Changed Trajectory

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, PrayerTags:, , , , , , , , ,

Most followers of Christ will agree that prayer has the potential to change things. Not of ourselves but through the power of God. Some deploy prayer as a desperate last-minute option, like using a parachute as the plane goes down. That group will call out to God when everything else has failed or when tragedy strikes them. Many of us may have been in that group before we became devoted followers of Christ. Our “parachute prayer” may have been the first real communication with our Maker and Redeemer.

Prayer Challenge
The story I’m sharing today is to draw attention to another type of prayer. When I was a teen my father came to salvation repentance due to prayer. Mrs. Kimball, a godly woman, teaching a women’s home Bible study, challenged each person attending to commit to praying for one person in government leadership daily for a year. They were encouraged to choose anyone from local, state, or national level, to pray and watch to see God working.

Mrs. Kimball recognized that all authority is from God. “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God” (Romans 13:1, CSB). She took her signal for action from the apostle Paul who exhorted his disciples to pray for the governing authorities.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, CSB).

Partnering with God
Dad was a city council member of the small community we lived in and soon became mayor. That tenacious woman prayed for my dad—a local leader, during her prayer season. The Holy Spirit did the rest, Dad, feeling the weight of conviction, humbled himself to God’s mercy and saving grace. Ultimately, changing the trajectory and spiritual direction of our whole family.

I affirmed with Dad, the accuracy of my recollection. He added further details, telling me the Bible study began as discipleship follow-up to a Billy Graham evangelistic crusade. I mentioned how different our lives might be without the prayers of Mrs. Kimball. Dad elaborated, “think of those who prayed for the crusade or the person who prayed for Billy Graham. They are all a part of our spiritual legacy.”

As I grow in Christ, study scripture, and listen to the prayers of others, I find my own prayers develop a new depth of communion with the Lord. I hope you do too.

Influencer
I want to give a shout-out to Ann Aschauer, of Seeking Divine Perspective. Ann wrote a post regarding the twentieth anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, her emphasis on prayer stirred the memory of my own spiritual history.

Prayer
Dear Father God, apart from You we are all corrupt. You alone are complete in holiness and purity. Give us the desire and perseverance to pray for those in authority, that they may come to the knowledge of the truth.

Thank You for those who prayed for us helping to usher in our salvation and a changed life trajectory. Use us to be a catalyst of salvation, by our prayers. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

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Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

16 thoughts on “Changed Trajectory”

  1. Today’s post is highly inspiring and instructive. Often when we pray for leaders, we just do it generally without mentioning names. But I imagine what would happen when you pick a person focus and make them a “prayer project”.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. What a great story about the power of prayer, Manette! I have both felt the prayers of others and been compelled, by the Holy Spirit, to pray for others. The power of intercessory prayer should never be overlooked. Thank you for the reminder. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve been on both sides too, David.

      Shared testimonies encourage and remind us of where true power and authority rests—with God. The enemy of souls would rather lull believers into apathy or worse yet, behaving as if we’re on his team.

      Father God, set us ablaze for more victories through humbled hearts and dedicated prayer in sync with Your will.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Mary Cates.

      How glorious it will be when we reach Heaven and we see with clear fresh eyes all those who have worked [through prayer] unseen on our behalf. It will generate gratitude celebrations.

      Like

  4. What an amazing testimony of the power of prayer Manette. Thank you so much for sharing. I think what struck me most is the domino effect of prayer. This post is a powerful reminder to persevere in prayer and to pray for our leaders.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Beth. With all the contention in our nation and world my desire is that this would remind people there is always hope in Christ. We must not assume someone is unreachable or refuse to pray for the leader because we disagree with them. We have been called to pray.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Once, many moons ago, my adult Sunday School teacher challenged the class concerning prayer content. He asked us, for that week, to avoid asking the Lord for anything while praying. He went on to list subjects to focus on, most of which had to do with praise-giving. I was astonished how difficult it was for me not to “ask” for anything when praying that week. I wasn’t sure if it was an indication of my struggles to send up praise as my focus, or just finding I had to break dialogue habits in my prayers. It was an interesting examination for me at the time. Good post, Manette. God’s grip – Alan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alan, thanks for sharing your experience. I tend to think if we make it a practice as the Psalmist indicated, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4, CSB); then our list of supplications will become rather small. And our requests in turn will be in sync with HIS will.

      If our primary focus is on thanksgiving, praise, and blessing the name of God we become settled and rest in His presence. Making it easier to trust, obey, and know the thoughts of God, “He is here: the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man…” (Amos 4:13, CSB).

      One final note, it is always in the Father’s will to pray for the salvation of others (including our enemies). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’s plan for humanity is redemptive salvation. When we pray likewise we are aligning our prayers with the will of God.

      May the Lord Jehovah bless you.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. “If only people would turn to God first!” The statement can be interpreted two ways: if only people [followers of Christ] would turn to God first [in prayer]. Or if only people [in positions of leadership] would turn to God first.

      Either way the world would be transformed. If we have the first option, maybe there would be more of the second option.

      Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. May the Lord Jehovah bless you.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. I remembered this post from your comments early yesterday morning! What a great testimonial to the work of prayer, very encouraging indeed. Thank you Manette, may God bless you richly sister.

    Liked by 2 people

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