Friday, February 22, 2008

The Power of a Prayer

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Last night as I was going to bed, I was feeling overwhelmed. I was feeling overwhelmed by several roles in my life, but especially my role as a parent.

How do you get two-year olds to listen? How can you motivate them to pick up their toys and not destroy things? How do you raise kids who want to love and serve the Lord?

I've been reading a great book this week: Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon. The main character, Father Tim, is someone I have learned a lot from over the years. In this book he is facing some tough issues and this is what his response was. He prayed:

"Lord, you got to do this thing, amen."

Those were the last words I read last night. They spoke to me. I realized all those things that were overwhelming me I was trying to do on my own strength. So I immediately followed Father Tim's example. I prayed. I committed all my worries to the One who can accomplish them. I prayed, "Lord you got to do this thing, amen."

And the peace came.

Earlier in the book, one of the characters made the following comment:

"It was all prayed about, every jot and every tittle. I wish everybody could understand what a powerful thing prayer is."

Prayer is powerful.

If you are feeling overwhelmed today, I want to encourage you to commit whatever it is to God. He can work all things out. He can do whatever thing needs done in your life.

Commit it to him and let his peace that passes understanding replace the worries that threaten to overwhelm you. He can do it, but you have to let go first.

"Lord, you got to do this thing. Amen."

8 comments:

christine said...

Thanks for sharing the encouraging words & a reminder of how big a God we serve.

Jami said...

Great post Megs! Thanks!

Jessica said...

Great words Megan...thanks for the encouragment...I always look forward to reading your posts.

Holli said...

see I figured out to get my 2 year old to listen then he turned 3 and had to change tactics now he is 4.5 and well I haven't figured it out!:) why do they have to change what works on you all the time?
I will pray for you and you pray for me!:)
totally off subject.....
Lost! Ok you better hurry this season is the best yet!:)

Tami said...

I'm going to remember that phrase, Megan. You know, I think that God loves to do miracles...but I don't ask for them enough. Why wouldn't He want to show Himself in a mighty way through the lives of His children? I've started asking for miracles...knowing that my faith cannot be based on whether He answers them in the way I think He should...but it's been amazing to see the miracles He has done in my life. Love you Megan!

Anonymous said...

I haven't seem Jim Diamond around for awhile.

johnsonfamilyof6 said...

I just wanted to thank you for those wise words about prayer. I just sat to read your post after putting our 4 little girls to bed. I struggled today with my 11 year old's pre-teen attitude, that left me feeling like I am totally failing as a mommy. I also just dealt with my crying over-tired 4 year old who did not want to go to bed before she ate 2 pretzels. Arh, it's been one of "those days" and I am so glad I ended it by reading your post.
Thank you!
Tanya

jody said...

Hi there.. I am a 'visitor' from Lysa's site, checking out recipes and such... but I have to tell you that this blog was such an encouragement to me. There are days when I feel like crawling under the bed because I just can't face the day with all the 'stuff' and 'challenges' we have had physically, financially and emotionally... but God knew before I was made... and He will do this thing. Thank you for sharing.