Five Minute Friday’s 31 Days 2021

31 Days October

Our mom entered the gates of heaven on October 27, 2012 – for two years I floundered around not knowing how to be a girl without her mother. After all, I was 62 and she had been an integral part of my life – Saturday’s found me lost because in her older years I’d spend every Saturday with her. We’d “bop” (her word) around town going to the grocery store and two of her favorite department stores. She’d treat me to lunch – the dollar menu at Wendy’s and then we would return to her one-bedroom apartment, where I would do any chore she wanted me to. Sometimes it was a wipe down of the kitchen. At times, a hands and knees scrub of the bathroom. In the Spring it would be flowers planted. But, you get my drift – Saturday’s belonged to her. And, every Saturday afternoon included a “nice” cuppa tea and a homemade something.

Those Saturday’s weren’t always greeted with joy and pleasure – there were many that began with grumbling and complaining. But, when they were gone? I missed them so.

September 2014

As a blogger I learned about a 31-day challenge to write on one topic for 31 days of October. I thought, “Why not?” My topic, of course, was HOPE. This challenge introduced me to a number of faith bloggers with whom I am still friends-across-the-miles today. 31 Days saved me and brought me out of a two-year grieving. I self-published the book, 31 Days of Hope and subsequently self-published 11 more 31 Day books.

October 2021

Here we are seven years later. There have been a few different hosts over these years but it is always the same idea. 31 days of writing. This year, our friend Kate Motaung from Five Minute Friday is hosting and everything Kate does is done with excellence. My posts will be shared on Instagram and Facebook, and printed below. 31 Days of Prayer – one word prompt and the rest Holy Spirit-prompted.

Let’s Begin!

NEED

Father God, in Jesus’ Name we come with our confession – we NEED You. I want to say more than ever but in all honesty, Father, I’ve needed You more than ever every day of my life. And, since You formed me You know just how long that has been. Everywhere I look, LORD, there is strife and turmoil. Things are upside-down and inside-out. What is good is now called evil and what is evil is now called good. The world is imploding. I know, I know Father You know all about all of this but it’s the first time we are seeing it and it is scary and frightening. How do we comfort when we’re not even sure of “a n y t h i n g.” I’m rambling Lord like I often do and I know You know because after all, You know all things. I am grateful, eternally grateful, I gave my heart to You as a young girl – oh I know I’ve been down some sideroads and pithy paths but I’m here now and I am not going anywhere. My Hope is in You. I need You now more than ever before. You are the air I breathe. You are the bread of life and the living water to our scorched and dry souls. Do not leave me O God I pray. Amen.

CONTENT

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I thank You for the gift of contentment. Through the years I have spent much time in the camp of discontentment. Oh yes, something can always be better, bigger or maybe just shinier – yet I have learned to be content in my circumstances. After all this time I have realized that You are not only enough but You are more than enough. I know there will probably be days of angst, maybe even envy – Lord, shake me if that happens. Remind me You know all things and have a plan and purpose greater than my own. Today is Saturday, Father, and that in itself brings contentment. Amen.

PEACE

Father God in Jesus’ Name today our confession? You are the Peace that passes all understanding. Your Peace removes all fear and fear surrounds people today. In all my years I’ve never seen such fear in people. Afraid to go to the store. Afraid to travel. Afraid to be in groups. But when the Peace Giver resides in one’s heart that fear can be eradicated IF we accept it and walk in it. Help me O Lord to keep my thoughts on You so that I can have Your perfect peace. Amen.

COMFORT

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I confess to You today at the time of going through hard things I wasn’t very kind or loving. I was angry and scared at, and, of You. You already know that but it is good for me to remember. But, today Lord, I’m grateful because I get to live out Your Word in 2 Corinthians 1. I can now comfort those who are walking through the same places. Reminding them YOU are The Father of mercies and The God of all comfort. You comfort us in our times of trial in order for us to comfort others in theirs. Amen.

PATIENT/PATIENCE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, today I confess I’m short of patience. I’m not totally without but if I were to measure it in a cup I think it would only be 1/16th full. Paul tells us in Romans 15 You are the God of patience. Your Word says we are to persevere in patience. I still have a ways to go. It’s almost silly to ask, BE PATIENT WITH ME O LORD. amen

WHOLE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, my confession today? I am not complete without You. In 1992 I knelt at an altar and declared that from that moment on I would be all in. No more scaling the proverbial fence. I was going to be sold out to You. Wholly Yours. I have never looked back nor had one regret. The journey since then has been anything but easy but it’s been possible because You have been at my side. Wholly mine. Thank You Lord for calling my name and making me whole. Amen.

ENCOURAGE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I am grateful You gave me the gift of encouragement. At times this gift is a sacrifice when I’m down and out and yet that prompting thumps on my heart and reminds me to reach out. And, Lord, sometimes the encourager goes through dry spells and feels as though there is nothing to give – yet, You have taught me to reach deep within me and pull up my britches, tie up my shoes of peace, adjust my helmet of salvation and encourage someone in The Word. Your Word, Your Hope, never disappoints and always encourages. Thank You. Amen.

COMPLETE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, my confession today? There are times I forget You’ve got this. All the “this’es” You already know about. You are already there to do Your complete work. Your Word says You finish what You start – and that simple truth brings me great peace. On that old rugged cross You declared, “IT IS FINISHED,” You completed the mission. There is nothing else for us to do to earn Your salvation and eternal life. Calvary is complete. The Resurrection is complete. And, I don’t believe I will realize the enormity of those words until I see Your face in heaven. THEN, I will be completely complete! Amen.

POWER

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, my confession today is I am powerless without You. Thank you for attending to me and my prayer requests all these years. I am grateful You have the power to change things and keep us. Help me to never forget to depend on You. Amen.

ESTABLISH

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, You have set me in good places. You are perfecting me. You are establishing me. You settle me and You strengthen me. What more could a woman want for? I am grateful for the principles You have established and put in place before the beginning of time. Your Word is Truth and Your Way is perfect. Thank You for calling my name. Amen.

ABOVE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name… The Name above every other name in heaven and on earth. To call You my Redeemer is above every and any desire I could possibly have. Your ways are above mine. Your thoughts are above mine. You are the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth. I am eternally grateful to call You mine. Amen.

EVERYONE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, today I declare Your Word. For God [You] loved the world [everyone] so much that You sent Jesus [Your beloved Son] to die on a cruel cross so that everyone would have the opportunity to receive eternal life by believing on Jesus and receiving forgiveness of sin. Lord, I especially pray for (my) everyone to choose You so that we can be together forever. Amen.

REDEEM

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I declare today, “I am redeemed.” Three words that change a person’s life and future. Redeemed. Bought and paid for. Non-negotiable transaction. Free. Thank You Lord for redeeming me. Amen.

TOWARD

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, today, my birthday I want to pray Your blessing over all my people. “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine toward you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”‘ Amen.

TREASURE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I praise You for the Treasure You are. Those who don’t know You do not realize what a Treasure You are. A Friend who sticks closer than any brother or sister. A priest who is always ready to hear one’s deepest thoughts. A Father who is always there and never disappoints. You are my Treasure and I am eternally grateful. Amen.

TEMPORARY

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I am thankful for the temporary. Your Word assures us these afflictions we suffer are temporary. As sons and daughters of Almighty God this world as we know it is temporary – and we are mere pilgrims on a journey of “passing through.” The Truth is there is a forever and we get closer to it every day. Thank You for redeeming me and I pray for all those You have given me that they too will accept Your offer of eternal life and will exchange the temporary for the eternal. Amen.

TRUST

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, my confession today is … I trust no man but The Father. Those words in red in my Bible have always been highlighted and meditated on. You, O LORD, are the only trustworthy I know. It took a bit of time to get where I am today, hardships, heartbreaks, broken vows, broken promises but I have learned to trust You. You are dependable and reliable. You are a promise-keeper. My hope is in You – no one else. Amen.

KIND

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I want to be kinder. You have been very clear that I am to be a Truth ambassador. Always speaking Truth with love, and kindness. Truth has a way of being like sandpaper to some. But, the kindness of Truth is – You love us with an unconditional love. Past wrongs do not matter. There is no sin or shame so great that You can’t forgive – You O LORD are the epitome of kind. Amen.

EFFORT

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, You recognize and appreciate effort. You hear prayers on the run. You hear pain and fear at 2 a.m., when our only effort to communicate with You is groans and moans. You see and hear our efforts and I am grateful. Amen.

TASTE

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, as I’ve grown older my tastes have changed. The things I used to enjoy I no longer find pleasing. I imagine this is perfectly normal as we age. I find myself at a loss on some days and yet I can settle down and realize You are still on the throne of heaven and You are still trustworthy and You are still good. Amen.

AFRAID

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I confess today, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” You, O Lord, have proved Yourself over and over to me – and we certainly know You don’t have to prove Yourself to anyone. But, fear is a liar and there have been times I’ve been paralyzed by it. Not able to move or pray or think and You come along and prop me up. I trust no one or nothing but You and Your Word. You are my Hiding Place. You are my Rock and my Fortress. Amen.

STILL

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, thank You for teaching me how to be still. Oh I know I have ants in my pants most days and I am up and down and all around, but, when I have to be still – I am. I just came out of a “still” summer and if it hadn’t been for Your grace to be still and quiet I’m not sure how it would have all ended. Yet, Your presence sustained me. Your peace prevailed. And, Your wisdom won. Thank You my Savior and LORD. Amen.

PATH

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I confess I haven’t always stayed on the straight and narrow path. In fact I’ve gone down many treacherous sideroads filled with potholes, fallen branches, and a myriad of sin. Life situations thrown my way that made turning off Your path so tempting. Sin feels good for a while but then… The dust, mud, and mire got old and began to stink. Thank You for pulling me up and out and setting my feet on the right path. You are my Rescuer. Amen.

ALWAYS

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I confess I have had a difficult time with the concept of always. You know, the forever principle. I’ve been disappointed, disillusioned, and disgusted through the years YET, when You say “I will always be with you even until the end,” I know it’s true. Man disappoints but God is an always God. I am grateful, LORD, and I am thankful for my always and all ways husband of 39 years. Amen.

THINK

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I don’t just think You are the Almighty God and Father of Messiah Jesus, I believe with all my heart You are. You are the great I AM. In the beginning, You were. In the present, You are. In the future, You are. I believe it with every fiber of my being. No need to over-think, over-analyze – I put feet to faith and believe. Amen.

LIGHT

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, the declaration of the day is, “You are the Light of the world.” And, LORD, this world is a very dark place right now. We need more Light-bearers to dispel the darkness. O God, may I be one of Your followers to shine Your Light and declare Your Hope. Amen.

GIFT

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, my prayer today is that of gratitude – nine years ago this morning at 7:29 a.m. You called our Mother into her eternal, heavenly rest. Every single end of life prayer she ever prayed, You granted her. She was Your faithful daughter for 70 years. Our Mom was a gift to all of our family and friends – she was prayer warrior extraordinaire. When she passed many of us said, “Now, who will pray for our family?” But, as believers we know she took all those prayed prayers straight to the throne room of heaven and laid them at the feet of Jesus, our intercessor. A true gift. Amen.

FAIL

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I have a confession to make. Many years ago I thought You had failed me. In my first marriage I thought love would fix everything. My Grandma warned me. My Mom warned me. They were both Your girls and I should have listened to them but I did not. Love would win. It didn’t. I blamed You. I yelled and cursed and ran away from You as fast as I could. But You O LORD kept a tracker on me because I was Yours. One sweet day You whispered, “You’re Mine, Susan, I have not failed you. My compassion never fails. My mercies are new every morning. I am Faithful and True. I love you. I died for you. Come back to Me.” Father, it took me a little while but I did return to You and I have never looked back, I have no regrets. Amen

MORNING

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, great is Your faithfulness – morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Your hand has provided – great is Your faithfulness, Lord, unto me.  Over and over, LORD GOD, Your grace, mercy, and hope cover me and my loved ones like a weighted blanket and my gratefulness for your faithfulness is boundless. Amen.

EQUIP

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, thank You for equipping me. Thankful You put a pen in my hand at a very young age and equipped me to write. LORD, I’m sure I drove You crazy for years as I tried and tried to find a publisher and then one sweet morning You clearly whispered, “You write and leave the rest to Me.” I did and twenty-five books later, I am humbled. Amen.

WORTHY

Father God, in Jesus’ Name, I declare and decree before all mankind YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY OF ALL HONOR AND PRAISE. Oh yes, LORD, we compliment one another, and we give high-five’s and fist bumps but YOU O GOD, get all my praise and all of my worship. And, in this world where saying Your holy name as an expletive and a curse is considered acceptable and normal – my heart cracks when I hear it. Father God, thank You for Your beloved Son, who gave His life as a Ransom. Father God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who gives and gives and gives every single day. O YES LORD, YOU ARE WORTHY. Amen.

And, just like that, another 31 days write is over. If God allows, I’ll be back next October with something new!

Selah!