Topic: Flare Prayers – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries  6 March    2023

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Flare Prayers

MARCH 6, 2023

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)

Last night was a rough one. Our sweet little David — who has Down syndrome and other medical complexities — was up until 12:30 a.m. with really uncomfortable reflux. His crying woke up our other toddler, Kierstyn, who struggled to go back to sleep. And then our baby, Micah, was also up a few times to nurse.

My husband, Jesse, needed to be out the door at 5:50 a.m. to take Kaitlynn, one of our teens, to her ice skating lessons before school. Next thing I knew, both toddlers and our baby woke up — and two of them were not in the most cheerful mood.

Kierstyn wanted breakfast.
Baby Micah wanted to nurse.
David needed his morning thyroid medicine and his morning feeding through his G-tube.
Our other two teens were now up and getting ready for school, and I wanted to check in and be available for them.

I had two choices: I could feel frustrated, or I could start my day by acknowledging that I couldn’t do this in my own strength, asking the Lord for the supernatural strength I needed to get through the day.

I could focus on all my problems, or I could focus on God’s promises.

With a weary heart and body, I prayed: God, please multiply the sleep I was able to get last night. I’m going to trust that You are going before me today. I’m trusting You to show up in powerful ways on my behalf because Your Word says when I am weak, then I am strong in You. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Instead of feeling exhausted, I actually went through the day excited that I was going to see God show up and be faithful. And guess what? It was a great day!

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged or stressed as we go about our days. I challenge you to start seeing those feelings as little red flags to remind you to stop and send up what I call a quick “Flare Prayer” … a short, in-the-moment, SOS prayer crying out to God for help, wisdom, direction, energy, strength or whatever you need in that moment.

You can pray with boldness, as Philippians 4:6-7 says: “in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you get that message that discourages you, stop and pray.
When your husband is having a rough day, stop and pray.
When your co-worker is frustrating you, stop and pray.
When you need to have a hard conversation, stop and pray.
When your toddler is getting on your very last nerve, stop and pray.
When your sleep is interrupted yet again, stop and pray.
When your friend is struggling and you don’t know how to help, stop and pray.
When your teen is going through a difficult time, stop and pray.

Ask God to multiply your sleep on the nights when you are up every hour with a sick child. Ask God to multiply your time when you have five unexpected interruptions back to back and you already have a very full plate. Ask God to multiply your energy when you feel tired and worn down. Ask God to multiply your inspiration when you are feeling drained.

He knows. He cares. He is enough. And He is longing for you to stop striving and start resting. You don’t have to do things in your own strength. You don’t have to carry your burdens on your own.Lord, thank You that You are the creator of time. Thank You that I can trust You, that You will give me exactly what I need so I can do what You have called me to do. Help me to lean on You — especially when life feels overwhelming — and to expectantly look for how You are going to show up in faithfulness on my behalf! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (CSB)

What are you feeling overwhelmed about today? What burdens and weights are you carrying? Do you believe God can carry them for you?

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