About the Author

Lucretia is a wife, mom of three, and a TEDx and Q Ideas speaker (Charlotte, NC, 2017). As a former college professor, she designed the popular ‘beginners’ course and study guide, What LIES Between Us: Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing. She is the creator and director of the Brownicity.com...

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  1. I changed the bedtime prayer for my grandkids too.
    Now I lay me down to sleep
    I pray the Lord my soul to keep
    Angels watch me through the night
    And wake me with the morning light.

    Now i lay me down to sleep
    I pray the Lord my soul to keep
    Angels watch me through my nap
    And wake me when I’m done with that.

  2. I love the changed wording of the “Now I lay me down” prayer.

    Please pray that my adult children seek Christ first in their lives as they start raising their children.

    • Heavenly Father, we come to you bearing Celia’s hopes for her children. Send your angels, Lord, to strengthen Celia’s resolve to model Christian adulthood and open their eyes to truly see it. Father through their trials and daily challenges, amplify the still small voice urging them to hand You the wheel. Grant them patience in this journey of life and touch their hearts. Send your Spirit to guide their decisions and dip their relationships at work, at play, with significant others, among family and friends in the Saviour’s blood, so that all the enemy’s tricks and minions will be rooted out. Open their eyes Lord and grant them peace. Amen!

  3. Lucreata I opened my incourageme email as I do every Sunday morn and this really blessed me. I too grew up with those prayers and say them to this day… prayer has kept my boat of life from sinking so many times but now I feel stuck.

    I moved to another country and I’ve been here for 11 long and lonely years. I long to be close to family. I’ve never really settled and some suitcases have never really been unpacked. I am not sure which direction to turn and I know it is time to make a firm decision. I’m a single mother and my finances are not where they should be but I trust God as he’s been the only constant in my life but I haven’t heard from him on this matter and I’m torn as I long to find happiness and be at peace. Please pray for my heart and my future. Thank you!

  4. I need prayers, I have never been able to tolerate antibiotics, now I have pneumonia and have been on the only antibiotic I can take and am beginning to have reactions. Please pray, I am running out of medical options. I love the Lord and have a strong faith. HE is my hope, I trust Him. I have a wonderful family and grandchildren, the youngest was born 8 days ago. So much to live for. Thank you for your prayers.

    • Lord, I come lift up Lucy to you. I pray for full healing from the pneumonia. I pray that she may have no more adverse reactions to the antibiotics. Come comfort her and her family and give her Your deep peace and joy. Amen

    • Lucy,
      I am lifting you up in prayer right now. Praying for God’s healing hand to be upon you and to give you the relief from the pneumonia. Father, You are our ultimate Healer. Please put your healing hand upon Lucy and drive the virus or bacteria out of her system that is causing this pneumonia. Make her whole once again, please I ask this is your precious Son, Jesus’ name, Amen. Have you tried any holistic or natural remedies? Antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. A good quality probiotic in combination with other other holistic methods that family members could research….to give your body the best fighting chance to kick this pneumonia to the curb. Sometimes strengthening our bodies natural defenses is the best offense against illness. Praying for strength and healing.
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

    • Lucy,

      Father I lift Lucy up to you now. You know she has Pneumonia & can’t be on antibiotics. Help the doctors find a cure for her & heal her quickly. Give her comfort in this time. In Jesus Name AMEN!

      Blessings 🙂

  5. Lucretia,
    Nothing like suffering to bring us to our knees in prayer. In suffering, we are forced to come to the end of ourselves and in desperation, that is often when we turn to God. Hopefully we will realize that God is not someone to be called upon just in desperate times, but to praise and glorify His name and His goodness. He is truly our good, good Father. My prayer is for my adult children. They learned well from their abusive father (my ex) that treating me like a punching bag was an okay thing to do. With counseling, I drew a line in the sand just after Thanksgiving and basically said that I need a break in contact from harsh and hurtful words and actions (thus a break from them) so as to guard my heart because I matter too. As you can imagine this has had some mighty repercussions – most of them really nasty which further confirms why I need to do this. It breaks my heart not to have a relationship with them right now, but I know God is able to change spirits and attitudes. I tried to “fix” things to no avail. So, prayers for God to work in their hearts to help them be less self absorbed, selfish, and bullying in their nature. and that they would develop a true and life changing relationship with their Savior. May they see their Heavenly Father’s model over and above their earthly father’s model. This is my prayer.
    Thanks and blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Bev –
      We have connected on this forum before. Escaping abuse is one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I’m praying for your strength and healing. I pray that God restores your relationship with your children and that they are able to see the powerful woman that you are.

      In His Strength,
      Elizabeth

    • Bev,
      Praying that they will know the fullness of God’s love for them so that they reverberate it in their lives. Praying that your children see you through God’s eyes and have God’s heart for you.
      Shalom,
      LCB

    • Bev,
      I offer you a wholehearted prayer for your children’s hearts to be softened in order that they can continue to have a wholesome relationship with you, and for you as you endure this time of separation.
      Blessings,
      Penny

    • Bev,

      Continued prayers for you & your children. I pray God works a miracle in their hearts & they come to Him & back to you. May God continue to work in your life as well. I also pray you have a healthy 2019–no surgeries!!

      Blessings 🙂

  6. Freedom from anxiety and depression. I am 22 and have been struggling with it for 7 years, I know that maybe it will be a on-off struggle for always., and that God had used it for my good in many ways. But I can’t help hoping and longing for freedom.

    • Barbara,
      I am 57 and have lived with anxiety and depression my whole life…it is an illness and there is help. In my case I needed medication. Have you sought medical attention for this? For me the best combination has been meds and counseling. Together they then enabled me to read and draw more upon scripture that also builds my defenses. There is not a cure, but their is help out there. Here is a blog post I wrote about my struggle and eventual victory…may it be encouraging to you….https://walkingwellwithgod.blogspot.com/2018/10/can-christians-truly-have-mental.html Praying for you sweet friend….I “get” it.
      Blessings,
      Bev xo

    • Barbara,

      Praying for you. Like Bev I ask that you seek medical attention. There are therapists & meds to help. It may be a chemical imbalance or something else. Either way I ask you to talk to someone about this. Praying God will bring about a healing quickly!!

      Blessings 🙂

  7. Lord, I come lift up Lucy to you. I pray for full healing from the pneumonia. I pray that she may have no more adverse reactions to the antibiotics. Come comfort her and her family and give her Your deep peace and joy. Amen

  8. I am a newly single mother (after getting out of an abusive relationship). My daughter’s father skipped town without paying child support. I am struggling financially and struggling to discern what sort of relationship I should facilitate between my daughter and her father. Please pray that I do not let my anger cloud my judgement and that I make all choices for our future according to God’s will.

    • Elizabeth,
      I thank God for His provision and justice that shall be seen in your circumstance. I celebrate your future that is so brilliantly bright that no cloud can cast a shadow over it. I pray that your decisions be an extension of God’s love for you and your children.

      Shalom,
      LCB

    • Elizabeth,

      Sweet sister praying for a discerning heart to know what direction to take with your daughter & her father. May God comfort you & give you the finances you need.

      Father-take away any anger in Elizabeth’s mind that would cloud her judgement. Help her make right decisions regarding her daughter. Guide her steps physically, mentally & spiritually. Give her better days ahead. In Jesus Name. AMEN

      Blessings 🙂

  9. First, I want to thank you for your prayers! They mean so much! For that last 9 months or so my husband and I have been struggling financially….most months we’ve not been able to meet all financial obligations! I May of 2018 my car broke down and we knew couldn’t afford to fix it right away so we’ve been using my sons vehicle which he’s been very gracious about! Then two months ago my sons car broke down and we had no choice but to fix it, at a cost of $2,000, and while it was in the shop we relied on my husbands car and help from others to get to and from work/school. Right after getting my son’s car back my husband was having issues with his. We have just recently learned that my son’s car needs new tires because of what was wrong with it. The financial burden this has placed on my family is almost more than I can bear. Gods word tells us not to worry about tomorrow but I’m struggling with that when I don’t know how we’re going to put food on the table, pay our bills and we are currently at risk of having our gas and lights turned off because our bill is extremely overdue!

    • Jbstrock,
      Are you able to reach out to local community engagement and non-profit organizations (perhaps a local church) for help with paying your bills?
      I am praying shalom to your finances and circumstances…that all align and that your needs be met. God’s provision shall be seen.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  10. I too believe deeply in the power of prayer. After five years of infertility, my husband and I had our first daughter when I was thirty-five and our second when I was thirty-eight. We had prayed for children for years without ceasing. Both pregnancies went fine, and the babies were healthy. They are now nineteen and sixteen. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for our precious girls!

    • Melody,
      Thank you for sharing. We had our second daughter when I was thirty-eight, as well. Our third daughter was born right after I turned 40! YAY! I am so grateful.
      Shalom,
      LCB

  11. I am asking for prayer for my adult son. God is greatly needed in his life and to be a guiding influence over his mind, heart and soul.

  12. Jbstrock praying that our God, the provider will show you how He will provide for you and your family.

    Please pray for my family. I am divorced. We have been apart for almost 12 years. Shortly after my ex, Scott, left I became a Christian. Three years ago he became a Christian. I have felt for a long time that God is going to restore our marriage, which is a desire God has put in my heart. My ex says he does not think that is what God is telling him. Personally I have seen several incidents where God is giving him signs, but I don’t think Scott is listening. I think he wants to continue to do what he wants for himself. I think there is some sinful behaviors going on that he is trying to keep hidden. He will barely talk to me, there is defiantly a thick wall up! He has a mentor, but I do not know how honest he is being with the mentor & I am not sure of the mentors belief in marriage. We have a 14 years old & a 12 year old. Please pray God will remove the stumbling block that is keeping Scott from His best for our family.

    Thank you

  13. Prayer is powerful and I too didn’t realize just how powerful until the darkest moments. I have an unspoken prayer request and I’m excited to see what God does. Im also at peace with whatever that answer will be because He knows what’s best even if it differs from what’s in my head and His plan is always better then what was in my head

  14. Thank you for your encouragement today! Prayer is indeed what we all need to do more often throughout our day. Many don’t and only resort to it at emergencies, or as you mentioned bedtime and mealtime rote. When I’ve had conversations with others about praying, I explain it like a conversation a parent wants to have with their child. They would be saddened if that child only talked to them to request food or a safe night’s rest, or only as the last resort in their time of desperate need. God is our Father and wants that constant communion with us as His children. Prayer isn’t a cliché or something to take lightly, it is our Lifeline to the One who gives us Life and wants to be a part of our lives in conversation. May 2019 help each of you to become stronger prayer warriors, on your knees for your life.

  15. Good morning, I would like prayer for mental wholeness for my daughter Julia. I am thankful for this community. May God continue to bless us all.

  16. Please pray for me about an affliction I’ve had for most of my life. It comes and goes, but when it’s here, it’s debilitating and frightening. Pray that I can be healed and if that’s not in His will, that I can remember to turn to him in prayer to find His comfort during the hard times.

  17. Lord, hear these individuals who seek others for help, wisdom and healing for their body, especially Lucy or mental health, especially Bev and Lucretia. Be with those families who are divided by words and live styles against Your words and live styles. Teach us to be servant leaders like your son, Jesus.
    Father, I ask these individuals to pray for me to successfully be employed this month. It’s been 5 long years, which I have not used to your serve. I am at the end of my finances now.

    Thank you for this wonderful praying community.

    • Yolanda, Doreen, and Tricia,
      My prayers are with you all for comfort, guidance and healing during these troubled times.
      Blessings to you all,
      Penny

    • Father, thank you for Yricia. Thank for her life, her experiences, her talents and her heart. Grant that she may abound in the increase you have in store. Open every door that stands in front of her to Your will. Loving Father, seal, shut and obliterate every path that is causing her current financial worries. Grant her peace in the matter and give her a showing of abundance right up to he doorstep this very day. In the name of Jesus! Let it be so! Amen and amen.

  18. Please pray for my husband’s work situation. He is struggling with a boss who is extremely critical and micro managing. We pray for him (the boss) daily and I know it is not HIM my hubby is battling, but the evil one. I pray the Armor of God for us each day…as I, too, have a similar situation with one person in my job. I am retirement age, but must work a few more years until my sweet hubby can retire.
    Please pray as the Lord leads you. God bless each and every one of you

    • Patti,
      My prayers are with you and your husband as he deals with this difficult situation, that all will be well.
      Have a blessed day,
      Penny

    • Patti, I totally understand! I have a similar boss. The reason the person is acting in this manner is that there is something going on in that person’s life and heart, but it is still difficult to not take it personally. I will pray today for you and your husband.

      I would appreciate prayer today for my daughter, Kristen, who will be preparing today for an audition tomorrow at her college. This is very important to her. It is the last semester she will have an opportunity to be in her college’s dance company. She had mono last semester and did not get to dance and would love to do so this spring semester.

    • Patti,
      I am praying for your husband’s boss–that he would meditate on all that is good and lovely–that he would reverberate goodness rather than negativity–that he would now the grace he’s been given and function from that same grace.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  19. Lucretia,
    Thank-you for your post, and for sharing how prayer helped you in a time of need. I agree though that it shouldn’t be reserved only for during those times. Growing up I had the same bed time prayer as you, and the words are a bit daunting. Instead I say the Lord’s prayer with my son usually when I get up to check on him. Since he was diagnosed with Type one Diabetes last year,( at eleven) he goes through periods of difficulty sleeping at night, (he’s well aware that this is one of the most crucial times for them). Any prayers for him to sleep peacefully would be most appreciated……
    Have a blessed day all,
    Penny

  20. Reading all these comments and prayer requests has given me joy and hope in my struggles and reminded me how necessary it is for a Christian to live a prayerful life. As I read each one I spoke a silent prayer and am grateful for this chance to do so. There is no one as powerful, gracious and loving than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

  21. Prayers for y’all , Dorene & Yolanda!!

    Please pray for me and my family as we welcome my sister and small nephew home again from their 2.5 year absence. Now homeless and destitute, help my sister become the mother God intends for her to be and heal my nephew from all that he has experienced.

    • Jessica,
      I pray that they would know the shalom and support of family and community and that they would know God’s healing love through you and your family.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  22. Father help Tricia…may she see You with the eyes of her heart…may she know that You have the perfect job for her….I am rejoicing in faith that her prayer is answered now….work for her is on the way…in The Mighty Name of Jesus amen.

  23. Please pray for my daughter to continue healing from sexual assault and finish a third attempt at a spring college semester. Strength and peace for our family as this trauma has impacted us all greatly and we are anxious to walk through another spring. Supernatural hope and parenting wisdom to support our sweet girl.

    • Dear Jesus, please continue to help kmarie’s daughter and entire family as they learn to move on from that very difficult time. May they draw on your strength and know that you are with them, offering hope in how you overcame torture and death to give us all life. May kmarie’s daughter do well this semester at college, benefiting from the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, to help her focus on her future.

    • kmarie,
      I pray for your daughters strength…that with time and help, healing will overtake her trauma and she will walk in the victory of her experience.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  24. Please pray that this year I can kick fear to the curb. I’ve lived a long life of suffering through loss, grief and multiple autoimmune disorders. Praise God that I’ve received healing in many areas but still praying for healing but fear and doubt seem to paralyze me. I had a partial hysterectomy last June which helped the pain so much but now I’m considered post menopausal at 43. Please pray for guidance and clear direction from the Lord if some type of hormone replacement would be beneficial in my case. Also, would you please pray for a couple of close women friends to walk together with, to share laughter and joy with? Life is amazingly lonely. Thankful for this community.
    Thank you,
    Rebecca

    • Rebecca,
      Thank you for sharing.
      I am praying for wholeness within your body and your community of friends. I pray for answers to be revealed and doors to be opened for your health and wellness.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  25. We have a sweet dog (she’s 8 years old) who had a mass around her heart six months ago. It has not grown and we are praying for complete and total healing for her heart/lungs from head to tail! Thank you Jesus!

  26. Please pray for healing for my mother, who is being treated for breast cancer for a second time after 6 “clean” years. Her current diagnosis is more challenging because the cancer is now in her bones. But, nothing is too challenging for our God and, if He is willing, we know complete healing will come and her health will be restored. Prayer changes things!

  27. Last night as I was struggling with a very difficult situation in my home, the Holy Spirit spoke and let me know I was focusing on what was wrong. I needed to keep my focus on the Lord, His truth, His love, His mercy, His righteousness and the countless ways He has already answered. I am expecting because God is faithful!!!

    • Gail! Thank you for sharing this. I love when Holy Spirit interrupts our thoughts to speak truth in love. It is so comforting and affirming!

      Shalom,
      LCB

  28. Oh please pray for my marriage, our family, my husband and I are losing hope, we don’t have a home or a reliable car, we’ve thought about giving our 2 children up for adoption because we can’t provide for them. Desperate for you Lord,please hear our prayers.

    I said a prayer for your mother,Lisa.

  29. Oh please pray for my marriage, our family, my husband and I are losing hope. We don’t have a home, or a reliable car. We’ve thought about giving our 2 kids up for adoption because we can’t provide for them. Desperate for the Lord to hear our prayers.

    I said a prayer for your mom, Lisa.

    • Andrea, there IS hope!!! God is greater than all our problems. “Lord, bind Satan from Andrea’s marriage. Please send her a friend who will encourage her and one for her husband as well. Lord, you say you will provide for us and direct our paths. We trust you to do this today for Andrea. Amen.”

    • Thank you, Andrea. He is the God who sees you and hears your prayers. I pray that He will keep His hands over your family, keeping you united and strong and providing for all of your needs. I believe your faith will be rewarded.

      Also individually lifted a prayer for every request on this page. He hears us. He does.

    • Andrea,
      I pray that you experience the favor of God on your life. I pray for you to walk through open doors and for you to see God’s provision in whatever form is best for you. I pray shalom for you family and finances.
      Shalom,
      LCB

  30. Please pray for me. I have similar fibroid issue with heavy bleeding. Please also pray for my kids n grandchildren. Thank you God bless.

  31. please pray for my little great-grandson. He is four years old. Because of his parents drug and violence issues he has been living with me. I have been awarded custody of him. He does see his Mum & Dad one day each a week. Please pray against the confusion I feel may be an issue for him as one of his parents seems to like to fill his mind with things that arent true. He loves his parents especially his Mum and likes to spend some time with them. Please pray for protection of his mind & heart , that he will have the opportunity to grow up happy and free of worry.
    He uses the Gentle Jesus prayer at night and we usually pray at any time about anything really. I do like the blessing though and am going to take that on board.

  32. I would like prayer for my little great-grandson. He is four years old. Because of his parents drug and violence issues he has been living with me. I have been awarded custody of him. He does see his Mum & Dad one day each a week. Please pray against the confusion I feel may be an issue for him as one of his parents seems to like to fill his mind with things that arent true. He loves his parents especially his Mum and likes to spend some time with them. Please pray for protection of his mind & heart , that he will have the opportunity to grow up happy and free of worry.
    He uses the Gentle Jesus prayer at night and we usually pray at any time about anything really. I do like the blessing though and am going to take that on board.

  33. Lucretia,

    I’m listening to Dr. James Macdonald. He is doing a series on prayer right now. He states one way to become a prayer warrior is to use the CATS systems – confession of sins, Adoration, Thanksgiving & Supplication. Set a timer for 3 minutes & then confess your sins. Be like the tax collector in Luke 18:13. Be willing to acknowledge who Jesus is & who we are in light of that. Then spend time thanking God for everything. You will be surprised how fast the time goes. He has more ideas on how to change the prayer first. We need to focus solely on God. I agree that we need group prayers some times. Often if I have a problem I call on 1-2 friends & have them pray with & for me. I could use prayers for direction. God had given me a good part-time job but it ended last week. “The Lord giveth & the Lord taketh away” said Job. I know He has plans for me. Want guidance for the next move.

    Could also use prayers for in-laws. FIL has Stage III bladder cancer & is bleeding some again. Not sure the cause. We will know in a week when urologist does another scope to check him out. Also MIL not doing great health wise.

    Pray for our country. We are divided & divisive. Congress can’t get together on anything. To much party line & no one thinking about the economic effect on people’s lives. We need to reopen the government.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Beth,
      I am praying that your in-laws would be strengthened as they fight for their healing and health. I continue to pray for our countrymen to advocate for oneness and unity so that none would live in lack. I pray that we love each other and care for each other knowing that each of us bears God’s image.

      Shalom,
      LCB

  34. Please pray for a job for my son. I pray that this year its going to be fill with blessings and hope for his life. I pray that the Lord open the windows of heaven and fill his life with his presence , guidance, wisdom and lots of blessings. God bless you.

  35. This is me now. Debilitating fibroids and hoping to get pregnant in my late 30’s. Thank you for sharing! It’s always good to feel like you’re not alone 🙂

    • Lindsay.
      That’s right you are not alone! I’ve had the opportunity to pray along side of many women as they push through the darkness to creation and birth. Its all so beautiful. I’m praying for you and your children to come!
      Shalom
      LCB

  36. After about a year of struggling through prayer I’m trying to come back to a place of trust and hope. Please pray for me to feel His peace. This great big world that continually tells us wrong is right and right is wrong can weigh so heavy on my heart. Please pray for the mom’s who are trying to parent and bring our children to Jesus!

    • Momx3, pausing in prayer for you and your children now. May God show you a tangible way today to cling to the Hope He offers, the Hope that He is. Watching you place your active trust in Jesus is the greatest testimony your children will see. Much love. -Becky (fellow momx3)

  37. Lucretia, I’m so encouraged by your testimony of prayer, hope, and healing. What a powerful gift we’ve been given — the gift of going to the throne of grace for ourselves and our sisters. So grateful for you, friend.

  38. Please pray for a job for my husband. He’s been unemployed for nine years and isn’t in any rush to work to provide. The weight on my shoulders is beyond heavy. I need a dose of fresh hope.

    • I pray that God will lift the weight off you and that your husband and others will come alongside to help carry the financial weight. I pray for strength and peace in your relationship, and for hope to pour down, so that you can see the light beyond the storm. God’s hand is on you. He is present here, walking alongside, and ready to carry the weight of it all.

  39. Oh, Lucretia. Thank you for this Good News! We don’t have to pray alone. Or pray a particular way. Thus, I’m praying today for my son-in-law as he job hunts — especially for insight, godly connections, diligence and intention. Hear our prayers, O Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen!

  40. I am a firm believer that prayer goes where people cannot! Back in 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer ( I’m in remission now on the anniversary coming up on my two year anniversary). People always wanted to know how they can help me and what they can do. My first response was to pray a sincere prayer on my behalf. It was then that I truly understood the power of prayer to go places people cannot.

  41. I have to say, that bedtime prayer is what taught little innocent me that people can die in their sleep. We didn’t pray it, but I think it was in a little book we had.
    But wow, I know exactly how you feel, Lucretia! My dad’s getting brain surgery on Wednesday, and especially since I go to a Christian school, there are probably literally hundreds of people praying for us. It’s so palpable, too. I’ve also been on a spiritual mountaintop for the last few days, and I do think it’s because of all the people praying for me. It’s amazing how many people have come around us. We have a list of people who’ve said they’d help if we need anything, I’ve gotten soooo many hugs recently, and we are being inundated with Ingles’ gift cards!

  42. Lord, hear our prayers. Let them all go according to your will. Stir our hearts Lord, that will get out of your way. For myself, Lord, I pray for courage to see where you wish me to go, to walk the path you have laid out for me, to be wife, mommie, daughter, friend as you wish me to be and courage to share your light. In Jesus’ name.. AMEN.

  43. My husband and I are in our 70’s and are seeking Gods will as to how to proceed. Sell our house, leave the state, whatever, as long as we are in the center of his will. Pray that he opens and closes doors for us and gives us wisdom