Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Speak Intentional Prayer is the most intimate and fulfilling way to have relationship with our Lord. Without that conversation with Him we will flounder. I have found this to be a true stabilizer in my life. Sometimes I simply sit and listen, saying nothing, just feeling close to Him and waiting for direction. Sometimes I ramble because my soul is in such turmoil that my mind needs Him to settle me. Sometimes I’m fixated on the pain of others and asking for Him to intercede in the lives of someone I love. But in all times I’m intentional in spending time with Him. I’m reminded of the story of Nehemiah and his prayer to the Lord. He went to God with an open heart, admitting sin and shared his pain for his people. He was intent on focusing on God’s promises and trusting that He was faithful. And that trust enabled Nehemiah to be joyful. I feel that same joy even when my circumstances may not always warrant joy. An article I read provided 5 key elements to intentional prayer and I find it helpful.
- Take action in prayer with a heart open to God – Hold nothing back.
- Look to benefit others – focus on others
- Take responsibility- I am 100% responsible for how I think, feel and act.
- Focus on a promise – trust on God’s outcome
- Respond with joy – live as if your prayers have been answered already
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Live Intentional Health, I have to admit is not my strong suit. But as I’m getting older, I’m realizing that I better start being more intentional. I have although worked very intently on my emotional & spiritual health but my primary struggle is in the area of my physical health. But God has been talking to me heavy about this subject lately. I’ve entertained external ways to battle the problem and God has closed the door to them, telling me that this is an internal issue that I need to deal with. So here I am, open to God and you, admitting this battle. But I’m focusing intently that God is on my side in this and He will give me what is needed to fight this battle. So now is the time for conquering the struggle with my physical health.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Love Intentional Relationship with God and others for me is the foundation of my life. I absolutely love people. I’ve always loved but I haven’t always been able to show that love openly. It wasn’t until I fully grasped the love that He has for me, that I was able to love fully. But man it can be hard sometimes! People are not the easiest to love! Hum……..I bet God thinks that about me a lot! To love others I have to be intent and sometimes make myself do that which is possibly uncomfortable. Loving others and loving God is not about what I get out of the relationships, it’s what I can give to them. I “do” because my heart truly wants to. But through it, I always gain more than I give!
Lord, it’s my time to be still with You! I thank You for the people that You have blessed me with and I pray for their hearts and I pray they will know the love that You have for them. Please Lord be with the hurting, there are many. I come to You open to my struggles and trusting that You will give me what is needed to beat the battles with in me. I am at peace within even if the outward seems to be at war. I love and thank You. Amen!
Rhonda Gould Coaching & Consulting 