The Talk

“Many people [default] to standard moods and conditions [for prayer]. Church, meals, bedtime, waiting rooms…Except for very general appeals to God for help; we typically respond to life’s sudden challenges and crisis with worry, discussion, frightened silence, or despair. [i] We pass up the opportunity to embrace the privilege God has given us to bring every need and concern to Him in immediate prayer….”[ii]

When was the last time you prayed to your Heavenly Father? I Samuel 12:23 (NLV) makes this declaration: “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you…” The song, “How Long Has It Been,” (lyrics and music by Mosie Lister) communicates this to us all. (Can you answer the questions that this song is asking?)

Verse One

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

And told Him your hearts hidden secrets?

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through?

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease?

How long since your heart knew no burden?

Can you call Him your Friend?

How long has it been since you knew that He cared for you?

Verse Two

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed

And prayed to the Lord up in Heaven?

How long since you knew that He’d answer you,

And would keep you the long night through?

How long has been since you woke with the dawn,

And felt that the day’s worth the living?

Can you call Him your Friend?

How long has it been since you knew that that He cared for you?

Have you ever wondered if God is laying your need on someone else’s heart just when it was needed most for you? 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) reminds us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” The song, “Someone is Praying for You,” (performed by the Heritage Singers) reminds you of this:

Chorus

Someone is praying for you,

Someone is praying for you.
So when it seems you’re all alone,

And your heart will break in two.
Remember someone is praying for you.

Verse One

Have the crowds round you gathered in the midst of the storm?
Is your ship tossed and battered are you weary and worn
Don’t lose hope someone’s praying for you this very day
And peace be still is already on the way.

Chorus

Verse Two

When it seems that you’ve prayed ‘til your strength is all gone
And your tears fall like raindrops all the day long
He cares and He knows just how much you can bear
He’ll speak your name to someone in prayer.

Chorus

Tag

Remember someone is praying for you.

Remember someone is praying for you.

“The church can sometimes be a place where conflict rules. The disharmony that can flare up over various matters can derail the church from its mission, and disrupt the flow of worship and unity.

At times, godly church leaders will see what is taking place, break off discussions, and call the people of God to prayer. Instead of continuing the discord and allowing more feelings to be hurt, they will seek unity by turning their hearts back to God and appealing to Him for help…”[iii]

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[i] The title of this post The Talk is taken from the weekday talk show (2-3pm) on CBS offering a female perspective on the day’s headlines with a panel of Julie Chen, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Aisha Tyler, and Sara Gilbert.

[ii] “Love Prays Instinctively” (Day 351) The Love Dare: Day by Day by the Kendrick Brothers

[iii] “Love Prays for Unity” (Day 349) The Love Dare: Day by Day by the Kendrick Brothers