My mouth will speak His praise

Change. That's what happens when we pray. Hearts change. Lives change. Desire change. Ambitions change. Desire change. The more we pray, the more aware we become of the utter and desperate need we have for our Heavenly Father. By talking to Him, we're admitting our helplessness and lack of control, while affirming His rescuing nature and utmost sovereignty.

Tonight was such a sweet testament to God's goodness and faithfulness. The prayer team has been planning this campus prayer tour essentially since school started and tonight we finally saw that vision come to fruition! We had around 40 people participate in a 3+ hour praying marathon. Upperclassmen from each designated area of campus (Greek life, on-campus housing, athletic department, North campus, and South campus) prepared presentations to educate everyone about the background, idols, and specific prayer requests for that area. Then we broke off into groups of 3-5 to pray for that area right away!

Not only do I love praying, but I love listening to others pray. I love seeing their heart for Christ by the way they talk to Him. I'm so glad that God made prayer not only as a way to communicate with Him, but also as a way to encourage and be encouraged by others. Two for one! Go figure. God is wise like that.

Today's verse of the day was from Psalm 145 (one of my favorite chapters) and helped me prepare for today's prayer tour:

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them... My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever."

Psalm 145:18-19, 21

We certainly cried out to the Lord today-- for restoration, healing, boldness, confidence, servants' hearts... For revival. And we know He listened and even when we're not praying, continues to intercede on our behalf....!

Our purpose here on Earth is to proclaim His name and point the lost to Jesus. So what are we waiting for? How do we get so easily distracted and caught up in the world's definition of success and happiness? I don't want happiness-- I want joy. Supernatural joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. I want fulfillment. I want satisfaction.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

May we never forget the importance and power and prayer. May we humbly come before the Lord in every situation, both praiseworthy and devastating, and trust that He will use it to His glory. Amen!

P.S. On a completely unrelated note... How does "She's My Baby" by The Rocket Summer never get old? I've listened to it consistently since 7th grade. That's something special right there.