Thank you for your prayers!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

It seems like we set aside November and December as times of giving thanks and reflecting on the past year. As a family, when we reflect upon the past year and recall the markers throughout, we remember the celebrations, the struggles and the growth. Additionally we remember the people who have walked alongside of us for these months we call 2018. 

The undercurrent which moves the life events of the past year are the prayers you have prayed on our behalf.  Sure, as a family we pray every day - at dinnertime and bed time. Erica and I pray constantly throughout the day starting with the first moments after we wake up.

Through the trials and celebrations marked in this current year’s calendar, we can look back and see how our own prayers have changed. We pray for each other and for our family with more confidence and with more authority. 

We have also seen a new boldness and accuracy in the prayer requests we make to others. 

Erica and I have called upon many of you to pray for us throughout the year. We want to tell you first-hand that we feel the effect of prayers and we have the privilege of seeing, first-hand, your prayers being answered. It is quite remarkable how God hears you and answers your prayers.  

I remember a time early in the year when I was traveling and some fire ants had made their way into the house. Immediately I sent off a text to a couple of prayer warriors and they began praying for us. Not long after the ant situation calmed down a sense of peace filled our home. Within a few days we were able to get our bug guy out and take care of the situation once and for all. Your prayers bought us some time.

I’m thankful for the couple who pray for us when I travel for work. The support and encouragement of the group of guys who pray for me when I go share the Gospel is incredible. And the business guys who pray for my leadership are always lifting me up and speaking truth.

As a couple and a family we depend greatly on them to pray for us personally. They know us well and know exactly how to pray.

The point of telling you all this is to thank you for praying for us. Your prayers are felt and honored. 

I think prayer is one of those things that is underutilized. In these past twelve months I have seen so many things shift by the power of prayer. It keeps me wanting to set aside intentional time every day to pray. In 1 Thessalonians Paul says to pray without ceasing. What he means is always. Nonstop. It's easy to fall out of a routine of morning prayer. However, when you see the incredible things that can result from faithful prayer it keeps you going. 

Prayer is simply talking to God, tell Him what’s on your mind and on your heart. Petition God to shift something in your life. Ask Him to make Himself known to you. And then watch as He moves in our life - keep your eyes open because it might not look like what you are expecting. But take time to reflect and see how He answers prayers. 

God has answered so many of our prayers this year. And, He has answered so many of your prayers this year which you have prayed on our behalf. We want to thank for carving out some of your time with God to pray on our behalf. Thank you.

Shawn

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17