Last year, an account I follow on Instagram, @bailshenry, shared the goal of not eating out at restaurants for all of 2024!
Considering how busy our lives are…this was an interesting goal. It would be a challenging goal.
Needless to say, she attracted a lot of followers, including me. We watched what she was making at home and serving her family. We watched as she and her family fulfilled their goal.
Bailey also lives in Mississippi and is a graduate from Mississippi State University, both of which are bonuses in my book! #hailstate
Recently, Bailey shared about the practice of 100 days of prayer.
When she shared about this practice, she didn’t think there would be much response. Instead, she was pleasantly surprised.
Many were curious and wanted to know how she did it.
She has a highlight reel on her account about it and shared how she structures hers.
Since the beginning of October, I’ve been struggling with some challenges. I was already praying about it.
Then, I remembered the 100 days of prayer practice that Bailey shared. I re-watched her highlight reels on how she structures hers and then set out to do my own.
I started by writing down the 2 situations that I wanted to pray about for 100 days.
Nothing too in depth. Bullet points about both situations.
I wrote out above the 2 prayer circumstances what the starting date of my 100 days would be and then end date.
It’s important to note that while you can track the 100 days…God is not impressed with the amount of days you are praying.
What is important is that God wants to hear from His children.
And even though He already knows the needs, the circumstances, and situations, He wants to hear from you about it.
If you are a mom or dad, don’t you want to know what on your children’s hearts and minds?
Especially if they are struggling?
Even if you know they are struggling?
With God, it’s no different. He wants to hear from His children.
I’ve never prayed with the same or similar prayer for 100 days.
As I write this, I’m 38 days into the 100 days.
Here are 5 things that I’ve noticed:
- For 38 days, I’ve prayed the same or similar prayer over the 2 situations out loud.
- There have been times I’ve gotten on my knees to pray. Not every time.
- Kneeling isn’t something I’ve done often in my prayer life either, however, I can say that it humbles me.
- It’s a symbol of reverence. He is God, I am not.
- These prayers are not limited to only the 2 circumstances.
- I use this time to pray for other people and situations too.
- I’ve been surprised how I like the repetition of praying the same or similar prayer.
- It is becoming a rhythm in my day. I don’t have to come up with a prayer. I already know and then can add on as needed.
- Sometimes praying can feel overwhelming with the uncertainty of what to say. The repetition is helpful.
- I find that I am praying more confidently.
- Jeff and I have prayed together more often.
- We take turns praying.
I didn’t know what to expect when I began this practice. I’m so glad I started and have been consistently praying.
While I don’t have total clarity over the 2 situations, I have slight clarity on a piece of it.
God is moving. And He will answer.
It may not be the answers that I’m looking for or what I want.
That’s ok, too.
I want His voice to be the loudest in my life.
Less of me and more of Him.
Amen.