40 Day Prayer Challenge: Day 38 - Consistent and Persistent

Happy Sunday Gems!!!

A bit late on today's post since I'm not feeling well, but I still wanted to get this post and email out for you all before it got too late.

I won't lie -- I am stumped on what to even talk about -- LOL. I think it's hitting me with how quickly this is coming to an end. We only have 2 days left before this challenge comes to a close. I've been reflecting on how this went for me as an individual and as a whole for you ladies.

I've learned that I need to just saturate myself in prayer. I know that last two posts and emails pretty much stated the same thing, but as we close the only thing I can think of us is being rooted and saturated in prayer.

For me, this challenge has shown me where I'm weak at and where my strengths lie in prayer. I can intercede on behalf of someone easily, but when it comes to myself I can get stumped. I am getting better at verbally praying, but I also have so much more to improve on.

When I think back on these past six weeks, James 1:22-25 pops out at me:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

I used to always tell people to pray -- be it verbally or through journaling -- but then I fell off the wagon with doing it myself. God gave me this challenge for myself, but then told me to open it up. In doing so I was off and on with doing my own prayers.

I don't want to be the type to minister to others, but not follow what I'm ministering to them. This goes for Bible study as well. I've slacked off terribly with my Bible app reading plans, scripture writing, faith journaling and personal Bible study -- it's been about a week or two now.

I want to do the things I'm encouraging others to do and be consistent in doing them, but also giving myself grace at the same time if I miss a day.

I definitely plan to re-do this challenge and keep at it because it definitely forces me to be more intentional in my prayer life and focused.

I guess my point is about being consistent and persistent in prayer and having a strong prayer and study life. I'm working on that for myself this year because I know my prayer life can be weak and dry at times. I know the feeling of missing a day on prayer so just not wanting to pray. I also know the feeling of not knowing what to pray or fear of sounding "stupid" so avoiding prayer as whole.

This post and email may be all over the place, but I just love being transparent with you all as much as possible. I pray this helped someone today.

Journaling Prompt
Please be as true to yourself as possible when answering the prompt to get the most out of this challenge.

Reflect on these past six weeks. What's your strength and weaknesses concerning prayer? What have you learned about yourself?

Scripture
Today's scripture comes from James 1:22:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Prayer Journaling
Spend 3-7 minutes journaling your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Use the prompt.

Verbal Prayer
Take 5 minutes and verbally speak your written prayer. Pray out loud so that He can hear your voice. If your prayer is short, try to add to it. Use the scripture to pray today.

Listen
Sit quietly in a position that will not make you tired and wait on God. You may feel His presence, you may hear from Him. If you do, write down what He says or what you're feeling. Give yourself at least 2 minutes of pure silence to be able to hear from and feel God. This is a conversation, not a rant. Allow Him the opportunity to speak to you after you've spoken to Him.

Blessings,