Operating with Prayer

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

I struggled with the concept of prayer for years until I became a mother. Once I became an adult, I began to notice the people around me who prayed consistently yet still didn’t fully understand why or more so why prayer is so important. Be it, the elders in my family, certain friends or acquaintances, even employers. I am fortunate to have had two very influential employers who showed me not only the importance, but also the power in prayer. Working at a lumber mill in Arkansas years ago, the owner and his wife held a prayer meeting before every shift. Although I’m sure there were many reasons why, I didn’t occur to me how dangerous the job could be if we weren’t careful. Before eventually working my way up to operating the saw with the men, I was a wood grader checking the pieces of wood for defects as the quickly came down the conveyor belt. One day, in my haste to get to my break, my long flowing braid extensions were caught in the conveyor belt, nearly scalping me. Fortunately, I was able to free myself without any injury or physical damage. That was only one of the many occasions, looking back, that I am thankful to know the power in prayer. Another employer we referred to as Big P, who I worked with for many years later, would never leave my presence without praying for me or with me. Still my brother in Christ today, whenever we see one another or simply a quick phone call, we never depart before he prays, and I have to testify that it is the best feeling ever!

There have been so many times over the years when I sought answers or advice from family or friends who either simply don’t have the answer or sadly don’t have your best interest and only want to spread gossip. Seeking counseling has been another option. For confidentiality reasons, I figured this may be a safer and more effective route. However, it’s a hard for someone who has not walked in my shoes to give me the answers I’m seeking. While there are good people out there, family professionals and otherwise, only God truly knows us and He is the one who holds all the answers to our prayers.

Since recently becoming a member at my new church home, I’ve not only learned a lot about prayer, but also different methods of prayer. There are those who pray in solitude for whatever reasons, as I did mainly because It was my way of developing a relationship with God and getting to know Him. Then I learned about “Intercessory” prayer: Praying on behalf of others. For those like me who at a time, didn’t feel comfortable prayer or for some reason felt I didn’t know how to pray, I can now see why and appreciate those who were/are praying for me. There is also “Corporate” prayer: Praying together with other people. Be it in a work environment, church or nationwide via social media. There is power in numbers!

(From Our Daily Bread Devotional May, 4th 2023 by Jennifer Benson Schuldt)

When my son needed orthopedic surgery, I was grateful for the doctor who performed the operation. The doctor, who was nearing retirement, assured us he’d helped thousands of people with the same problem. Even so, before the procedure, he prayed and asked God to provide a good outcome. And I’m so grateful He did.

Jehoshaphat, an experienced national leader, prayed too during a crisis. Three nations had united against him, and they were coming to attack his people. Although he had more than two decades of experience, he decided to ask God what to do. He prayed, “[We] will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us” (2 Chronicles 20:9). He also asked for guidance, saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).

Jehoshaphat’s humble approach to the challenge opened his heart to God’s involvement, which came in the form of encouragement and divine intervention (vv. 15–17, 22). No matter how much experience we have in certain areas, praying for help develops a holy reliance on God. It reminds us that He knows more than we do, and He’s ultimately in control. It puts us in a humble place—a place where He’s pleased to respond and support us, no matter what the outcome may be.

Reflect: How has prayer helped you? What current challenge in your life might benefit from prayer?

Pray: How has prayer helped you? What current challenge in your life might benefit from prayer?

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

28 thoughts on “Operating with Prayer”

  2. There’s so much to say in agreement with this. Science has admitted after double blind studies that prayer helps the one prayed for.

    Once when I was homeless on the sidewalk of the Sacramento downtown grid I caught a man passing me on foot, quietly blessing everyone he saw. That turned out to be a very scary night ~ but I came from it unharmed. You can find the tale in poetry on my site under the title “The Work of Love.”

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      1. While I was there, there wes an average of about one murderer a week among the homeless on that two mile square grid. How many of those does the “KCRA Crimewatch” team cover?

        Hey, if you know any advocates, they can use material freely from my web book “The New Holocaust: Homelessness in America and What We Can Do About It” ~ reviewed by Rebelled and Namaste, read in three dozen nations ~ Written curbside and edited for the Web right there at the Naked Lounge…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Ok wait,omg. After reading your comment yesterday, I was sure to write your name on a post-it as a reminder for the future just in case. ( I do plan on reaching out to you eventually)
        My shock is you mentioning “Naked Lounge”. I live right near “Naked” & have always called it Naked lounge & am in there often. Are we speaking of the same place, lol?

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Pingback: Operating with Prayer – Tonya LaLonde

  7. Prayer – and faith too – is both comforting and powerful. That is wonderful to learn more about your very eclectic past, Tammy, this one working in a woodcutting mill! That near scalping incident sounded quiet intense! And your coworker sounds like a real gem of a friend.

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    1. Working since the age of 14, I’ve done all sorts of jobs that sometimes even I still wonder how, lol. The experiences from all, be it the job itself or co-workers have taught me lessons to succeed in the next chapters. Yes, that was a pretty scary experience, but I wear wigs now 🤣🤣🤣

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    1. I hadn’t thought of it that way, thank you so much for the perspective.
      Sometimes when I pray, I feel like I can’t get the words out & think for a second, God is frustrated with me. After your comment, I now see that simply trying & being consistent, even when I don’t quite get the words out, is a postive.😊

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      1. Well, you are too kind and funny and talented in your writing to not get out of bed… even if you have to put that wig on first (giggle). Your comments always convey appreciation. Have a fab day!

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    1. I still struggle as well with knowing how to pray. Although it’s not a science, this is why I love the Jabez Prayer because it covers all areas of life.
      “Dear Lord, I pray that you bless me in deed, that your hands will always be with me.
      I pray that you enlarge my territory and that you keep evil from me”. Those key points have made a tremendous difference in my life and I say this prayer daily, often several times a day. I add, : Dear Lord, I pray that you keep me from situations that lead to temptation.
      The book “Jabez Prayer” taught me a lot!
      God Bless!

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