Determined to Dance Podcast

Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Learning to Let Go, focuses on the fear that says we always need to be in control.

Show notes: Learning to Let Go

How many of y’all like things to go your way? Like to row your ducks? A place for everything and everything in its place. You know, the job, the spouse, kids, grandkids, church. And let’s not forget the house, neighborhood, and school. So many that need our help—uh—advice—our control?

I’m raising my hand. I sure would like for God to ask me at the beginning of each day about my plans and how he could help them come to pass. But it doesn’t quite work that way. I mean, where would find the faith that we need to please God if it’s all up to us?

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

We are back to believing that He is God and big enough to handle our lives and that we are to be seeking, not taking the lead. Ouch. Again, I repent and give it all to Him. Often, several times a day.

Here’s our episode two quote from Jeff Walling. “Dancing with God is allowing him to take our breath away as he whirls us through the dark and light places that life leads us. It is relaxing into his embrace and trusting fully in his strong arms. It is releasing the power of the Spirit within us to give us joy beyond measure. It is reveling in the unexpected and celebrating the divine surprise that is each new day. It is rejoicing out loud at the grace and beauty God provides and ignoring the calls of the crowd to sit down and quit grinning. But above all else, dancing with God is learning to let go.”

Why do I even want to be in control? Usually, because I feel afraid. Sometimes, because I feel guilty or ashamed for something I’ve done or didn’t do. There are days when I’m afraid and guilty for sins I’ve committed and things I didn’t do all wrapped up in one.

Not what Jesus went to the cross and died for—this state of mind where my focus is once again on me, me, me. A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those days. I needed to cancel a family member’s minor surgery and reschedule it again. Mainly, because I’d come down with Covid and they’d been around me. So, we had guilt right off the bat. I waited for the nurse to call me back but she didn’t.

Fear instantly attacked. What did I even say to them in my feverish condition? Did they not understand me and go ahead and set up for surgery because of my botched-up state of mind? Fear, guilt, and all kind of junk piled on me. I wish I could say that I stopped it right then, called on the name of Jesus and the power of the blood, and went on my way singing Onward, Christian Soldiers.

That probably would have been the right thing to do but instead, I wallowed in self-pity for a few days, then finally stopped what was going on. God knew I tried to do right and I had to believe that he was in control. If I messed up, I’d apologize to whoever I could and try to make it right. But ultimately I needed to leave it in the hands of a mighty, caring Father who has my back. And yours.

So, remember:

Give your life, and your control to God, the only One who can truly make it right.

Give your fears to God and watch Him turn them into faith.

Give your guilt/shame to God and hear His sweet whispers of forgiveness.

I find it much easier to dance when I’m not juggling the suitcases of fear, control, guilt, and shame. Grabbing hold instead of grace, love, peace, and faith makes more sense and is a much lighter load.

Let’s pray: Father God, we come to you with overfilled hands, minds, and hearts. We can’t bear the heavy burden of control that we lay on our own lives. Take it all, Father. The good, the bad, the sin, the joy, everything we hold dear, and much more. You are an amazing God and you have a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives. Thank you for freeing us as we step out to make a difference in ourselves, our families, and our world. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Life is a learning process and God is a patient teacher.

Today’s featured author is Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding? Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books

Next week, we’ll look at the security we can find in Father God. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: S3 Episode 2 Learning to Let Go. We are back to believing that He is #God and big enough to handle our lives and that we are to be seeking, not taking the lead. #podcastlife

 Links

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Learning to Let Go

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/fZYJtKH3MAQ

Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Let’s Dare to Dance with God, starts a thirty-episode season where we dig deep into what it takes to excel during the dance…

Show notes: Let's Dare to Dance With God

Stay determined to dance. On the podcast, season one, we learned what exactly it is to dance with God and how to persevere where we are, no matter what the circumstances. Season two was spent discussing prayer since learning to talk and listen is essential when it comes to being in step with the Father.

Season three will be a study in the book that started my road to God’s great dance floor: Daring to Dance with God by Jeff Walling. While re-reading this book about stepping into God’s embrace, I decided to take twenty-eight interesting points that Walling makes and bring them in for discussion.

Only twenty-eight, you might ask? I thought you said a thirty-episode season. I did, my friend. Two episodes will be reserved for a special interview with the author himself. Jeff Walling has graciously consented to talk about his work in greater detail. You won’t want to miss these two episodes, I know.

Our first episode quote from Walling? “Don’t you want to dance? I do. I want to be swept away on a cloud of music and laughter. I want to experience the sheer bliss of waltzing and gliding across the room to the sound of an orchestra in full swing. And not just with anyone. No, I want to dance with the one who invented dancing. I want to dance with God. And guess what? He wants to dance with me. And he wants to dance with you too.”

As we dare to dance with the Father in greater ways than ever before, I’d like to share an example that stood out to me one day at church. During the worship music segment of the service, my eyes were drawn to a young mother and her three-year-old child. They were a delight to watch. The child jumped up and down, twirled in her dress, and waved her hands in the air. She clearly enjoyed dancing with God in her own special way. Her mother stood singing, eyes raised to the sky and hands lifted, palm up, at the waist. She worshiped in a different fashion.

Do you think God accepted only one or the other? I believe God is equally pleased with our worship if it is from the heart. The Word says in Matthew 15:8: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” NKJV

God clearly states that He looks for a heart that is drawing close to Him. It’s not the outer appearance that counts. I Samuel 16:7 says: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” NKJV

So, let’s begin this season with a glimpse at our hearts. Not the blood-pumping organ in our body. The 1828 Webster Dictionary has several thoughts on the heart beside the physical:

The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc.

The seat of the understanding.

The seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intentions, or designs.

The seat. When we look at that word, it says: The place where a thing is settled or established.

When our hearts draw close to God, we seek Him with our affections, passions, understanding, and will. We don’t do this once a month or once a year. We want our drawing close to be a settled, established part of our lives.

Now, Father God is not looking for robots. Routine and order aren’t bad as long as we are drawing near out of love, and affection, to be safe in Abba’s arms. If I dare to venture out onto the dance floor of life, especially during difficult times, I need to know the outstretched hand of God is strong. Mighty. Safe.

In John 10:28-30, Jesus says: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” NKJV

Such a beautiful promise. Jesus lets us know that not only can no one snatch us from His hand, no one can snatch us from the Father’s hand. Praise God.

So, let’s take time this year and dare to dance. Let’s expand our boundaries of love and obedience to God. How about we serve our family, friends, and community out of love, not duty. And what could draw people to God more than a dancer with a smile on their face? A person allowing the Jesus in them to shine through them.

Let’s pray: Father God, we step out of our comfort zone to dance with You, reaching out to the people we meet. There are needs all around us and we want to be Your hands and feet. Show us how to love and care for others. Expand the boundaries of our reach. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

We desire to be molded and made more like God. Next week, we’ll look at letting go so we can dance to our fullest.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Let's Dare to Dance with God, focuses on the book, Daring to Dance With God by Jeff Walling. We'll dig deep into what it takes to excel during the dance. #christianpodcast #faith

 Links

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Let's Dare to Dance With God

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/wru4V73FxjE

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daring to Dance with God, focuses on season three and what happens when the dance and ministry join hands.

Remember: Daring to Dance with God

Twenty-five or so years ago, a guy at church handed me a book. “I think you need to read this,” he said. That book was Max Lucado’s When God Whispers Your Name. I devoured every page, totally unaware that there was such a thing as Christian non-fiction books. For the next ten years, I read little fiction, my reading confined to the Bible and books by authors like Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer, Tommy Tenney, Jack Hayford, Stormie Omartian, and Jeff Walling. Jeff Walling? You may ask. Who is that?

He is a motivational and inspirational speaker and former pastor. He wrote three books, from what I can tell. And one changed my life. Daring to Dance with God. Honestly, all the books I read over that ten-year period were like pieces of the puzzle slowly fitting together to point me more toward who I was and the purpose and plan that God had for me. But, in my early thirties, dancing with God was something I’d never heard of. Never considered. Wondered if it were even possible.

And slowly. One pirouette. One twirl. One faulty step and tumble on the dance floor followed by a flawless plie’ followed by me whining to God about why in the world I ever thought I could dance. How could I flow and enjoy something so difficult at times as dancing?

But Father God didn’t give up on me. He still doesn’t.

On the very first episode of this podcast (which is a dance all by itself) I shared the initial analogy that brought me to this point:

“I’ll never forget the day that the thought, the God-nudge flooded my mind in that deep, quiet part within. God whispered that I had marched for Him and that was good but now he wanted me to dance with him instead.

That analogy meant so much to me. I wept, then trembled with fear. It was one thing to march. If you’ve ever watched a high school band at a football game, you’ll notice a set pattern. They’ve perfected their routine before the game. And practiced as often as they could. Got the steps down pat. Totally prepared.

Like I tended to be.

But dancing, the kind I knew God was talking about, would be very different. I was being asked to join and not take the lead. I wouldn’t know exactly where on the dance floor I might end up. Maybe a quiet corner, or in a group of other dancers, or even in the center of the room, drawing every eye to us.

As the orchestra played in the background, it would change and so would the dance. A fiery tango. A beautiful waltz. The Macarena? Even line dancing wouldn’t be out of the question.

Some parts would remain the same. I would still need the determination, the perseverance I’d learned over my years of marching for God.

But it wouldn’t be the determination to follow the patterns and stay in perfect line and timing. Instead, it would be the determination to surrender to God’s will.

Every time. Like writing a novel. Starting a podcast. Obedient, step by step.

I would follow God’s dance, his lead, his music, and go to the part of the dance floor where He led.”

Dancing with God, following His will and way spontaneously, without thought for what others think hasn’t been easy. But it has been the best decision I ever made next to asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

I hope to take the next step in season three. For myself and for you, the listener. I plan to challenge us both to a deeper relationship with God, more chances to make a difference in the lives of others, and more joy.

Who couldn’t use more joy in our chaotic world?

In the words of Walling, “He (God) demands that we open ourselves to the unexpected, the unpredictable, and even the unexplainable. The Bible is full of instances where God chose to work in outrageous and shocking ways…And the days of his surprises are far from over.”

If you would’ve told me in 2019 that I would have a podcast called Determined to Dance, I would have laughed long and hard. “It’s too challenging. Too much tech stuff to learn. And way too much putting myself out there. Open to ridicule, scorn, and pain. But here I am, looking at season three.

Dancing my little heart out like a toddler at a recital. Awkward. Far from perfect. But seen as beautiful in the eyes of my Father.

So, join me, starting on March 7th for the next part of our journey. Why three months away? Part of the dance that’s been hard for me to learn is that God calls us to a season of rest at times. And I’ve learned from experience that I need to obey or fall apart.

If you haven’t already, you can sign up to follow my blog so you won’t miss any posts. I share book reviews from me and other authors, new releases, and my podcast. Go to https://www.jenniferhallmark.com/blog/ and check out the sidebar to subscribe to the blog via email.

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for inviting us onto the dance floor of life, to spin and twirl and swirl with You. We don’t deserve such an honor but You love us so much and extend Your hand anyway. Help us to release control and worry and fear and venture out where You are. Every day and in every way. We love you so much. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers.

Today’s featured author is Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding? Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books

Until season three, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Daring to Dance with God, focuses on season three and what happens when the dance and ministry join hands. #christianpodcast #faith

 Links

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daring to Dance with God

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/OMPELAmgC1E

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, A Prayerful Podcast Season, wraps up the 2022 year.

Remember: A Prayerful Podcast Season

Next week’s episode marks the end of season two but not the end of the podcast. I’m already in the planning stages of season three and we’ll talk more about that next week. If you haven’t already, please go to jenniferhallmark.com, scroll down to “Subscribe to My Monthly Email Newsletter” and sign up so you won’t miss any information about the new season. You’ll also receive three free gifts that I hope you’ll enjoy.

I’d love to connect with you on social media so please explore today’s show notes for the links.

Facebook

Facebook author’s page 

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

On social media, I share my faith, writing, fun memes, recipes, and my Southern life. And of course, this podcast. If you’ve missed an episode or would like to listen to any of seasons one or two, go to the Subscribe to Podcast page at jenniferhallmark.com and scroll down.

I’ve so enjoyed this season of prayer and I hope you have too. The first five episodes covered the basics of prayer, while episodes six through ten talked about specific prayerful situations. Check out those show notes for printable resources you can keep handy at your favorite prayer spot.

Then we talked about the benefits of daily prayer and the joy you receive when praying for others. Some of my personal favorite episodes came next when we examined praying like Jesus. The research I did in the four gospels pointed once again to what a wonderful Savior we serve. Then followed intercession and specific ways to talk to God when it comes to our family, community, city, state, nation, and world. A thought about praying in the Spirit ended this season and I can’t thank you enough for listening.

Three of my favorite prayer quotes from season two are:

“Prayer can change anything. The impossible doesn’t exist. His is the power. Ours is the prayer. Without Him, we cannot. Without us, He will not.” Pastor Jack Hayford

“If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before men and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayer for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.” Jonathan Edwards

“Spiritually, we have wandered far from the faith in our fathers… no nation which relegates the Bible to the background, which disregards the love of God, and flouts the claims of the Man of Galilee, can long survive.” Billy Graham

Two beloved scriptures on prayer to me are:

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” II Chronicles 7: 14-15 NKJV

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6 NKJV

Season two to me has been a time to dance with God, twirling and moving to heavenly music while He patiently listens to me chat about the people, places, and problems nearest and dearest to my heart. My joys. My struggles. My pain. Times of peace which settle my heart. Made possible by the greatest Father of all.

Let’s pray: Father God, we are so thankful that You taught us to pray in Your Word and listen to our chatter the same way a parent listens to a toddler. We don’t always know what to say but You still understand. Thank You for giving us Jesus as our Intercessor, ever praying at Your right hand. Thank You for the Holy Spirit. You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will, they exist and were created. * In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” Mother Teresa

Today’s featured author is Maureen Chevalier-Seawell, MD, (Pronounced Chev-all-yay-Sool) author of I Witnessed Miracles. In this hope and faith-inspiring book, Dr. Chevalier-Seawell recounts the dozens of miracles she witnessed in her thirty-three years of medical practice and in her personal life. Do Miracles really happen? Does God still heal the sick? Dr. Maureen Chevalier-Seawell says, Yes! Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.

Next week, we’ll discover that it’s time we dare to dance with God in practical and powerful ways. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, A Prayerful Podcast Season, takes a look back at the 2022 year. #podcasts #prayer

*Revelation 4:11

Links

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: A Prayerful Podcast Season

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/fFfw6OSbUwE

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying in the Spirit, focuses on prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Show Notes: Praying in the Spirit

After thirty-seven episodes of prayer, you have probably figured out that I love to pray. To talk to God about anything and everything. He is truly the only one who totally “gets” me: my quirks, my weirdness, my pain, my joy. I don’t know how I would get through one day without talking to my Father.

I found through my study that the term “Praying in the Spirit” means a lot of different things to different people. Especially among various denominations. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul says: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” NLT

Jacob Gregory said, “No human can pray without divine help.” I agree that we can do nothing in and of ourselves. We need God every second of every day. Praying in the Spirit is basically God enabling us to pray through His Spirit. I found three ways to pray in the Word:

In your native language.

In a spiritual language.

In groanings too deep to utter.

Here are scriptures I found to support this:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12: 10-13 NKJV

“Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.” I Corinthians 14:15 NLT

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 NKJV

“Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” I Corinthians 14: 39-40 NKJV

My times in prayer are deeply personal and uplifting to me. I want to be as close to God as possible while on this earth and look forward to an eternity spent with Him. I don’t understand life as much as I would like to but I know God loves me and is even pleased with me. Years ago, I thought of God more as a judge than a Father. I know now that He is both and his judgment is tempered with mercy.

I really can’t wait until the day when we will really know Him:

“For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” I Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

I’ll leave you with this thought. When comparing prayer in one’s native language or a prayer language, Jack Hayford says, “Each form of prayer is at a different dimension, and neither should be described as “less than.” How can the Grand Canyon and the Swiss Alps be compared? It’s impossible and unnecessary to do so. Rather, be it languages we employ or creation we behold, let us all be humbled before all manifestations of His Majesty’s glory. Let us rise together to praise the Creator of all prayer as readily as we worship the Creator of all things. To do so is to be open to experiencing the enjoyment and the blessing available in exploring the dimensions to which each realm invites us.” From The Beauty of Spiritual Language.

Let’s pray: Father God, we thank You for the Holy Spirit and the gifts He bestows on Your children. We love talking and singing to You in all ways and forms. You are good and love each of us as individuals, and that is amazing. We are never a number but are chosen, accepted, and deeply loved. You are awesome beyond words. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

If you’d like to dig deeper into this topic, I suggest studying the scriptures and books that I’ll list in the show notes.

Acts 2

Acts 4

I Corinthians 14

The Beauty of Spiritual Language by Jack Hayford.

Lead Me, Holy Spirit by Stormie Omartian

Filled With The Spirit by Joyce Meyer

Praying in the Spirit: What is it and why is it important? (article)

The most important thought today is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray, pray, pray.

Today’s featured author is Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding?

Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books

Next week, we’ll begin to wrap up this season of prayer. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying in the Spirit, focuses on prayer and the Holy Spirit. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying in the Spirit

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/qNwnOfZ5N8A

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our World, considers the world we live in and how to focus our prayers.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our World

“Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders,

Let me walk upon the waters,

Wherever you would call me.”

The words above are to one of my all-time favorite Christian songs. What does part of the bridge from “Oceans,” have to do with praying for the world? When preparing for this episode, I thought, “God, the world is so big. There are so many people. So many needs. Besides people struggling, there are environmental issues. The continents. The oceans. The world is immense and so are its struggles.”

Then, on Sunday morning, we sang “Oceans” at church. “Spirit, lead me” is the answer. We can’t take on world prayer alone or even know where to start.

It truly takes two to tango, waltz, or rumba. The Holy Spirit is our dance partner in prayer. When we give our lives to the Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us. John 14:26 says: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” NKJV

The Holy Spirit will point the direction in which we are to pray for the world when we ask. Needs will be evident. Sometimes, we see these prayer focuses through:

Watching the news.

Prayer requests made at church.

Social media.

A missionary or visitor from another country.

Dreams and visions.

Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help which led to prayer and a mission trip. God uses many means, through His Spirit, to teach us and bring thoughts and ideas to our remembrance.

I’ll never forget a day trip we made to a major city in another state. We enjoyed the short holiday, then decided to return home a different way. We drove through the west side of town and what I saw broke my heart. We passed mile after mile of empty malls, apartment complexes, and shopping centers. Places boarded up. Not a soul in sight. We wondered what happened and it led me to pray for renewal in the west side of this city. Years before, we’d stopped for gas while driving on the interstate and saw an empty mall. Abandoned.

The Holy Spirit pointed it out and I prayed. Will these sections of cities ever be repopulated and renewed? I don’t know but I can still lift them up. We can pray, noticing the part of the world where we are and its needs.

Remember in Romans 8:26 Paul says: “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

He longs to help us but we must first ask. I love this quote from John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress: “Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God has promised.”

We pray to God, through Jesus, assisted by the Holy Spirit. How can we not succeed when praying for the world with their help? Here are a few ideas to think about:

Pray for specific countries during specific seasons. Our church has focused a lot of prayers for Ukraine because of the war they are fighting.

Pray for world leaders. Find godly leaders to lift to the Lord.

Pray during natural disasters. Hurricanes, tsunamis, blizzards, earthquakes, and other traumatic events can affect nations for weeks and months.

Pray for the peace of Israel. We are specifically told in scripture to remember Israel. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122: 6 KJV

Praying for the world is possible when the Holy Spirit assists you. Father God, thank You for the Holy Spirit who helps us pray when we ask. We love You and praise You for who You are. The world is not too big for You to save. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Today’s featured author is Izzy James, author of Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time-Travel Novella, a Christian Time-Travel Romance.

The wonder continues in this third book in the Yorktown series. Retired physician, Rita Woods, misses her patients. She wants to do something that makes a difference. When Max Ballard and his time-traveling conservatory pop into her life, the voice of Dr. Josiah Jones’ diary calls. Rita thought she was going back to save the children. She didn’t count on falling in love.

Learn more at izzyjamesauthor.com

Next week, we’ll look at praying in the Spirit.  Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our World, focuses on how to tackle such an immense prayer focus. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our World

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/fVGSm05BzxA

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our Nation, looks at prayer when it comes to the nation in which we live.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Nation

In 2021, there were 694, 050 violent crimes and over 800,000 offenses in the United States alone. Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa boast the highest crime rates in the world. What can we do for our nations in the face of such evil?

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” II Chronicles 7: 14-15 NKJV

When praying for our nation, this is a scripture often turned to and taught. What is God saying?

If my people…

Humble themselves

Pray

Seek God’s face

Turn from wickedness

Then God…

Hears

Forgives

Heals

Many people miss the next verse 15 which states that God will be attentive to their prayers. I want Him to have open eyes and attentive ears to my prayers. If I repent, pray, and seek, He is there and hears me. What a peace-giving thought.

Our nation needs God. We need to be heard, forgiven, and healed. But we all have gone astray like lost sheep, looking for fresh grass in the wrong pasture. How can we pray for a nation when so many people say they don’t need or want God?

Billy Graham said, “Spiritually, we have wandered far from the faith in our fathers… no nation which relegates the Bible to the background, which disregards the love of God, and flouts the claims of the Man of Galilee, can long survive.”

The nations of the world are reaching a breaking point. But we can still pray. You and I have been strategically placed in our nation to make a difference. Peter said in I Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” NKJV

We have a testimony of how we left the darkness of sin and shame and moved into the light of God’s glorious grace. Hallelujah! Father God took us by the hand and led us onto His great dance floor and we can call others to follow Him too.

How? We can:

Testify to others of God’s salvation and continued provision.

Pray for God to send others to the ones we cannot reach in our nation.

Live as children of the light; following the example Jesus set before us.

Encourage, love, bring hope, heal, and forgive those around us.

In other words, live like Jesus. As we read and study the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we learn about His life, the way He treated others, and the way he communicated with His Father. Jesus is our greatest example. Luke 13: 34-35 shows his intensity in prayer: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(NKJV)

Our nations need God and prayer. Will we answer the call?

Let’s pray: Father God, we stand before You, entreating You on behalf of our nation. It is no longer godly and people no longer look to You. We repent and pray and mourn and cry for these people. Bring them back to You; to their senses like the prodigal son. You left the ninety-nine to save the one. Do this again. We praise You for who You are and all You do. We love you. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

No matter what nation we reside in, prayer is needed and we can pray today.

Today’s featured author is Hope Bolinger, author of Curtain Call, a sweet romance Christmas novel. A playwright and an actress who must pull together a Christmas play in three weeks. But a meddling, jealous stage manager and an arranged marriage plot may not only tear the play apart, but the couple as well.

Learn more at hopebolinger.com

Next week, we’ll focus on intercession for our world. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our Nation, focuses on intercession for the nations of the world. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our Nation

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/0B_lnQIITxU

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our State, explores different ways to lift the state, province, region, or republic you live in, to the Father.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our State

I remember, years ago, a time when I carried my teenage children to a youth service in another town. Imagine a concert atmosphere with many youths, loud music, and special effects. We enjoyed the music, but what came next caught me off-guard. The leaders began to pray for our state, Alabama.

And not a little “bless us” prayer either but a cry from the heart to God. Reminding Father God that our state had a plan and purpose in the will of God. Repenting for our past. Embracing our future. Everyone joined in interceding for a state that, in the past, had oft been belittled, mocked, and ridiculed. The place we lived.

God sees differently than we do.

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.” Psalm 33: 18-22 NKJV

The people at the youth event were dancing with God exuberantly and my children and I became part of something beautiful. Whether we live in a state, province, republic, or region, God has a plan and it is good.

How can we pray specifically for the area that we live in?

Begin with repentance. Acknowledge the sins of our forefathers and the sins of today. Ask God to cleanse, renew, and heal. “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51: 1-2 NKJV

Move then to salvation. Many don’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They have no clue what they are missing. Pray for laborers and outreach, then we make ourselves available to God’s leading concerning our part in bringing salvation to our area. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 NKJV

Pray God’s purpose be revealed. We need to seek God and ask for His will and way to shine strongly in our area. Ask for revelation knowledge so that we see our, our church’s, and our communities’ part in seeing His will accomplished. “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” Mark 3: 35 NKJV

Pray for safety and protection. Our enemies do not like to see people following hard after the heart of God. Pray for protection over cities, towns, and rural areas. Pray for people to have discernment concerning the plans of the enemy, especially people in government and emergency services. “So, you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety.” Leviticus 25:18 NKJV

I want to pray for my region as we did at that youth service, lifting words of hope and encouragement over the place I call home.

Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our state, region, the place we live to You. We come first and repent of any former sins perpetrated here and for any today. Forgive us and bring salvation to the people who need You. We pray Your purpose is revealed and that You will protect us all. Lead us in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Let us continue to pray over the area where we reside.

Today’s featured author is Izzy James, author of The Woodcarver’s Snow-Kissed Christmas, a Christian Historical Romance novella. Troublesome Reed Archer has come home claiming new-found faith. Ann Wright wants a partner, not an overbearing man for a husband. Can a risky proposition at Christmastide make them see each other in a new light and bring a happily-ever-after for both of them?

Learn more at izzyjamesauthor.com

Next week, we’ll focus on intercession for our nation. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our State, explores different ways to lift the state, province, region, or republic you live in, to the Father. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our State

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/eMHoKdawIEY

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our Towns and Cities, focuses on prayer for larger communities.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Towns and Cities

“If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now?” These words from Toby Mac’s song, “City On Our Knees,” often move me to tears just with these words. I’ve often prayed the words: God, start here. God, start now. And when we consider the towns and cities, we either live in or near, it’s a great place to focus our prayers.

Cities or towns can be small, like my nearest town’s population of 3000 or the largest city in Alabama, Huntsville, with approximately 222,000 citizens. Regardless of size, we talk to God about our towns and cities like we did our small communities in some ways. We pray for our schools, churches, civic organizations, businesses, and families. We then add in:

Government

Transportation networks

Housing

Utilities

Emergency services

Sanitation

Entertainment

Retail businesses

We could take one of these a week to lift to God during our prayer time. Let’s look at emergency services, for example. We can pray for our fire and rescue teams, police personnel, ambulance services, and hospitals. Emergency services need to be fully staffed, with working equipment, and be well-connected within the town or city to the people. When it comes to large cities, we never run out of requests to share with our heavenly Father.

In the book of Daniel, the king has had a dream and he wanted someone to not only interpret it but also tell him what it was. The wise men of the city cried that it couldn’t be done. But Daniel prayed to God, along with others, and that night, God revealed it to him: “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2: 20-22 NKJV

Daniel realizes that he doesn’t have to figure it all out himself. God has promised to be with him and reveal deep and secret things that he needs to know. God will do the same for us. As we develop a relationship with Him and speak with Him often, He will show us specific ways to pray for our city. And it will be different for each individual. He might lay on one person’s heart to pray for growth in the city. Another might intercede often for the fire departments, while another could pray for homeless shelters and food kitchens. If you ask, believing, God will bring the needs to your attention.

One specific prayer that’s been on my heart for cities and towns around me is whenever I see an empty building or one that’s went of business. I pray for God to bring new businesses into our area that are necessary and helpful to its citizens and not harmful or derogatory. I love the feeling of dancing with God that I get when He points out areas for me to pray in agreement with Him. Often, I’ll mention it to others and we’ll pray together, believing God will move.

God is no respecter of persons. You have the same ability to pray as I do. God is always listening for us to intercede on behalf of others. Listen to how Daniel prays in Daniel 9:18-19 in the New Living Translation: “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

What a beautiful cry for help from Daniel’s heart for his city.

Let’s pray: Father God, we lift up our towns and cities to You. You see the good: people serving, loving, and encouraging others. You see the sin and the bad too. Crime and businesses that degrade and enslave people. We cry out for our cities and towns. Please forgive, heal, rebuild, and populate the areas that need it most. Let your love shine through Your people every day. We love You and believe You’ll move. If You have to start somewhere, we say here. If You have to start sometime, we say now. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

God has a heart for our towns and cities and we need to follow His lead.

Today's featured author is Michelle S. Lowe, author of THE AUTUMN KEEPSAKE, an inspirational Christian novella. Surviving an unimaginable childhood tragedy, and more recently, a broken engagement, Tessa Stanley's dog has been her four-legged therapy. Meeting Nicholas Beck one fall morning will connect Tessa with her past, and the reason behind her beloved dog's special name.

Search for Michelle S. Lowe on Amazon or at Anaiah Press.

Next week, we’ll focus on intercession for our state. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our Towns and Cities, focuses on praying for larger communities. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our Towns and Cities

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/v9XyAMnSh6g

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for our Community, focuses on prayer for small communities.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Community

Paga. The Hebrew word for intercession. Last week, we learned that an intercessor is one who acts, pleads, or prays on behalf of another. We are all called to stand in the gap for others. Small communities need someone to lift them up. It’s estimated that 37% of the people in the United States live in unincorporated locales.

My family is one of the 37 percent. Our small community boasts of a school, two gas stations, a dollar store, several hair salons, a nutrition drink shop, and several other small businesses. Probably close to a half-dozen churches are scattered throughout. The biggest events we host are a homecoming and Christmas parade (which circle the school campus), a car show, and a fifty-mile-long yard sale that cuts right through the heart of where I live.

I’ve lived here for forty years and want to do what I can to make it a wonderful place to reside. God’s dance floor for me is in a small community in Alabama. Next week, we’ll discuss towns and cities, but if you live unincorporated as I do, how can we pray and where do we even start?

We can focus on specific areas when we pray, like:

It can be an elementary, middle, or high school, a daycare, or homeschooling.

Many communities have places to congregate and worship.

Civic organizations. Even small communities can host local service clubs, veteran’s posts, or volunteer fire and rescue departments, to name a few.

People meeting the needs of customers in their area.

Communities are made up of families.

Another thought here is to pray for events when several small communities gather together for the greater good. Our church recently joined in with many communities in our county to host the Special Olympics, an event that gives children and teens in our county a chance to compete, thrive, to feel special. We came together to help with athletic events, run concession stands, work with specific athletes, and overall, make sure everyone enjoyed the day. Many banding together for a specific cause.

Romans 12:9-13 in the New Living Translations says: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

What great scriptures point us to how we should treat those around us. Now that we know what areas to focus on, what can we pray specifically? There are more than I can name during this podcast but here are my top five:

We want to see every person who makes up our community come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Loved by God. People need to feel loved and when a person discovers the love of God, it truly changes them from the inside out.

Servant’s-heart. We need the people in our area to have a servant’s heart so they can look at ways to help others and make a difference.

Protective of others. My mind goes to Neighborhood Watch, which works to prevent vandalism and crime in specific communities. We can also help those less fortunate and pray we all have a mindset to protect the lives and property of those around us.

A smile goes a long way. We can find ways to give support, confidence, and hope to those who live in our area.

I Timothy 2:1-4 in the New Living Translation says: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

Let’s pray: Father God, we pray for our communities, this place we call home. We ask you to watch over and protect the schools, churches, businesses, civic organizations, and families. Help each person to come to know You and feel Your great love for them. Help us all to become more servant-hearted and encouraging to those we meet each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

We can make a difference where we live by the simple act of prayer.

Today’s featured author is Suzie Waltner, author of Midnight Blue, a contemporary romance novel. Ten years ago, Jake Turnquist broke up with Scarlett Sykes to pursue his music. Now, at the height of his career, she’s back in his life with a daughter he knew nothing about. Will they find their way back to each other, or was their love a one-hit wonder? Learn more at suziewaltner.com/books.

 

Next week, we’ll focus on interceding for our towns and cities. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our Community, focuses on praying for unincorporated communities which make up 37% of the U.S. population. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our Community

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/sbdJXKqVgtg