God Answers Prayer! -- Try connecting with Him.

I've recently been reading a book that has had a major impact on my life and I wanted to share it with as many people as I could, in the hope that they will be blessed as I have been by this book. Peter Lundell's new book, Prayer Power--30 days to a Stronger Connection with God is one of the most helpful books about prayer I've ever encountered, and I've been a believer since 1958.

What I love most about this book is the simplicity and directness in teaching about prayer. The short chapters and 30 day format are perfect for a new believer, for anyone seeking God and a great "refresher" course for us "seasoned saints". Peter writes with great insight sharing stories from the lives of many believers as well as his own experiences in learning how to connect with our loving heavenly Father. It would also make an ideal study for a small group. An appendix in the back, containing "Growth gages and suggested activities" allows the reader a practical method of evaluating their prayer life, where they are and how to move towards for a closer connection with God. (End of commercial-ha-ha)

Personally, I am so thankful God brought this book into my life at this point in my life. Because of some pretty chronic pain due to arthritis, (resulting in a total hip replacement in Sept. 2007) I felt impressed to grab on to one of Peter Lundell's suggestions about praying scripture for myself.
The scripture was Mark 11:23 where Jesus says "If anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him". As Peter suggested, I replaced the word "mountain" in the verse with the word "body" and said "Be strengthened" instead of "thrown into the sea".
In faith, I began to pray, " Body, be strengthened!" and (hopefully) "not doubting in (my) heart but believing" that what He says will happen--specifically "it will be done for him".
God has answered that prayer in an amazing way. Shortly after I had begun to pray, I "just happened" to see an online auction for a membership to a local gym. Hmmm, could this be the beginning of an answer from God? With only 4 hours left in the auction, I prayerfully placed my bid and got the membership for one half of the usual price.
That happened about a month ago and since then I've been able to exercise several times a week and regain more strength and mobility than I would have thought possible. (Did I mention I also had a hip replaced in 2007?) I'm now almost off the Ibuprofen I had been taking, up to about four or more a day, usually. And yesterday for the first time in at least 5+ years, I was able to do something I haven't been able to do for years--put a sock on my right foot almost normally! (OK, I get excited about the little things but just imagine if you always needed help to put on your socks--not fun).

Joining a gym was not something I was even considering. I had no idea how God would "strengthen" my body. But what an awesome Shepherd we have who knows how to lead each sheep to exactly the right pasture--or gym in my case. And God even took into account how I much I LOVE a bargain, arranging the ½ price membership to the gym! All this has just happened in the last thirty days. I am so grateful to God for the way He keeps His word!

As I continue reading the book, Prayer Power, I am looking forward to seeing what other surprises God has in store for me. If you are longing to know God better, to see His Hand at work in your life, to have a stronger connection with God, please join me and give Prayer Power a try.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to see thousands of answered prayers all over the blog-o-sphere!?!
Feel free to post yours here!

(for more information go to http://www.peterlundell.com/)

Psalm Song

Last week I had one of those mornings when I was so aware of presence of God and how awesome and amazing is the love He pours out on us DAILY! The life-giving sun, the birds singing His praises with joy and even the promise of spring waiting impatiently to bloom out on us just sends me into an ecstasy of thankfulness. A truly joyful heart.
My scripture I was reading that morning just happened to be Psalm 36 and as I read it became a love song to God's love. Hope it blesses you.

Psalm Song 36

(in 6/8 time for you "sons of Korah")

***

Unfailing love

As vast as the heavens

Faithfulness reaching be-yond the clouds

Your righteousness Father is like mighty mountains

With justice as deep as the oceans

And you care for me, Lord

How precious is

Your unfailing love

All humanity hides neath your wings

Lord from your hand

Do we receive mercy

And we drink with delight from your rivers.

For you are the fountain of life

And the Light by which we all see

Yes, you are the fountain of life

And the Light in the darkness we see

Pour out your love

On those who love you

Give justice and mercy

To honest hearts

Forgive our pride

Don't let sin destroy us.

For sin is defeated by your sacrifice

Unfailing love
As vast as the heavens
Faithfulness reaching be-yond the clouds
Your righteousness Father is like mighty mountains
With justice as deep as the oceans
And you care for me, Lord

*****

Yep, just tried it again and sure enough it worked fine! Maybe it's a ploy so I'll leave this on all the time.

Help--google hates me. Whenever I try to leave a very nice comment on someone else's blog, it keeps telling me I have the wrong password. BUT if I go in and open by blogger account, it usually works fine!
I'm starting to get a little UPSET!

Trials of Technology

Hi--I'm Gail, a grandmother of 5, book promoter, singing teacher, wife, reader, born-again beleiver. And right now I'm just trying to get my Google blog account to work!
No matter how simple I try to make my password, usernames, email address, no matter how many times I write them down when I try to leave a comment for someone's cool comments I wind up resorting to being anonymous!
I am a person! I have an account! I am thinking of changing all my cyperspace persona to "Anonymous". I'm just not sure if I'm spelling it correctly.