I have been involved in women's ministry for several years. Instead of going around the circle and sharing prayer requests I instituted a prayer jar. I asked everyone to put their requests in the jar and then everyone would pray over the needs in the jar throughout the week. Every once in awhile I would ask the women if they had received blessings as a result of their request being in the prayer jar and we would have testimony time.
I found a verse one morning that encouraged me to change the name of our prayer jar to "Expectation Jar".
Psalm 5:3 "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." NIV
When we lay our requests before the Lord what should we be expecting?
That He is listening.
That He cares.
That is acting on behalf of our requests.
That the answer is going to come.
When the jar has been filled or our season of meeting ends, I take the requests and burn them before the Lord. I pray over them and ask Him to receive our requests as an offering.
I had the privilege of teaching a women's Sunday school class at our church last year. We used this pickle jar for our Expectation Jar. A vinegary fragrance accompanied each request.
I happened to notice a changing table in the nursery at our church and decided that is just what we needed to set our Expectation Jar on in our classroom. After all didn't we want to see change as a result of our prayers?
I keep reminding myself that when I bring my requests to the Lord I need to have an attitude of expectation. It helps to keep the sin of worry at bay. The Lord delights in our prayers. He wants to help us. He is on our side. It is a blessing to bring our needs before Him and believe that He is going to act with our best interest in mind. I believe He calls that faith.
Do you have a need that I can pray with you about? I will agree with you and wait in expectation, my friend.
i love your expectation jar and am going to start
ReplyDeleteone of my own!
thanks for the encouragement!
First...I love this idea. In September I will begin to facilitate Beth Moore's "The Inheritance". The DVD teaching sessions are long and will take most of our time together. I was wondering how we could still implement a prayer time. This is a great idea!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteAs for a prayer request, sweet friend I have two :) One, Chris leaves for University on September 6th. I am excited for him, but I know it will be a difficult day that ushers in a time of transition for our family. Sure would appreciate your prayers.
Yesterday when you wrote to me sending your love, it had been a difficult day. God knew. We were up north for a last week of holidays together as a family, and I have no idea what happened, but suddenly my husband announced we were going home and not coming back. He is not much of a talker and I am still clueless as to the change in heart, but we are now home and I'm trying to make the best of things and choosing to remain happy this last week that we all have together for awhile. I know the evil one is working hard to destroy this precious time. Sure would appreciate your prayers here as well.
Thanks Cheri. Please let me know if there is anything specific I can be praying for you.
Love ya,
Joy