Scripture Prayers For The Lost

Witnessing and praying for the lost is a passion and responsibility for practicing Christians. However, it is definitely no easy feat! We shouldn't become surprised or discouraged when witnessing to unbelievers who think Christianity is foolishness, or that it is "a crutch" for the weak. 1 Cor. 1:18 tells us, "The message of the cross IS foolish/nonsense to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." To some, believing in Christ is no more foolish than believing in flying unicorns (and I've heard this one before). But why is it foolishness to them? How come it doesn't make sense? God reveals in His word that it is "Because the god of this world (Satan) has "blinded the minds" of those who don't believe, and as a result, they don't "see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory" (2 Cor. 4:4). 

What can we do? Present them with tons of scripture? According to 1 Cor. 2:14, they can't understand it: "The person without the Spirit (Holy Spirit) does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." Isaiah 44:18 reiterates this, "They don't know or 'understand' anything. Their eyes are 'plastered shut', so they can't see. And their minds are closed, so they can't understand." 

Also, John 6:44 says that the unbeliever can't even come to Christ unless God himself draws them near. "People cannot come to me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent me brings them to me." So what can we do for our loved ones and the rest of the world that does not know Christ? Those who are saved have a divine responsibility to pray for the lost. We have direct access to God the Father, through Christ. "For through him (Jesus), we both have access in one Spirit to the Father" (Eph. 2:18). 

I have found an excellent site that helps me to pray scripturally for those I love. Let's make even more of an effort to pray for those who don't believe! One praying person slays a thousand, and two - tens of thousands! Keep in mind, it doesn't hurt to present people with salvation verses (Romans 10:17), but you should be praying that God will open their mind, heart, and eyes to understand. Don't get discouraged if it's not happening as quickly as you'd like. God is working behind the scenes constantly and will do the work necessary in His own time to fulfil His own purposes. 

Be encouraged by the following prayer...

Scripture Prayers For The Lost

(http://www.kingdompraying.com/assets/PDF/Scripture_Prayers_For_The_Lost.pdf)

The following are Scripture prayers that you can use to pray for lost people. These prayers are based on the Word of God. You can plead them with confidence and expectancy. In order to use them, place the name of the lost person or persons in the blank, pleading with God to save them. 

Father, in the name of Jesus, I plead that You will draw _______________ to Jesus Christ in true faith and repentance (John 6:44). In the name of Jesus, I ask You, Father, to quicken ___________________ who is dead in sins and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). Father, I ask You to bind and remove Satan’s work in _________________’s life and to open _______________’s eyes to the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). Holy Spirit, I pray that You would convince _____________ that he/she is lost, separated from God, and headed to hell (Romans 3:23). Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, I pray that You would destroy any false ideas that _________________ has about Jesus Christ and salvation through Him (Proverbs 14:12). Lord Jesus, I plead that You will seek out __________________ and save him/her from his/her sins and eternal condemnation (Luke 19:10). Father, I pray that You will open ________________’s heart so that he/she will receive and believe the gospel (Acts 16:14). Holy Spirit, I ask You through Your power and _____________’s circumstances to prepare him/her to hear and receive the Word of God (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). Holy Spirit, I plead that ______________ will understand the gospel when it is presented to him/her so that the devil cannot snatch it away (Matthew 13: 5, 9). Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, I plead that the Word of God will take root in ____________’s life and bring about true salvation in ____________’s life (Matthew 13:6, 20-21). Father, I ask that the pleasures of this world and the pressures of life will not choke the Word of God that has been sown into _______________’s life (Matthew 13:7, 22). Father, I plead that You will deliver ________________ from the kingdom of darkness and place ________________ into the kingdom of Your dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Father, I pray that _______________ will receive the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord (Romans 6:23). Lord Jesus, I ask that _________________ will not trust in himself/herself, but that ________________ will completely trust in You as his/her Savior and Lord (Galatians 2:16). Holy God, I pray that You would grant genuine repentance to _________________, a repentance that will cause him/her to hate sin and to turn from it (Acts 11:8; Luke 13:1-3). Lord God, I plead that You would grant ________________ genuine faith, a faith that trusts in Jesus alone and surrenders to Him as Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8-10). Holy Spirit, I pray that You would stir _______________ out of his/her indifference and complacency concerning his/her condition and his/her need of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 6:2). I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that ________________ would surrender himself/herself to the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 14:9). Father, I pray that You will send people continually into ________________’s life who will share the gospel with him/her (Romans 10:14).Father, I plead in the name of Jesus that You will put a new heart in ________________ and that You will place Your Holy Spirit in him/her (Jeremiah 42:30; Ezekiel 11:19-20). Holy Spirit, I pray that You will cause _________________ to hate sin and that You will break the power of those sins that are hindering him/her from coming to Christ (Mark 9:43-47). Lord Jesus, I ask that _______________ would surrender to You, denying himself/herself, take up the Cross, and follow You (Luke 9:23). Father, I plead that _____________ will understand that his/her only hope for forgiveness and acceptance with You is through Jesus’ work on the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18). Father, I pray that _______________ would not neglect the glorious salvation, which is available through Your Son (Hebrews 2:1-3). Lord Jesus, I pray that ________________ will feel and know the burden of his/her sin and will come to You for forgiveness and salvation (Matthew 11:28-30). Father, I plead that _________________ will make a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of his/ her life (Luke 14:24-33). Lord Jesus, I plead that ____________________ will not be content with the appearance of righteousness but will seek You for the transformation of his/her whole life (Matthew 23:27-29). Father, I pray that ___________________ will see that his/her good works are as filthy rags in Your sight and that they will not save him/her (Isaiah 64:6). Father, I ask that _______________ would believe and trust Your Son that You sent to be the Savior of sinners (John 5:24). Lord Jesus, I ask that _______________ would not die in his/her sins but would trust You and receive eternal life (John 8:24). Because You came into the world to save sinners, I plead with You to save _____________ who is a sinner and in need of Your grace and mercy (1 Timothy 1:13-16). Holy Spirit, I pray that You would humble ______________ so that he/she sees his/her need of Jesus Christ (Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 8:13, 29:23).

Little Dove

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 3:17-19

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

1 John 3:18  

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed (works)  and in truth.

A Word about the Quarantine and a Resource Guide

A Word about the Quarantine and a Resource Guide

Although the current quarantine has disrupted our normal routines and can be downright rough at times, my family is doing the best we can to keep our minds and bodies active! Personally, I sort of feel like this quarantine is bringing us back to a time when "family" was the epicenter of everything. Does this make sense or ring true to you? At the present moment, everything is on pause. We really can't go anywhere (other than essential workers or food shopping). So, how are you choosing to spend your time, since it's a gift??

            I have been thoroughly enjoying spending quality time with my family, and am thankful that we have been able to use this time to connect on a deeper level. We have had the opportunity to do activities that our regular schedules would not allow, such as hiking together on a perfectly sunny day in the afternoon, in the middle of the week. We have been sharing three meals a day together for over a week and a half, playing Uno, doing food challenges, cooking together, reading together, watching family movies, biking, playing board games and hide and seek, building forts, telling jokes, learning about God together, doing crafts and science projects, and the list goes on! I have also seen plenty of creative ideas from my friends on Facebook, which I appreciate. Our Pastor's wife was sharing how her family has chosen to watch old family videos together, which is an excellent time for bonding and laughs!

Maintaining Mental Health is Crucial

My husband and I are mental health professionals, so we are putting a lot of focus on how we can maintain our sanity while being a good example during a stressful time for our kids. While I am staying informed about important matters, I am limiting any news consumption and social media that has the potential to foster "anxiety" for myself and my family. Remember, our kids are listening and watching our responses to this challenging and uncertain time. How we manage our anxiety will significantly impact our kids, so you need to get a "strategy" (one of my favorite lines from Silver Linings)! 🤣

Anxiety Overview

Keeping your worries in check will help your whole family navigate this uncertain situation as a healthy unit. Know your triggers, and pay attention to your body's signs. Often your body will feel the effects of stress before your mind is even aware (i.e., heart palpitations, altered breathing, stomach distress, etc.).

Firstly, for those overwhelming moments of anxiety, try to avoid speaking about your concerns within earshot of children. If you’re feeling really anxious, step away and take a break. This part will look different for everyone! It could look like taking a shower, listening to music, meditating on Scripture/God's promises, praying, going outside, exercising, painting/drawing, doing crafts, cooking/baking, or going into another room to practice deep breathing exercises. Self-care is vital! There are many mental health applications available (for free) that could help you manage your anxiety and mood by teaching you healthy coping skills. I like Sanvello; however, you have numerous options:

Visit here for more mental health apps:

https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps

Additionally, telemental health is readily available from the privacy of your own home and is exploding right now!

Telemental health resources:

https://www.betterhelp.com/

https://www.talkspace.com/

https://www.iprevail.com

https://www.7cups.com/

https://www.ableto.com/aboutus/

I encourage you to find the source of anxiety. This may mean you'll have to turn the TV off, mute/unfollow friends or co-workers who are prone to sharing panic-inducing posts, or take a brief hiatus from social media if you find that it is stealing your peace.

Your Focus is your Reality

I am intentionally choosing to enjoy the stillness and focus on the positive aspects of this situation (i.e., time of rest/recuperation, bonding time with family, etc.), while trusting God's plan for my life (Romans 8:28) and drawing near to both Him and my family.

Victor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, as well as a Holocaust survivor once said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” Victor had it right! Your mind can either be a prison holding you captive or a portal to greater things and places. If a man, who was in the midst of one of the greatest afflictions the world has ever seen (i.e., facing illness, starvation, torture, and death daily), could maintain this positive outlook on life, so can we!

You may be overwhelmed with fear, panic, or grief, due to the "uncertainty" of your future and changes in our environment; however, God says He is able to give us peace in the midst of life's storms that the world cannot:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" 

(John 14:27).

If anyone needs someone to talk to, please feel free to reach out to me. I am a licensed mental health professional and am trauma certified. You can find my listener profile here, in which I am offering free services. What I like about this platform, is that you can make your own screen name, which allows you to conceal your identity. If you need prayer, send me a message, and my family will pray for you!

Resources List:

Food Pantries by State:

https://www.foodpantries.org/?fbclid=IwAR2BneSTvdawp2dfysW3Rmh_e1viWNLQdoedv49TX35XEmJVo5v8yu29-js

DIAL: 2-1-1

Types of Referrals Offered by 211: 211 provides callers in all or part of 50 states with information about and referrals to social services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing, shelters, housing, utility assistance.
• Disaster Response and Recovery – works with the emergency management team during a disaster to offer support and place for dissemination of information.
• Mental Health and Health Resources – including counseling, support groups, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, clinics, and hospitals.
• Employment Supports – including job training, employment services, transportation assistance, and education programs.
• Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities – including adult daycare, community meals, respite care, home health care, transportation and homemaker services.
• Children, Youth and Family Support – including child care, after school programs, educational programs for low-income families, family resource centers, and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations – Individuals who wish to donate time, goods or money to community organizations can find this information by dialing 211.

Carbon County Resources:

https://cccfoundpa.org/2018data/Resource%20Guide.pdf

https://cccfoundpa.org/2018data/CC-Childrens-Resource-Directory.pdf

https://cccfoundpa.org/2018data/CC%20Resources.pdf

Monroe County Resources:

https://www.esasd.net/cms/lib/PA01001915/Centricity/Domain/1279/Resource%20Card_SAP.pdf

http://www.monroecountypa.gov/Dept/Aging/PoconoSeniors/Pages/Services.aspx

Lackawanna County Resources:

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/County%20Guides/Lackawanna%20County%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

https://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/departmentsagencies/human-services/human-services

Luzerne Country Resources:

https://www.highmarkblueshield.com/pdf_file/ger_binder/Luzerne.pdf

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/County%20Guides/2-18_Luzerne%20County%20Resource%20Guide_BFH.pdf

https://www.luzernecounty.org/BusinessDirectoryII.aspx?lngBusinessCategoryID=22

Finding I Am: Day 4-5

My husband and I are teaching from a series called, "Finding I AM." Given these uncertain times, and especially all the stress concerning the coronavirus, we hope to encourage and bless you with this lesson!

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYeFqoxLxE

Anger

Do not let your hurt become hate...

Anger affects a person emotionally, physically, and psychologically. According to Clinton & Hawkins (2011), it is "the most powerful and least understood of all the emotions" (p. 178). Anger is a strong emotional reaction of displeasure with the desire to do something in response to these feelings. It is an advanced stage of frustration, that uncontrolled by the power of God, can lead to violent outbursts and destructive conduct. It can also lead to plans for revenge or punishment, which is why "of all the emotions, anger is the one most likely to be labeled a sin" (Clinton & Hawkins, 2011, p. 179).

What I find most interesting about anger is its effect on our health. Proverbs 19:19 (New International Version) says, "A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty." Anger has lasting effects on our lives if we do not deal with it properly. The physical effects of anger are both immediate and long-term. Like fear, anger triggers the same physiological “fight or flight” response, leading to a plethora of health problems (if consistent). When we experience anger, our body releases the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepares the body for survival mode. Physicians advise us that losing our cool consistently causes high blood pressure, dryness of mouth, and a fast-beating heart. It could even bring pre-mature death. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, a group of women was tracked for 18 years to see who was harboring long-term anger. Women with suppressed anger were three times more likely to have died during the study than those who did not have bitter hostility (Angier, 1990).

Anger affects us psychologically as well. Although depression can be chemical, often it is the result of an unresolved conflict in a person's heart. It is devastating to the body to carry an angry spirit. Anger causes our minds to be filled with unholy and negative thoughts; however, God tells us to meditate on, "what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8). Because our thinking dictates our behavior, we follow through on sinful thoughts and cause a lot of damage. A hot temper means you may say or do a lot of hurtful things, which could also mean a loss of family and friends. Anger always leaves a trail of hurt feelings and unhappiness behind you.

Finally, anger demonstrates the opposite of love, and love should be the defining characteristic of a Christian. You cannot express love and anger at the same time. Once anger takes root, it chokes out love. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 tells us that “Love is patient and love is kind.” It’s important to remain patient during trying times that we may not utter hurtful words. Clinton & Hawkins (2011) state that "Healthy anger responds rather than reacts. It is proactive and not nearly reactive. It sheds more light than heat" (Clinton & Hawkins, 2011, p. 179). We need to remember that “Love is not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 14:5). We should do our best to be imitators of God, who is slow to anger (Ephesians 5:1, Psalm 103:8).

The verse that convicted and freed me of anger, when I first got saved, was Ephesians 4:31,"Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ."



Reference:

Angier, N. (1990, December 20). Chronic anger may lead to early death. Retrieved August 31, 2017, from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-12-20/news/9004150151_1_chronic-anger-early-mortality-hostile

Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of Christian counseling: An indispensable toolfor helping people with their problems. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.

Grounding Techniques: Trauma in Children

This presentation defines trauma, the symptoms displayed in children, the use of grounding techniques and their benefits.

http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cbhqhCXzcY

Strong Stepfamilies

This presentation covers key issues in stepfamilies; tips to improve the quality of this relationship; dynamics of a stepfamily; biblical examples of stepfamilies; scriptural references and recommended books.

http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cbeX3k64xG