The National Day of Prayer and Praying 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Lord, please help every American to take it seriously and pray for our nation today. Put the want and desire to do so on all of our hearts, minds, and lips today, and make it a very strong desire.

Furthermore, Father God, make this desire to pray for our nation last longer than one day, but may it be a deep, daily, relentless desire. Teach us and help us to pray for our nation and our leaders at several moments every day. There is too much at stake for us not to do so. Our earthly lives depend on our consistent praying.

Take this passage, Lord. It proves what You have been putting on my heart, mind, and lips for hours, days, weeks, months, and years now:

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1 Timothy 2:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

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Pray for everyone, Lord, Your Word tells me. Pray any and every way I can think of for them. Then, this passage in the Holy Bible grows more specific. It says to pray for every leader, authority figure, and king. Then, it explains why. If we pray for those in leadership, then we can live a quiet and tranquil life in all dignity and godliness.

I pause as I take this in, Father God. Isn't that the truth? I cannot number all of the sleeplessness nights and stomach churning days in my life because of the turmoil and carelessness leaders tend to leave in their wake. Lord, if we do not want poor leadership, at any level, then it is our obligation to pray for them several times per day. Help me to remember to do so, Abba. Put the want and desire in me to do so and tell me what to pray, please. Guide me and instruct me.

Lord, I pray for all of the leaders in my life. From my home, to my Bible study leader, to my city, to my county, to my state, to my nation, to the Church, and of the world.

However, today, God, I pray in particular for our present president and the president elect. Help me to pray a great deal more for them each day and help this be a burning desire for me to do so. Lord, help them lead and make decisions according to biblical values, no matter what they might call them. I also ask that You bring them to Jesus Christ. Or, if they are followers of Christ, help them to pray the Bible without ceasing. Make all of their ways be biblical ways. And, I pray the same for their family and friends.

Help our leaders make this nation under God and in God we trust in a deeper, more Holy way than this nation has ever seen.

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, and by the power of his blood and resurrection.

Lord, teach me how to pray through Your Word

Lord, teach me how to pray through the Bible day and night.

Give me the want to do so.

Tell me what to pray. Put it on my mind and in my heart.

Teach me the meaning of each verse of the Bible and how I can pray it through for everyone and everything.

Prayer for the Day on April 08, 2016

Prayer: Lord, Jesus did nothing without his Father’s approval. Help me to live this verse in regards to my prayer life and in everyday life. I just want to please you, Abba, and bring you glory in all I do and in what I choose not to do.

John 5:30 Expanded Bible (EXB)

30 “I can do nothing alone [by myself; on my own initiative]. I judge ·only the way I am told [L as I hear], so my judgment is ·fair [just; right; righteous]. I don’t ·try to please myself [L seek my own will/desire], but ·I try to please [L the will of] the One who sent me.

Lord, teach me to pray this way

Lord, teach me to pray this way:

Isaiah 62:6-7New Living Translation (NLT)

6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls;
    they will pray day and night, continually.
    Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord.
7 Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work,
    until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lord, teach me how to pray

There are times I do not know what to pray because I am so stunned by what has happened. But, there is something far more prevalent in keeping me from praying as I want or should. I am not sure I really, truly, fully, deeply know how to pray. Or, at least I am scared that I don't. Therefore, I doubt if it would hurt if I prayed this prayer: Lord, teach me how to pray.
Almighty God and Holy One, if I am realistic, I do not think it is ever possible to learn enough on how to pray to You and communicate with You, the Eternal One and All-Powerful One.
And, I want to learn and know more about prayer just in general. I want to
Luke 11:1 Expanded Bible (EXB)
11 One time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his ·followers [disciples] said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his ·followers [disciples].”
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
Lord, teach me how to pray without ceasing for those touched by terror and for the terrorists. Show me how. Give me the words and remind me to pray about these things. Guide me.
Teach me how to stand in the gap and be a watchman in prayer aobut terrorism.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Messiah and Lord, my Redeemer and Strength, I pray that You bring each terrorist to believe in Jesus Christ--and if not, that You bring justice.
Thank You, my Rock and Refuge, for being the One who saves and that it isn't up to me to make or force someone to believe. Thank You for being all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, so You do not depend on me to bring people to believe--nor do You depend on me to bring You justice. You do all of that just fine on Your own. You are the One True God and You do not depend on man for anything.
Lord, help the wicked to know that there is a better way. In fact, there is only one true way.
John 14:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
14 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Lord, help terrorists to learn and believe in John 14:6.
There is something else that is strongly on my mind and in my heart right now, Lord. Protect people, in Brussels and anywhere else there is a plan of a terror attack. Put a hedge of protection around them.
Lord! You just spoke to me and made my prayer book aobut how to pray about terrorism very clear. You said that this is to be a book about "Spiritual Warfare Prayer and the War on Terror." Period. End of story.

Prayer Focus: Praying for the world and about terrorism

Saturday, November 21, 2015
Last night as I tried to fall asleep, I prayed. As I prayed, this came to me:
Lord, the world seems like it's falling apart at the seams. I realize there is nothing new under the sun as it says here:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done;
there is nothing new under the sun.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
The world turmoil is not new. We just know more about it because of the internet and social media. (For instance, when hearing about breaking news, social media is usually the best way to find out information because social media posts in real-time. That being said, you have to know most of the information is marginally true and is subjective, so you have to filter it for the facts later.)
Lord, none of this is a surprise to You. However, Lord, it is a surprise to me. It hurts knowing the suffering of people. I wish I could go give them a hug and just be there for them. I pray instead and I realize well this is best anyway. Prayer offers them more than anything or anyone of this world.
The world is in turmoil and seems so... ugly... Bleak. Hurtful and hurting. Busy. Lost. Confused. Angry. Sad. There are so many challenges and so much ugliness, God. We are all trying to find our own way and are trying to find some beauty and at least one blessing to count. First, there was Paris. Then, Mali. Then, now, there is a threat in Brussels. They are in lockdown and are on alert. Americans are told to leave there or not to go there.
Lord, so much ugliness in this world.
Where is the beauty? Where is the light in this dark mixed up world?
Wait. We are all looking inside of ourselves, and all around, so we are not looking where we should. We should look for You. We should seek Your face. You are eve good, beautiful, and light. You are our only hope.
As our hearts break...
As we learn of more ugliness...
As we crave beauty in this muck...
We should look for You. Search for You. See You alone. You will never fail us and always want what is best for us. You are our one and only true and absolute hope.
We should also remember how You have a purpose for and in everything.
Acts 17:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
27 He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Lord, I wish You didn't have to get my attention with events and circumstances. I wish I turned to You first and foremost... and I wish I stood in the gap and on watch without having to remind me and get my attention. Help me to remain focused on looking for You in all I do, think, feel, and say. You alone, Lord. In these times... You first and You alone. The world will fail me every time and is a man versus man world. You are the only sure foundation.
Isaiah 28:16 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem,
    a firm and tested stone.
It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
    Whoever believes need never be shaken.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I should search for You, seek You and Your face, at all times. Yes, Father, in the times of sunshine, clouds, rain, snow, and storm, we should seek You and Your face. First and always. For, when we do, You reward us and bless us.
Matthew 6:31-34 New Living Translation (NLT)
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Another terror attack? We should not worry. We should pray instead.
Lord, it is sometimes difficult to look for You in this vile and mixed up world at times that leads only to trouble. People are so self-centered they forget about You or are so focused on self they have never known You at all.
Psalm 53:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
For the choir director: on Mahalath. A Davidic Maskil.
1 The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.”
They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds.
There is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on the human race
to see if there is one who is wise,
one who seeks God.
3 All have turned away;
all alike have become corrupt.
There is no one who does good,
not even one.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Lord, help me be the one. Help me be the one who seeks You first. Help me be the one who stands in the gap. Help me seek You every moment. Help to stand on watch.
But, Lord... all of this can be difficult at best. I cannot possibly do any of this, let alone all of it without You.
First, Paris, then terror attacks in Israel, then in Mali, and now Brussels is on high alert. People are dying. People are being murdered because of a difference in belief and a difference in a way of life. Ouch. There's so much tumult and turmoil... I feel like I am drowning in this sea of ugliness. Therefore...
Psalm 63:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
A Davidic psalm. When he was in the Wilderness of Judah.
1 God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You;
my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
2 So I gaze on You in the sanctuary
to see Your strength and Your glory.
3 My lips will glorify You
because Your faithful love is better than life.
4 So I will praise You as long as I live;
at Your name, I will lift up my hands.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
I long for stability in this topsy-turvy world. I know that it's only found in You.
Lord, I know it isn't just me who struggles with these things and is grasping at anything to make sense of things and in order to stop myself from drowning in this sea of terror, never mind everyday life.
God, I realize that the fact that I am finding so much ugliness means in part that the terrorists are getting what they want. They want to disrupt lives. They want to cause terror and incite a war. I ahve fallen into that trap. That is why I should seek You first, always, and alone, so I do not fall into their trap and get my eyes off the prize.
Philippians 3:13-14 Expanded Bible (EXB)
13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not ·yet reached that goal [taken hold of it], but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the ·past [L things that are behind] and ·straining toward [stretching/reaching forward to] what is ahead, 14 I keep ·trying to reach [pursuing; chasing] the goal and get the prize for which God called me ·to the life above [heavenward; L upward] ·through [or in] Christ Jesus.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
My goal should be to focus on heaven, not on the things of this earth. The things of this earth are only temporary. Heaven is eternal.
Colossians 3:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Help all of us to turn to You and seek You. Helps us all to pray for what we should, when we should, in all things, for all things, and at all times.
I pray this for myself and for everyone who has been touched by terror the last few decades:
Psalm 91 New King James Version (NKJV)
91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Love, prayer, and terrorism

(Prayer about terror, standing in the gap, acting as a watchman for prayer)
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Here is a passage of scripture that separates Christians and terrorists:
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Ephesians 3:17-19 Expanded Bible (EXB)
17 I pray that Christ will ·live [make his home] in your hearts by faith and that your life will be ·strong in love and be built on love [L rooted and grounded in love]. 18 And I pray that you and all ·God’s holy people [T the saints] will have the power to ·understand [comprehend; grasp] the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is ·greater than anyone can ever know [beyond comprehension/knowledge], but I pray that you will be able to know that love. ·Then [L …so that] you can be filled with the fullness of God.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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The only way we can fully know love is through knowing Jesus Christ. His life is a representation of God's love.
If we know Jesus, we know love. True love. Unconditional love.
And, God expects us to show others this love.
This is what the terrorists lack. True, unconditional love.
Christianity is based on the love of God.
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John 3:16-18 Expanded Bible (EXB)
16 “[L For] God loved the world so much that he gave his ·one and only [only; unique; T only begotten; 1:14, 18] Son so that whoever believes in him may not ·be lost [T perish], but have eternal life. 17 [L For; Indeed] God did not send his Son into the world to ·judge the world guilty [condemn the world], but to save the world through him. 18 People who believe in God’s Son are not ·judged guilty [condemned]. Those who do not believe have already been ·judged guilty [condemned], because they have not believed in [L the name of] God’s ·one and only [only; unique; T only begotten; 3:16] Son.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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If you do not know Jesus, these verses mentioned throughout this blog post will not make sense. See the following verse for an explanation:
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1 Corinthians 2:14 New King James Version (NKJV)
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Here is a more simplistic version of the previous passage:
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John 3:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Here is a more simplistic version of the earlier passage:
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Ephesians 3:16-19 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, 17 and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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Our God is Love. And, He expects us to make love our focus--not judgment. (Also, He is the only one who judges. We do not.) Christianity is centered on love.
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Matthew 22:37-39 New Living Translation (NLT)
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Nowhere does the Bible say we are to judge other Christians. Nor does it say that we are to judge those who are Christians.
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Matthew 7:2-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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God does not tell us to murder other Christians we disagree with. Terrorists will murder, and have, others of their own faith who do not have the same faith and belief as their own. They do not believe in the saying: "Let's agree to disagree."
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Lord, help me to take all of these verses to heart and think on them so I can apply them to my life. Help me to fully grasp these verses. Then, I can pray more about terrorism and for terrorists. Help me to know You and Your love so much that it helps me to pray about terrorism, Father.
Lord, help me to fully, completely grasp and understand Your love. Help those touched by terrorism to know your love as well. Help this world to know Your love today--not tomorrow. Today and tomorrow even.
The love of Christ is perfect. The love He has for us and the love we have for Him. To know Christ is to know love. Without Jesus Christ, there is no love. There's false love and shallow love, but not true, deep, unconditional, eternal love.
Lord, help those touched by terrorism to know love through what they are going through. Help them know that circumstances and feelings cannot diminish Your love one millimeter. Love is beyond emotion and circumstance.
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1 John 4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. 3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.
4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.
13 This is how we know that we remain in Him and He in us: He has given assurance to us from His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
17 In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, for we are as He is in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because He first loved us.
20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen. 21 And we have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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Lord, I pray all of these verses and will keep praying them for those touched by terrorism and I pray this for those who do not believe--that they may know Jesus and these verses.
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Prayer about terror and standing in the gap

Note to the readers of this blog and my personal (prayer) journaling:
Reader of this blog and my personal journaling (and prayer journaling), I ask that you bear with me as I post a few blog posts today. However, since today is a self-declared prayer retreat for all the victims of terror this week in particular, I determined the material I have to share is too precious not to share. I hope to arm you with prayers as well regarding everyone that has been touched by terrorism in general and this last week.
There will be a couple of more blog posts as well today and through the weekend as well regarding praying about terrorism and all of those involved and all touched by terrorism.
Hence, if you enjoy reading this blog, and do not want to get bombarded by multiple blog posts per day, you might want to consider setting it up as a bookmark and checking it once a day (or more) and at your convenience. Otherwise, I pray each blog post I publish will be a timely one for you and you will not find it annoying to receive yet another one.
My goal is as of December 1st or so to limit my blog posts to one a day, but only five days per week. Until then, I want to arm us with as much material so we can fight the war on terror with the most powerful and effective weapon out there: With prayer. I hope to give you the material needed to do so.
Here is another passage about the importance of watching and praying:
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Nehemiah 4:8-9 Expanded Bible (EXB)
8 So they all made plans to come to Jerusalem and fight and ·stir up trouble [cause confusion/a disturbance]. 9 But we prayed to our God and appointed guards ·to watch for [L against] them day and night.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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Lord, I have thought for years how you want me to be a watchman of and for prayer and stand in the gap. Lord, help me to do so. Teach me fully what this means and how to put it into practice. Once and for all. If You want me to make this a full-time endeavor, please tell me. Guide me and instruct me.
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Proverbs 3:5-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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There are always slight nuances between versions or translations of the Bible. Just a one word difference adds more understanding so we can grasp further what God is telling us in His Word. This verse and translation is no exception:
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Proverbs 3:5-7 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
5     Trust the Lord with all your heart,
        and do not rely on your own understanding.
6     In all your ways acknowledge him,
        and he will make your paths smooth.
7     Do not consider yourself wise.
    Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
-- GOD’S WORD Translation (GW). Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group
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Lord, please guide me in my prayer life and in all of my prayers. Show me how to pray about terrorism and what to pray about terrorism. Help me to act as a watchman and to stand in the gap both. Help me to know what this means and apply this knowledge. Lord, help me to understand Your Word fully and be able to apply it fully as I pray for and about terrorism, for all those touched by terrorism and all of those who commit terrorism.
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Ephesians 1:17-19 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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Lord, the fact is not everyone can stand in the gap like I can. I am unique in what I can offer as I stand in the gap. Therefore, it is my responsibility to pray as only I can, as others pray only as they can. I understand that this is why everyone should pray. for, each of us bring something different to the fight.
I realize I am in a very unique position in my life in general and in my prayer life. My husband works. I stay home. We don't have two-legged children. Therefore, I can pray for an extensive period of time each day, on top of praying as I go and in my mind in God-talk, rather than self-talk.
Lord, how do YOU want me to stand in the gap? What does it look like with my gifts, talents, and abilities?
What does it look like just in general, god, to stand in the gap in prayer?
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Ezekiel 22:29-31 Expanded Bible (EXB)
29 The people of the land ·cheat others [practice extortion] and ·steal [commit robbery]. They ·hurt [oppress] the poor and needy. They ·cheat [mistreat; extort] foreigners and ·do not treat them fairly [deny them justice].
30 “I looked for someone to ·build up [repair; 13:5] the walls and to stand before me ·where the walls are broken [in the gap/breach] ·to defend these people [L on behalf of the land] so I would not have to destroy them. But I could not find anyone. 31 So I ·let them see [poured out] my ·anger [wrath]. I destroyed them with an anger that was like fire ·because of all the things [L bringing down on their heads all] they have done, says the Lord God.”
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
///
Lord, I know for a fact I have not prayed far more than I have--in general and regarding terrorism specifically. Even though I knew You wanted me to do so. I make praying for and about terrorism an intentional goal from time to time, but then I get off-track. And, then I stop. Lord, help me to stand in the gap in the way You want, for as long as You want, even if it means for the rest of my life. Help me to make this a priority--once and for all. Help me to finally and totally commit to the endeavor.
There is only one I can influence and control. That is me. Help me to do so. The fact is, I know how surely I cannot without Your help. Father God, teach me how and guide me. Be with me and Holy Spirit, speak for me when I don't have the words.
I want to stand in the gap about terrorism and be a watchman. Now, help me to learn what that means, Lord.
///
Or a more simple version of the passage:
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Ezekiel 22:29-31 New Living Translation (NLT)
29 Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice.
30 “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. 31 So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
///
Not one. You looked and there wasn't one who stood in the gap. Abba, I cannot even begin to imagine how often this has been me and will be me. However, Father, help me to focus intentionally and purposefully on standing in the gap regarding terrorism.
Forgive me for not standing in the gap as I could and for not being a watchman.
Forgive me for all of the times I couldn't sleep, because You wanted me to pray, but I didn't for whatever reason.
Lord, help me.
Now, let's look just at verse 30 in another version or translation of the Bible:
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Ezekiel 22:30 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
30 I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
///
Lord, I know that since September Eleventh, 2001, You have put standing in the gap, and acting as a watchman of prayer, on my heart and in my mind about terrorism. There have been times I have heeded the call. However, there have been other times I have not. As I have said several times already, and in different ways. Lord, help me to know how You want me to do this and help me to commit to do so. I cannot without You.
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Prayer retreat and prayer about terror

Prayer retreat and prayer about terror
I just read a really good article. Take a look:
Article and blog post title: "Should We Pray for ISIS to be Defeated or Converted?"
Link: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/russellmoore/should-we-pray-for-isis-to-be-defeated-or-converted.html
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It's also our responsibility to pray. If we do not pray for others, it's a sin. This verse describes how seriously we should take praying for others:
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1 Samuel 12:23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 Moreover, as for me, (A) far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but (B) I will instruct you in the good and right way.
Cross references:
1 Samuel 12:23 : Rom 1:9; 1 Cor 9:16; Col 1:9; 1 Thess 3:10; 2 Tim 1:3
1 Samuel 12:23 : 1 Kin 8:36; Ps 34:11; Prov 4:11
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
///
That verse applies to prayer for individuals, families, businesses, governments, organizations, countries, etc. We are told to pray always and about everything. Period. End of discussion.
So, how do we do this? How do we put this into practice? Here are a couple of hints and tips:
Rather than doing self-talk in your mind, do God talk. Talk with the Lord. Turn all your thoughts to Him. If you journal make Him alone your audience, then all journaling, and all thought, becomes prayer.
We can, also, pray in the background as we do our everyday life's activities, as we work, as we clean, as we drive--and... While we converse with others. We can have prayer going on in the background and at all times.
Prayer is something that God wants us to do at all times, for all things, and there is no exception. Through talking to God in our minds, and in our journals, as as we do all that we do, we are praying at all times.
1 Samuel 12:23, however, is talking about a specific type of prayer: Praying for others.
This is my goal and aim today. It was one week ago that there were the six Paris Terror Attacks (on Friday the Thirteenth) and there was another terror attack in Mali today, never mind all of the other terror attacks that have happened this week. There were several. This gives me/us a great deal to pray about and for. We can (and should) pray for: the victims of the terror attacks, their familes and friends, the first responders, the military, the government, the church (all Christians as a whole, each denomination, and each church in the world, and all Christians indiidually) and the world response of each attack.
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Now, I am going to stop about how to pray, and why we should pray, and start praying. (It's about time. 1130 a.m.)
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My personal prayer journaling and prayers on Friday, November 20, 2015:
Lord, first of all, I pray that the Holy Spirit conveys everything to You that is on my heart and in my mind. I know for a fact I will not get all of the words out on the page. This week has been intense at best. So many things have happened. I do not know if it is possible for me to pray for all of it in words. That being said, God, I do pray that You help me to do precisely that.
This week has been... What are the words to use here? Tragic. Terrible. Full of turmoil. Emotional. Mental. Thought provoking. Tough. Surreal. A surprise. A week of grief and fury. A week of conviction. Stirring. Motivational. Heart breaking. A nightmare. Sad.
I cannot even begin to imagine what Paris, Jerusalem, Mali, etc. are going through... Three places with terror attacks this week. I lift all of them up to You. Comfort them. Bring them closer to you. Help them to seek You. After all, You alone can bring them the comfort they need.
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2 Corinthians 1:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
///
He is the one and only true source of ALL comfort. Complete comfort. Without exception. All comfort means precisely that--ALL.
Lord, bring everyone involved and immpacted by all of the terror attacks in the alst forty years, plus this last week in particular, know ALL of YOUR comfort. May they seek comfort from You, the true source of comfort--and in no one and in nothing else.
Just that verse is a comfort. It's a balm that soothes the mind and heart.
Let's also be realistic. If any of us have watched the news over the last week, we have all been touched by terrorism, whether we acknowledge it or not.
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Romans 5:3-5 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 [L Not only this, but] We also ·have joy [rejoice; boast] ·with our troubles [through suffering/trials/persecution], because we know that ·these troubles [suffering; trials; persecution] produce ·patience [endurance]. 4 And ·patience [endurance] produces [tested and proven] character, and [tested and proven] character produces hope. 5 And this hope will never ·disappoint us [let us down; or put us to shame; dishonor us; C honor and shame were among the most important values in first century culture], because God has ·poured out his love to fill our hearts [or flooded our hearts with his love]. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
///
Romans 5:3-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
///
The only true way to learn about true hope is through experiences, through living it. The true hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. This brings the peace that transcends our grasp and understanding (see Philippians 4:6-8). This true hope is something we can stand strong in. Our hope in Jesus will never fail, for He will never fail, has never failed. Lord, help all of the world to know the only true source of hope. It is Jesus. It is found in Him alone.
///
James 5:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
///
Psalm 105:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Search for the Lord and for His strength;
seek His face always.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
///
I pray this verse for all touched by terrorism. The only true strength and comfort there is can be found in Him alone.
Lord, help them to search for You. AND, help them to search for YOUR strength alone. Human strength is finite and comes from sinful people. Your strength, however, is limitless, infinite, and is perfect.
///
1 Chronicles 28:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
///
In times of suffering... in times of terror... when we are trying to make sense of the unthinkable and unimaginable, the only thigns we can do is turn to the Lord. It's also the only things we should do.
Lord, help every individual, group, business, church, organization, military, government, and nation that is touched by terrorism this week and in the past, learn to seek You and Your Word alone. Without hesitation. With faull heart and mind. After all, when we search for You, You promise that we will, without fail, be found by You.
///
Hebrews 11:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 [L And] Without faith no one can please God. [L For; Because] Anyone who comes to God must believe that he ·is real [exists] and that he rewards those who ·truly want to find [earnestly/sincerely seek] him.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
///
And, if we seek You, You will reward us. You will bless us.
Isn't Your blessing what we need most in times of trouble?
///
Psalm 46:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
1 God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
///
Oh, help people to know this verse firsthand, Father.
Help all who have been touched by the terror attacks this week in particular know this verse personally.
///

Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism so I can pray effectively about terrorism

Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism so I can pray effectively about terrorism
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Personal journaling written on Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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I would love to do a great deal more personal journaling and learning about Islam and its holy text. However, I am finding it difficult to considering all of the news stories that keep coming out today. It seems a full time job just keeping up with them.
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Huckabee: Govt's #1 Goal Is Protecting Americans, Not the 'Image of Islam'"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/17/huckabee-govts-1-goal-protecting-americans-not-image-islam
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Bolton: U.S. Is 'Barely a Bystander' as Russia, France Strike Syria"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/17/new-info-putin-orders-navy-work-france-against-isis
///
Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Under Attack: Israel Suffered 609 Attacks In October"
Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/11/17/under-attack-israel-suffered-609-attacks-in-october-n2081922?utm_source=thdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl_pm&newsletterad=
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "'Speechless': John Kerry's statement on Charlie Hebdo attack is 'mindbendingly awful'"
Link: http://twitchy.com/2015/11/17/speechless-john-kerrys-statement-on-charlie-hebdo-attack-is-mindbendingly-awful/
Me/My Commentary: I cannot wait to hear the spin he and the administration put on this. Whenever someone in the Obama administration says something this extreme, they come out and try to explain it -- and usually the explanation makes things worse. I also cannot wait to hear what people say and the silence of people on this remark. How can a terror attack ever be legitimate? How can murder of one individual ever be legitimate? Let alone multiple people -- and because of a difference in belief? Kerry is acting as a representative of the American people and he says this. Another--pardon?
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252 p.m. I am wound up now. Between Kerry and the president, and what they did today, I am fired up and furious. They represent the American people. Shouldn't that mean something to them? Shouldn't that mean something to us -- the American people? Shouldn't that say something to us?
I know I am supposed to try to look at things from an unbiased perspective. But, I am having a difficult time of it at the moment when the facts show me that the Obama administration is a disgrace to the offices they hold, to the country--past and present, and to the American people.
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And it gets better. (Not.)
Article/News/Current Events:
Title: "A Man is so Disturbed by What TSA Lets Him Bring onto Plane…He Turns Himself In"
Link: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/11/473648-a-man-is-so-disturbed-by-what-tsa-lets-him-bring-onto-plane-he-turns-himself-in/?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=afternoon-newsletter&utm_medium=owned
Me: TSA is supposed to protect us. Right?
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I am realizing that in the past, I've read an article and have shaken my head, and quickly moved on. Isn't this the problem with our world? We need to stop just shaking out heads and moving on. We need to take a stand. Speaking out about these things, voting, and sending letters to our representatives is important. However, far more importantly, shouldn't we commit things, events, and people to prayer? Fierce prayer? Instead of shaking our heads and doing nothing? SHouldn't we commit to praying about that which we shake our heads--without ceasing--and make sure to commit these matters up with the Lord?
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "CNN asks the questions we should all be asking about Islam"
Link and Source: http://www.glennbeck.com/2015/11/17/cnn-asks-the-questions-we-should-all-be-asking-about-islam?utm_source=glennbeck&utm_medium=contentcopy_link
Me: These are questions to think on and research.
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Prayer is the only answer given the mess of this world.
Prayer is the only thing that can truly change things.
Prayer is the only thing every single person can do to fight terror.
Therefore, the best prayers to pray are effective ones. Effective prayers are informed prayers that know the facts, the history, and how history shapes current events.
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Email I just sent my mom:
So... The prayer thing...
My stomach is so upset. The news has me wound up and fired up. That's when God told me the importance of prayer--prayer like I have never done before. And, to keep praying--and when all else fails--pray some more. When I am doing something, anything, I need to pray. When I am busy, I need to pray. As I read things and learn things, I need to pray. Pray is the only hope we have in this mixed up, twisted up, prideful, busy, lack of God-fearing world.
What else can we do?
And, what is more important than prayer?
///
So, how do we pray about current events and terror anyway?
What does that even look like?
And, what does ceaseless prayer look like in this world?
And, what does effective prayer look like? How do you pray effectively about terror and current events?
All questions I want to ponder and answer in my personal journaling.

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 17-18, 2015)

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 17-18, 2015)
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NOVEMBER 17, 2015, TUESDAY
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Current events to know about on November 17, 2015:
Article 1)
Title: "ISIS Attacks in Paris: The West's Failure to Comprehend Evil"
Link: http://www.christianheadlines.com/columnists/breakpoint/isis-attacks-in-paris-the-west-s-failure-to-comprehend-evil.html
Article 2)
Title: "President Obama's false choice against the Islamic Stat"
Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/president-obamas-false-choice-against-the-islamic-state/2015/11/16/1c75a984-8c8b-11e5-acff-673ae92ddd2b_story.html
Article 3)
Title: "Russia says Metrojet flight 9268 brought down by bomb; Putin: 'retribution is unavoidable.'"
Link: http://twitchy.com/2015/11/17/russia-says-metrojet-flight-9268-brought-down-by-bomb-putin-retribution-is-unavoidable/
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My Personal Journaling
I've been reading about the Koran and have founded yet another book to add to my resources.
I must admit, this is quite the undertaking and I am beyond intimidated. Is it possible for a staunch Christian, American patriot, conservative to be able to look at Islam, their sacred text, terrorism, and the conflict in the Middle East--through the lens of history as I look at current events--and be open-minded? The truth is, I think that terrorists cannot be reasoned with, because they have 1,400 years of tradition and belief--unshaped by time. They look at the history while we look at both modern day and history (or should). This creates some tension, to say the least.
So, can I be objective? I am trying. I keep telling myself, "Just the facts." As I want to learn the facts of history and their beliefs.
I also want to learn as much as I can. I really would want to be a subject matter expert. For, then, my prayers against terrorism can be as effective as possible. This is my drive. This is my purpose. This is why I am daring to try to learn about all of this.
I want to be informed. I do not want to have to quote what others say. What people say can be wrong. I would rather learn the facts for myself.
Right now, I do have to look at what others say in order for me to understand the facts and history. Then, I will embark a journey of looking at primary resources. I will take what people say, though, with the proverbial grain of salt and will form my own opinions based off of the facts I learn from them. I will sift through their commentary and find the facts. Then, once I understand the tenants of Islam, and their holy text, then I will look at primary resources. I will also look at several different historians and what they say about this rich history.
As a Christian, I find this task quite interesting. Just last night, I read the introduction to the book of Galatians, which I am doing with a Bible study group, and I learned how the book of Galatians is older than Islam and the Koran. This makes it rather difficult for me to look at just the facts, I must admit. If an New Testament book, which is the younger part of the Bible, is older than what I am studying, it and it is, then I am forced to pause and remind myself how people believe with their whole hearts in Islam and the Koran, though, they are younger than the Bible. People believe in this and will die for it. They believe this is the sacred. Granted, this makes me wonder, though. Do they define the sacred as I do? Who do they say their god is?
I must admit that I also find it difficult to think of worshipping a god that needs defending. Is this my misunderstanding? Do they not believe in this way? The terrorists. I am under the impression that they believe the one they worship needs them to kill others who do not believe for him. Is this correct? Or, is this my Western, Christian bias coming through? The One I worship can smite out anyone He wants, any time He wants, and does not need me to defend Him.
Am I incorrect? Am I highly biased? Or, am I ignorant of their belief?
I will begin with the facts. I will learn the facts. I cannot be biased with facts. And, the truth is, what fact do I really know about Islam, their holy text, and terrorism? Not much at all. Not even a smidgen. I am illiterate with the text and...
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BREAKING NEWS: Passenger tried to enter a cockpit of an airplane heading to Boston. 1144 a.m.
My commentary: Oh, Lord! Thank You for stopping it. I will keep checking the news to find out more information. This sounds like an act of terrorism.
Article 4)
Title: "Passenger reportedly restrained after trying to enter cockpit on British Airways flight"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/17/passenger-reportedly-restrained-after-trying-to-enter-cockpit-on-british/
Me: Was this a female terrorist--or someone that is not quite right in their head today?
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On to better news regarding health and coffee:
Article 5)
Title: "Moderate coffee drinking may be tied to lower risk of death"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/11/17/moderate-coffee-drinking-may-be-tied-to-lower-risk-death.html?intcmp=latestnews
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At any rate... I have learned of Islam and the Koran in the past and remember what I learned. But, I didn't study either thoroughly. So, is my knowledge inaccurate or is it accurate? This is why I want to study the facts for myself. I want to try to realize all of my opinions and knowledge might be false. I want to learn the facts so I can make sure my opinions and knowledge are correct and accurate. I want to do my best to be unbiased. I want to learn the facts and the facts will speak for themselves. I will not need to do so.
Isn't that how you can tell truth? Or, should I say Truth with a capital 'T?' Truth is fact. It needs nothing and no one to defend it.
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1212 p.m.
The truth of the matter is, I sit down with my now six resources and I stare at them for a moment with big eyes. Which should I open first? And, when I do, will it make sense?
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Prayers and Blessings,
Stacy Duplease
Blogs:
RYP Stories http://rypstories.blogspot.com/
Prayer and Terror http://prayerandterror.blogspot.com/
A Journaling Odyssey http://ajournalingodyssey.blogspot.com/

Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 16-17, 2015)

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 16-17, 2015)
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The purpose of my personal journaling is to get informed about the history and current events of terrorism, so I can pray effectively. That's it in a nutshell.
I am sharing this with you via blog form so that you can learn from the research that I do. I will give you the original sources so you can research it further and fact check what I say. I will share my opinions and what I think based off of what I learn. It is my goal to do the research so you don't have to, if you don't want to or have the time to do so for yourself.
The truth is I am biased. I am starting with the opinion that terrorism is wrong and that over one thousand four hundred years of ideology cannot be changed overnight. However, I want to know what they believe and why and the facts of the history and current events regarding terrorism.
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I am a journal keeper of 33+ years and I journal all day and night long. Therefore, I journal multiple times each day. Rather than put each journal entry as a separate blog post, I will include all of them in a daily blog post.
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Current events articles for November 17, 2015
I'm going to include current event articles each day to help us stay informed. I will put them in the order in which I receive them.
Article 1)
Title: "Obama: The Current [Failing] Strategy We're Putting Forward Against ISIS Is Ultimately The One That Will Work"
Katie Pavlich | Nov 16, 2015
Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2015/11/16/obama-the-current-strategy-were-putting-forward-against-isis-is-ultimately-the-one-that-will-work-n2081404
My thoughts: If what we were already doing was working, why did a Russian jetliner get taken down by ISIS? And, why did the Paris Terror Attacks happen? If we were effective in our strategy, these things would have been known about in advance and stopped.
Article 2)
Title: " Obama: Paris terror rampage a 'setback'"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/16/obama-facing-criticism-for-push-to-contain-isis/?intcmp=hpbt1
My thoughts: Saying that a terror attack is a setback is heinous. It minimizes the deaths and those wounded. It allows the people who died to die in vain. It is absolutely sickening that the President of the United States would use such a phrase. He is supposed to be a leader. I am, frankly, shocked at how callous he is in using this phrase. If he sees this as a mere 'setback,' how can he effectively fight terrorism?
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In order to understand terrorism, it's important to learn about the history of Islam and the Koran (Quran). In order to learn the most I can about Islam, the Koran, and terrorism, it's important for me to learn about the founder, Muhammad.
Timeline
570 Muhammad was born.
610 Muhammad's revelation of the Koran began in 610 in a cave near Mecca. The cave was called the Cave of Hira.
610 Then, the same year, at the age of 40, Muhammad's prophethood began when the Angel Jebreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and called him the Prophet of Allah.
632 Muhammad died.
From these facts, we can do some math. 2015 - 610 = 1,405.
Islam began 1,405 years ago or thereabouts.
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418 p.m.
Article 3)
Title: " Sadly, Glenn's prediction about Paris comes true"
Link: http://www.glennbeck.com/2015/11/15/sadly-glenns-prediction-about-paris-comes-true/
Article 4)
Title: "The Strategy Continues As Is: Breaking Down Obama's 'Striking' Remarks on Paris Terror"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/16/obama-refers-paris-terror-setback-hemmer-baier-break-down-striking-remarks
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NOVEMBER 17, 2015, TUESDAY
Article 5)
Title: "How One Unlikely Man Stopped the Stealing of Thanksgiving" by Ann Voskamp
Link: http://www.incourage.me/2015/11/a-story-how-one-unlikely-man-stopped-the-stealing-of-thanksgiving.html
Article 6)
Title: "Russia joins France striking ISIS stronghold in Syria"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/17/france-carries-out-fresh-isis-airstrikes-as-report-claims-allies-targeted-paris/
Article 7)
Title: "#F**kParis' — 'Black Lives' Show True Colors On Twitter"
Link: Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2015/11/16/fkparis-black-lives-show-true-colors-on-twitter/#ixzz3rlDcRgMw
Prayers and Blessings,
Stacy Duplease
Blogs:
RYP Stories http://rypstories.blogspot.com/
Prayer and Terror http://prayerandterror.blogspot.com/
A Journaling Odyssey http://ajournalingodyssey.blogspot.com/

The world has changed

The world has changed.
(Personal journaling entry #2. Written November 14, 2015.)
The world has changed.
How many people realize this? And how many of us are too oblivious to realize this truth? And, do I realize the full ramifications?
The Paris Terror Attacks mean our world is far different than it was prior to Friday, November 13th, 2015.
In fact, people are once again saying that World War 3 has begun.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray every individual, every country, believes both these things to be true. Please help us to be active in our realization of these two new realities and to fully act on these things. Help this to drive every Christian to learn fully about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, and terrorism. Help us to gain the full understanding of these things so our prayers can be as highly effective as possible.

My ineffective prayers about terrorism

(Journal Entry #1 of Prayer and Terror. Written on November 14, 2015, Saturday)

Why have I started this personal journaling series, which I will share in a blog (which I will then later turn into a published book)? This is why:
My husband and I have date night every Friday night and we decided to go to an early to dinner on November, Friday the 13th since we were hungry. As we drove there, my cell phone made the notification sound which let me know I most likely had a breaking news alert. Hence, I decided to check it, and sure enough, at 247 p.m. we learned of explosions in Paris, France. (Was it a new terror attack?) There were also reports of gunfire and at least two people were dead.
We both said, "Oh, boy..."
As we sat there in the restaurant, we kept receiving news alerts and the numbers of dead and wounded kept growing, along with the details of what happened (and was happening) in Paris. Needless to say, "Oh, boy," grew to, "Oh, Lord." The last was a form of a prayer when we just could not find the words.
Our hearts fell as we prayed.
It sure sounded like terrorism.
To make matters worse, as we sat there at dinner, we read of a news report about how Christians in Indonesia are experiencing jihad after imams say how they will keep hunting Christians and burning churches.
These two news reports left us rather stirred up about the need to take a stand against terrorism and fight terrorism.
{NOTE: The numbers I share were what were being reported at the time. Therefore, when all is said and done, these numbers will be different. We will know in a week or two the true numbers of the Paris Terror Attacks.}
Then, when we got home, we headed straight to our television and watched to see what was being said about Paris. Was it being called terror yet? We quickly learned how the situation only grew worse by the moment. There were around 100 hostages in the Bataclan Concert Hall. Then, things got worse. People said on social media how the terrorists were executing people one by one. Then, things got even worse. People said how the terrorists in the Bataclan were throwing hand grenades in the faces of the hostages. Then, things got more intense when it was reported how there were five explosions outside the Concert Hall. Next, police went in the Bataclan and 12 or so were rescued. In the end, that stopped the terror attacks last night and we are still waiting for the final murdered and wounded counts.
The Paris Terror Attacks were not known about ahead of time, according to initial reports. There was no known chatter specifically about attacking Paris. (As I type this on Monday, November 16, 2015, we are hearing differently.) Hence, it was a surprise attack. France was already on heightened alert after the Charlie Hebdo attack on January 07, 2015.
So, France didn't hear chatter. Neither did we (the USA). This realization was and is rather disturbing. In the past, we would have. This shows how much we have regressed.
Also, the Paris Terror Attacks happened eight hours after President Barak Obama announced on television how ISIS was "contained." He said this even though they took a Russian Jetliner in the last week and it killed around 200 people on board. (Pardon?)
A couple of days prior, a terrorist known as "Jihadi John" was killed in an airstrike. (Note: I need to look him up and this information up later.)
Also, The USA has been attacking Syria and has stepped up its efforts in the war on terror (slightly and minutely).
The six Paris Terror Attacks have me stirred up and have left me stunned. It has made wonder several things. For instance, what can I do personally, if anything, to fight terrorism? And, how can I understand terror and the beliefs of terrorism? Can I? (And just because I might understand what they believe, it does not mean I support it or need to do so. Nor does it mean I have to be politically correct.) Are the terrorists part of a 'radical' form of Islam? Or does Islam have militant tendencies? What does the Koran (Quran) really say? What is the history of the Crusades, the conflict in the Middle East, and terrorism?
How can I pray about terrorism?
How can Christians take a stand? Should Christians take a stand?
What should we pray specifically about terrorism?
September Eleventh was over fourteen years ago and I realize how little I still understand about terrorism, Islam, and the Koran, never mind the history of all three--and what the history of all three have to do with current events. Therefore, I am forced to ask a troubling question. How can my prayers be effective, let alone fully effective, if I do not understand this history and current events of Islam, the Koran, and terrorism?
Stop.
Let me repeat that.
How effective can my prayers be if I do not understand Islam, the Koran, and terrorism--past, present, and in the future?
The answer is simple and straightforward. My prayers are ineffective at best because I cannot pray specific, pinpointed, targeted prayers about terrorism if I am not fully informed about the current events and history of Islam, the Koran, and terrorism.
Period.
If I am not fully informed about Islam, the Koran, terrorism, the Crusades, the conflict in the Middle East, al-Qaeda, ISIS/ISIL/IS, I cannot pray effectively. My prayers, if uninformed, are like me having a dart, and I am spun around and blindfolded, and am told to hit an one-inch target from a mile away. How do these prayers help anyone? And, how do they advance the kingdom and will of God? (They don't.)
Therefore, it is my goal to get schooled in Islam, the Koran, the Middle East, and terrorism--in the past (history), present, and future of each. I want to become a subject matter expert so my prayers can be fully and completely effective.
All that being said, let me me perfectly honest here. I have not even prayed against terrorism as I could or should. I haven't prayed about terrorism far too many times and days. More to the point, I have been silent in prayer regarding terrorism far more than I have uttered one word of prayer about terrorism.
If I had prayed like I could or should, would the Paris Terror Attacks have happened at all--or would they have been at least lessened?
I have bought four books to start my education.
I am starting this personal journaling series, which I will turn into blog posts, which I will then turn into a book or two. After all, I am certain I am not the only Christian who feels this way, who is not informed about the history, and is concerned about praying in the most effective way possible regarding terrorism--past, present, and future.
I think it's critical for each and every Christian to pray about terrorism. And, our prayers should be as effective as possible.
ISIS is not a JV (or jayvee) team and they are not contained in the slightest. Nor are they in retreat.
Terrorism is an evil ideology. We need to understand the magnitude of the threat of terrorism. We are at war. We can deny it and run from it, but terrorists have declared war on us. Hence, we need to make our prayers count and be as effective as possible. The only way to do that is to know and understand the history and current events.
PRAYER: Lord, please help Paris and the victims of the Paris Terror Attacks. Guide the French government, the first responders, and military. Guide the world to make a proper response, Lord. Father, help me to grasp their ideology, the conflict in the Middle
East, and terrorism. I am tired of having small and ineffective prayers about terrorism. Teach me and guide me, Lord.
/////
Miscellaneous Information:
ISIS stands for Islamic States of Iraq and Syria.
ISIL stands for Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.
ISIS is also known as ISIL, Daesh, and IS.
IS is Islamic State.
ISIL was founded in 1999 by Abu Musab as-Zaqawi.
/////
Timeline of Muhammed, Islam, the Koran, Terrorism, and the Middle East
2015
January 07, 2015 Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in Paris, France.
November 13, 2015, Friday The Paris Terror Attacks in Paris, France.

Paris Terror Attacks on Friday the 13th

After the Paris Terror Attacks on Friday the 13th, I decided it was time to research and study everything that I can about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, the Crusades, terrorism, and the history and current events of each.

Why?

I want my prayers to be effective as possible and if I don't understand all of this, know it, and understand it, my prayers about terrorism simply are not effective.

I owe all of the effective prayers I can to Paris and all the victims (and their families) of terrorism, past, present, and future--and the first responders and military (and their families) who have, are, and will fought terrorism.

Prayer is the only way I can fight terror personally and I want to be as effective as possible.

On this blog, I will share what I learn, process, and pray about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, terrorism, and the history and current events of each.

Prayers for Spiritual Awakening and Revival #1

A BLOG OF PRAYERS
This is a blog of prayer. It is meant to help us learn to pray 247365 (24 hours a day, seven days per week, three hundred sixty-five days per year) and develop the self-control to do so.
After a great deal of deliberation, I realized something. I think we do not pray because we do not know how to pray or what to pray. Then, to further complicate our lack of prayer, we get busy and/or sidetracked. So, what if we carried around with us at all times prayers based directly off the Word of God, the Bible? Wouldn't this teach us to pray and give our minds something else to keep busy with, one that pleases God since it is commanded by Him?
How different would our personal lives be if we prayed 247365 and filled our minds and hearts with prayer, rather than on junk and the superfluous? How much different would our neighborhoods, towns, cities, states, churches, countries, and world be if we did? The fact is if every Christian were to pray 247365, we would not recognize ourselves or the world.
Praying without ceasing, and thanking God for everything, along with meditating on the Word day and night are commands given to us by God. If we were to pray, pray verses from the Bible, and do so morning, noon, and night, then we would please God. Then, our faith would increase in a dramatic fashion, and our world would be nothing like it is now.
The prayers offered on this blog is for that purpose. It is my goal to turn this blog into the largest collection of prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, and based directly off the Word of God (the Bible), on the internet.

PRAYER HINTS AND TIPS: FOR THIS PRAYS 247365 BLOG
Please pray all the prayers. Do not skip one. There is a reason why God put it in front of you to read and pray at this time. You may not see it or understand it at the time, and it might not make sense at all, but trust God. He will use your prayers and will answer each of them in time, so pray all of them and do not skip any. After all, while the prayers may not apply directly to us at the time, they might have in the past or will in the future, and they most certainly apply to others in this world. Intercede and pray the prayers for them, even the unknown faces, if they do not apply to you.
We are to oray for self and for others. Hence, I also ask you to pray each and every prayer for these focuses: yourself, for those in your home, your direct neighbors (in front, back, and to both sides), your direct family, your distant family, your friends, your block, your neighborhood, your schools, your town or city, your church, your denomination, your state, your country, the persecuted, the Church as a whole, other specific countries, the lost, and the world as a whole. This is what can make one of these prayers last for the next 24 hours alone as you pray.
Pray thoroughly and completely. Do not pray just a simple blanket prayer. Pray for every single person to receive an answer to at least part of the prayer.
Pray specifically.
Prayer journal as you pray and keep a record of your prayers. That way, when they are answered later on that day, or up to decades later, you will remember your prayer and trace (track) how it was answered over time. Therefore, prayer journal as much as possible and at least several times per day.

BLOG TO BOOK
In time, I will edit each of these prayers and add to them and will publish them in a book format from time to time. I will publish them in the order on this blog in two to four books per year and then will publish them once a year divided into topics. I will also offer multiple books in one as well so you can save money and not have to buy several books.
However, you can also just read them off of here for free, but they might not be as polished as they could be. I will try, though.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR OWN PRAYERS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
Also, feel free to interact with me and with one another, share your prayers, prayer requests, answers to prayer, etc. on this blog by attaching a comment at the end if any blog post. How you do that is by clicking on the envelope. Or, there is a contact form on the right hand side of the blog toward the bottom and you can include any correspondence there as well, whichever is easier for you.
Let's make this a prayer community.
Also, make suggestions, ask questions, etc.
Do you want to join the prayer team on this blog? Attach a comment or use the contact form. Let's pray for one another, the Church, and the world. Let's pray for a Spiritual Awakening and a revival.
I look forward to hearing from you.

PRAYING FOR THE NEWS AND CURRENT EVENTS
I will tweet and Google+ articles to pray for and about each day. So, please take a look at them at any of the following:
twitter: @Prays247365 https://twitter.com/Prays247365/tweets 
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/109155391641093838203/posts 

LET'S PRAY NOW FOR A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AND REVIVAL
This is the other purpose for these prayers and for this blog.
Our world is experiencing a holocaust, along with the utter depravity of mankind, even within our churches.
Prayer is the only solution.
If every single Christian prayed at least daily for the focuses of prayer I have mentioned, our world would experience a Spiritual Awakening and revival larger, more powerful, more God-centered than the world has ever seen. Every one of us would be forever changed and transformed.
Now, imagined what would happen if every single Christian made it their goal to pray 247365 and without stopping.
If the world frustrates you, concerns you, breaks your heart, causes you to question, etc., try this. Pray without ceasing for everyone in the world. And, then pray for a Spiritual Awakening and Revival.

WARNING: THESE PRAYERS ARE NOT FANCY, PRETTY, OR EASY PRAYERS
We live in a world that tends to like the easy, the fair, the fast, the pretty, the kind. However, the Bible and Christianity require he opposite. If your Church, Bible study group, Bible studies, or Christian Living books are any of the previous (the easy, etc.), run! They are not based on Truth. The prayers I will share will not be easy, etc. They will be based on Truth. If a prayer does not make you feel stirred up and convicted, I question if you are praying what you could or should. Our prayers must cause a stir today in our silent, world-centered, busy, chaotic, loud, sin drenched world. If our prayers do not stir, then we are going for the easy. Our way is anything but.
Shall we get started? Let's pray.

EZEKIEL 16 NASB PRAYER
This prayer and passage is a rather weighty one. It's also quite long. However, once you read it, I think you will understand why I am sharing it now and first thing. Our world needs to hear this. Our nations, states, cities, neighborhoods, families, homes, and individuals all need to hear this message. After all, words from thousands of years ago reflect today. Read it and see what I mean.
Pray the parts of this passage at least for each of the following focuses: yourself, for those in your home, your direct neighbors (in front, back, and to both sides), your direct family, your distant family, your friends, your block, your neighborhood, your schools, your town or city, your church, your denomination, your state, your country, the persecuted, the Church as a whole, other specific countries, the lost, and the world as a whole.
It is a chapter about wandering from God and the Bible and is also about idolatry. It's about loving other things and other individuals before and instead of God. Then, it talks about God's love and forgiveness when we repent and turn to Him first and foremost once again.
Pray and prayer journal about this today and this evening.

Ezekiel 16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem, “Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite, your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. 5 No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born.
6 “When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ 7 I made you numerous like plants of the field. Then you grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments; your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.
8 “Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord God. 9 “Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. 10 I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. 12 I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. 14 Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares the Lord God.
15 “But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing. 16 You took some of your clothes, made for yourself high places of various colors and played the harlot on them, which should never come about nor happen. 17 You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. 18 Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My oil and My incense before them. 19 Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing aroma; so it happened,” declares the Lord God. 20 “Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. Were your harlotries so small a matter? 21 You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire. 22 Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood.
23 “Then it came about after all your wickedness (‘Woe, woe to you!’ declares the Lord God), 24 that you built yourself a shrine and made yourself a high place in every square. 25 You built yourself a high place at the top of every street and made your beauty abominable, and you spread your legs to every passer-by to multiply your harlotry. 26 You also played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and multiplied your harlotry to make Me angry. 27 Behold now, I have stretched out My hand against you and diminished your rations. And I delivered you up to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd conduct. 28 Moreover, you played the harlot with the Assyrians because you were not satisfied; you played the harlot with them and still were not satisfied. 29 You also multiplied your harlotry with the land of merchants, Chaldea, yet even with this you were not satisfied.”’”
30 “How languishing is your heart,” declares the Lord God, “while you do all these things, the actions of a bold-faced harlot. 31 When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot. 32 You adulteress wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband! 33 Men give gifts to all harlots, but you give your gifts to all your lovers to bribe them to come to you from every direction for your harlotries. 34 Thus you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus you are different.”
35 Therefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord. 36 Thus says the Lord God, “Because your lewdness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered through your harlotries with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your sons which you gave to idols, 37 therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, even all those whom you loved and all those whom you hated. So I will gather them against you from every direction and expose your nakedness to them that they may see all your nakedness. 38 Thus I will judge you like women who commit adultery or shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy. 39 I will also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. 40 They will incite a crowd against you and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. 41 They will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. Then I will stop you from playing the harlot, and you will also no longer pay your lovers. 42 So I will calm My fury against you and My jealousy will depart from you, and I will be pacified and angry no more. 43 Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged Me by all these things, behold, I in turn will bring your conduct down on your own head,” declares the Lord God, “so that you will not commit this lewdness on top of all your other abominations.
44 “Behold, everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb concerning you, saying, ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ 45 You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and children. You are also the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite. 46 Now your older sister is Samaria, who lives north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lives south of you, is Sodom with her daughters. 47 Yet you have not merely walked in their ways or done according to their abominations; but, as if that were too little, you acted more corruptly in all your conduct than they. 48 As I live,” declares the Lord God, “Sodom, your sister and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. 50 Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. 51 Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half of your sins, for you have multiplied your abominations more than they. Thus you have made your sisters appear righteous by all your abominations which you have committed. 52 Also bear your disgrace in that you have made judgment favorable for your sisters. Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they, they are more in the right than you. Yes, be also ashamed and bear your disgrace, in that you made your sisters appear righteous.
53 “Nevertheless, I will restore their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and along with them your own captivity, 54 in order that you may bear your humiliation and feel ashamed for all that you have done when you become a consolation to them. 55 Your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to their former state, and you with your daughters will also return to your former state. 56 As the name of your sister Sodom was not heard from your lips in your day of pride, 57 before your wickedness was uncovered, so now you have become the reproach of the daughters of Edom and of all who are around her, of the daughters of the Philistines—those surrounding you who despise you. 58 You have borne the penalty of your lewdness and abominations,” the Lord declares. 59 For thus says the Lord God, “I will also do with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.
60 “Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. 61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both your older and your younger; and I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of your covenant. 62 Thus I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, 63 so that you may remember and be ashamed and never open your mouth anymore because of your humiliation, when I have forgiven you for all that you have done,” the Lord God declares.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.