Shawnta's Story: Prayer - Fight Club

Prayer. Why does it matter? Do you have a "fight club"?

I can't say that I am a fighter. I don't like violence. I have been in one physical fight. (When you stop laughing, keep reading.) I have a brother name Joey who is four years younger than me. He was getting picked on by a neighbor boy who was a year older than me. This went on for weeks and the boy came over one day and started pushing Joey around, and I just let the boy have it. I pulled his hair (it was during the mullet era) and punched him in the nose. I was only around 10 years old. I am by no means proud of that.

My younger brother was though. He still talks about it at 31 years old. I like to believe that he was not proud his sister got in a fight, but that I "had his back." That I loved him so much I could not take another minute of him hurting. I fight my battles and the battles of the ones I love differently now. I also fight the battles of the ones I don't love yet, but I fight them because Jesus loves them. I fight them with prayer, because if anyone is going to "have our backs," it is going to be Jesus.

My spirit is invigorated through prayer. It is how I get recharged and where I find hope. I would probably say I am a prayer warrior. I am not telling you this to boast about the time I spend with the Lord. That would just be ridiculous. I believe in the power of prayer.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them for their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and brought them to the desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30

One of the main reasons I pray is so that I can refocus on God's love. God's peace. God's comfort. God's almighty light. I learn from prayer. My heart gets transformed during prayer. I start remembering the "why" we are all here.  I remember the "why" I am a Christ follower.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

God builds us as a strong community when we pray together. He is present. He says so in Matthew. When he answers our prayers, He strengthens our faith in Him. We get to celebrate with Him as a community, as a FAMILY in Christ. I pray that we pray together more. I pray we share more with each other so we can celebrate what our GREAT GOD is doing. I pray that God is near when we do this.Be near God...be near in our circle of friends...be near in our families...be near in the hard times...be near...we need you, LORD. God, be near when we come together to help build YOUR kingdom...be near, as we claim your mercy and grace...be near, as we share it with others. Flood the darkness out of our hearts with your GREAT LOVE, so others can know WE LIVE FOR YOU!

I love you guys!

Joyfully,

shawnta