Day 21 of Prayer: A Good Name

I've linked up to Hannah's blog for today's day of prayer post. She took the words right out of my mouth. The only thing difference about our pregnancies is that she and her husband have decided to wait to find out if they're having a little boy or girl. So as you read her prayer, remember ours is focusing on seeking the Lord for finding the best name for our little fella.

Day 20 of Prayer: Guidance

Proverbs 1:1-7 says

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

    but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction.

Father,
Fearing You, trusting You, listening to You, and reading Your Word gives us guidance and understanding. And we know that guidance provides discretion, discernment, and wisdom. As our little one grows from a boy to a man, direct his steps. May he not be foolish or selfish, and may we as parents put Your kingdom above this world at all times, so he too will gain understanding and guidance about what is really important. Thank you for giving Your Son. May we gain guidance from his examples of the live he lived on earth, for without Him we would never know You.
Amen.

**Next day here**

Day 19 of Prayer: Uncles

1 Samuel 20:42
⁴² Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. ’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.^[a]

Lately I've noticed that when Adam and I have been out and about at any mall or department store there are a plethora of onesies that say, "I Love Auntie" but there's no such loving for the uncles! Yesterday I praised the grandparents our children will have and today I want to share how thankful I am for our children's uncles; mine and Adam's brothers.

Adam and I have three brothers: my brother Nathan, and Adam's two brothers, Luke and Joel. Each of these men have a heart and service for the Lord. They have the qualities and characteristics of godly men whose presence our son will be surrounded by, and we couldn't be more pleased! Although Jonathan and David were close friends, and not brothers, the concept that these two as brothers-in-Christ would continue to honor and watch out for the others family/descendants is exactly what we expect and know our brothers will do for us. We are blessed beyond measure to have brothers that drive long distances to see us, help with house projects, and give in any way shape or form they can. Praise God for brothers/uncles!

Father,
I am reminded that you provide us with friends who are there for one another, especially those whom we need spiritually. The friendship Jonathan and David had was as close as brothers, but more importantly than that, they were friends/brothers in Christ. How precious the gift of brothers and friendships are. We praise you for the men that our brothers have become and we ask that the relationships they have with us, each other, You, and our son will be encouraging and uplifting always. May our son learn and grow up to adore his uncles and be encouraged to live like them, putting You first.
Amen.

**Next day here**

Day 18 of Prayer: Grandparents

1 Timothy 5:4 

⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

Father, 
Thank you for our son's grandparents! Adam and I praise Your name for the parents You blessed us with. We are grateful and gracious to have parents that taught us about You, Your Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit through the reading of Your Word. We seek to honor them by following their example. Help us to teach our children and to direct them as our parents did for us. May each of our parents' lives be long and rich by the blessing of having grandchildren. We pray our children will learn to listen and love them, gaining knowledge and wisdom from the example they serve. And may Adam and I be strong and faithful just as they were and continue to be. We love You and praise You for the gift of grandparents.
Amen

**Next day here**

Day 17 of Prayer: Fatherhood

Deuteronomy 5:16
¹⁶ “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Proverbs 4:1
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Father,
I praise Your name for the work that You have done in mine and Adam's lives. I thank You for the marriage we have and for the husband you gave me. He is kind, generous, thoughtful, patient, giving, funny, sweet, and works so very hard to provide for us and our little one. Though he is not loud or especially outgoing, he leads by example and by humility. I ask that You be with him in this journey of fatherhood, prepare him. Continue to speak to him through the teaching and reading of Your Word. May he seek Your will always and lead our family by honoring You first.  And please be with me, as an encourager and as his help-mate to be there for him. Please guide him and direct him as he raises our children. May they honor and listen to his instruction and discipline so that they will have prosperous lives, live long, and gain wisdom. And may we continue to strengthen our marriage during this time as we anxiously await our precious little one.
Amen

**Next day here**

Day 16 of Prayer: Patience

James 1:19 says
¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry;

Colossians 1:9-11 says
 ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[e] 10} so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience

Father,
You above all else stress the importance of patience. Anger and impatience does not bring about the righteousness you desire (James 1: 20). As the weeks pass, I am reminded that soon, Adam and I will be parents, too. Oh Lord, how we seek Your desire for righteousness by being patient and slow to anger. Help us as we strive to do our best in parenting. We know that there will be days of trials and tribulation; help us to be patient with our little one, remembering that losing our patience or becoming easily angered serves no purpose and helps no one. We look to the example of the patience Your Son bore while taking on the sins of this world. How precious it is that we can come to You because of Your Son; who brought about the righteousness You desire. Praise be to You!
Amen. 

**Next day here**

Getting Back on Track

I told you I'd participate in a 40 days of prayer journey during this time of pregnancy. I have not forgotten about it, and perhaps this is something I should have disclosed from the beginning, but I'm posting on the forty days during the week, Monday thru Friday and enjoying the weekends with family and friends. However, last week I missed the entire week due to work. I went back and was not expecting the load of work. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband and department and we got through it together! So even though school is starting back up tomorrow, I will be getting back on track with the 40 days and I hope you'll continue to join me!

Day 15 of Prayer: Purity

Psalm 119:9-12

⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
¹² Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.

Father,
In a world consumed with identification and selfish gain, we seek truth and purity by remaining focused on Your word. Your word is faithful and true and never leads us astray. In hope of setting a Christ-like example, help us as parents to "live according to your word" -- help us to be doers, not just listeners (James 1:22-23) of it. Help us to live out daily the Word which is planted in us. We seek Your will and that as part of it, you'll help us to raise our son with a desire to serve You and remain focused on what is pure. We know what the world offers and how corrupt and depraved the heart of mankind is, we pray for the ability to protect our child as we show him what it means by spending time daily with You. You are to be praised always. For Yours is the kingdom, power, and glory, forever.
Amen

**Next day here**

Day 14 of Prayer: Gender Reveal

Jeremiah 1:5

⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;

Father,
Before our baby was formed, You knew the gender of our child and kow what kind of person our they will grow up to be, and as the parents of this child we dedicate HIM to the You. How wonderful it is and amazing it is that we  know who we are asking the Lord to set apart, praise the Lord for what He has done!
-Amen.

**Next day here**

Day 13 of Prayer: Gender

I'm sure at some point you knew this verse would come up. It's very traditional when it comes to pregnancy and babies, but it certainly fits today so well. I blogged just a quick bit this morning about how I felt like a kid at Christmas--I woke up at 5:17am and couldn't fall back  to sleep because I was soooo excited about finding out the sex of the baby. So before tomorrow's big reveal, it's truly a blessing that at least for today, only our family will know, but be sure to stay tuned in tomorrow for the BIG reveal!

Psalm 139: 13-18

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand —when I awake, I am still with you.

 Father,

Thank you for this child that you have blessed our family with. What a joy and an honor that we get to be parents to this specific child, one that You have knit together in my womb. Although You knew what this child was and what it looked like before our appointment today, we'd still like praise Your name for what a truly incredible experience, that we were able to see inside the womb and discover what You created. All is healthy and  well. Just like David says above, Your works are wonderful! We praise Your name for bringing this little one into our lives. How  precious indeed that You thought to give us such a gift. We love You and all  that Your Son did for us and what the works of the Holy Spirit continue to do!

-Amen. 

**Next day here**

Day 12 of Prayer: Strength for my Child

Luke 2:40
⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.  

Father,
Though this passage is talking about your Son, I ask that you would watch over the child in my womb. Allow him or her to grow and become strong. May the days of his or her life glorify You and Your name. May they gain knowledge and understanding by growing close to You, relying on the strength You provide, and not their own. 
Amen.

**Next day here**

Day 11 of Prayer: Strength for a Mother

Proverbs 31:17; 25
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

1 Corinthians 16:13
¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 

Ephesians 6:10
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 


Father, 
These verses are a reflection of what it means to be strong. I ask that as a mother, I would be strong in my faith. Not doubting You and Your will. Allow the necessary physical changes my body needs to make in order to make way for the rest of a strong and healthy pregnancy. During this time of preparation, I know the task before me (labor, delivery, and caring for our little one) will be tough and I ask that you make Adam and me strong enough to endure it. Let us not be reckless and always be mindful that the way to parent our children is by following Your example. You Lord, are gracious and abounding in all things and we know we can rest in the shelter of your wings, for you are strong and mighty. 
Amen. 

**Next day here**

Day 10 of Prayer: Run the Race

Acts 20:24²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Father,
Help me to  train as if I were an athlete. Training for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wholeness as I run the race to serve You. May those who standby encourage me and not hinder my progress. May this race be proof that it's always worth running. Give me the endurance to handle the rough times, especially now that Adam and I will be my parents. Help us to make the best choices that will honor You. May we remain hydrated by taking in Your word and sharing who You are with others. For in the end, the prize is worth the race.
Amen.

**Next day here**

Day 9 of Prayer: Rest

Psalm 62:5 says

⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.

Matthew 11:28-30 says²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Oxen Yoke

Our only rest in life, truly comes from the Lord. It doesn't come from going to a spa and getting a manicure or pedicure. It doesn't come from getting a massage or relaxing in a hot tub. We're attentive to our physical needs as life happens, but our soul should continually strive to find rest in the Lord. Finding rest in the Lord is the only area we will truly find peace and happiness. I love the second verse especially because a yoke (see picture) is essentially a heavy load to carry. Usually, two oxen are yoked together so that one can help the other out and the weight isn't too burdensome for they are both sharing the load. If we take the Lord's yoke, he tells us in advance that it is light; he will help us carry the load. How blessed are we that in fact he did take the weight of the world on his shoulders by dying for the sins of the world.

Father,
Help me to continually keep my mind on You and to find rest in you daily. I know I can find this rest by spending time with You in Your word and in prayer. During this time of pregnancy, we have forty weeks to wait and rest in You in preparation for getting ready for our little one. I want to be the best mother, just as Adam wants to be the best father, but we know first and foremost we must take care of our spiritual needs. Help us to give daily to you our worries, burdens, trials, temptations, etc. and know that you are right there with us, carrying the yoke.
Amen

**Next day here**

Day 8 of Prayer: Obedience

When Hezekiah became ill, to the point that he was going to die (and that was even confirmed by Isaiah) he turned to the wall and prayed, asking God to remember how he had served him, then he wept bitterly. Because God heard Hezekiah's prayer he chose to give him an additional 15 years to live. In response to that, Hezekiah wrote a response to his illness and recovery, the following verse is part of that.


Isaiah 38:19
 ¹⁹ The living, the living—they praise you,
    as I am doing today;
parents tell their children
    about your faithfulness.

and 

 Colossians 3:20
²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Father,
Help Adam and I to be faithful and obedient to You, for we know this pleases You. We want our children to hear us give You praise and thanks for all You do, whether You give or take away. By leading and being an example of being obedient we want to bring glory to Your name, just as Abraham's faithfulness did. And just as Hezekiah mentioned, we too will tell our children about Your faithfulness. Help us to lead them in a home that is faithful to serving You so that they know what it means to be obedient.  
Amen


**Next day here**

Day 7 of Prayer: Words

Lately, I've been thinking about the words that come out of my  mouth, especially the ones that would make my mother and mother-in-law blush. I think how can I be a Christian if my mouth wanders so far off from what should please God? I want my words to reflect what Psalm 19:14 says, "May the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable (or pleasing) in your sight, O' Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." I think that cliche: garbage in equals garbage out. How am I to be an example of Christ to my family if I can't control my tongue? I am reminded of what the following passage says:


James 3: 1-12

1Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Father,
As David says in Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Help me to have a clean heart. May the words that leave my mouth be a reflection of what is in my heart.  Let my words glorify you and your renown. I want to be a mother that shows her child(ren) what it means to honor you and how to control what she says by thinking of you first. Help me to be mindful of those around me. Help me to remember that no matter what, I never know who is listening and that I should always use my tongue as an opportunity to build up rather than tear down. 
Amen.  

**Next day here**

Day 6 of Prayer: Parenthood & Leading

This is one of my absolute favorite verses. Back in high school, I became a BIG Third Day fan and the lyrics to one of their songs "My Hope Is You" matched the verses I was reading in my Bible. Check it out:

Psalm 25:4-5

⁴ Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

  

These verses continue to encourage me long after I first connected the Third Day song to this part of God's word. And with it here's my prayer. 

Father,

How fitting it is that you are called that since we are your children. While you are the ultimate parent, I have no clue what it's like to be a parent and while I'm really excited most days, I'm also terrified. What if I make the wrong decision(s)? How will I handle this situation or that? What if I lose my cool? But you Lord, say not to worry. And instead, to put my hope in you. Because you are the Instructor, I will follow Your lead. Help Adam and I as we navigate this journey we're about to embark. Please continue to work your holy spirit in our lives so that we'll know how to lead and teach our little one by making the best decisions: by following you and putting our hope daily in You. 

Amen. 

**Next day here**

Day 5 of Prayer: Confidence & Faithfulness

Why did  I choose to pray over this pregnancy, that's easy! Because God commands us to not be anxious, to not worry, and to place our desires at his feet. Philippians 4: 6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Because I love God and I trust Him, I will do as His word says. Therefore I think another affirmation to those who have faith in Him should read the following: 

1 John 5: 14-15

¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 

Notice the key to those two verses are conditional statements: IF we ask...according to HIS will (not my will) and IF we know he hears our requests THEN we know we have what we asked of Him. How much more confidence does one need to know that if God is sure to take care of the birds of the air (see Matthew 6:25-34) then He'll also take care of us, those who were made in His image?!  

Father,
I know that I can bring anything to You, before the words even leave my lips. When I doubt your will and whether or not you hear me, I know I can always go back to Your word, and be reminded that you do. I ask Lord that your hand would continue to be over this pregnancy. I ask that this pregnancy would glorify Your name and Your will. I praise You for all you've done and I ask that the little one growing in me would have the same confidence in approaching You and serving You. 
Amen. 

**Next day here**

Day 4 of Prayer: Health

I apologize for missing yesterday. The hubbs and I had an extremely busy day. I logged on, wrote a snippet about what I love about being pregnant and then off we were to help my dad at my parents' place. I had anticipated coming home last night and fulfilling my duty of blogging about Day 4 of Prayer within this pregnancy, but while we were at my parents house I suffered a horrible no good very bad migraine! One of the worst I've ever had. So when Adam was done helping my dad, we ended up coming home and I crashed. I ate some chicken noodle soup -- doesn't that always make everything better?! -- I wish it did, but I basically had to fall asleep to knock this one out. And because I went to bed so early, I woke up around 4am wide awake and ready to go. I woke up Adam and talked about Wuthering Heights because of course, I have crazy dreams right now. So anywho, again, I apologize; this is to say I'm back and here's what I mulled and prayed over today: health. Please see Hannah's prayer as she wrote about this a while back. 

Proverbs 3:7-8 says:


⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones. 

Father,
You are the healer. Your word says that if we fear You and shun evil, this will bring health to our bodies and nourishment to our bones. I ask that throughout this pregnancy you would continue to give me and this child a healthy and safe experience by choosing to follow what is good. I ask that you would give me guidance to continue to make healthy choices when it comes to eating and I ask that you would make my child's body strong and healthy in preparation for life outside the womb. And I thank you for the provisions you've made for us so far, you Lord are good.
Amen

**Next day here**

Day 3 of Prayer: Godly Character

Colossians 3: 12 says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

I chose this verse yesterday, allowing myself to mull over what it meant and what it's saying, but more specifically, what God is saying to my heart. I've been thinking about my actions lately. Do they reflect that I serve a loving and yet fearful God? Am I serving as Christ served? I would admit that I'm compassionate, but am I really giving until it hurts? Am I really meeting the needs of others who I know are in need? I'm certainly kind to most people, but what about those who know me best, like my husband and family--I usually treat them the worst, taking out my unjust anger or not communicating clearly and then getting into an argument over it. If I were kind, I'd certainly be more humble, let's just say I need to work on that one as well. Gentleness? Sometimes I am, sometimes I'm not. I know my tongue has the ability to tear down or build up, do my words reflect Christ? Am I patient when I'm really pushed to the point--sometimes yes and unfortunately sometimes no--I hate when I lose my cool with my students. It's an ugly side of me no one should see. So all of that is to say this....

Father,
You know my heart, Lord. I want to be the best mother I can possibly be and more importantly, the best servant and follower I can be to You. I ask that you help me during this time of pregnancy to work on these attributes that clearly indicate how I should spiritually and mentally be clothed. I want my son or daughter to see me emulate these characteristics so that they too would know the I Am. Please give me the grace to be compassionate and to act upon those who I can comfort and whose needs I can meet. When I start to lose my cool and patience, please help me to remember the way you treated others, with kindness, gentleness, and patience. I ask Lord that all this would be done to glorify Your name.
Amen.

**Next day here**