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Prayer for 9/11 First Responders

Sep 10

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | No Comments

On 9/11, the United States was faced with one of its greatest tragedies. Many people were directly exposed to this massive traumatic event. Many sacrificed their lives to save others.

Memorial Prayer for 9-11 First Responders
G-d of the selfless,
G-d of the strong and the brave,
Grant a perfect rest among the souls of the righteous
To those who died in service to others because of
The 9/11 attacks on the Unites States.
May their dedication to protecting life serve as a shining lamp of love
And the works of their hands bring us all merit in heaven.
Bless the souls of all who have died to save others,
Civilians and professionals,
The trained and the untrained,
In every age and in every land,
Men and women who answered the call of honor, duty and service.
May their memories be sanctified with joy and love.
May their souls be bound up in the bond of life,
A living blessing in our midst.
© 2011 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Nicole B Simpson, A 9/11 survivor and victor, went on a quest to determine first-hand the thoughts and emotions of people who survived. 09/11/01 A Long Road Toward Recovery is the voice of the survivors. This book represents their thoughts, their emotional journey and their view of where the country needs to do .With faith in God, we are more than conquerors, no matter how big the hurdles we have to overcome.

I am pleased to recommend this book to stands ten years later. Read the story of a 9/11 survivor Nicole Simpson, who now helps others.

09/11/01 A Long Road Toward Recovery by Nicole B.Simpson


09/11/01 A Long Road Toward Recovery by Nicole B.Simpson

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Pray Blessings Over Our Schools: United Community Prayer

Sep 7

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

( picture copied from MITS)

Pray Blessings Over Our Schools: United Community Prayer for Our Children and Schools by Linda Fegins

It’s back to school time. There have been back to school rallies and groups interested in addressing youth concerns. For example City of Detroit Council Members Saunteel Jenkins and James Tate held the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force’s first Back to School Youth Explosion on Saturday, September 3rd, 2011.The free event featured workshops for both kids and parents on issues affecting youth aged 12-18 including violence and sexual health concerns.

Rallies are great, but we also need to call for united prayer for the lives of children attending schools and “put feet to our prayers”. Many ministries have been calling for prayer for the children, teachers, administrators and school staff as they return back to school. On one 5am morning prayer conference call on My Girlfriends’ Business , Chief Girlfriend visionary Jillian Blackwell- a wife, mother of three boys and a business owner asked for prayer for the school children, teachers and administrators. The Messiah Baptist Church Intercessory Prayer Team under the guidance of Kimberly Bracey ( Intercessory Prayer Team Leader Linda Fegins) as well as various ministries , such as the Lydia Circle for Christian Business and Professional Women Prayer Team ( Director Min. Jacqui Showers ) will hold prayer meetings by conference call, three way telephone calls and at church , praying this week for protection, guidance and wisdom for our school children , youth and college students , parents and educators.

There is no doubt that “Moms In Touch International” (MITI) founded by Fern Nichols, a group of mothers around the country who simply desire to affect communities and schools through the power of prayer have been going before the throne of God. “The 27-year-old prayer ministry, Moms In Touch International has one goal–to gather women together to pray scripturally and specifically for children and schools. Mothers in more than 130 countries around the world meet regularly, spending an hour praying at least once a week.”(MITI purpose statement). They serve as prayer warriors who battle in the spiritual realm for the lives of children and teenagers as they go off to school for at least one hour every week. They are women united with one purpose: a passion to pray for children and they believe that prayer makes a difference. Read the rest of this entry »

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Prayers for the Cities of this Nation

Aug 13

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | No Comments

My heart is heavy for our cities, not just mine ,which is the City of Detroit . Right now I say Lord we need forgiveness , deliverance and healing from the violence, unrighteousness and idolatry. We pray that a spirit of Nehemiah will arise to rebuild the cities with love, peace, righteousness, and preserverance to glorify God. We pray that a spirit of repentance will cover the city.

Name your city and we can pray together.

I challenge each of you to prayerwalk your block or a school and business in your neighborbood. Pray for household salvation, restoration, peace and reconciliation. Call the names of the schools and buisnesses. Let’s report on our united efforts , although we may be in different cities around the nation and world. Let’s testify as to how prayer has changed your city, neighborhood or school.

Some Prayer Points.
1. Use 2 Chronicles 7:14
2. Pray for God’s spirit of prayer and supplication to be poured out in the city.
3. Pray for those in authority in your city.
4.Ask God to bless those who base business practice in righteousness. 5. Pray that God would frustrate plans that escalate injustice, violence, unrighteouness and shake the dominion of mammon and greed.
6. Pray for a spirit of repentance t obe released for sin and unrighteouness and that a release of God’s grace in the city. Matt.12:29,Col 2:15
7. Pray for revival in your city.

Pray Fervently, Linda Fegins May 2010 update August 12,2011
Former(over 14 yrs) Prayer Coordinator/ Director,Lydia Circle of Christian Professional and Business Women
Writer of an article in the Anthology -“Tali Cumi: Daughters Arise”
Writer of an article in the Anthology -“It’s Worth the Struggle- Inspiration for Contemporary Writers”
Christian Dramatist, “Sojourner Truth”, “Eve” etc.
Sunday School and Christian Education Teacher
Linda’s Report Blog https://instanter.wordpress.com/
Prayer Blog https://ladyofprayer.com

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Praying for the Ministry and Business of Minetta Hare- Remember Lydia -a Christian Entrepreneur Acts 16: 13-15, 40

Aug 9

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

I praise you , Creator God for making men and women in Your own image. Give creativity and good ideas to Your children who serve you in the marketplace. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, granting them the skills, abilities and knowledge needed to accomplish their tasks and goals and to glorify You. (Gen 1:27; Ex 21:3) Give them decisionmaking wisdom. God give Christians in the marketplace a spirit of wisdom and revelation so they can know and follow you in their work.( Eph 1:17; Prov 3:5-6; Is 30:21). God you hold the hearts of kings in Your hands. We ask that our Christian borthers and sisters in the workplace will find favor with key people. (Dan1:9; Eccl 4: 9-12) Grant them favor and may marketplace believers pursue excellence to your Glory. ( Prov 21:1; Phil 4:8) ( excerpt from Strategic Prayers for Marketplace Influencers by Arlyn Lawrence)

5 AM Praying with My Girlfriends’ Business. Chief Girlfriend and visionary Jillian Blackwell, and the women on the prayer call, for the month of August are praying for a girlfriend’s business or ministry each day. Since January 2011,daily women consistently join the 5 AM prayer call every morning all over the nation,- New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, etc to seek the Lord ,to pray for others, themselves and for their girlfriends’ business.

Many believers are business owners or have key positions in business. Christians in the workplace and business owners should have a practical and spiritual influence in the community. In the bible Lydia was a business woman who was a seller of purple dye and an influential women. While Lydia, who worshipped the one God of the Jews, and a group of others were praying by the riverside, they encountered Paul and Silas. Paul related to them the Gospel. Lydia opened her ears and heart and became the first Christian convert . She was baptized and then her household. She became a Christian and a marketplace influencer. The Bible states that she urged Paul to abide in her home and opened her home to Christian missionaries. She opened her doors when Paul and Silas came out of prison for healing a demented girl to her right mind. Acts 16:16 While serving Christians it seems that Lydia continued to carry on her business.

Believers should pray for entrepreneurs. Look at how businesses affect our economy and the workplace. We want God to move powerfully in the lives of business owners who operate in integrity and excellence. For example, on August 9, 2011, (yesterday) we prayed for Missionary/Evangelist Minetta Hare -a global focused woman, who empowers women in prayer, training, coaching, global missions and in global entrepreneurship. Her ministry is Faith At Work Ministries and one of her businesses is the Hare Group International. Minetta is the founder and visionary of Lydia Circle for Christian Business and Professional Women, Faith At Work Ministries and Men of Valor. She is a global woman that has a hands on ministry for serving woman and men in time of need and as they rise in their ministry or business with love, prayer, wisdom, frankness, compassion and the gift of hospitality. She does missions and business globally and has served in South Africa ( over 12 mission trips), Ghana, Israel, Jamaica and etc.

Join us in praying for her specific prayer requests and for what the Holy Spirit places in your heart. You may be led to partner with her or to contact her. Minetta’s ministry and one of her businesses and the specific prayer requests are as follows:

Faith At Work Ministries
Preparing, Training, Equipping & Mobilizing Laborers & Servant Leaders for
God’s Harvest Field, the World
Matthew 28:18-20, Isaiah 61:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:2 describe what we believe God has called us to do –make disciples of all nations by the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ through many means – economic empowerment and business development, trade missions, entrepreneurial training, medical outreaches, building schools and medical facilities, or one-on-one sharing the gospel. The greatest mission field today is the marketplace. Jesus recruited His disciples, who had occupations and professions as fishermen and tax collector from the marketplace. This probably sounds like more than any one ministry can do- and it is! Because of this, God has brought together a team of dedicated men and women to work with us to carry out this vision which is really HIS VISION.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
EXCELLENT HEALTH FOR MINISTRY TEAM
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
MINISTRY PARTNERS (1000)
COMPLETION OF ORPANAGES AND SAFE HOMES FOR CHILDREN
SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN
MICRO-ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
$1,000,000 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR MEDICAL CLINIC IN GHANA, SOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANA.

Business
HARE GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Hare Group International (HGI) is a leader in international trade and business services providing exclusive export management, marketing and sales, logistics coordination, warehousing, distribution and after-sales customer service.

Whether our clients are looking to quickly penetrate international markets or build brand equity, HGI provides the highest quality customer service with its sound reputation of quality, strength, and professionalism.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Pending Contracts and Deals signed and implementation of agreement going forth.

New Clients and suppliers (12 new companies expanding their businesses into the global marketplace)

Funding and Financing sources ( Financial Favor with World Bank and Ex-Im Bank)

New Investors

Business Plans and Proposal are clear and concise with potential funders and investors.

Integrity with governmental officials in Ghana, South Africa, Botswana and Jamaica.

$1,000,000 Working Capital for new projects.

copyright August 2011
Fervently pray, Linda Fegins
Former(over 14 yrs) Prayer Coordinator/ Director,Lydia Circle of Christian Professional and Business Women
Writer of an article in the Anthology -“Tali Cumi: Daughters Arise”
Writer of an article in the Anthology -“It’s Worth the Struggle- Inspiration for Contemporary Writers”
Christian Dramatist, “Sojourner Truth”, “Eve” etc.
Sunday School and Christian Education Teacher
Linda’s Report Blog https://instanter.wordpress.com/
Prayer Blog https://ladyofprayer.com

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Remember to Pray For Our Soldiers and the Families of Fallen Soldiers

May 30

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

I love the television series “Army Wives” which focuses on the wives and families of soldiers. I watch it faithfully and set my dvr to record the series. For the last few years my heart has developed a compassion and burden for soldiers, especially women soldiers, fighting to protect our country in uncomfortable, dangerous and uncertain circumstances 24/7. Men and women endure long seperations from familiy and children and other challenges inherent to military service. If I hear of an incident or watch a story about soldiers I begin to pray for them. It is outrageous for physically and mentally wounded soldiers to come home and have to fight for benefits from injuries suffered from serving the country. My concern and compassion has nothing to do with any opinion I may have about the war in Afghanistan or Iraq or anywhere. That is another subject.

A young lady from my church just joined the military services. Kathryn, a once quiet shy child who barely spoke a word outloud, wants to be a vetenarian. She has grown into a blooming young woman in the Lord. She was beginning to let her light shine and was becoming more outgoing by leading the choir in song and praying out loud before others. I pray the Lord’s protection of her and that she will achieve her educational goals. How many of our young adults are bravely joining the military services?

Yes, we should take the time on Memorial Day to remember and honor our fallen soldiers ,as their families must think of them every day. Every day let’s lift up prayers for the courageous troops and their families who are actively serving our country each day, not only across the world in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere but, within our borders as well. The soldier place themselves in harm’s way for you and me.

Remember Women Fallen Soldiers Marine Cpl. Romona M. Valdez

Prayers for Servicemen and Service women(soldier)- Military-Armed Forces
• Pray for discernment and protection from the United States’ enemies that are among us, even as others plot against us from afar.

• Pray for the protection of our troops. May the soldier turn to You for rest and protection. Keep them safe from all hidden dangers, deadly diseases and accidents.

• Lord may the soldier not fear the guns of the night and may you hide them under Your protective wings and given them the discernment of how to escape the enemy.(Psalm 91:1-11) .Lord send your angels to protect them wherever they go and to help fight the enemy. Lord God help them fight the battle.

• Lord may the soldier experience Your mercy and compassion as they arise each morning. The Word states you are a faithful Father and that Your mercy and compassion never fails; they are new every morning. ( Lamentations 3:21-23)

• You are the Almighty and loving Father at the same time. Lord grant the soldier strength to carry out his or her duties. Lord give them endurance , courage and wisdom of how to use their skills to overcome adversity, and how to outwit the enemy. Lord when they are feeling weary I pray that look to You from where all their help comes from and that he or she knows that You can mount them up with wings like eagles so they can walk and not get weary. ( Isaiah 40:31).

• Lord I pray that he or she knows you as Lord and Saviour. Open their eyes so that they know the love of God for them.

• Lord I pray for the families of the servicemen and servicewomen while they are away from home. I pray for the children who miss their parents. Lord provide for their needs, comfort them and keep them.
• God you are a Healer. You are the Great Physician who can heal hearts, minds, broken bones, gun shot wounds and broken relationships. Heal servicemen and servicewomen who are suffering from mental and emotional problems , trauma and painful memories. Restore their minds and emotions. Lord we pray that the soldier receive all the benefits to which he or she is entitled.

• Pray for those who have lost a loved one in battle. These grieving families have paid the ultimate price. Lord comfort those who have lost friends and family members. Lord protect them and allow them to receive the necessary benefits they deserve.

• Scriptures to build faith for comfort and protection
• II Chronicles 32:6-8
• Psalm 57:1
• Psalm 59:1
• Proverbs 2:8
o Psalm 5:11

Black Women Fallen Soldiers
www.tributetoblackwomen.com
A special tribute to all the brave black women, and black women of color in the military who lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq war…..

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National Day of Prayer- God is our Refuge Psalm 91:2

May 5

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | No Comments

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place today Thursday, May 5, 2011. Millions will unite in prayer across the nation at various events. The theme, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, is based on the verse from Psalm 91:2 which states: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

2011 National Prayer
by Joni Eareckson Tada, Honorary Chairman
Almighty God, you are our Mighty Fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust. As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people — convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people. Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in You until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation.
Protect and defend us against our enemies and may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes, and churches. Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our own hearts.
Remember America, we pray. Remember the foundations on which this country was built. Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need.
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen
May God’s hand of wisdom and guidance remain upon each segment of our society, and through His Spirit, may believers be inspired to “pray continually” (I Thessalonians 5:17). We are assured that the Almighty hears our petitions. As people from coast to coast lift their voices in prayer, repentance and humility, we simply cannot underestimate how the Lord will respond. Let us together come before His throne with these words on our lips and in our hearts, “God bless America!”

Prayer Focus 7 Seven Centers of Power

• GOVERNMENT
• MILITARY
• MEDIA
• BUSINESS
• EDUCATION
• CHURCH
• FAMILY

Prayer Focus
Government
• May God’s hand of wisdom and guidance remain upon each segment of our society, and through His Spirit, may believers be inspired to “pray continually” (I Thessalonians 5:17).
• Pray for righteousness to prevail in this nation. Righteousness exalts a nation Proverbs 14:34

• Pray for our leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.
• I Kings 3:28
• I Timothy 2:1-2
• Exodus 18:21
• Proverbs 11:3
• Romans 13:1-2,3

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2: Pray that leaders , men and women, will be granted divine wisdom, guidance and strength to fulfill their important roles:
• Pray for Federal Leaders
• President: Barack Obama- Guidance, grace protection, wisdom and family
Vice President: Joe Biden
Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton
Pray for the other Secretaries
All Branches of the Armed Forces

Pray for State and Local Leaders

Military-Armed Forces
• Pray for discernment and protection from the of the United States’ enemies that are among us, even as others plot against us from afar.
• Pray for divine protection and guidance for our armed forces. Ask God to intercede for military chaplains and loved ones at home.
• II Chronicles 32:6-8
• Psalm 57:1
• Psalm 59:1
• Proverbs 2:8
o Psalm 5:11
• Pray for the courageous troops, and their families, who are actively serving our country each day ¬ not only at bases around the world, but also here within our borders. Our soldiers daily place themselves in harm’s way in order to defend the way of life we hold dear as well. .
• Pray the Lord’s protection will go before them.
• Lift up the chaplains stationed around the world, along with the Christian servicemen who unofficially fulfill a role of spiritual leadership.
• Pray for those who have lost a loved one in battle. These grieving families have paid the ultimate price. Ask that God’s comfort would be upon them in a special way.
• Pray that our media’s accounts of U.S. military actions are relayed fairly and impartially.

Media
• Pray for truth and morality to be presented.
• Proverbs 12:9-22
• Ephesians 4:29
• Philippians 4:8
• Matthew 12:36-37
• Pray for the entertainment industry and their deliverance from vices such as materialism, promiscuity, substance abuse, and violence.
• Pray for wholesome and truthful offerings and acceptable alternatives for families to replace the media’s often biased and immoral offerings.
• Ask the Lord to provide the television, radio and print mediums with staff members and executives who are committed to accuracy and integrity.
• Intercede on behalf of the actors, musicians and athletes our young people seek to emulate. Pray that more of Hollywood’s celebrities will be worthy of our respect and admiration. .

Business
• Pray for business women and men of integrity, fairness and courage will arise.,
• Pray that God will raise up His ambassadors in the workplace.
• Matthew 5:14-16
• Galatians 6:9
• Proverbs 29:2
• Exodus 31:3-5

Education
• Pray for safety, morally sound instruction and wholesome environments.
• Deuteronomy 11:18-19
• Psalm 90:16-17
• Psalm 34:7
• Matthew 19:14
• Pray for students who are trained in righteousness as well as sound educational curricula. II Timothy 3:16
• Pray for our nation’s public school teachers, administrators and students. Ask the Lord to raise up a new generation of dedicated educators who will commit themselves not only to an honest, accurate presentation of all subject matter, but who will also serve as positive role models for their students.
• Pray for our local school boards. Church
• Pray for unity and boldness in proclaiming God’s Word.
• Matthew 16:18-19
• Ephesioans 4:3-6
• II Thessalonians 1:4
• Acts 16:15
• Pray for the Lord to provide pastors and spiritual leaders with strength and avenues of accountability so that they may maintain steadfastness in their vital callings.
• Pray for them to overcome stress and temptation and to walk worthy of their vocation.
• Pray for the Lord to spark a revival throughout our nation, protect the witness of our pastors, and continue to sanctify and purify Christians around the world.

Family
.
• Pray for the family to be preserved as the Lord intended .

.Pray that families will follow godly principles.
• Joshua 24:15
• Psalm 127:3-5
• Ephesians 5:21
• Proverbs 22:6

The prayer points have been adopted from the National Day of Prayer Task Force http://nationaldayofprayer.org/coordinators/planning-guides/

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“Let’s Get Started: Take the Time to Pray and Write Your Goals”- Part III

Mar 17

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

As a result of Part I and Part II (https://ladyofprayer.com/?p=364) of “Let’s Get Started: Take the Time to Pray and Write Your Goals”, are you ready to get started? Have you prayed and sought the Lord about what goals He would direct you to achieve? Have you thought specifically about what you would like to accomplish over the next year and the action steps you will take to achieve your goals. As a prerequisite, this endeavor must begin with God in prayer, fasting, and meditation. Many people immediately jump to temporal concerns, such as getting out of debt, starting a business or losing weight. However, I suggest that the first goals you write should involve spiritual goals such as strengthening your personal prayer life or spending time in study of the Word or memorizing more scripture. You should then list your goals under specific goal categories such as spiritual goals, educational goals, business/career goals, financial goals and personal goals or other focus areas pertinent to you. Some practical suggestions for setting your goals are as follows:

1. Get a journal to write the goals in or a loose leaf notebook and divide the note book under the relevant categories. As Habakkuk 2: 1-4 records, we should “write the vision and make it plain…” so that “…he may run who reads it.”

2. Freelance writer, online columnist and former stay at home mom for 15 years, Patricia Chadwick, suggests that you get away by yourself for a day in order to really think about the goals you want to set for you and your family without any distractions. Alternatively, establish 2 or 3 hour sessions until you complete your assignment if you are unable to do this for a day. Turn off the phone and television. Do not go on the Internet –especially Facebook. To set her goals she uses a loose-leaf notebook with a yearly calendar in it and breaks the notebook into 12 categories.

3. Prayer warrior and writer, Cynthia Bezek, in the article “Plan to Grow” suggests that once your goals have emerged, consider each goal and find as many verses as you can to support that goal. Use the concordance to look up key words. Write relevant passages into your notebook. This process helped her to internalize what the Lord was teaching her.

4. Write down promises you may need to rely on and “eat” them in order for God to accomplish each goal in your life.

5. Write down specific action items you must undertake to accomplish your goal in a manner that will help you to measure your progress.

6. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. — Specific (not just lose weight, but instead “lose 35 pounds”); Measurable (How will you know when the goal has been accomplished by how much or how many?); Attainable (Goal too out of reach may not be completed. 20lbs a week vs 4 lbs a week for the first two weeks ); Realistic (“never eat chocolate again” — , but better to say limit it to one day a week!); and Timely (set a date – If no date there is no commitment).

7. Throughout the year review the goal notebook to see how you’re doing. Make a note of the goals upon which you need to revise or begin work on. If you‘ve accomplished a goal, then check it off.

8. God is sovereignly in control of our future. He enables us by grace to pray about and pursue goals that agree with His perceived will for our lives. He has the ultimate say in our destiny. ( See James 4:13-17). God has the final say about our destiny and we must be prepared for God to make changes in our plans. His sovereignty is no excuse for our failure to step out in faith to write the vision and to take action to implement the vision He give us, or to procrastinate or to remain stagnant out of fear.

Remember to Make Your Goals S.M.A.R.T.

We must be clear about what, where, when and how we will achieve our goals. A useful acronym to apply to assist in setting effective goals and objectives is S.M.A.R.T.

The S in S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific. Answer the 6 W’s – Who, What, Where, When, Which (identify requirements and constraints) and Why. Do not set the goal to broad. Be able to break it down to small achievable parts in a specific time period.

The M in S.M.A.R.T. stands for Measurable. What concrete criteria can we employ to measure our progress? It is important that the l goal be measurable. If the goal is not measurable then it will be hard to know if you have achieved it and you may give up because you do not know if you are making progress. Answer the questions —How much? How many? How will I know I have accomplished it.?

The A in S.M.A.R.T. stands for Attainable or Achievable. We must make an effective action plan. Begin to figure out ways to accomplish your goal. You goals should stretch you and cause you to grow and expand to reach them, but not be too lofty, although we know we can do all things with the help of the Lord. Goals need to be reasonable and achievable. For example, losing 15 pounds in 30 days is unrealistic (unless you’re planning a medical procedure). Losing six to eight pounds in 30 days is reasonable. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are out of reach.

The R in S.M.A.R.T. stands for Realistic. It means the goal is “do-able” and that the skills are available to get the job done. Therefore, you are both willing and able to work to achieve the goal. A goal can be both high and realistic. Do you have the ability and commitment to make your dream come true? Or does it need a little adjustment?

The T in S.M.A.R.T. stands for Time. We must set specific time deadlines that allow a realistic and reasonable amount of time to accomplish each goal.

Everyone will benefit from goals and objectives if they are SMART.
Let’s declare that even if you did not start at the end of last year 2010 or the first of this year to write your goals, you are getting started today. Not another year of saying “shoulda-coulda-woulda” for the great things that should have been achieved, by me or by you. Let’s get started.

Linda Fegins,
The Prayer Leader,
Former Prayer Director and Coordintor for Lydia Cirlce for Christian Buisness and Professional Women, LDFaygo@aol.com

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“Let’s Get Started: Take the Time to Pray and Write Your Goals”- Part II

Mar 3

Posted by Linda Fegins in Uncategorized | No Comments

He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” – Colossians 4:12b

Isaiah 32:8 says, “The noble man makes noble plans.”

Proverbs 16:3 promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

In response to my challenge in Part I of this article (https://ladyofprayer.com/?p=364) to each of us to take time to pray and write at least three goals you would like to accomplish this year, Dr. Deana Murphy, an award winning author and expert on life design wrote: “Amen Linda. The key to writing goals is prayer. He gives us the desires of our heart—which are His desires. This is so important. Thank you for sharing.” Indeed, “prayer is the key that opens the storehouse of God’s infinite grace and power”. R. A. Torrey.

Have you taken the time to pray, meditate and to map out at least three goals and the action steps you will take to achieve that goal? Now, if you haven’t written your goals for this year or have not taken any steps to achieve them, forget the past. Begin right now praying and thinking about writing your goals for the year. Take the time to seek God’s face first, pray, and meditate on the Word. Listen to what He states to you and write it down. I find this helps me to accomplish the things that are important to me. Sir Isaac Newton, wrote, “All of my discoveries have been made in answer to prayer.”

Some of your goals could be educational, financial, or involve career and business goals such as to write that book or to start a new business. However, first focus on what spiritual goals you would like to achieve which will strengthen your personal relationship with the Lord. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (temporal things, that is) will be added to you” (Matthew. 6:33). Setting spiritual goals can help you keep moving toward maturity. Accordingly, some spiritual goals you may have is to read the through the bible in one year, work on a particular character trait, or read a certain Christian book.

One key spiritual goal should be to improve your personal relationship with the Lord through bible study and improving your prayer life. God wants a relationship with us/you. We should press, stretch and get out of our comfort zones to maintain a prayer relationship with Him. It is the goal that will have eternal benefits. It is the goal that will give us power, wisdom and guidance about all of our other goals such as improving family relationships, getting out of debt, starting that business, writing that book, starting an exercise plan, or healing the relationships issues between black women and men. Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s power in your life to carry out what God has placed in our hearts.

Possibly you may want to grow even more in your prayer life such as praying more consistently on a daily basis instead of a hit or miss or crisis oriented prayer life or to develop your confidence in prayer. Prayer should not be a rushed moment in the morning. Prayer should be a way of life. If Jesus needed extended times of prayer retreat with God, how much more do we? As one prayer warrior remarked “if prayer is to become a way of life for us as it was for Him, we need to change our priorities so we have much more time for prayer”.

Perhaps you want to pray more Kingdom prayers or learn a whole new approach to prayer. Prayer is not exclusively asking God for things for you, but prayer is interceding for others. We should desire to pray Kingdom prayers to seek God for what God wants you to pray and do to carry out His purpose on earth. “If as disciples of Jesus Christ we are going to make a difference, then prayer in all of its expressions must become much more a part of our lives”.

It is my prayer that each of us will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (II Peter 3:18) and in our prayer lives. Hopefully you will write some specific goals for yourself in this area. In Part III we will discuss some practical suggestions for writing your goals, whatever they may be.

Linda D. Fegins,
LDFaygo@aol.com
The Prayer Leader, https://ladyofprayer.com
Former Prayer Coordinator and Director (13years), Lydia Circle of Christian Professional and Business Women
Christian Dramatist, “Sojourner Truth”, “Eve” etc.
Sunday School and Christian Education Teacher
Linda’s Report Blog https://instanter.wordpress.com

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“Let’s Get Started: Take the Time to Pray and Write Your Goals”- Part I by Linda Fegins

Feb 28

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“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

“I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 3:13-14

Can you believe it’s almost March 1, 2011. When we were moving toward the New Year we heard a lot of talk, read articles and read notes and comments on Facebook about taking the time to write your goals for the New Year. See Fabulous PR coach Pam Perry’s article on the purpose of goals in this blog. https://ladyofprayer.com/?p=284 . Christian author Stacey Hawkins Adams spoke of writing about her goals for the 2011 New Year. She insightfully posted on Facebook, “I spent a few hours last night mapping out goals for the New Year, and I’m excited about challenging myself in several areas. Yet, while I plan, I know my future rests with the One who holds the master plan, so I must always start and end with Him”.

Well, what about you. Have you taken the time to write down the goals and steps you will take to achieve them? Admittedly, I am behind on fulfilling the entire task. I do not want to have any would’ a, should ‘a, and could have regrets about not accomplishing my goals for this year. You may not have written your goals earlier, but it is not too late for “mapping out your goals for this year”.

On Feb 23, 2011, author and Wife Coach Venus Mason-Theus , who is the visionary for the “Anointed Pen Conference” (http://www.anointedpenseminar.info) challenged me and other Facebook friends with the question “ What are your goals and what actions have you taken to achieve your goals so far this year? So I am asking you and I am challenging myself too, what three goals have you set for this year and what actions have you taken toward them?

Now, if you haven’t written your goals or have not taken any steps to achieve them, forget the past. Read the second quote at the very top of this page. Begin right now praying and thinking about writing your goals for the year. There is still time. Take the time to seek God’s face first, pray, meditate on the Word. Listen to what He states to you and write it down. If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time!”

A goal is a target, the desired end of our efforts. Paul talks about pressing toward the mark in Philippians 3:14. Having a goal doesn’t always mean hitting the target —but it does mean getting closer than you would have if you hadn’t had a goal at all. Someone once said, “It is better to aim for a star and hit a mountain than to aim for a mud puddle and hit it every time.” See Cynthia Bezek, “What are Your Spiritual Goals? July|Aug 2000 issue Pray! Magazine. The Bible encourages us to write our goals. Isaiah 32:8 says, “The noble man makes noble plans.” Proverbs 16:3 promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” We should have dreams and set goals to reach the dreams, but remember that God holds the authority to say “yea” or “nay”-veto power: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”. (Proverbs 19:2)

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (temporal things, that is) will be added to you” (Matthew. 6:33). Some of your goals could be to be get out of debt, manage your time wisely, to exercise twice a week or to start a new business. However, one of our first goals should be to seek a closer relationship with God. Start praying and writing. Look for Part II by Wednesday March 2, 2011.

Linda D. Fegins, The Prayer Leader
https://ladyofprayer.com
LLadylaw@aol.com

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Setting Goals for the New Year- Start with Prayer…

Jan 17

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“Without prayer no work is well done” Anonymous

“Embark upon no enterprise you cannot submit to the test of prayer”.


Today is January 17th, 2011, the day we honor Martin Luther King’s birthday and remember the DREAM. What dreams do you have in your heart that will make a difference in the lives of others as well as for you and your family? To carry out the dream we need to write our goals and action steps that will help us live out the dream. It is a good thing to have dreams, goals and to write specific goals ( see Pam Perry article http://ladyof prayer.com/?p=284 ). However, one ” first thing or goal” needs to be sought first. The first goal we should have is to develop, improve, and seek an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer ( and study of His Word.). God wants a relationship with us/you. We should press, stretch and get out of our comfort zones to maintain a prayer relationship with Him. It is the goal that will have eternal benefits. It is the goal that will give us power,wisdom and guidance about all of our other goals such as improving family relationships, getting out of debt, starting that buisness, writing that book , starting an exercise plan or healing the relationship issues between balkc women and men(See thought rovoking articles by Gary Hardwick on this issue) Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s power in your life to carry out what God has placed in your heart.

Here is an article that arrested me by Phil Miglioratti, a member of the Church Prayer Leaders Network of which I am a member, about making prayer a priority life-style commitment as the one true foundational goal.

It Seems To Me . . by Phil Miglioratti

. . . we need only one spiritual new year’s resolution.
I confess, I have never been good at setting, let alone keeping, resolutions at the start of each new year. Those who stop smoking or start diets impress me; those who keep at it longer than a few days (or hours) make me jealous. And those who go beyond good health resolutions and set spiritual goals and stick to them throughout the coming months shame and humble me.

Anyone can make a resolution; it takes commitment to stay resolved to fight the battles to achieve the objective. And commitment, someone said, is moving beyond good intentions. I have a long list of good intentions.
Which is why Don Whitney’s “Questions for a New Year” in LifeWay’s Pastors Today E-letter caught my attention. The author, a former pastor and then seminary professor, presents 31 questions designed to aid our spiritual transformation; one-a-day spiritual vitamins! He writes: “The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up and get our bearings.” I especially appreciate how he then formats his insights as questions because someone elses’ declarations call for my agreement (not a bad thing) but questions call for my reflection and discernment. Much more potential of Holy Spirit partnership.
But I said we need only one spiritual new year’s resolution, not 31.

“For starters, here are 10 questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God,” Whitney begins as he sets us on our journey with wisdom that is so obvious we often fly right past it! How many of us have prayed about our resolutions but only after we selected them. “Help me lose those 5 extra pounds or start each day at the fitness center or stop this or begin that”–probably all worthy goals but chosen without and before any prayerful dialog with the Lord.
I began reading down the list of questions . . .

1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity?

I searched first for any questions that related specifically to prayer and found #7, praying for lost persons to find Christ (imagine what changes our nation would see if every Christ-follower began to seriously pray for his or her neighbors by name and need and for his or her neighborhoods and networks!) and #9, focusing specifically on our own prayer life (someone said we need to exchange a prayer life [usually referring to a brief time spent telling God what we need Him to do] for a life of prayer). Two in the first ten seemed like better representation for prayer than usual. Very hopeful.
My second time through the list was an “Ah-Ha” moment!

Responding to the first, then the second and third and continuing, I realized “Pray” would be a more than appropriate answer to each question.
1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? Pray. True prayer is enjoying the presence of God, not merely telling him things he already knows.
2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year? Pray. Praying is very hard work that, once accomplished, sees impossible results.
3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year? Pray. Especially out loud, together.
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it? Pray. Pray for a partner who will hold me accountable.
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year? Pray. What I do instead of praying is a huge time-waster.
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church? Pray. For the pastor. For a reviving of faith and a revising of how we function.
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year? Pray. Everyone agrees with this but not everyone brings up in heaven real names of real people.
8. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year? Pray. By praying about and for and through every thing.
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year? Pray. Read, study, use website resources, yes, but actually carve out time and place to pray.
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity? Pray. Hands-down winner. Everything (missions, evangelism, stewardship) flows from the life of a person who has moved beyond good intentions to a life of prayer.

It seems to me . . . we need only one word to describe our one spiritual new year’s resolution. (If you do not agree, will you at least agree to pray about it?)
For starters, here are 10 questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.

by Phil Miglioratti
Phil Miglioratti is a prayer warrior and prayer leader. He has written many articles on prayer and facilitating group prayer. Having served as a teacher, leader and facilitator on prayer in various arenas, currently he is a Church Prayer Leaders Network, Facilitator, and also a National Pastors’ Prayer Network, Facilitator (www.nppn.org). He serves on the National Prayer Committee and is the Illinois Baptist State Association, Prayer and Vision Consultant.
http://www.praynetwork.org/profiles/blogs/it-seems-to-me-6

Linda Fegins, The Prayer Leader, formerly served as Prayer Coordinator for over 12 years for the Lydia Circle of Christian Business and Professional Women , is a member of the Church Prayer Leaders Network and leader of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry at her church.

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