FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

PRAYING THROUGH THE HEADLINES

Intercede on behalf of the immediate needs of our countries

Excerpts from Jennifer Schmidt

Instead of reacting on emotion, join me in grabbing a Bible and the newspaper. Let’s open God’s Word and use His truth plumb-line when it comes to the world at large.

What are our weapons? How does our response change when we believe this to be true? {See 2 Corinthians 10:3-5}

How might we react differently when we agree with Jesus about our role? {See Matthew 5:14-16}

What role does slander play in the news? What is tempting about slander? (Especially difficult when it’s presented as news, so pray for discernment.) What does Paul say to do? {See Ephesians 4:31-32}

For whom should we pray? Why? {See Matthew 5:44-45; 1 Timothy 2:1-4}

How can we know what to pray? {See Romans 8:26-27}

What does our heart attitude need to be for effective prayer? {See Isaiah 66:2b}

Consider the following as we pray through the headlines.

1. Pray the truth about God . . . that He is sovereign and loving and able to answer our prayer about this topic. Speak that truth out loud in prayer. God already knows, but it helps us to declare that truth. Who does He say He is?

2. Do a heart check: what attitude do I have about this topic? Do I have anger or pride or some other response about this topic that will get in the way of my prayer? Do I have self-righteous or condemning thoughts? Ask God to forgive that attitude, and help us overcome it.

3. Thank the Holy Spirit for leading us as we pray. Listen for Him to lead us now. (It’s okay to wait a bit as you listen for the Spirit to prompt you. Rest in the silence.)

4. Pray specifically for the people and the situation in the news story . . . for any change that might be needed, for salvation, for healing, for provision, for wisdom, for peace in this situation.

Now when my gut reactions scream frustration and hopelessness, I open His Word. I commit to prayer and not just another “share.” I commit to bringing these news topics before the Lord, knowing that in the end, He is the ultimate authority.

I ask that we continue our prayers in the comments. (No political discussions, just a time to intercede on behalf of the immediate needs of our countries.)

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength

And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Darlene Atkinson
Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Betty Hyta - continue to pray for her during treatments 
Sandy Marquez - father, Harold Moyer

Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy
Pam Vouge - hip pain

Serena Williams - back pain severe