The weekly prayer challenge is our 17th week. Thank you so much for participating. Our Missionary Bob Woodruff was very perceptive in realizing that one of the strengths of the Medford Naz. is: the services are bathed in prayer. The devotional this week calls us to examine our prayer life. The scripture in verse #5 begins; "and when you pray......". The inference is there that the believer is expected to pray as it is something that we do. This makes me think of some training of many years ago, in reference to being on a witness stand and to make sure that you understand the question and to give the attorney time to object before you answer the question posed. The opponent attorney may ask you to respond yes or no; "do you still beat your wife"? (I still don't know which the best answer to that question is.) "When you pray",  who do you want to hear your prayer? The devotional asks us to consider our motive of heart. Scripture suggests that we go to a solitary place, which would eliminate the concern about whose ears we wanted to reach.

Other scripture tells us the prayer of the righteous person is heard by God. When we know that God Almighty has heard our prayer, we can trust our Lord with the circumstances before us and enter into peace.
Prayer, brings us into union with God. When that connection is realized, our faith hope and trust forges a link that solidifies the soul. He is our anchor!

Week #16 taken from Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Have you realized that you can't give God a surprise party? We are the ones who are surprised by life, its' circumstances and of course people. As we think to inform God of our latest discovery, He knows more about it before we speak than we will ever know. What is amazing about the Lord, He listens, as though the things we are speaking of, are new news! He knows our needs before we realize that we have a need. The Lord is at work taking the initiative before we ask.  It is as though the Lord invites us to join Him in (His plans).

A Missionary named Murugan, pronounced Morgan, challenged the church while delivering a deputation message; "Find out where the Lord is working, and join Him there." That message is appropriate for today, though it was delivered over ten years ago. As we pray, let's seek to join the Lord where He is working.

Week #15 is taken from 1 Samuel 7:9-10 and it reveals a man crying out to God; the thought of which gives rise to individuals and family units praying in their homes. Grandmothers and grandfathers and parents and children praying intercessory prayers for the needs of others, is the example of in Samuel. In this case the one interceding was praying for the nation of Israel. Now there is an idea. If ever our nation needed an intercessor, it is now! Our national leaders, state and local government is in desperate need of God and His help. Please think about becoming an intercessor for our nation. We often think of our difficulties or battles as political or military, when truly they are spiritual.

Samuel saw what was before the people of Israel as a spiritual situation that could be won by seeking the one true God. Samuel in his prayer and sacrifice held nothing back from God. While he offered God a sacrifice, he did not give Him a list of instructions to follow. When Samuel was was making his sacrifice, the enemy was maneuvering to strengthen his position to attack Israel (V. #10).  The word says: "But that day the Lord...."  I would like to reduce that thought to; But the Lord! The enemy was doing what enemies do, But the Lord! The Lord brought His help at the cry of an intercessor and routed and confused enemy with some heavenly sound (thunder). To the enemy the thunder was confusing, but to Israel it was their deliverance and an opportunity given by God. Samuel saw the connection of circumstances in life to God. And he sought the help of the almighty.
Would you be an intercessor?

    Prayer Challenge # 14 taken from 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (please read) is a desperate plea from Hannah to the Almighty God to meet a need in her life that was beyond earthly help. Her circumstances were viewed as unchangeable, unless God should decide to alter or transform her perceived need. She was convinced God was more than mildly interested in the things that mattered most to her. She prayed believing the Lord heard her deep cry for help. She also believed the Lord had both the ability and desire to make a difference in her life.
    It was not from a selfish heart that she called for help. She was prepared to give the gift of God fully to him for His expressed purposes, should He give her a son. No, she was not selfish, she understood the gifts of God are to be received and treated as though they belonged to God. Raising children in that manner would leave an imprint on their lives that would encourage them to purposes beyond themselves.
   Do you believe God cares about your hearts deepest cares? Do you believe He can change or transform your circumstances? Do you believe He will? If your deepest desire is not in alignment with His higher purposes; will you accept His will over your will? Jesus did.