Showing posts with label prayer journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer journal. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Prayer and Incense

Camy here! Thanks so much for praying for me a couple weeks ago. I finished my manuscript on time and thought it turned out rather well, if I do say so myself. :)

While I was writing, I totally could feel the prayers of people for me. I don’t know how to explain it. I just knew people were praying. I really felt God’s supernatural power working in me to help me get my book done.

In the Bible (in Revelation, I think), the prayers of the saints (that’s us!) are incense before God, and the smoke rises up to his throne. That’s a pretty nice visual, but what exactly does it mean?

I grew up Buddhist, and at temple, we’d pinch some incense, which was like fine powder (my brother and I would joke it looked like gunpowder and one day it would explode on somebody) and throw it on a smoking pile. The smoke rose up in a thin plume of white, then dissipated. But the scent filled the entire room, which was pretty large.

Our prayers are like those fine grains of incense (or gunpowder … :) and the more prayer, the stronger the scent. Which is why prayer is so AWESOME!

And then the smoke that rises reaches the throne of God. Now think about that for a moment--your prayers reach the throne of God. Most people will never see the Queen of England, let alone walk up to her throne and say, “Hey, Your Majesty, how’s it hanging?”

But our prayers reach God on His throne. That’s how much we rock! and that’s why our prayers are so AWESOME!

So why am I harping on prayer? Because I could use more. :) Pretty please. My left arm and left leg are painfully tingly and I could use a bit of healing (and maybe a new mattress).

But also, I want to challenge you this week to pray a little more. Find some paper and a pen (or use your computer) and write down your prayers this week. Pray/write each day for a little bit. Pray about anything and everything--remember, we have access to the throne room, so nothing’s too small or too big to bring to God.

I think you’ll find you really enjoy this week, praying to God. It’ll make Him seem closer to you and it might help you with things going down in your life.

If your prayers end up helping you, be sure to comment and let me know!


Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is the fourth book in her Sushi series, Weddings and Wasabi. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders frivolous things like knitting, running, dogs, and Asiana. Visit her website to sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Monday, January 03, 2011

The Joy of Journaling



Does anybody else love to journal? If you're like me, I bet you get excited over a new journal (so many blank pages) and a package of fun pens!

This bookshelf behind my computer holds a few of my journals. I've been writing my prayers since 1994--maybe even longer.

To me, nothing is too silly to pray about. Every few months, I thumb through my journals to see what was going on, what mattered to me, and what I was praying for years ago or even last month. And to see how God has answered. To be honest, a few prayers seem to be on hold forever. Others, it's as though He rushes in and says, "Yes!"

I don't try and pretty up my words. I just write. God knows my often ugly heart, my bad attitude, and my doubts. And He still loves me.

A lot of times, I'll write a one word prayer. Just his or her first name. That's been such a neat experience for me--to write a name and know that God understands and is working His best for the person.

"Jamie"
"Katie"
"Thomas"

A few times, I've put my pen on the page and let Him "talk back to me."

My Dear Julie,
I love you with an everlasting love. There's no reason to fear. I am with you always. I hold you with my righteous right hand. I'll never leave you or forsake you. I love for you to come talk to me. Never feel ashamed or afraid. I am your Daddy. Before the beginning of time, I knew all about you. The things that are on your heart are also on My heart. You can trust Me.


If you've never tried writing your prayers, it might be a great way to start the new year.

And you have friends who blog here who'd love to pray for you.

Love,
Julie