It’s summer! And yes, it’s Wednesday! And that means I’m a day late on getting our discussion online! But hey, it’s summer!
I hope the extra 24 hours gave you a chance to read or review this really important chapter! If you haven’t, take a peek at it and join in the discussion!
Perspective: I Didn’t Do It!
This devotional deals with the times in our life where we are misunderstood or are falsely accused of something. Jesus was falsely accused. He understands what that feels like. However, He’s also our Defender. There are times that we simply have to trust Him as our Defender. “A life of integrity needs no defense.” (page 161). Keeping that in mind, we need put our effort in living a life of integrity rather than wasting our breath defending false rumors.
Chapter 11: Jesus Prayed: The Truth About Prayer
Prayer is a mother’s best tool. There’s no way you and I can be perfect parents, but we can partner with a Perfect God. Keeping that DSL line to heaven open is absolutely necessary as a mom.
But prayer doesn’t have to be “formal.” It’s just talkin’ to God. You can do that as you drive, as you’re folding laundry, as you sit on the porch watching your kids play! Just talk to God like you would talk to any other friend. Remember…He’s a friend who really understands!
- How have you grown in your prayer life since you became a mother?
- What is your favorite way or place to pray?
- What is one thing that you read in this chapter that you want to move from your head to your heart?
Becoming a mother has helped my relationship with God thrive in so many ways, including my prayer life. Having a child to care for has been a powerful example of God's love for us. I notice my daughter doing things she has seen me (and others do), things I never realized she would notice, things that she picked up when I didn't notice her noticing. It's a powerful testimony of how we do indeed become more like those with whom we share our lives.
I'm dealing with seeing how having friends who have different parenting philosophies affects my daughter. I love my friends, but I don't always love their parenting decisions. Most of my friends have toddlers, so this is just beginning, I realize. When you spoke of how people can have negative and positive influences on our lives, I thought again about the importance of following Christ so I can be a living testimony to my daughter, and others.
To answer your question, I tend to pray through out the day as I observe and hear things that prompt conversation with God. I also journal quite a bit, so that helps me focus my thoughts.
Thanks for writing this chapter.
This chapter has been a great reminder to me of all the different places to pray. As a mother I pray throughout the day as I'm washing dishes or hanging clothes out to dry. Thanks for sharing the various ideas on times to pray.
I liked what you shared about the Lord's Prayer not being something to just memorize and repeat but to be a pattern for our prayers.
I enjoyed the "God Pond" story so much.
Something I want to hold on to from this chapter is to remember that prayer times need to be both speaking and listening. I don't do well on the listening and waiting on God part really.
BP and Kristin,
Thanks for sharing!
Jill
I liked the "God pond" story too! I forget sometimes that He is interested in fun little things like that too.
My kids wake up too if I am up, so I usually read my Bible and pray right by my bed with whatever sunlight is available. Sometimes they still get up and come in there. I have grown a lot in prayer since I became a mom. When my son was born I asked God what a good mom looked like, and He has been faithful to answer that. Part of that answer is praying Scripture for my kids. When I feel out of control of the situation it is a good reminder of Who is in control.