A group of fellow believers unite in prayer as one in our Messiah Jesus to stand in the gap before the throne for others.
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Please join us before our King . . .
The latest prayer needs: listed below.
Email your prayer requests: prayer@desireofmysoul.faith
SPECIAL MESSAGE
While writing this prayer post, the ticking of the second hand on my Star-of-David clock becomes more evident. Invading my quiet time. Capturing my attention. Time slipping away . . . a reminder of our finite world.
We are in the month of Elul (29 days) on the Hebrew calendar, a precious time heralding a 40-day preparation period (29 days on through the Ten Days of Awe–High Holy Days, Rosh Hashana to the close of Yom Kippur).
These 40 days of Elul/Days of Awe are regarded as a special time of God’s mercy: Yemei Ratzon, Days of his favor.
The back story: The third time Moses ascended Mount Sinai was around 1313 BCE, taking with him the second set of stone tablets per God’s directive.
Moses camped out 40 days on the mountain from the beginning of Elul to the tenth of Tishrei (Yom Kippur)—where God re-engraved the Ten Commandments and forgave Israel’s idolatrous Golden Calf debacle, which occurred just three months after God delivered them from Egyptian captivity.
Yep, downhill spiritual slides can happen blindingly fast. There’s a lesson in that. Let’s take heed.
ELUL: HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT
Typically Psalm 27 (among others) are read daily. The shofar is blown/heard daily (listen online, if needed) and symbolizes an alarm, a warning that the King our God is “in the field”—meaning that He is approachable and we need to get our souls realigned on many counts, within and without.
Elul is a 40-day window of introspection, honest reflection before God, repentance (turning from all those not-so-good bits), teshuva (returning to God and his ways), service to Him and others, worship, fasting, seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged (and certainly taking spiritual stock that we have indeed forgiven those who have harmed/hurt us).
Some people journal their spiritual moments and take weeklong exploratory dives into key topics like justice, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, etc.
May your time be revealing, healing, genuinely transformational before our King. And may it lay the groundwork for a deeper spiritual course where you’ll be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
I was asleep but my heart was awake.
A sound! My beloved is knocking!
—Song of Songs 5:2a
PRAYER LIST
SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
(1) MISSIONARY REQUEST + (18) IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEEDS
SPECIAL MISSIONARY REQUEST: Nathan & Kristen Rusch (and baby)
Psalm 27:13-14
I would have fainted had I not believed (had faith) that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Hope (wait with expectancy) for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait (expectantly) for the Lord!
The Rusch family (Nick/Kristen with their baby) are serving in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, discipling local church leaders while reinvesting and building relationships with the Persian, Tajik, and Domari peoples.
Uzbekistan is a closed nation—largely Muslim. Per Open Door, any Christian who converts from Islam faces increased pressure from their family and community. These converts may be beaten or expelled from their communities.” They can be fined for meeting “illegally,” possessing religious literature, or having Christian songs on their smartphones, etc.
Mighty God, there is none like you, none above you. No one can reverse your acts. You are Righteous, Holy, Justice, Redeemer. Please blanket the Rusch family with your protection, wisdom, provision, mercy. Cloak them and the Uzbekistan Christians under your wings, hidden from the persecutions and raiding parties. Glorious Father, please turn events so restrictions against your church in Uzbekistan are removed. Help your young church there to grow and mature in your Word through solid discipleship. LORD, you’ve been stirring the hearts of people in Iran toward you, please continue to allow the seeds of the Gospel to blanket the entire Persian world and rise like a bright beacon of your love and truth in our Messiah Jesus. In His Name we pray.
#1. Our Nation
Psalm 18:46,49
The LORD lives, blessed be my Rock, exalted be the GOD of my Salvation. For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations and sing to your NAME.
We’re at another crossroads. One of our prayer warriors (Marilouise) had our nation and Israel on her heart, which I’m sure echos within all of us.
Help us, LORD OF HOSTS, to cleanse our hearts and hands before you. Help this nation to humble itself, turn to God, and pray for forgiveness, turning away from wicked things and turning toward the truth of the Word. Abba, help our leaders, citizens, church leaders to recognize Israel as the apple of God’s eye, pray for her, and stand firm with Israel, who will never be destroyed. What you have declared, Precious King, will be done. No one can reverse your works, declarations, promises. In Jesus’s holy Name.
#2. Jeanelle
Psalm 69:16
Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
September 30 surgery date. From our prior prayer list, we’re interceding for Jeanelle’s hysterectomy, after diagnostics showed an abnormality in the uterus.
Majestic King your eye is on your daughter who has walked faithfully with you for years. Let her see the greatness of your hand in this, in unexpected, wondrous ways. From start to finish, may your Name be lifted up, be exalted, pre-surgery, during the surgery, and throughout the healing and recovery process. In Jesus’s brilliant Name, Messiah, our Reward.
#3. Bernie
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
UPDATE! Her October 10 operation is now uncertain because preliminary diagnostics revealed an enlarged heart and blockages in the right and left branches. From our prior prayer list, Bernie has been preparing for a hip replacement procedure–and is still waiting now with this latest update.
King of Life, Sustainer of Life, may your arms envelop Bernie and bathe her in your comfort with songs from your Holy Spirit washing over her and running through her soul, calming and reviving her. Please release wisdom and understanding to her doctors and medical team and help them hear you and follow your lead even if they do not know you. Let nothing be done apart from your righteous will and your perfect timing. In Jesus’s powerful Name.
#4. Shirl
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
October 22 surgery date. Shirl has fluid on the brain and is now wheelchair-bound. She’s had to endure for a while, waiting for a surgery date to remove the fluid and get her walking again. Shirl has fought breast cancer in the past and knows the power of God to step in.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, you hear our cries, you see our challenges and discouragements. You, the Great I Am, please step forward again and bless this upcoming surgery down to the infinitesimal details for Shirl’s complete recovery. And may you, precious King, get ALL the glory and honor. In Jesus’s sweet Name, the NAME above ALL names.
#5. Michael
Psalm 18:28
For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
From prior prayer lists: Michael remains in great need. He’s struggling emotionally and spiritually amid mental health and physical issues. His battle is intense.
You, LORD, are the only one whose Name is Lovingkindness, a Mighty Deliverer, Life-giver. Michael needs your presence to overtake this situation, every aspect, every illness, every demonic hold and influence, every milligram of hopelessness, every nanosecond of despair and tiredness. Jesus, may your cross of healing and deliverance radiate from within Michael and may your transformational power be witnessed, evident, freeing and honored. Praise your Name, King of kings, Lord of lords.
#6. Debbie
Psalm 27:5
For he will hide me in his tabernacle (in his shelter) in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the hidden places of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
While caring for her mother-in-law who was battling cancer (and recently died), Debbie, a new believer in Christ in her 60s, learned that she herself has cancer and immediately had a hysterectomy. But doctors are puzzled by some things and sending her results to City of Hope and Sloan Kettering for expert opinions.
Thank you, King Jesus, for revealing to Debbie your Messiahship and the redemption eternal gift of the cross. Oh, Precious Savior, how much this little lamb is going through. Please draw close to her, let your Holy Spirit shelter her, your sweet presence palatable, comforting, guiding. Release wisdom to the doctors and, please, supernaturally part the troubled waters and usher in your healing and love like a mighty river. In Jesus’s sweet Name.
#7. Kim
Psalm 138:3
On the day I called, You answered me; You embolden me, you put strength in my soul.
Kim is the point person in her family, caring for the needs of aging parents, her own family, her church needs. Caregivers and care-doers need help too—and their work is a worship before the LORD.
Blessed Redeemer, you’ve gifted Kim with a heart to help in many directions. May you now gift her with times of rest and recovery, and please breathe your strength, wisdom, fiscal blessings, on her and her family. May you rise up within her and let her soul hear your gentle fatherly voice and be comforted. In Jesus’s glorious Name.
#8. Miss C. Brown
Psalm 27:7-9a
From Hebrew: Hear, O Lord, when my voice cries out; be gracious to me and answer me! For you (your behalf), my heart (heard you say), “Seek (strive for, search out) My face.” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Hide not your face from me.
Miss Brown needs God’s urgent intervention—financial assistance for the immediate and upcoming needs, covering her out-of-state move and other needs for her and her children.
I see the word TRUST . . . Abba, we know you’re moving in this situation. Your promises are steadfast. Your character true, above all others. None are like you. Please level every mountain, every obstacle, every interference in this situation so your will flows on a clear path, your words and desires accomplished. And so everything—from basic necessities to more profound needs—are handled. Thank you, for you are our Shepherd who hears and knows our needs and uses all things for your glory. In Yeshua’s mighty Name.
#9. SALVATION LIST
Psalm 18:16-17a
He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy.
Bob K, Erica & Richard, Susan R., Erica M., Paul P., Tim C, James J., Alexandria, Cole, Joe D., Mercedes, Bob, Michael, and all our family/friends/loved ones who are still in spiritual darkness or who went prodigal.
Redeemer King, call for these who are in deep spiritual waters, rescue them from the enemy of their souls. Reach deep within them, remove the stubbornness, pride, and the lies from satan so they can hear and understand your beautiful redemption plan and receive Jesus, our Messiah and be saved. It’s in His Mighty, Loving Name we pray.
#10. Kathy G.
Psalm 20:6-8
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
Kathy is a strong believer and a prayer leader. She recently fell and fractured her leg. The enemy is busy these days troubling God’s people who are serving him.
The Great I Am, healer of our souls, please lift Kathy in your arms and hold her close to your heart. Breathe healing through her body and speak sweet truths and comforting words to her soul. Thank you for helping her to carry on with her prayer group despite the enemy’s tactics. May you and your ways be lifted up now and forever, our Great King. In Yeshua’s beautiful Name.
#11. Mary
Psalm 116:1-2
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Mary broke her wrist in two places and then got Covid while in rehab. Compounding things, she’s at high risk because of her stage 4 liver cancer.
Merciful King, please cover Mary with your Name, your Presence, your encouragement, your healing. You who are the Rock, Exalted, Steadfast and True, may you fill her to overflowing with your goodness and strength. In Jesus’s holy name.
#12. Carmella & Family
Lamentations 3:24
The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.”
Carmella was widowed earlier this year and now has to pick up roots and move to the other side of the country—but thankfully near her daughter. Still, major moves and deep life changes are soul-rocking. Amidst that, her siblings are having their own sorrows and hardships: her sister Jo-Jo and family (husband died earlier this year), her brother Chuck has had a long battle with stage 4 cancer but is handling treatment, and her brother Vito’s wife has dementia that is worsening.
We bow before you, Glorious King. No one can help us but you—all power and glory belong to you alone. Humbly, we ask for your arms to gather this extended family and cover them in the shelter of your loving wings. Please speak truth, hope, rest, comfort, and the beauty of your ways to their souls . . . and let your love rain down upon them along their journey with and in you. Be magnified, Holy One, be magnified so they are reassured of your presence with them. In Jesus’ wondrous name.
#13. Marcus
Isaiah 26:12
O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, because all that we have done, you have done for us. (CJB)
Marcus lives with his two brothers in their family house. But there’s a potential move ahead to sell the property, an issue for some.
LORD, it’s your desire, your will, that we seek. May these brothers not move hastily but inquire of you and follow your lead. You know their individual needs and the impact this will have one way or another. Please, ABBA, speak peace over them and the situation so however this unfolds, it is by your calm, gentle hand so unity among the brothers prevails and your ways are high and lifted up. In your Name, Lord Jesus, we pray.
#14. Andrea & Roger
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he TRUSTS in you. Trust the LORD forever for the LORD GOD is an EVERLASTING ROCK.
Despite major health issues—stage 4 breast cancer and knees/stomach problems—Andrea and Roger are taking a quick vacation this month, a gift from her son.
Your kindness overwhelms us, LORD. Thank you for this gift so Andrea and Roger can have respite from the daily concerns. May you stretch out your garments and protect them and her son/daughter-in-law along their travels. And may it be filled with rest, restoration, refreshment—and a calm in their souls. In Jesus’s magnificent Name.
#15. Vee
Psalm 36:10
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
From our prior list: Vee has been battling cancer many times. Now in her senior years, the cancer has returned and spread to her liver and elsewhere. Many days she prays for Jesus to call her home to Him.
Sweet Shepherd, our Deliverer, let your strength and mercy rain down from your throne and envelope Vee in this difficult, draining fight. Carry her in your arms, help her to feel your comforting presence, and cover her with your shalom (completeness and a peace not of this world). In Jesus’s glorious Name and power we pray.
#16. Jim
Isaiah 63:9
In all their troubles he was troubled; then the Angel of His Presence saved them; in his love and pity he redeemed them
Jim is a diabetic who has been hospitalized with streptococcus. He needs God’s intervention, encouragement, healing.
Holy, Magnificent King, look down upon Jim and all his troubles. Envelope him through every moment, covering him with your garment of healing and strength, reminding him of your Word, your love, your redemption gift in Jesus. And in our Messiah’s name, we pray.
#17. Mary T.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Mary is in the thralls of getting her nursing degree—while raising four little ones and while her hubby is working hard outside the home, away at times. Daily life can get exhausting. Strength, encouragement, fellowship with other young couples in the Lord.
LORD, even when we follow your lead, hardships surround us. May you encourage Mary with your words and fellowship from other young Christian couples. Give her restful sleep and release strength in her mind, body, soul. Protect her children and husband, and continue to guide her in all things for your glory. In Jesus’s sweet Name.
#18. Allie
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
From our prior prayer list: Allie has been diagnosed with bone cancer. The suddenness of this unexpected life turn is jarring.
LORD GOD MOST HIGH, cover Allie with your garment of comfort. Release healing from your throne according to your will. May the excellence of your ways be evident in every medical treatment and care . . . and we seek your supernatural intervention for your glory and Allie’s good. It’s in your beautiful Name, Jesus, that we pray.
PHOTO CREDIT: Wrecking ball photo only was purchased from iStock.com (my text was inserted onto the photo afterward).