Follow God’s example, therefore,
as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love,
just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
The call to follow God’s example, to walk in love, can be a tall order at times. Walking in love takes more grace, more mercy, more love than we have on our own, which is why we can only do this through Christ who strengthens us.
Are you struggling to walk in love today? Do you find it challenging to follow God’s example in your life? How can we pray for Christ to strengthen you?
Here at (in)courage, we meet together and we pray together. Let’s take time to do both today. Share a prayer request in the comments, then pray for the person who commented before you.
Walking in love takes more grace, more mercy, more love than we have on our own, which is why we can only do this through Christ who strengthens us. Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis. It is disrupting my life and I’m experiencing depression.
Mar,
I have had plantar fasciitis a couple times and boy does it hurt! Ask your Dr. for a brace you put on your foot at night that keeps your foot in a flexed position. It’s a little weird getting used to, but keeping those tendons stretched while you sleep helps to loosen them up faster. That and rolling your foot over a hard ball with nubs on it is also good therapy. It takes time and I will certainly be praying for patience for you as you wait out the recovery. Be good to yourself and take this time for rest and self care. Praying for speedy healing and comfort to return to your foot.
Blessings,
Bev xx
I really understand being depressed. I suffered many immobilizing injuries and felt like I was out of my life’s rhythm. I pray you will take this time to find more gratitude for what you have that doesn’t hurt and know God has a perfect plan for you. Also wear heals and not flat shoes until it heals and don’t go barefoot. That’s what my doctor told me when I had it. It is very painful but it will completely heal. God bless you.
Praying for you!
I pray for help in the control aspect. I seem to want to do that more and more. Also I pray for Barbra that her foot gets better.
Hi Mar, I have struggled with foot/ankle pain. What I have found that works well for me is aggressive stretching after I have walked for about five minutes. I’m praying for complete healing and pain relief today.
Hello Mar, the plantar fasciitis is painful, but miraculously it will disappear (within a couple of months) particularly if helped by doing some simple stretching exercise at the foot. I had it and went to a foot doctor and he suggested the foot stretching exercises and I also purchased a plantar fasciitis shoe insert (which really helped, feeling more comfort right away). There are many types of exercises suggested to eliminate the pain, and personally I think they are very helpful in getting rid of the pain caused by the plantar fasciitis. You can google “exercises to relieve plantar fasciitis pain” on the web (or You Tube) and you’ll see a multitude of them. I suggest starting with the simplest exercises, and start using them from the time before you step off the bed in the morning. Just the simple foot/ankle stretches in the morning when you first step off the bed immediately starts you off with little or no pain.
Best wishes to find relief in your foot pain quickly.
WOW! The Lord is so GOOD!! Mar, I have been slowed to a near crawl by plantar fasciitis and a couple other things this spring too. I have been doing some of the stretches mentioned, wearing heel inserts in good quality hiking sneakers, using a firm ball to roll under my feet. also I have a frozen bottle of water I roll under my feet when I have over done. The plantar fasciitis inserts are available at Walmart for less than ten dollars, they do not look like much but are worth it. I have had improvement but not pain free yet. Your post has reminded me I am not alone, I am very grateful you were willing to share. I have learned that the Lord is slowing me down for a reason. Sometimes it is to just wait which is hard! I will be praying for your feet to improve.
(in)courage friends,
You know my prayer request – More than anything I want both of my adult children to have genuine relationship with their Lord and Savior. Next, I would ask for restoration of my relationship with both of them. I saw a small glimmer of hope with my son. May God continue to soften their hearts, heal them of their hurting, and draw them unto Himself.
Thanks and blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I’m on it My prayers are yours .. sweet mama. My children talk to me.., but one family was hurt by another’s opinion and now they don’t communicate at all with each other:( miss the grandkids playing together and the adults laughing together here during Sunday dinners.. been 3 years now, BUT GOD… He’s in control so today as we rejoice in Jesus, Bev,
Know the love and promises are ours… His precious daughters of the Glorious King of Kings!!Christ Jesus \0/
Bev –
I am shouting praises that you saw a glimmer of hope with your son. My fervent prayer is that your relationship with them is restored.
Elizabeth
Bev, I pray that for you and your children. He will and it is a process! My oldest son cut me off for 4 years BUT God moved! He is still moving and healing and restoring. I pray for my children and their children to come into a relationship with the Living God! It is sooo hard in the waiting but He is faithful .
Tricia <
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful to see Bev on here regularly. And hear her precious mom heart praying for her kids. Lord, I ask for you to open the eyes, hearts, minds and souls of her children to Your healing and salvation. I pray that Your invitation is irresistible to them. I pray, in turn, as salvation and healing happen that forgiveness and reconciliation will follow. Please fill Bev with your patience and love and persistence in prayer. Fill her cup with peace, love and friendship as she waits. Thank you Lord. Amen
Lord, we pray with Bev this morning, one in heart around her own heart ‘s cry. Please continue to open the door of her son’s understanding and commitment to you. Thank you that nothing is too hard for you.
Lord take your daughter into your arms, shelter her and bring the needs of her heart to fruition. No loving mother can be without the love or contact of her children. Repair what needs to be repaired, bring a new beginning to this relationship. We have asked before and now ask again. You are a loving God and can make anything happen, I have been witness to it in my own life. Please sweet Lord bring this family together heal them and bring these two adult children into your fold. I ask these things, in your sons precious name, Amen
Bev,
Still praying for your children’s hearts to soften. May God restore your relationship with them & His also. Praying for good health for you, too.
Blessings 🙂
Both my parents have now died with estrangement from 2 each of their four children and those pairs of children from each other. All Christians. I know God is working in all of us but I’ve become so resigned I often don’t even pray about it anymore. Hearing that other families struggle is reassuring (I’ve been so confused, It has felt like we are the only family struggling in this way…) and reminds me to pray. This is not God’s will for His families – to live in broken relationship. Praying for restoration for all.
Plz include my family as well. Pray for restoration of relationships and new beginnings. It seems like the a evil one strikes us most in our families and churches.
Pray plz that the Lord gives me patience and peace as a I wait.
I’m praying for direction and guidance in my relationship with my fiancé. .Also, praying for financial stability to be able pay off my debt, save money and help others.
Please pray for my daughter. She was sexually abused in the foster home she lived in before we adopted her, and she is currently in an inpatient program receiving trauma therapy for her experiences. We are praying she heals and is able to come home soon so that our family can be back together again.
Mar, I am praying for your plantar fasciitis. May you be healed both physically and spiritually.
Hi Mary, I am praying to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to heal your daughter.
My foster adoptive children were also sexually abused before and boy the scars are deep.
But I know nothing is too deep for Jesus to heal.
My prayer is also that God give you strength and wisdom today and always as you navigate this very difficult journey.
Love, Maggie
Mar, I’m praying your pain lessens while your strength(physical and emotional) increases with each passing day. I have a neurological chronic pain disease and I can empathize with you. Bev, I will be praying for your children that their hearts find peace and joy with the Lord in their lives again. And for you, because as a mom I can empathize with the pain that this situation causes in your heart. Please pray for my daughter and I. My father passed away 2 days ago. And our relationship was let’s say, complicated,due to his hurtful actions. So there are so many emotions right now. I lost my mom 4 years ago, and am still reeling from that.Thank you.
Kathleen –
I think that there is something about losing a parent no matter how complicated the relationship was. I pray that your Heavenly Father brings you peace and comfort as you navigate the grief process.
Elizabeth
It’s been almost a year since I made the decision to leave an abusive relationship with my daughter’s father. Despite the fact that he continually defies court orders and doesn’t see his daughter, we are still enmeshed in a legal mess. I would like to move closer to my family for support, but I can’t do so without legal permission (which we are seeking). Honestly, I just want this all to be over. I’m sure that in his way he is hurting, but how do I approach someone who was so cruel with love?
Elizabeth,
You know your story strikes a chord in my heart! I had to file suit against my husband to bring him to the table to negotiate a settlement. He dragged his heels for 3 years. I KNOW how hard and tortuous the waiting is when you just want it over and done with. If he doesn’t want to see his daughter…don’t push it. The less you give him to push back against, the better. It’s a way of manipulating you. Praying that he will come to the table, negotiate a settlement, and let you and your daughter move closer to family for support. May God give you the strength, patience, and perseverance you need in the meantime. God WILL bring you through the valley to the other side. Praying for that to come quickly.
Love and ((Hugs)),
Bev
Elizabeth, thank you so much for your prayers and healing words. I am and will continue praying for you, your daughter. I know Jesus is with you through this. You have your strength through him and have taken all the right steps. Sending love and a gentle hug.
Healing, spiritual growth and maturity for my husband – for his eyes, heart, mind and soul to be open to the transforming work of Jesus Christ and for healing of our marriage.
Healing of past trauma, physical healing for ailments related to it and financial provision for counseling. Healing of current infection and trouble with antibiotic.
Thank you, Rebecca
Lord I ask you to gather Rebecca’s requests for the awakening or deepening of her husbands faith. A new faith my Lord. Please bring health to her life, healing and financial support to the vehicles to help with that healing.
IJN Amen
I pray for help in the control aspect. I seem to want to do that more and more. Also I pray for Barbra that her foot gets better.
Lord please allow my sister here to relinquish control of her life and those around her to you, Amen
Can I ask for prayers for a deepening faith. Completion of my writing and for the health of myself and my son. For the souls of my husband, my son and daughters to be drawn to and accept Jesus as their saviour.
Thank you
Jas,
Your faith is deeper than you know, but I am praying the God will (and I know He always answers) take you deeper still. Praying for your health and your son’s health and that all your children would be drawn to the ever-pursuing love of Jesus. His love is furious and He knows the earnest plea of a mother’s heart.
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xo
In Courage,
One of my prayers has been partially answered. My friend Coco came through her 5th shoulder surgery in 7 years. She is recuperating in rehab for 6 weeks while she gets IV antibiotics. She will go home for a few weeks then have another & hopefully last surgery. This is to repair the first surgery done. The doctors are trying to get massive infection out of her body. Prayers for continued healing so she can lead a normal life again. This all happened the day after her husband died. She tripped over an ottoman in her house. Shoulder has been messed up since.
Prayers for my in-laws. They have multiple health issues. Fil has Stage III bladder & prostate cancer along with other medical issues. MIL has back & shoulder pain plus vertigo. She has fallen down several times. They are geriatric (FIL 91) (MIL 84). Prayers that I can help them & hubby out.
Beth,
You are always such a wonderful advocate for others…lifting all those you’ve named in prayer especially your in-laws. I’m sure you are an angel to them…God bless you in your efforts to help. Lifting all of their medical issues up right now – give them comfort and strength as they take each day at a time. Give Beth strength to help and serve – she is such a faithful servant and intercessor with prayer.
Blessings,
Bev xx
I have prayed for each request. Please pray for a deeper faith for me and that I could completely release control to our Heavenly Father.
Courtney,
This recovering control-freak is lifting you in prayer. Praying for deeper faith and acceptance of God’s love which casts out fear since control is born out of fear. We can’t control things no matter how hard we try. Only God is in control. Allow Courtney to release her grip on life and trust in Your providence and sovereignty, Lord. Give her Your peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you so much! I love reading incourage everyday and am even more encouraged by your wisdom in the comments. Praying for you and your family also!
Bev,
First I am asking the Lord to greatly bless you for all you do to encourage those of us that read what you write. Next I do pray that your children will be saved by our loving Jesus. I pray for a miracle in this regard as I know how much you want them in God’s family. Also I ask the Lord to restore and make way for a sweet and loving relationship with your children. Thank You Lord for this dear Sister! Love and Hugs to you! ❤️
Thanks Diane,
I really appreciate the sincerity of your prayers…
Blessings and Hugs,
Bev xx
Father you know Bev and her heart for her children to you know you personally. I bring them before you and ask that you would draw them to yourself that they may know you personally. I ask you to restore her relationship with her children that they would want a relationship with their Mom. Father we thank you for your love and faithfulness to us and ask this in the powerful name of Jesus! I know Bevs heart for her children ask prayer for my son as well and his salvation. Also for my unsaved husband. I know God is at work in their lives and have seen little changes. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
Darlene,
Joining with you in claiming that our God is more than able. Praying for your husband, that his heart would be softened to the perpetual pursuit of Jesus. Praying for your son along with my children – that Jesus would draw them unto Himself and that they would respond to His love and grace. May relationships with God grow in ALL their hearts.
Blessings,
Bev xx
I’m working on about 3 hours of sleep and about to run a half marathon. When my 5yo came into the bathroom as I was getting ready, I nearly broke down in tears. I need rest and strength and grace to give love that I’m not feeling.
Please pray for my families salvation, that I would be an example of Christ, that I put my will down and live for Him, that my children’s heart would be open to Christ and that they would seek Him with all they have….Please pray that I would not have fear of the future that I would live each day in the present…..Thank you kindly Kristen
Lord, I just lift Millie to you this morning. You know her heart better than anyone and just let her feel your peace only you can give. We pray for her relationship and her financial situation that she will lay them at your feet. Give her strength and courage today as she rests in you.
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6: 25-34 NKJV
I’m asking you pray for physical healing for my shoulder and arm. Also my daughter is getting married in 6 weeks and it’s such a joyful and stressful time. Praying I just can enjoy the time and know God is in control.
Thank you (in)courage team for your daily words, they have blessed me each day for the past couple of years. Praying Gods continued work in each of your lives.
Lord, I pray that you’ll give Carla the rest and strength she needs to get through her day and week ahead. Lord, she is a Mother and needs that rest and strength to take care of herself and her child.
Carla , you’ll get through this , be day at a time .
Please pray for myself and my family for health issues and financial distress. Thank you .
Lord, I lift up Jen and ask for love and mercy.
Please pray for my families salvation, that I would be an example of Christ, that I put my will down and live for Him, that my children’s heart would be open to Christ and that they would seek Him with all they have….Please pray that I would not have fear of the future that I would live each day in the present…..Thank you kindly Kristen
Elizabeth, I, too, was fortunate to leave an abusive marriage of many years. The father now wants custody, I believe, to avoid paying child support that he has been not been paying until the court intervened. Even then, he is not meeting the full ordered obligation. I remained unemployed before finding a job, Yet, I am underemployed and facing an impending foreclosure just days from now. Complicating matters worse is a painful slow healing injury, difficulty in connecting to a great church home that welcomes and understands the needs of divorced survivors of domestic violence. Finally, I pray for healing from the vast and varied scars of domestic violence for myself, and my children. I am not sure who or where to turn to for guidance. Trust remains a HUGE issue for me. I have lost contact with a lot of friends I really love and miss. Yet, I have experienced countless miracles and God’s divine favor even now. I know that my trials and tribulations also build a deeper stronger faith and connection to God, but it is often weary, frightening, and challenging at times to hold onto our trust in God. I admit, I have often often needed to continue to re-energize my tiny mustard seed faith into a might tree repeatedly! I miss both my relatives and my spiritual family. I can often wonder to myself, Is this the time he will abandon me or say no to my prayers? Yet, he never abandons me. His timing is simply not my own. The spiritual realm remains a powerful mystery. Pondering it only leads to frustration. I will pray for you and all my sisters and brothers in Christ and for those who remain distant from God’s presence and acceptance, including those who have hurt us the most. For I was once lost and have been found, was once blind, but now I see. Friends…our trials are what builds our character in Christ, although we do not always welcome them. Our flesh is weak and longs for comfort. May the lord strengthen and deepen your faith, may he exalt you to “Don Your Armor and fight the good fight!” After all, Christ has us in the very palm of his hands and knows the number of hairs on our head. This is the image of a warm and loving Almighty, powerful God who simply never fails. I just believe that when he is silent, he is waging war on our behalf. I don’t know how our stories will end, but I can vouch for the author’s authenticity. He comes with excellent credentials! LOL…aahhh…This Glorious Life in Christ! Ain’t if Grand?
Praying for you! I’m in a real struggle biblically physically financially & emotionally. My husband keeps getting mad and leaving me I’ve told him each time he does it he exasperates our problems. This has been on going over 6yrs. He left in Oct was gone 2months he just left again for 30days he came back we talked connected more & deeper I thought than ever. I thought it was the key to our turning point but after less than a week he got mad at me & has gone again. I just don’t know how much more I can take. I love him and don’t want a divorce but I’m not sure how to not fall apart each time he leaves then when’s he’s back he doesn’t give me time to heal before he does again. Please pray his heart will soften and realize the damage he’s causing and come home. And if it’s not meant for him to come home then please pray that I can find some peace with it and stop hurting so badly I feel I’m broken and can’t survive this anymore.
Praying for you and your husband ❤️ May God bless, comfort and strengthen you!
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 ❤️
I could use some prayer for anxiety and panic attacks. This weekend has been really bad. I sit with a elderly woman 3 days a week and I’m really struggling with it and dont want to continue but I Always seem to let people down…
Please pray for my tinnitus in both ears, it has been bothering me for years especially the past few months. It sometimes affects my social life…stressed.
Heidi C, one of my favorite bible scriptures is Isaiah 53:5, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” NKJV. Whenever I am sick, I quote this scripture. I pray that you experience the healing Jesus suffered for you to have. Say aloud, “I am healed in Jesus Name” and believe in your heart. I am praying with you. Take care & God bless you sista!!
Please pray for me to walk in love towards one of my coworkers. I do not like him because he insists on (what I perceived to be) micromanagement as well condescending & demeaning treatment of others.
I am not one to allow it to happen to me. I speak out about it (which have turned into heated disagreements) while others choose to be silent. Things have gotten so bad i dread seeing or having to speak to him. I intentionally take steps to avoid him.