Praying in Faith

Our bible study group did Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs bible study this spring.
I was so excited to dive into this one because I often feel like Beth Moore has a way of connecting with my brain so that I can fully understand and explore what the Word has to say to my heart.

I went into over achiever mode and planned to take this study on with all of it's challenges and really immerse myself in the book of James.

I failed miserably at that.
I had so many things going on in my personal life and so many strongholds involving my own struggles.
I wish I could tell you her study was amazing and life changing, but I wouldn't know.
I sped through the assignments, if I even got around to them.
I watched the video sessions in few minute increments while I kept the kids from jumping off of furniture or destroying toys.
The end of the study approached in March when my friend, our group leader, asked what we got most out of the book of James.
I had nothing. Really? Nothing.
Way to go Courtney.

I have this ugly habit of not being present when my mind is overloaded. I'm 'listening' to you talk about cupcakes, but what I'm really thinking about is about 42 levels deeper than cupcakes or 72 levels lighter than sprinkles colliding with distraction leaving that thought unfinished and another briefly visited before I interrupt it with a courtesy nod so you don't think I'm ignoring you.
My mind is a weird place, I think.

Anyway, I've owed James a revisit. I mean a clear-minded, hearty intentional visit.
So I've been going over the book over and over again piece by piece. 5 chapters can go by quickly, but dissecting them has been enjoyable and consuming.
This is so powerful:

 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting).
For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." [Jms:1:5-7]

 I keep coming back to praying in faith. That's a hard thing to do, but for someone who knows how holy God is and how much He loves us and what he is capable of doing it should be effortless to pray in complete faith.
Why would I doubt God's ability? Why do I throw things at Him almost decidedly beforehand what is too much to ask or too extreme to perform?
I know he hears me, I know he answers me. He is so incredibly mighty and I know that my prayers are addressed. Each and every tiny one.
The definition of faith is to be fully confident and fully trusting.
So can I be full of faith when I'm just partially trusting?
I don't think so.

I feel like I have so much more growing to do in God's Word to understand His will, and that's such an exciting place to be right now! I do know that there's so much freedom in knowing He's in control when I hand up prayer to Him, and I can trust that He answers.

I'm sorry, I really feel like I just was strolling down the side walk and ran face first into a pot of treasure at the end of a rainbow. I'm pumped and enlightened, and I just really wanted to share!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." - Psalm 150:6


Today is National Prayer Day.
Lifting up our country and it's direction.
Praying for those who are suffering and who are in bondage.
Lifting up the sick to Jesus.
Praying for the lost.
Praying in faith.

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." [ Jms:5:15]

Please let me know if there's anything I can pray for you.