Preparing for THE Arrival

We find ourselves less than a month from the Celebration of Christmas. The days grow darker sooner and our pace seems to quicken. Plans for Christmas shopping and Christmas meals race through our minds. As we prepare for arrival of friends and family, we ask that You prepare us for THE arrival. Just as Joseph and Mary were prepared for the arrival of Jesus through encounters with angels, prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate His birth. Prepare our souls to glorify the Lord. Prepare our spirits to rejoice in God our Savior. Prepare our hearts to overflow with love, peace, hope, and joy. Prepare our minds to worship in this season of advent. Prepare us to celebrate the arrival of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Revs. Darrell and Robin Scott

ADVENT QUOTE

"God with us" explodes the myth that God is distant and uncaring . He is with us in our worst, working for something better.

C. Neil Strait

SHARE PRAYERS

Share your original prayers, prayer experiences, requests, family traditions and insights on the spiritual preparation for the coming Christmas celebration. Share them in the special comment section on this site or at praycation2@gmail.co,

A SEEKING SEASON

First Sunday in Advent

It's Advent! This is the four-week season to prepare us spiritually for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The sounds of Christmas will be everywhere. Carols will be sung in church, heard on the radio and while shopping in over crowded malls.

The sound of Advent is the sound of prayer, fasting, study, meditation and worship that seeks the face of God. The sound of Advent is a longing for God to appear. It is the anticipation of the arrival of God's promise and at the same time looking beyond what we can see.

This is the time of year when I seek to increase my prayer time. I listen intently to the voice of God seeking instruction for the celebration preparation as well as guidance for the coming new year.

Advent is more than which grinch will try to steal Christmas or how many sugarplums should be dancing in our heads. It is a concerted seeking season to dig into the Word of God, increase prayer time, worship abundantly and practice authentically your Spiritual Disciplines.

Start with Seleh, a companion for those who want to go deeper in Christ and practice spiritual disciplines, now through Christmas. (Seleh, formerly called Praycation is under construction) Stay with Seleh in the coming new year to grow stronger in the things of God. Many will watch faithfully a favorite television show, football or basketball game. It only take a minute to stick with Seleh daily. Make it a part of the regular devotions.

VMM

ADVENT PRAYER - BE A CHANGE AGENT

Dear God,

We are constantly guilty of being wrapped in materialism this season and the fast-paced journeys of our lives that we forget about those around us who are without this season. We are wrong for allowing any of our brothers and sisters to go without food and clothing during this winter season while we continue to shop until we drop. Father, forgive us for what we have done and for what we have left undone.

During this Advent Season, challenge us to be good stewards of your word and bless those who we come in contact with either by word or deed. Allow us to be a blessing to someone else today and allow others to see the spirit you have placed within us. Today allow us to be change-agents through our expression, attitude and demeanor which represent the Love you share for us. Amen.

Stephen A. Green

Still Standing

Transforming Rock of our salvation, we confess that all other ground is sinking sand. You are our Rock, the foundation of our hope and the cornerstone of our faith.

If we should try to stand on other ground, we can do nothing; standing on your promises, we can do everything; standing on you we handle anything; standing on you nothing is impossible and standing on you, everything is possible.

Strengthen us, so that we are filled with the endurance of the mountains who stand against the onslaught on wind and rain. Strengthen us, so that we are filled with the spirit of the rivers who continue to flow against the forces that try to impede or dam them up. Fill us again with the joy of your abundant harvest, so that we may share your joy everywhere with everyone!

SHARE PRAYERS

Share your prayers, meditations, holiday thoughts or prayer experiences at this email address www.praycation2@gmail.com. We want to post them during the Advent season in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ.

THANKSLIVING

Eternal God, what a day to share our thanks and praise of you with others. We are glad to tell of your greatness. We are glad to declare to all, today and everyday of your mighty acts and glorious splendor.

We bless your name for it is by your mercy, our sins are forgiven. It is by your grace, we are saved. It is by your love we are accepted. It is by your peace that surpasses all understanding, we remain calm in the midst of chaos. It is by your power, that the impossible happens everyday. Thank you Lord, there is nothing impossible for you...not just today but everyday!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksliving from our family to yours. Please spend the day wisely with family, friends, a fooball game or a good book. Worship the Lord early and volunteer to help serve meals to those with limited resources. Make space at your table for a senior or single who may or may not have anyone to share the day with. Enjoy the day of thanks and make it a habit - thanksliving everyday!




PRAYER EXPERIENCE

Thanks Bishop McKenzie for the Blessing! A lot of people expound on the 4Th Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day! And they are ready to give him his praise for that day! Well, I can’t wait for the one day in November to give thanks to God for all the blessings seen and unseen that He, through His Son, Jesus, has provided for me and my household. As for us, we’re going to have Thanksgiving daily. Thanking Him for Life, Health and Strength in our Body, Mind and Spirit, shelter, food, clothes, a job, etc. All these things that we take for granted, are gifts from God. I thank God for the Power to recognize and over come the deceiving power of evil, that is constantly lurking in our lives 24/7 trying to steal our Love, Joy and Peace. And Satan will get it if we are not going to God in prayer and Praise daily!

SISTER SAN*
* As shared on Thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.

SHARE PRAYERS

The season of preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ begins soon. Share your prayers, Advent prayers, meditations, holiday thoughts and expereinces with Seleh. Send them to this email address: www.praycation2@gmail.com. We'll start posting soon.

O Give Thanks

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his loving-kindness endures forever." Psalm 118:29

Open our eyes today to see all that we should be thankful for even if at the present moment our problems, pain or need might lead us to believe that we have no thanksgiving. Open our eyes to your unfailing goodness. Help us to see that you are working behind the scenes of our lives to usher us into a season of restoration and reconciliation... and for this, we are thankful. Enter our hearts and clear away anything that prevents an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Blind Spots

" O Lord, how do I let go when I'm so unsure of things? I'm unsure of your will, and I'm unsure of myself.... That really isn't a problem at all, is it? The truth of the matter is I hate the very idea of letting go. I really want to be in control. No, I need to be in control. That's it, isn't it? I'm afraid to give up control, afraid of what might happen. Heal my fear, Lord.

How good of you to reveal my blind spots even in the midst of my stumbling attempts to pray. Thank you!

But now what do I do? How do I give up control? Jesus, please, teach me your way of relinquishment. -Amen."

Richard J. Foster
Prayer
Finding The Heart's True Home

PRAYER QUOTE

"Prayer -secret, fervent, believing prayer-lies at the root of all personal godliness."
William Cary

SHARE PRAYERS

The season of Advent begins soon. This is the season of preparing ourselves, souls and families for the celebration of the birth of Christ. You can help us do this by sharing your prayers, prayer experiences, thoughts or meditations with us. Send them to www.praycation2@gmail.com today.

THANKSGIVING

What are you thankful for this year?

Backyard Blessings

Let us pray together:

O God, my God how excellent is your name in all the earth. I praise you for all that you have made, all that you have done for me and all that is to come.

Open my eyes that I may see the generous blessings on my side of the fence. Immerse me today in a sprit of gratitude as I now realize that the grass is not always greener in the other person's yard. Help me to identify the blessings in my own backyard.

I do not know what the day holds for me but thank God, I know who holds both me and the day! In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

Do It Again

Almighty and Eternal God, we are yours, joint heirs with Christ to all your gracious gifts. No matter in what direction we look, the evidence of your work confronts us. You have been working behind the scenes of our lives. What could have been jangling discords, you have made it into a melodious symphony of purpose and power. What could have been confusion, you have turned it into order. What cold have been isolation, you've moved us into fellowship. What could have been condemnation, there is now no condemnation but deliverance. Thank you for being present in more ways that we can count.

Now, gracious Lord, do it again. Amen.

ADVENT SEASON

After Thanksgiving we will begin sharing with you Advent prayers, end of the year prayers, prayer experiences, prayer requests that you send to www.praycation2@gmail.com. Send them today.

SHARE

Praycation is becoming Seleh, a place to stop any time of the day before moving on with your life. It will still include daily prayers but also other content designed to help you learn and practice your Spiritual Disciplines. Subscribe today. It's free. SHARE this site with others. Let's create a worldwide community of spiritual evolution.

We Adore You!

Gracious God, source of all life, we come today to once again proclaim that we adore you! We adore you for who you are, what you do, not only for us but for all your children. We invoke your presence with joy because we know that before we called upon your name, you turned toward us.

Thank you for not holding back your blessings. Thank you for not being stingy with your favor. Thank you for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank you for healing. Thank you for deliverance. Thank you, that before we asked, the answers were on the way.

Protect us from dangers seen and unseen. Protect our children, families and the extended family of God. Guide our steps today and we promise to walk the way you have already prepare. In Jesus' name, Amen.


ADVENT IS COMING SOON!

Share your original prayers, prayer experiences, prayer requests, favorite holiday quotes and meditations for posting beginning the First Sunday in Advent. Send them to www.praycation2@gmail.com.


PRAYER EXPERIENCE

I pray every morning before leaving home. What I like about your prayer blog is that I can pull up the daily prayer on my cell phone for a quick encouragement throughout the day. When it gets tough, I pray the daily prayer several times a day especially before a big meeting. Don't stop!

MBL

Anchor Us Again

O Lord, anchor us again today in remembering that you can hold us secure on the restless seas of time. Help us to stand fast in you to declare that you are gracious, kind and slow to anger. Forgive us when we have wavered or withered in the face of change and challenge.

Help us to honor you in our thoughts, word and deeds. Help us to live honorable lives before the next generation that they may see you in us, hear you in our testimonies and seek your steadfast love.

In Jesus name, Amen.

YOUR ADVENT PRAYERS

Send your original advent prayers, end of the year prayers, prayer requests and prayer experiences to www.praycation2@gamil.com. Please share!

All Night All Day

All night all day angels watching over me my Lord!
Hope of my present and future, I thank you for my experiences today. In the morning I praise you for new mercies and in the evening I thank you for grace. Thank you for the high positive moments and thank you for standing with me as storms cloud gathered. I can't help but thank you for your presence and care in the deepest struggles of my life.

May the experiences of today produce in me the deepening of my faith, strengthening of my love and affirmation of my Divine purpose. Thank you for every good and perfect gift and the favor you shared that was so undeserved.

In the name of Jesus, grant me perfect peace and perfect rest tonight, Amen.

God's Got Your Backs

Dear God,

The news is not good. Everywhere we turn there is something else to cause anxiety or something to be afraid of. O Lord, we put our trust in you. In spite of today's news reports and the constant threat of danger, we seek you knowing we will find our strength and security in you. We can move forward today and rest peacefully tonight with the wonderful assurance that you' ve got our backs! Amen and Amen.

PRAYER QUOTE

"In prayer, we are aware that God is in action and that when the circumstances are ready, when others are in the right place, and when our hearts are prepared, he will call us into the action. Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts."
Eugene Peterson

Send our Advent prayers, Prayer Request, Prayer Experiences, holiday rituals or Advent Meditations to praycation2@gmail.com.

Yes Lord, Yes!

Yes Lord, our souls say yes to your Word, will and way. Help us to sing unto you a new song. Let's sing a song filled with the melodies of faith not fear and hope not harassment.

Today, we lift our voices for the young. Lord, help them as they aspire to make this a better world. We lift our voices for our sons and daughters. We pray that their zeal and idealism will be nurtured towards responsible action. We pray for the mature. Our prayer is that they fulfill their purpose in the uniqueness of their personalities and responsibilities. We pray for those who need sustenance and provision. We pray for those who cannot grow beyond sorrow and for the sick in body, mind or spirit that they may prosper and be in good health according to your word.

Yes, let us continue to sing new songs, filled with praise and thanksgiving! In the name of Jesus, Amen

Remember to send us your Advent prayers, prayer requests, prayer experiences, Advent meditations, family traditions, thoughts and hopes for the coming new year to www.praycation2@gmail.com

Minds Fixed

O Lord our God, how excellent is your name in all the earth. Grant us this day the reality of your presence. We earnestly seek you. We desire you. We fix our minds on you. We commit ourselves to you again - and again. In all our ways we want to acknowledge you so that you will direct our paths.

You have given us so much, not because you love us more than others, but because you trust us with your treasure in these earthen vessels of ours. Help us to do to live wisely, love sincerely, serve wholeheartedly, act justly and show mercy today and forevermore.

In the name of Jesus, Amen

The Season of Advent begins soon. Let's prepare together for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Share your Advent prayers, prayer requests, prayer experiences, family traditions, hopes and dreams for the coming New Year on Selah. Send them now to www.praycation2@gmail.com

Come Now Lord

Enter our hearts O God, and clear away whatever might hinder your Word, will and way. Forgive us when we failed to lay aside every sin that seeks us.
Speak to us so that we may follow the clear path set before us. Grant us a courage to face whatever issues may rise to challenge our sanity and sanctity. Help us to show mercy to the powerless.
Compassionate Christ, use our hands and hearts to serve and be a source of healing to each other.
Help us to see ourselves as you see us. Help us to see others as you see them and love them as much as you do. Amen

Our Hope

O God, our hope and source of all life. We acknowledge today with joy the gift of life. Forgive us when we have taken for granted this precious gift or failed to redeem the time.

Lift our thoughts from to self to you, from the me-soever to the whosoever; from the littleness of our deeds to the majesty and wonder of your mighty acts.

Grant us grace for another day. Send joy in the midst of sadness and forgiveness in the face of transgressions. Help us to find the strength to stand in the face of slander.

Our hope is in you, O God, to put all things right which are wrong. Open our eyes so we can see through faith that you are at work even when present circumstances deny it. In Your name, Amen

Awesome God

God of wisdom, today we praise you that no problem is too hard for you. Thank you, that nothing is impossible with you. You are an awesome God and there is nothing you can't do. Thank you, there is nothing beyond your care or capabilities. Praise God you are in charge.

We bring to you our needs. We bring to you our concerns. Take control even though things seem more than we can handle.

Today we lift our voices in prayer for answers or the patience to live with what we do not understand or comprehend.

In the Your name, Amen.



Advent is coming soon. You can join us in preparing our hearts, minds and spirits for the coming Christmas celebration by sharing: your original prayers, Advent prayers, Prayer Experiences, prayer requests or holiday traditions. How do you prepare for the coming of the Christ child each year. Please exclude your shopping tips.

We Need You

Gracious God, Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need you. We need you in our homes. We need you in our schools, we need you at our jobs. We need you in our neighborhoods. We need you in our relationships. We need you in our churches. We need you on our military bases.

Lord, we need you to come into our lives and reign over us and through us. We have not been who you have called us to be. We have become anxious and we are even becoming weary in well doing. Lord, we need more than mere words can say. Lord we need healing in our nation and in our world, in our bodies and in our minds. Lord, we need peace that surpassess all our understanding. Lord, still our hearts, ease our troubled minds and instill in us your righteousness that our living will not be in vain.

Teach us what it means to comfort and show compassion to our neighbor. Instill in us a new walk and a new talk that we are able to effectively articulate your power through our actions.
In the name of Jesus we pray.

Toni Belin Ingram


ADVENT

The season of Adventt is coming soon. These will be the preparatory days prior to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Prepare your heart by sharing your Advent prayers, short meditations, ministry testimonies, holiday ideas and menu ideas at www.praycation2@gmail.com. Share your original work. Do it now before you get too busy!

SELEH

Praycation has a new name. It's Seleh and it is getting a new look soon. Subscribe and keep coming back, We love suggestions on how we can be a blessing on your spiritual journey. Share in the comment section or a the email address above.

A Prayer for our Sons

God please keep your hand on our sons….
Jesus be a fence around them and keep them from hurt, harm or danger.
Help us as we build your young boys.
Give us the strength to nurture, love and encourage them.
Give us the character to be living examples of your risen son Jesus.
Give us patience.
Give us wisdom.
Give us discernment.
Give us your power.
Give us your grace.
Bless the work of our hands and make us prosperous.
Set our sons hearts on fire for you.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Rev. Gamble
www.lifechangeame.com

IN MY DISTRESS

Lord in my distress I call out to you. I find an assurance that this too shall pass in the stillness of each moment. I wait for your reply to my call without anxiety but with anticipation of an outcome that would restore peace where it has been lost, bring hope where it seems to have faded and serve as a guide for the road I must continue to travel. Lord show up strong as you have done countless times leaving absolutely no doubt that you are indeed God alone. I remain in peace because I know that this prayer has reached your ears and it is hallelujah I cry now because you have relieved my distress, the glory is yours and vindication mine-through Jesus I pray with total belief! Amen (Ps 18:6)

Submitted by:
Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins


NEW NAME, NEW LOOK, NEW CONTENT AND SAME MINISTRY!

Praycation has a new name. It's Selah meaning to stop here before moving forward. In a few weeks we will have a new look. This will still be the place for prayer, sharing your prayers, prayer experiences and prayer quotes. This will also be the place for us to learn, grow and practice our spiritual disciplines. Subscribe today and invite others to do the same.

ADVENT

The season of Advent will begin right after Thanksgiving. In preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, please share your Advent meditations, Advent prayers, Advent activities, favorite hymns, family rituals, photos and recipes. Start sending them now to www.praycation2@gmail.com. Let's prepare ourselves during the coming Advent season to celebrate Christ not just celebrate materialism.

VMM

Help us to Dare

Who will we become if we dare to believe that we can do all things through you? Where will we go if we dare to believe that you order the steps of the righteous? What will we do if we dare to believe that nothing is impossible with you? How can we make it if we dare to believe that all things work together for good?

Lord, help us to dare to believe today. Lord, help our unbelief. Empower us to help another to dare to be and to do according to your Word.

In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen

God Help

It's a new week. O God, help me to begin strong so that I may end the week strong. Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. Lead me in the way everlasting. Help me to accept your love then show your love to all around me. In Your name, Amen.