Preparing for Life's Big Events...Through Prayer

A note to my regular readers: I am taking a little side trip today to introduce a free resource I am working on for my website (shannonmilholland.com). I have noticed through the years that life's major events come with much planning but little prayer. I am writing a 30 day prayer guide to prepare for life's big events through prayer. I invite you to read the introduction and day one entry and would love your feedback. Does this prayer guide strike a chord with you? Does this meet a felt need in your life? Is there something you would change?

Introduction

The dress transforms the bride from ordinary girl to princess.  The flowers mark the air with the scent of love.  The band spills a melody that sweetens the heart.  Every detail is meticulously planned, coordinated and executed.  The day of the wedding is upon you. 

A disciplined regiment of diet and exercise leads to peak physical condition.  Early morning runs build in speed and duration.  Your iPod is packed with motivational melodies.  You stand at the starting line of your first marathon.

Study sessions flicker long past midnight.  Countless example problems are solved.  Thousands of facts are digested.  You sit pencil in hand to take your professional certification.

A big event never goes unplanned.  The graduation gown is ironed.  The baby is showered.  We even purchase new cleats for our son’s trip to the prestigious baseball tournament.  Every bit of the exterior of the event is well thought out.  But do we prepare our hearts? 

I want to invite you to take a 30 day journey with me to prepare for your next big event not just logistically but spiritually.  Together we will pray as we plan.  Come and find peace among the plans.
 

Day One
A Place of Rest

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Details swirl in your brain interrupting sleep.  You make lists at stop lights on the back of envelopes.  Ideas come to you at all hours of the day.  Your heart and your body are running on empty.  Weary one, come and find rest.

Today I Pray for You:

·         To unleash your burden.  Roll your cares onto the shoulders of the One who’s able to bear the load.

·         To find peace as you exchange your worries for His peace.

Today You Pray:

God of Rest, I come to You.  I pause here in Your arms.  I breathe in serenity.  You know there are more things to think about than my brain can hold.  I can’t sleep for thinking. 

I sit with my burdens in my arms.  I offer them to You.  Take them from me and give me Your rest.  Invade my frazzled brain with Your peace. 

Thank you for being my place of rest.

36 comments:

  1. Shannon, I love it. Short and sweet but very thought provoking and challenging.

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  2. That is the perfect prayer for my life right now. We are in the middle of planning for a major event and this is exactly what I needed.

    Thanks!

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  3. I tihnk that preparing is very important in order to do every things. The rest is also preparing.

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  4. Love the name of this blog. I found you through the Monday Mingle on Tough Cookie Mommy and was drawn to it. Divinely, I might add, because I needed this prayer. I just finished writing about rest for the soul myself. Clearly, it's a theme God is speaking to me right now. So, thanks. I will be back for the 30 day prayer guide and more :)

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  5. Oh Shannon,thanks so much for sharing this. I need to rest. Although I cannot see all of what God has in store in my immediate future, I am reminded I can rest in Him.

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  6. Excellent start of your 30 day devotional-thank you for sharing your gift.

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  7. Kelli, thanks for the feedback. Hadn't thought of it from a stylized perspective - love that you did!

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  8. Jennifer, so glad you could come to the oasis in the midst of your plans. Drink in peace, sweet Jennifer.

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  9. Kelly, isn't it cool how God meets us right at our point of need? I love that!

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  10. Stephanie, thanks for visiting! I am honored by your presence and pray you will return often to be refreshed!

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  11. Brenda, I'm with you, sister! I too need to rest. Sometimes it's strange when I realize I'm writing what I need to read!

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  12. Annette, I am always encouraged when you are around. Hope to see your beautiful smile at writer's group tomorrow!

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  13. Hi Shannon - looking forward to taking this journey with you. I am always on the lookout for more inner peace and there is no greater way to do that than by prayer.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  14. Beautiful prayer and I've always loved that verse. I definitely need this prayer right now at 3:37 am.

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  15. Love this, Shannon! You're such an encouragement to all your readers.
    Thank you for being obedient and following His direction with this journey.

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  16. Yes! I like this a lot! Thank you!!!

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  17. Great idea, beautiful introduction, prayer that cuts to the heart of it! Sounds like a great resource to me!

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  18. Grandma's Spectacles, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. Praying for you and yours right now.

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  19. Shannon bless your heart girl! This is just what is need in todays hustle and bustle.. everything fast, right now and no stopping to slow... Amen to you this is great! Let us know more on how we can get this guide when its ready!

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  20. Tracy, excited to walk on this journey with you as well, sister. :)

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  21. Awwww - Stefanie, thank you so much. Looking forward to praying with you, sistah!

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  22. Faces in the Clouds, girl you bless me whenever you stop by! Thanks for your visit.

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  23. Beck, you may be far from home but you are close to my heart. Thanks for being a source of encouragement in my life!

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  24. Jenn, thanks for stopping by for some refreshment and taking the time to offer your sweet remark! Please visit often - love having you here!

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  25. Tracy, the support has been so overwhelming that I've decided to blog all the days here one by one so feel free to pray along!

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  26. Shannon~Oh, how I could use a thirty day prayer guide! I can always use more peace and rest! A journey I am looking forward to going on. I will be back everyday.God Bless you...Chelle

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  27. Chelle, so excited to journey with you. Together we will find peace among the plans. :)

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  28. Beautiful prayer, Shannon! I'm your newest follower from the hop. WOuld love for you to follow back :)

    http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com

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  29. Candice, thanks so much for stopping by and following. I am honored to walk and pray with you. Hope you'll stop by often!

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  30. Hi Shannon!

    Love the name of your blog... and love this post! :)

    Just stopping by to say HI and to follow you via GFC, Twitter and FB!

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  31. Awwww, thanks, Angie. You are so encouraging. So glad for your visit-please stop in for some OJ anytime! (And thanks for subscribing and following - I'm honored!)

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  32. I love the idea behind this. Just the making list at stoplights got me because that is me and I am always on. In that I need to remember to rest with Jesus and give it to God. Thanks for this. I will be back!

    I am a new follower form the Wild Wednesday Blog Hop. Would love a follow back at http://messforless.blogspot.com
    Thanks!

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  33. Vicky, let's joing together as we lay aside the list and pick up peace. Thanks so much for stopping by and following - you've blessed me!

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  34. It's so true that we often go about in a frenzy preparing for things we could really use help with...we just don't ask! I prayed for my whole family to be able to feel the spirit at my Sister-in-law's wedding instead of just being frantic about the preparations. It was a beautiful ceremony and I knew that it was the most important part of the day. Thanks for your posts on prayer. I'm visiting and following from the VB hop. --Christine at Why We Love Green, http://whywelovegreen.blogspot.com

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  35. Christine, love this "it was the most important part of the day." Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your sweet prayer story!

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I love hearing from you! Thank you for your comments!