I was about 18 years old then. I was a member of my father’s church and I came to service that Sunday evening with a lot on my mind. My dad had upset me terribly over something that was surely important in my teenage mind.
In reality, it probably wasn’t that serious.
But still, it hindered my praise. I couldn’t get into the worship. I felt angry and frustrated as I sat on the long wooden bench and pouted in my own way.
Everyone knew me to be a characteristically bubbly person who was actively involved in the ministry, but not that day. I folded my arms tightly and stared blankly at the eggplant white walls, until my father asked me to sing.
Why did he do that?
Who wants to sing with an attitude?
Offering up melodious praises to God was the last thing I wanted to do.
No matter, defying dear old dad didn’t fly in the Brinson household, so I opened wide and sang like a canary—mad and all.
As I released my reluctant praise, about two minutes in, something happened. Tears began to stream down my face and the presence of the Lord felt nearer to me than ever. I could literally feel warmth all over my body. Somehow, all those negative emotions I was experiencing seemingly melted away.
I was lost in His presence… just like that.
From that moment I discovered this: it does not matter how we come—frustrated, hurt, angry, broken, or all messed up—the warmth of God’s embrace has the power to heal us everywhere we hurt.
His sweet anointing is the cure-all for whatever ails us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. All we have to do is open our hearts to Him and stay before the Lord long enough to receive a touch from His hand.
Today, on this Thoughtful Thursdays, whatever the needs are, I know God is able to meet them all. Whether our trials are the result of bad choices or bad breaks, our good God can heal any affliction and deliver us out of any predicament we find ourselves in.
All we have to do is pray, trust and receive.
Please join me right now in praying for the following individuals who have requested that the Daily Cup prayer team and blog community lift up their needs before the Lord.
Lukesha wrote:
Hello! My name is Lukesha and I recently stumbled on your website. I went on it again and came across the daily cup inspiration and received an on time word pertaining to my situation. I was even more blessed when I read your testimony. God is awesome and amazing! He is faithful and I thank Him for what He's done for you! I would like to submit a prayer request today.
Please come into agreement with me concerning my parents. That each of them would surrender their lives to Christ and receive restoration and live for Him.
Please pray for my siblings, my sister and two brothers that they also will surrender to Him and live for Him.
Lastly, please come into agreement with me that I will obtain employment with health benefits so that I will be able to keep up on my health, catch up on my rent and bills and buy a car. I am so grateful for all of your prayers.
“Prayer for a Second Chance” wrote:
I got fired from my job this past Sunday, a job I know was a gift from GOD, simply based off of the way I got the job. But I also understand that GOD gives us free will and even though HE knows what will happen before it happens, it is still up to us to make the right choice. It’s funny how you can read the Bible and still, in the heat of the moment, forget what GOD's holy word has said.
For me, it was "a soft answer turns away anger." Needless to say, I did not have a soft answer. I was upset and I let my co-worker know how I felt and it almost turned into an all-out fight. The store was closed and it was just the team members in the store when this event took place, and though it was both of us, I was viewed as the aggressor, and was terminated shortly after.
I know I was wrong and I know I struggle with my temper (mostly due to things I went through as a kid. I know that is still no excuse). But I have learned from that mistake. I cried when I got terminated. It was the first time that had ever happened to me. But I started filling out job applications as soon as I left the job that day… smh. At one point, I even thought about killing myself because I put my all into the job and I got fired. I thought how will I be able to find another job? But I know that God allowed this to show me that a job is meant to pay bills and buy food, not replace HIM as our provider. I know that all things work out for the good, but I’m just asking that you pray for me that I get a second chance at a job and that I learn how to control my temper, and most of all that I keep GOD front and center in my life. Thank you in advance!
Carolyn wrote encouragement and a personal request for permanent employment:
For those out there reading this that are unemployed, do not give up hope. Draw near to God. I lost my job over 2 years ago in Connecticut. I relocated back to my home state here in Virginia and was only able to find temporary work for less than 11 months. Then, another job that I thought was a match, ended abruptly after less than 2 weeks of being there, as of last October.
I went through the self-pity routine, feeling sorry for myself, but then I turned to the Lord. I suddenly had a ton of free time. So I spent plenty of time reading the Word and praying to the Lord, and praying for others going through life struggles.
My relationship with God has grown so much closer.
He is Awesome!Even though the 6-week temporary position was reduced to 2 weeks, I am still so grateful to God, and I believe and trust that God will bless me with a job that will be permanent.
Don’t give up hope. Give all your worries and fears to God. Apply to jobs. He will open the door if He desires you to work there. First, “Seek ye the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)
God, help me remember that if You can bring THIS to pass, you can take care of everything else! Help me drop the rest of my doubts and just trust You!
Anonymous wrote:
I am moved by your postings. Thank you for being such an inspiration! Please pray for me in the following areas:
- To see myself as God sees me
- To love myself and believe in myself as God does
- To learn to forgive myself and not beat myself up
- To stop doubting God
- For a positive self -image
- To relinquish the need to tell everyone my mistakes
- To be filled with God's Holy Spirit and be attuned to his voice
- For direction and purpose
- For inner strength
- To be obedient
I know that is a lot but I've been going through so much, most of which I've put myself through as a result of self-sabotaging behaviors, but, in spite of it all, I know God has a plan for me. Thank you for praying with and for me! May God richly bless you in your obedience.
Tracy wrote:
Hi Dianna and prayer team. I am a 33, young mother of 2, a very well-respected person who helps many people out with their lives on a daily basis. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child in 2006, my pap smear came back abnormal and a colposcopy was done, and the result was benign. I was supposed to go back for another pap smear after the child was born but I did not have medical insurance so I never went back.
Now almost 7 years later I have medical insurance and have found out I have a possible weak immune system, and possible hormonal imbalance somewhere. My back is constantly hurting and sometimes I feel weak. I had blood work done and everything looked good. I also had a full panel thyroid and hormonal test done and I am awaiting results, as well as a pap smear, and it came back abnormal for abnormal cells, which can either be an infection or precancerous.
I am worried because my last pap was almost 7 years ago so I am hoping I did not develop cancer or anything else life-threatening. I go in for a colposcopy the 27th of March and I am asking for prayers that I do not have any precancerous or cancer cells and my health is restored.
Please also pray that my faith be strengthened and that God will help me not to worry, and trust in him that the outcome will be a good one. I thank you all who pray for me in advance.
God, You love us and you care about all things that concern us—great and small. Whether our trial is the result of something beyond our control, or stems from a bad choice we have made, You yet have compassion on us and meet our needs.So today, we come boldly, yet humbly, before Your throne of grace and we ask for favor and help in this, our time of need. For everyone mentioned on this blog today and for the numerous requestors not seen here, You know all about each one.
Please stretch out Your merciful and mighty hand, and send provision, deliverance, forgiveness, healing, peace, and total wholeness.
For this, we thank You in advance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
