Today’s Reflection
DEAR GOD, I do not sail calm seas. I am driven by tempests of emotion. Help me to harness these to the purposes of your kingdom, for unharnessed they drive me to the rocks upon which both I and my relationship with you are broken. I surrender myself and my emotions to you. Amen.
– E. Stanley Jones, with commentary by Tom Albin
How to Pray
From page 45 of How to Pray by E. Stanley Jones, with commentary by Tom Albin. Copyright © 2015 by the E. Stanley Jones Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Pray today’s prayer. Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Psalm 26:1, NRSV
This Week: pray for persons struggling with addiction. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
9 Comments
Yes, Father, my emotions roil up the sea. Unguarded, I can be pulled asunder. I strive to keep my eyes on You, surrendering emotional uneasiness at Your feet. Holy Spirit – give me the words to pray, the ears to hear Your quiet comfort, the eyes to seek Your path, the faith to carry out The Father’s will. You, Father, created emotions – might they ultimately drive us closer to You.
Yes, Andrea – so good to pray generously. I love that. How true – prayer draws the pray-er closer to God. Ahhh, the economy of grace and Our Father.
Father – I join (new) Mary in her petitions to You, for her family. May she and her daughters find comfort amidst this uncertain time with her husband. May You be the balm for their wounds, the nearness they desire.
Prayers of guidance for Julie and her daughter in job searches. May she also have a measure of Your comforting presence.
Yes, emotions can carry us away. We can be euphoric or completely the opposite. Over the last 20+ years I do think I have become more patient. A lot of energy can be wasted if I become angry or upset. That energy is better directed to positive goals.
Thankful for yesterday, a very good start to a new month, prayers for resolution and healing for those with addictions. There is steady helpful progress toward a financial situation that will be helpful in making the move
next year. Thank You, Lord.
I’d enjoy the bagpipers and Celtic music, I tried to imagine the French and Indian War battle that was reenacted. Washington was in that area with Braddock and I think there was a battle at forts in that area of PA. Thanks for the prayers for Erich and me.
Glad Betsy had a safe trip.
Yes, I’m sure we all hope for good news from Marcy.
Prayers for two Marys. Peace and resolution for a divided family and thankful for AC in hot humid Singapore weather.
Gloria, Larry, Jill and Becky are in my prayers as they are all affected in some way by cancer.
Connie’s posts carry a lot of feeling and faith in a few words. Thank you, Connie.
Prayers for Andrea, Lowell, Andrea’s daughter, grandson, and son – in – law.
Prayers for Lou and her children and Mom.
Thankful for the UR and all who come. Blessings and God’s peace to you.
Thank you, Robert….And thank YOU.
I so agree with the passage today. I often feel a slave to my emotions, giving in to despair and doubt instead of turning it over to God. In my Bible Study we are reminded of Joshua who was commanded by God to go into battle. When he questioned Him, God reminded him that the battle was already won; God had it under control.
So comforted by the words of this group of believers in posts from yesterday. Jill, Robert, Andrea, Mary and Connie- I learn so much from your insight!
Praying for our new Mary, that she find comfort and resolution with her exhusband and daughters.
Our prison ministry is preparing for another weekend in early November, so I humbly ask for prayers this day for our Team of servants and the women who will be stepping out in faith and joining us as Guests. Allow us not to be swayed by emotional turbulence, but hold steadfast in God’s will. Have a great day all!
Thanks for all your prayers!
All to Jesus i surrender!
Grateful for fellowship with a classmate at lunch.
Grateful also for a movie, hair spa and tuition.
Blessings to all and may all be well!
Yes, “All to Him I freely give”.
Yes, especially lately I find my emotions drawiing me away from God. I long to feel His calm and assurance enter my heart.
Prayers for Jill and Gloria’s health and any pain. Prayers for Larry as he is under much stress.
Prayers for Robert and Erich and God’s plan for them. Robert, your knowledge of history amazes me. Yes, Braddock and Washington fought here. There is a town of Braddock that was the setting of a film about the famous furnace work there. There are also many forts the most well known is Fort Pitt which is located at the confluence of the three rivers.
Prayers for Betsy and her prison ministry. May cool heads prevail during the weekend of faith and fellowship.
Prayers for Marcy and Lucy. Marcy, I pray your headaches and other physical issues subside soon and that your government benefits are reinstated soon.
Prayers for Connie and her insights and faithfiles words that speak to my heart and soul. Thankful for warm days again, electric blankets for my kitties, and still green leaves.
Prayers for Mary from Singapore and her parents. I pray that the school has air conditioning as well.
Prayers for Mary and her daughters. The alienation of one’s children is one of the sharpest of pains. May the Lord move their hearts to reconciliation.
Prayers for all of this UR family, silent or sharing
It is a gloomy day here, and I have to admit I feel gloomy also. But that will pass and I am thankful that our garage door repair was a simple one yesterday. There is a lot to be thankful for in my life and so Thank You Jesus for all you do for me.
I need to hear some Celtic Thunder music. Thanks, Robert, for bringing it to mind.
“Onward Christian Soldiers” (with the cross of Jesus going on before)
Add Comment