Pray Without Ceasing

"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)

Pray throughout the day every day for...

The World

The Nation

The Church

The Persecuted

The Lost

The Sick

The Poor

The Homeless

The Unemployed

The Dying

The Deceived

The Enemy (of people's souls)

The Family

Individuals

Relatives

Friends

Colleagues

Co-workers

Neighbors

Ourselves

The point is --- there is always someone and/or something to pray about and for on a regular basis throughout every day.

"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)

Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Doing Good

When Jesus found out about His cousin, John the Baptist, being beheaded from His disciples; He left from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. However, the multitudes heard and followed Him on foot from their cities. When Jesus saw a great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them. He healed their sick! 

The disciples told Jesus they needed to send them away to get some food since it was late at their deserted place. Jesus said otherwise though. He told them the multitudes didn't need to go away and told the disciples to give them some food. 

The disciples told Him they only had five loaves and two fish there. Jesus told them to bring the existing food to Him though. He also told the multitudes to sit down in the grass. He took the loaves and fish while looking up to heaven, blessed, broke the loaves. Then, Jesus gave them to the disciples who distributed the loaves to the multitudes. 

They all ate and filled up. Afterward, they took up 12 baskets full of fragments left. They fed more than 5,000 including women and children that day.

When Jesus received bad news about His cousin, He went off by Himself. It didn't last long though. He discovered people who needed Him. Consequently, He was able to meet their needs including feeding the multitudes and healing their sick. He did good!

When something bad happens in our lives and/or in this world, we can also find people in our path who need us to do good for them.

I have had the opportunity to speak the truth in love to people and pray for people on a couple of occasions while at a local hospital in recent months.  We can all take the opportunity to help, support, encourage, minister to other people during this difficult time in the world.  (See Matthew 18:19; Ephesians 4:15)

Additionally, read Matthew 14:1-21.

Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Write the Vision

Then the Lord answered me and said:

"Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry."

(Habakkuk 2:2-3, NKJV)

What's the vision God has given you?

My vision consists of making disciples of all nations; preaching the Gospel; proclaiming the Good News to the poor; setting the captives free.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20, NKJV)

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

(See Isaiah 61:1-3, NKJV)

What exactly does it involve for you?

It involves speaking, teaching, preaching God's word all over the world whether in person and/or on-line via social media pages, blogs, podcasts, and other media. You can listen to a couple of my biblical messages on the Church for Entrepreneurs' website --- The Believers True Identity in Christ and Jesus in the Wilderness.

I have so far written and published 3 prayer journals which are located both on Amazon and CreateSpace eStore. I also have 3 digital versions of the prayer journals available through my Etsy shop and PayHip. I have written numerous articles, notes, blog posts which are available through LinkedIn's Pulse, Facebook's Notes, this In Spirit and In Truth blog, and the Clothed in His Righteousness blog.

I am available for speaking engagements at conferences, seminars, churches, retreats, luncheons. I am also available for leading, facilitating, teaching Bible studies at your church or in your home. Additionally, I am available for writing opportunities whether as a contributor, author, blogger.


Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Praying the Psalms

Little shepherd boy, David, was out in the field when Samuel requested his father, Jesse, to send for his youngest son.  

Samuel had received word from the Lord that David was the one He had chosen to be the next King over Israel (See 1 Samuel 16).  Out of all of his older brothers, young David was probably the least likely in the eyes of the people.  He wasn't the people's choice, but He was the Lord's choice.  However, he was the most likely in the eyes of the Lord.  That was truly all which mattered then.

David wasn't without opposition, obstacles, hardships, and trials in his life though.  As most people, he endured all of it.  Yet, he didn't let that stop him from being who Almighty God had created him and called him to be for His purpose and plan (See Jeremiah 29:11).

As David is the author of most of the Psalms, we get to know more about him through his inspired words to the Lord.  He actually pours out his heart to the One who made his heart during his challenges, hardships, and trials in his life which are captured in this particular book of the Bible.  God knew David, and he knew his God.  He was known as a man after God's own heart due to both his repentance and obedience to the Lord (See Acts 13:22).  

No matter what we go through in our own lives, we too can pour out our hearts to the only One who also made our hearts.  The 30-Day Prayer Journal: Praying the Psalms allows us to do that through our own written words to God.

Whether you are just beginning or continuing your prayer journey, this monthly prayer journal is available on both CreateSpace and Amazon.

30-Day Prayer Journal: Praying the Psalms


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Praying Without Ceasing

The older I get physically as well as the more mature and wise I become spiritually, the more people I have on my prayer list.  How about you?  My personal and private list seems to get longer as I add more people almost on a daily basis.  My prayer list consists of family members, biological relatives, spiritual family, friends, acquaintances, and others.

Whether its people who have done us wrong or whatever else, we can trust that God will take care of all of the people involved and all of the situations in our lives.  The prayers of the righteous are both powerful and effective (See James 5:15-17).  They help all of us truly accomplish God's purpose and plan (See Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28).

God tells all of us to "pray without ceasing" in His word (See 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To assist you in your prayer life, two annual prayer journals are both available through CreateSpace and Amazon.

365-Day Prayer Journal: Praying Without Ceasing

366-Day Prayer Journal: Praying Without Ceasing


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Way to Pray

I have often heard believers say that they do not know the way to pray.  It is usually new believers or relatively young believers in Jesus Christ but not always.  

I formerly did not know and understand the way to pray either.  However, it is not so much a particular format or structure that God is concerned about for us.  It is more of the heart cry from us to Him.

Prayer is simply a conversation with our Father God.  Jesus often prayed to His Father (See Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; John 17:1).  He also taught us the way to pray in God's word.

Therefore, take a look at the most well-known prayer---The Lord's Prayer.

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)

Notice the way, Jesus began this prayer to His Father.  The Son first addressed God in a respectful manner.  He did not use poor language or a slang version.  He honored and respected His Father.  Consequently, it showed in the way Jesus addressed Him.  

Next, the Son told His Father the way He wanted His Kingdom to come and His will to be done.  He desired what God had for Him and wanted for Him.  Therefore, Jesus submitted Himself to His Father and His perfect will.  

Jesus asked for daily provision when He talked about 'daily bread.'  He knew His Father would meet His needs.  However, the Son requested it in this model prayer to make it truly known to God.

The fourth part consisted of asking for any forgiveness and helping all of Jesus' disciples to forgive others.  There is a both a giving and receiving of forgiveness in all relationships.

Lastly, Jesus requested for all of His followers not to be allowed to fall into temptation as well as to be delivered from the enemy's camp so to speak.  He prayed this one for His twelve disciples, but it includes all of us today.  Additionally, He modeled this prayer for all of us.

Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

"Where is Your Faith?"

Jesus asked His disciples, "Where is your faith?"  They had all been traveling in a boat together when a huge storm came up.  Jesus had been sleeping in the boat after a day of ministry.  His disciples woke Him up because they were afraid of the storm.  After Jesus calmed the storm, He asked them this very relevant question.  (See Luke 8:22-25)

I have found myself in situations where I should have asked other people, "Where is your faith?"

I didn't think of that question at the time.  However, looking back now, that was the right question to ask other believers.

Awhile back, I was having a phone conversation with a friend who I hadn't talked to in a couple of months.  I shared with her some personal good news as well as some of my prayer concerns or requests.  As I shared with her my concerns, at every turn, she gave me a negative and worldly view instead of a good and Biblical perspective.  It caught me off guard.  I didn't expect it from her because normally she was a supportive, encouraging, and praying-type friend. 

We previously had shared some good times in life and ministry when we lived physically closer together.  Yet, the distance had not only separated us physically but also spiritually over recent months.  We weren't in the same place physically nor spiritually.  After our conversation, I was just stunned.  What had happened?  Or, better yet, what had not happened?

A personal conversation with another friend also surprised me.  After a women's Bible study and prayer group meeting, I requested to speak to the leader in private.  I shared with her some personal information regarding my spiritual journey.  I expected her to speak life to me and over the situation that I shared with her.  Instead, she spoke death.  She even told me there was no hope. 

What?  No hope?  I thought to myself after our conversation.  Unbelievable!  A leader of a Bible study group telling me, 'There's no hope'.

Afterwards, I had to encourage and pray for myself as well as pray for her.  There is always hope.  Jesus is our hope!  With God, all things are possible (See Matthew 19:26). 

Why didn't she think that?  Why didn't she say it?  Perhaps, she was having a personal crisis of faith at the time.  I couldn't believe it though.  We had finished Bible study earlier where she talked about speaking life.  Now, she was doing the opposite.

Anyway, to both of those ladies and any others who are now lacking faith, I have to ask..."Where is Your Faith?"

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Finding Purpose

What is your purpose?  Do you know? 

God has a purpose for you.  God's general purpose for all of His children is to conform us or change us into the image of His Son, Jesus.  (Romans 8:29)  When God created you though, He had a specific purpose in mind for you.

Many people within the body of Christ either do not know their own purpose or do not pursue their personal purpose.  Thus, they do not fulfill their God-given purpose.  They are just content existing or living with the status quo which is really below God's high standards for them.

However, we can know our individual purposes.  With God's help, we can not only pursue our purposes but also fulfill our purposes.

How can you know your purpose?

For one, read God's word on a daily basis.  The more you read of His word, the more you will know about Him...His true nature/character.  In order to find your purpose, you have to get to know Him.  He will reveal His purpose for you through spending time with Him.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."  (James 4:8a, NKJV) 

You can also get to know Him more through spending time in prayer.  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Prayer is simply communicating with Him.  It is usually an exchange between you and God.  It is a time of speaking and listening to God as well as Him speaking and listening to you.

Another way to get to know God is through personal experience with Him.  The more that you go through with Him in life, the more you get to know Him as well as His heart for you and others.
 
Finally, pursuing the things of God will help you to know and find your purpose.  Sometimes, it is through trial and error that we find part of our purpose.  Get involved in a local church.  Take a PLACE assessment.  Do community service.  Join a Bible Study.

As long as you are seeking Him and His kingdom, He will help you along the way to finding your specific purpose.  (Matthew 6:33)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28, NIV)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Needing Prayer

Do you need prayer?  I know that I need prayer.  Everyone needs prayer at one time or another whether they realize it or admit it.  We all need prayer for various reasons either before, during, or after various situations in our lives. 

Prayer is one spiritual discipline which draws us closer to God the Father and keeps us in a closer relationship with Him on a daily basis.  It is a time of fellowshipping and communing with God our Father as His children.  It is normally one-on-one time with Him as we communicate with Him about our thankfulness, our needs, our cares, our concerns, our confessions, our repentance, our requests, and our petitions.  It is also a time of listening to Him through the help of the Holy Spirit.  There are other times when we go to Him on behalf of others whether they ask us, or He puts them on our hearts and/or minds.  Often, we are called to not only pray for others but pray with others whether it is only one other person or more than one other person in a group setting.  No matter what, it is important to be obedient to the Lord and pray for ourselves as well as others.

Our Father God gives us instructions on how to pray and what to do when we pray for ourselves and others.  (Matthew 6:5-8)  He also gives us more information on prayer through asking, searching, and knocking.  (Matthew 7:7-11)  In addition, we need to "fertilize" our prayers with scripture.  To "fertilize" means to use God's word throughout our prayers.  Not only does it build up our faith, but God's word does not return void.  His word goes out and accomplishes God's purpose.  (Isaiah 55:11)  Before we pray, we need to make sure there is not any unforgiveness in us.  (Matthew 6:14-15)  We also need to have faith in God and believe in our hearts that He will hear and answer our prayers according to His will for us.  (Mark 11:22-24; 1 John 5:14-15)  Even when we do not know God's will for us, we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is praying for us with groans which are too deep for words.  (Romans 8:26-27) 

A few examples of prayer....

The Lord's Prayer  (Matthew 6:9-13)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving  (Ephesians 1:15-23)

A Prayer for the Church  (Ephesians 3:14-21)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving  (Colossians 1:3-14)

Prayer is a discipline which builds up people's faith. It is a way to support people.  It strengthens people.  It encourages people.  When people of faith pray, it is powerful.  It works very well.  A couple of examples where God showed up mightily include the cases of Jesus' disciple, Peter, and the Apostle Paul.  (Acts 12:1-19; Acts 16:16-40)  Remember, the prayers of the righteous avails much.  (James 5:16b)  It is powerful, and it works very well for God's people...His children...those who are of the household of faith...those who are in God's family.  Elijah is an example of a righteous person where prayer was very powerful and worked very well.  (James 5:17-18)  The Persistent Widow is another example.  (Luke 18:1-8)  Her persistence paid off.  We can learn a lesson from her.  Always pray to our Father God.  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Do not stop praying to Him, because He is a good Father. 

Continue praying for yourself and others.  If you are not in the good habit of praying, there is not a better time to begin praying than now.  God is a good God!  He is a loving Father who provides for all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:19)  He blesses us abundantly more than we can ever ask or think according to His power within us.  (Ephesians 3:20)  Therefore, go boldly before His throne of grace.  (Hebrews 4:16)  He is available anytime anywhere.  Pray believing that you have whatever you have asked of Him. (Mark 11:24) 

Prayer:  May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.  (Matthew 6:10)


Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Are you like Martha or Mary?

Have you ever thought about this question before…

...are you like Martha or Mary?

Martha was busy getting ready and doing many preparations for Jesus' visit. Even when He got there, she was still busy. She was too busy to sit down and visit with Jesus.

On the other hand, Mary was just the opposite. She did not care to be involved in all of the preparations. She wanted to sit down at Jesus' feet and spend time with Him. She just wanted to be in His presence.

Which of these two women are you most like?  Are you like Martha?  Are you busy being busy?  Are you like Mary?  Do you take the time for others?  Most importantly, do you take the time for Jesus?

You may think or say...Oh, of course, I am like Mary! I spend time with Jesus! I want to be with Him!

How much of that is true though? Do you make the time to spend it with Him? Do you set time aside each day just for Him? Do you spend time in His presence?  Do you read the Bible…God’s word? Do you spend time in prayer?

Our Father God knows our heart! In fact, He looks at our heart while man looks at our outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7)

In addition, according to God's word, our mouths speak from the overflow of our hearts! (Luke 6:45) Our actions follow our hearts’ desire!

When you love another person, you want to spend time with that person. You specifically set aside time for that special person. You look forward to the time when you can get together. You make it a priority, because it is important to you and the other person.

The same is true of Jesus. When we love Him, we want to spend time with Him. We make it a priority to be in His presence. The special time alone with Jesus is precious.

Jesus told Martha, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)

Our Father God does not want us to compare ourselves to other people. However, by just looking at these two women in the Bible, it does show some of the characteristics He desires of His daughters. Therefore, do not try to be like someone else, but do strive to take on the traits of Godly women...women who are spending more time with Him and becoming who He desires for us. Afterall, He only wants the best for us! We should also want the best for ourselves! By spending more time in His presence, we will become the best for Him and for us!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.