly, I am woefully behind on but I figure I'll get there someday.

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