A Prayer for Breast Cancer

Nqobile Sibanda

20th District, YAM

Dear God,

No matter what situation we find ourselves in, it is your wish that we always hold on to you and even draw close to you. May our Sisters, Mothers, Aunts, and friends know the importance of having breast check ups for this disease that has robbed us of our loved ones.

May we have the compassion to stand by those fighting against it. And may we have time and love to share the knowledge we have on breastfeeding cancer to everyone. May this not only be a woman's fight but also for our male counterparts too. Give us strength to never tire to spread awareness on breast cancer and may we not run out of resources too.

We pray to you oh Lord, to give us wisdom, understanding and above all abundant LOVE.

In Jesus Glorious Name I pray.  Amen

A Heartfelt Prayer for Breast Cancer

Joi S. Ponder

2nd District, YAM

St. Paul AME Church - Chapel Hill, NC

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before you with a heart full of wonder and thanksgiving. You are my provider, my healer, my banner of protection that surrounds me with everlasting, unfailing love. Because you love me, you see and meet my every need. I ask that your banner of protection and healing power touch those who are suffering from breast cancer - and those family members and friends who may feel helpless as loved ones battle this disease. I have seen your healing before and I know I will see it again. Bless those in need of healing, not only physically, but spiritually and mentally. Thank you for the cure - I claim it in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Journey of a 7 Year Breast Cancer Survivor

7th District, Area 3rd Vice President

My unexpected breast cancer journey began in April, 2009. I was officially diagnosed on March, 25, 2011.

In April, 2009. I woke up, rolled over on my left side, and felt a mass. Immediately, I performed a “self-check” on both breasts. I didn’t feel a mass on my right breast, but what I felt in my left breast drew concerns which resulted in scheduling an appointment for a mammogram.

This was not my first mammogram.

I was unemployed at the time, therefore my service was provided through a program that financially assists persons who are in need of mammograms and have met certain financial criteria.

The mammogram was performed, however, the mass that I felt was not detected. I was persistent that there was a mass. Due to my persistence, an ultrasound was performed. The mass was detected and was diagnosed as benign though a biopsy was not performed. I asked the nurse if this is something that needs to be removed, and she stated “women walk around with lumps in their breast all of the time. If it doesn’t bother you, don’t worry.”

July, 2009, my gynecologist didn’t order a mammogram and stated that he would not aspirate the mass. June, 2010, he attempted to aspirate the mass 5 times but the needled was unable to penetrate the mass. He didn’t order a mammogram, stated that I don’t have a history (of breast cancer), I’m relatively healthy and recommended a second opinion. Since I was told by medical professionals that I was okay, I chose to continue my normal lifestyle.

February, 2011, I decided to have the mass removed. This time, I was employed and of course, with medical insurance.

The mammogram was scheduled for March 22, 2011. The next day, I received a call from the doctor’s office to return to the office for a follow-up visit on Thursday, March, 24, 2011. Earlier that day, I received a financial blessing and proclaimed that “I will tithe and pay off some bills”.

The second mammogram was performed and while I waited, I noticed that the nurse took a little longer to attend to me with the results. I began to pray.

The nurse came in the waiting suite, instructed me to put on my (suit) jacket and meet her in another room. In that room, I was met by another nurse and the radiologist and was informed that a biopsy needs to be performed due to what they “see”. The doctor’s face was pinkish-red and his expression was grim. The nurse held my hand, the biopsy was completed, I got dressed and drove to my God-mother’ house, in tears.

I didn’t work on March, 25, 2011 because, I had anticipated “that call”, from my doctor’s office would occur today. “That call” came at approximately 4:55 p.m. on March, 25, 2011-“Ms. Fleming, your biopsy shows that you have breast cancer. I was 44 years old. I requested not to be informed of which stage of cancer associated with my diagnosis but rather focus on successfully treating breast. It was accidentally revealed that I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer.

For a 1 ½ years, I endured counseling, procedures, surgeries, several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, lumpectomy, prayers, tears, love and support. Today, I embrace my new normal, my second chance, BLESSED and CANCER FREE!

Domestic Violence Prayer

Sister Colleen L. Azubuike

16th District, VI Conference 

Mighty Father, I come to you in prayer as your humble servant asking for your divine touch upon us Oh Lord. As we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, many women and men suffer at the hands of abusers Lord! 

Helplessness and hopelessness reigns in their lives. Please give them the courage, wisdom, strength and power to get through this trying time and come out victorious. Help the abused to realize that their life is precious and no one has the right to make them feel inferior for we're all fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Your word in Isaiah 54:17 says that "No weapon formed against us shall prosper." Let no harm come near their dwelling. We believe in your word for it is true. We bind every evil spirit of the enemy that desires to hold your children captive in a life of fear. 

Lord you know every detail of their lives and you know how to provide comfort. We ask you to fill them with power of the Holy Spirit. Help your children realize that you see and you know. During the test, you are present, but quiet. Help us to trust you and not lose faith. 

We pray for the abusers that they come to realize that they're living a life serving the enemy and need to submit to you Lord. Help us to intercede for your people, our fellow brothers and sisters who don't know you. We ask that you would release them from a life of sin, selfishness and pride. We pray for a reversal of unjust situations. We pray that the homes will be a place of refuge and not a place of fear and torment. 

Lord please continue to work in our favor; this we ask in your sweet and precious name, Amen!

Love Doesn't Hurt!

Love Doesn't Hurt!

Do you have to have a blackened eye, broken nose or be slapped and punched from the North, South, East and West to be considered a Domestic Violence Victim? Very much so. But, what about those who don't show any bruises, whose face isn't mangled or who isn't being slapped and punched in all different directions? Are they considered to be Domestic Violence Victims even if they don't show any scars? Most definitely! You too are a victim because Domestic Violence isn't just physical. It's also mental abuse, verbal abuse or any violent behavior from your partner.

The difference between showing scars and not showing scars is where things gets tricky. Your story may not be as believable to law enforcement, judges, family or friends if you're not bleeding, bruised, screaming or crying. You rely on law enforcement to protect you but when you call them out, they take your statement, give you a case number and leave. Then what? They need proof for everything and because not all proof is physical, you'll get discouraged. No arrest is made and you're left alone waiting on the next attack. Now, you're scared because your abuser has been contacted by law enforcement and that just made him angrier. So, what do you do now? Some women have had enough and they'll leave while others find it easier to stay and just take on more.

Get ready to accept the fact that you will be judged. Folks from the outside looking in can say that you have every reason to leave but if you're not ready to love yourself enough to leave, then you won't! Your abuser has manipulated your mind and convince you that nobody cares, he's told you that you can't make it without him financially, he's cursed you, embarrassed you and put you down. Now, you're feeling like you're not good enough for anybody else. Your abuser wins and you continue to be miserable, praying every night that he doesn't kill you.

Well, let me tell you a little about me. I've had a great childhood and a loving family. I was taught by my parents not to ever let a man put his hands of me. I was taught to respect myself and not to put up with disrespect from anyone. Life was good growing up. I made mistakes and learned from them like we all did. I married in my early twenties to my high school sweetheart but it ended because of our differences. He wasn't a violent person at all. I married again and I thought that this was it for me. We both had children of our own but had none together. I made it very clear that I wasn't having another child until I married again.   Years passed and our kids grew up together. We had a cute little blended family. But, little did I know, this man was trying to trap me. We later married and I became pregnant with our child. That's when the mask came off! He began to stay out all night, lie, and cheat. There I was, feeling like a fool and like a prisoner in my own home with lots of kids and more responsibilities. He became rude and disrespectful when I questioned his whereabouts or when I demanded that he talked to me with respect, he would say that I was his wife and that he could talk to me any way he wanted. When I threatened to leave, he told me that I was never going anywhere because he owned me. I couldn't believe what was happening. We argued all of the time because I continuously stood up for myself. He told me that I thought that I was better than everybody. He knew that I was strong and had morals and values that I wanted to live by, but that just made him want to tear me down even more.

When I was alone, I would cry because I felt helpless, confused, and embarrassed. This was my second marriage, we had a beautiful family and this was not supposed to be happening to me. I prayed many nights, but this one particular night, I was very specific. I wanted to be free and I wanted out. I cried to God saying that this was not the way marriage is supposed to be and I apologize for putting another man before Him. Two weeks later, my husband became very irate. He started pushing me, shoving me and getting in my face. He pushed me so hard into a window in the dining room and glass shattered everywhere. I defended myself and rushed to the phone, he threatened that if I called the cops that I'd better not tell them what he did. I called the cops and told them everything. He was arrested and I left. Leaving wasn't easy because I was separating the kids who had grown up together, but I chose to be free. I didn't care if I was living a "box" because I was at peace. Well, at least I thought I was. After the separation, more police reports were filed due to his behavior, trespassing and stalking. My life was threatened and he still tried to have control over my life while I was no longer with him. I used to think to myself, who did this man think he was? I reminded myself that he was not God. He has no control over my life unless I give it to him. I stood toe to toe with him. There was no more running, I wasn't going to anymore shelters because I have had enough. I was going through all of this while working a very demanding job, working different positions for church, and trying to set good examples for my kids.  I honestly don't know how I was able to manage while going through all of that. Do you get it now? He didn't want to see me happy and tried to steal every ounce of peace that I had gained while being without him.

Because I was separated and not divorced, I heard lots of reasons from law enforcement about what action couldn't be applied because we were still legally married. I worked and saved until I could pay for my own divorce and it was final. Well, even after the divorce, I've still been experiencing stalking and trespassing. This is unacceptable and I will not stop pursuing my case and fighting for my rights until justice is served.

My ex-husband was very known in the community and everyone thought he was the nicest guy and he was. Just not to me. Because I was never punched and didn't have black eyes, I wasn't treated as a top priority. I was even told by a counselor that I was very strong. She really wanted to ask why was I seeking help, but she couldn't. Regardless of what anyone feels, go and get the help you need because what folks fail to realize is the stronger you are, the harder your abuser tries to break you. No matter how small you think your issue is or how strong you think you are, talk to someone and get help because their behavior will escalate.

I was a strong young woman, but I wasn't always this strong. Shortly after separating, I went through a long period of celibacy and it was then that I started to gain control over my life again. A manipulator will try to pull out all kind of tricks to get you to react to him. What I've learned is that you MUST cut off all contact whatsoever. This means no calls, no texts, no replies, not meeting to get or drop off kids. Nothing! Utilize your sources and stay away. I've been doing it for years and we have a kid together. Our child spends time with both of us, just not together. Do what you have to do and stop making excuses!

I chose happiness over everything! If you have to start over from scratch, do that. Live with someone until you can get on your feet again, apply for any job even if you feel that you're too educated for it. Push your pride to the side while making this transition. Seek God for help and start building upwards.

This isn't even half of what I've been through, but it's enough for now. I am a living testimony and if I can say NO to Domestic Violence and reclaim my happy life, so can you. I use to ask God, "Why me?" His answer is so clear to me now. He chose me to help YOU so YOU can help SOMEONE else. Keep it going Sis and remember that Love Doesn't Hurt!

Proudly Submitted,

Latoya Dennison
Central Conference, 3rd Vice President
7th Episcopal District

A Letter from the Connectional Member at Large

Greetings to my Sisters and Brothers in Missions:

Many of the members of the Commission on Membership and Recruitment have asked for a Special Edition of our blog concerning Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness for the month of October. We have numerous Young Adult Missionaries that have experienced and survived Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. Some of our Sisters have privately shared their experiences under our commission umbrella while others desire to share their experiences on our blog, SISTERS Speak. We are thankful for their voices and willingness to speak/share, as it reminds other sisters they are not alone.

After talking with our Connectional WMS 3rd Vice President, President Hilda Matshoba, about our Sisters’ desire to share their vital, yet personal experiences, we have agreed to go forth with the articles with the consent of each Sister that will participate.

We commend every Sister for stepping forward and sharing their personal experiences about their journey and victories over Breast Cancer and/or Domestic Violence. The courage and extreme boldness speak volumes toward the tedious and horrifying process that has been endured. Thank you to our Sisters who provided encouraging words throughout the treatment process for so many. Thank you to our Sisters who provided the safe havens when she walked away from it all or even directed them along the right pathways towards professional assistance.

As we continue to share realistic aspects of life with others within the next few weeks through our blog, we hope and pray that each prayer and story of a Sister’s life journey will strengthen your daily walk with Christ.

Together as one body, we will continue to fight and spread awareness to all.

Let us pray,

Most Merciful and Faithful God, thank you for your love for us as Missionary Sisters and Brothers. We are thankful for a love that is completely unchanging, unconquerable, and unconditional. Hardship, persecution, or even a depressing and discouraging threat against our lives is never a sign that you have stopped or halted your love for us. We praise you, oh Lord for all that you continue to be in our lives! There is nothing, not even death nor life, not angels nor demons, not our dreadful fears for today nor our overwhelming worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell, not even cancer or domestic violence that can ever separate us from the love that you revealed for us through Christ Jesus, Amen.

We are Sisters, We are One in Missions!

Sister Sylvia C. Blake
Connectional Member at Large
Women’s Missionary Society

A CALL for Prayer for Sister Tomeaka Fladger

Greetings my SISTERS in Mission,

On today, Sister Tomeaka Fladger, a Young Adult Missionary of the 7^th Episcopal District presents her App that she has created to help those who are less fortunate to find employment and transportation to job interviews that will impact and change the lives of others globally.

As ONE in Mission, I ask that you call her name and lift our Sister in sincere prayer. Let us pray that God gives her the clarity, strength, and boldness to STAND firmly before the board and that her endeavors will be successful.

Always remember SISTERS, Less prayer, less power. More prayer, more power. But FULL prayer, FULL POWER. Let us unify together in praying power!

Grace and Peace,

Sister Sylvia C. Blake

Connectional Member at Large

Prayer to Overcome Violence, Peace, and World Unity

Scripture

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9

Meditation

Violence has tormented our world so much yet we have folded our hands and watched in fear for long enough, now is our time to stand up in prayer and stand for what is right, for when God is with us who will dare to be against us. Gun violence has robbed us of many souls in America and the world as a whole but now we stand in prayer for God to intervene. 

Verbal violence has destroyed our inner beings and killed our self esteem, but it stops now. We cant fight back with guns or war but we can use our knees to call upon the Lord who has truthfully assured us that vengeance is His and in His appointed time He shall stand for us. 

Now is that time dear Sisters and Brothers let us rise together in unity of prayer as we ask God to help us bring peace and world unity for united we stand as a strong front, but divided we shall be scattered and lose this battle.

PRAYER

Dear Merciful and Heavenly Father we bow our heads in humble adoration proclaiming your goodness and faithfulness. Today we seek your unending love as we unite in prayer to end violence, for we know you are a just God and nothing surpasses your love. 

Help us stand up for what is right, take away the fear in us so that we cant stand up for the oppressed, you are still the same God that shamed Baal, show yourself now and bring peace. Unite us the world over Lord and take away pride and self-love. Let peace reign and let this be the beginning of a new era, for you have promised to bless the works of our hands and give unto us that which we seek in your name. Grant us peace ohh Lord. We know that you have already responded to our requests, Lord for your hand is not shortened that you may give us what we seek and neither are your ears deaf that you may not hear our prayers. Hear the prayers of us, sinners dear God, but we do confess your mighty power and that you are God. 

From today onward, Lord, we promise to let man be man and allow You to be God in our lives. Thank you for we have already received peace and unity. Thank you for being there and listening, through your son Jesus who is the Christ we pray. Amen.

Submitted by:

Sister Blessing Mpande Young Adult Missionary 20th Episcopal District

Prayer for Overcoming Violence and World Unity

Scripture

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation:  but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

St. John 16: 33

Meditation

Jesus shares with his disciples in this chapter as he seeks to reassure them that there will be tribulations that they would have to face.  In reality of this they should not be overwhelmed and lose heart but rather remain joyful, having hope because he has already overcome the world.  Therefore there is no need to fear. 

God has already afforded us the victory.  This victory is not in the past but it still speaks to today.  Many times the things of this world cause us to fear.  Many times our faith in God is tested.  We can be reassured however, that God is with us.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Why lose heart then if we know this.  If he brought us to it he will bring us through it.

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, our rock of ages, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, our shelter in the times of storms, our refuge and strength, the anchor of our lives, we look to you Father.  We submit ourselves today as we intercede crying out to you as we face the turmoil of this world.  As we look at the condition of what we have become versus what you have designed and destined us to be.  Father God forgive us. 

Right now God we lift up broken homes and lives shattered by the ugly face of violence.  For every battered woman, for every scarred man, for every child robbed of a parent by the hands of violence, for every child that has suffered at the hands of another, today we cry.  Bring healing Lord, bring restoration.  For every innocent life that has been lost, for the blood that flows in the land, Father forgive us.  Lord our prayer is for change across the nations.  We cry out for world peace. 

God we speak to every principality and power that has been formed against us, through the power of the blood that gives us the victory over sin and death we shall overcome.  Lord revive us again.  This is our prayer in Jesus name.  AMEN

Submitted by:

Sister Pollina Pierre

Windward Islands Annual Conference

16th Episcopal District

Prayer to Overcoming Violence, Peace and World Unity

"Be Not Moved"

Scripture

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid. "

John 14:27

Meditation

From the tragedies in Charleston, South Carolina, to Orlando, Florida and even abroad in France it can be easy for anyone to be fearful. Even with Isis and  the killings of innocent people and law enforcement we wonder what is next? As a  Christian our attitude should be I will not be moved, neither will I be afraid. I know that GOD is in control and I will continue to be steadfast,  unmovable and always abounding  in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Prayer

Father God in the name of Jesus, we know that we are living in the last days. Lord we pray that we operate in peace and love for it starts with us. God give us a boldness to witness about salvation for this world needs you and we need you now. We pray for peace in our homes, our schools , our communities and our nation , in Jesus name we pray,  Amen.

Submitted by: 

Sister Ada Washington
Young Adult Missionary

Palmetto Conference 

7th Episcopal District

Prayers for Peace

Scripture

John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 

Meditation 

I believe with all my heart that the greatest mark of true prosperity is having perfect peace. It’s about having peace that surpasses all understanding. . Note that the kind of peace that God promises is not the absence of trouble, but rather, a sense of fearlessness, and tranquility amidst trouble. Jesus was able to sleep amidst the storm (Mark 4:38-40). 

Prayer

Let's pray: Father I pray that my soul shall find rest in you, and that I may have perfect peace. I declare today that Lord you will infuse your peace in my soul, that in the midst of the storm I will never be shaken. In Jesus mighty name! Amen.

Submitted by:

Sister Mercy Chama

Young Adult Missionary

17th Episcopal District 

Prayer to Overcome Violence

Scripture

 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”

James 4:7

Devotion

If we trust in the Lord and submit completely to Him, He will heal all the hurts which we carry and He will strengthen us to fight our persecutors. He will give us hope and peace of mind when the world we live in seem to be against us. Its only by His might that we can concur and overcome all the violence and live in peace and no fear. Let us free ourselves from the forces of the devil by always surrendering our lives to the Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father we humble ourselves before you and ask that you set us free from the acts of violence. We cry out Lord knowing that you defend those who are persecuted and we trust that you will take us in your arms and shield us from the enemy. Thank you Lord that nothing is too hard for you.

Father, thank you that you have sent your Holy Spirit to be our comforter and helper in difficult times, and we praise your name that Lord you will give us the strength to rise above the painful situation caused by violence in our families and communities.

Dear Lord we glorify your holy name for we know that in the powerful name of Jesus we can resist the devil and he will flee from us. Thank you Lord that you can hear our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Humbly submitted by:

Sister ‘Mabahlakoana  Mofo 
Member at Large

Lesotho Annual Conference

18^th Episcopal District    

Fourth Quarterly Week of Prayer and Fasting

Greetings My SISTERS, 

I pray all is well with each of you. The fourth week of July (July 25-29, 2016) will mark our Third Quarterly Week of Prayer and Fasting as Young Adult Missionaries of the Connectional WMS of the AME Church.

My Sisters, with all that has been happening in the land with so much turmoil, wars, absurd killings, and mass terrorist attacks on our Brothers and Sisters, with great extent of prayer I have decided to shift our focus for this quarter from what was previously outlined.

The prayer focus for the week is as follows:

• Overcoming Violence
• World Unity
• Peace 

All SISTERS who are medically able are asked to fast from sunrise to sunset Monday through Friday. 

We are asking for contributions for daily devotions for each day during our week of prayer and fasting. If interested, please submit a scripture, short devotion and prayer to wmsmemberatlarge@gmail.com by Friday, July 22, 2016. 

In the Spirit of Christian Missions,

Sis. Sylvia C. Blake

Connectional WMS Member at Large

Afternoon Prayer for Young Adult Women to Speak the Word of God Boldly and be Empowered to be His Witnesses, His Hands and His Feet

Afternoon Scripture

1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Afternoon Devotion

For as long as I can remember, I've loved music. The first thing I ever did in church or in front of any group of people was sing about God. I sang loud and proud. I was very young so I hadn’t acquired much fear and really didn’t care very much about what other people thought yet. I just knew that when I sang “This Little Light of Mine” it brought me joy and it seemed to bring joy to other people too. I was being a witness, based on what very little I knew about God. 

Think about the last time someone asked you to participate in church or mission work. Were you willing to step forward boldly? As young adult missionaries, we may feel that our lack of experience makes us unqualified to do certain things. Thankfully, young age does not prevent us from being an effective witness. People can learn and benefit from our unique experiences, however limited they are. If you witness with a pure heart, trust that it will be more than enough. 

Afternoon Prayer 

Lord, thank you for giving us a bold spirit. Keep doubt from interfering with your plans for us. Let the purity of our intentions and our love for you shine through in our conduct and in our mission work.  Amen. 

Sister Janice Burch

Young Adult Missionary

St. James AME Church, Johns Island, SC

7th Episcopal District

Morning Prayer for Young Adult Women to Speak the Word of God Boldly and be Empowered to be His Witnesses, His Hands and His Feet

Scripture: God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.  2 Timothy 1:7

Devotion:   As young adult women of God we are called to be bold and empowered.  The word bold is synonymous to daring, courageous, fearless, spirited, and confident.  We must be bold enough to tell others that although your situation looks unclear; God can do the impossible. Bold enough to pray for those that despitefully use us.  And bold enough to remain faithful to God and self when the world tells us just the opposite.  Being bold can be used in many ways but we must you our boldness as representatives of Christ.  In order for our boldness to be effective we must be empowered   To be empowered means to be given the authority or power to do something.  We receive empowerment by praying, fasting, and studying God’s word continuously.   Be EMPOWERED and be BOLD for we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Prayer:  Most kind and merciful Father, thank you for the many blessings you bestow upon us. Father, I pray that you use me so that others will see You in me and draw closer to You.   Amen.

Submitted By: 

Sabrina Conner

Piedmont Conference Branch WMS Third Vice President

Seventh Episcopal District

Prayer for Stress Management During Our Daily Activities

I am a mother, wife, sister, and friend to many. I work fulltime and have a great calling on my life to be a Mental Health Counselor, which I am working towards. I’m blessed to have other gifts and talents that the Lord God has provided me. I, along with many other women, wear many hats. We fulfill many roles in a 24-hour period. That can be an enjoying and wonderful experience and some women do it with divine grace. Then on the flip side, it can be a stressful, worrisome, and grievous.  

Our day-to-day activities of work, school, mentoring, raising children, cooking, cleaning, preparing, studying, exercising, running errands, mission, and much more can take a toll on our physical bodies as well as our spirituals minds. As women of God, we have a greater influence and character we are to impress upon and display in the lives of others. This too, can be tiresome if we don’t have the energy to preserve our spiritual temples.

There are many scholars, articles, tools and tips that will describe to you ways on how to manage stress in your life. I’ve read MANY and agreed with some. Stress has been described in its many types, ways, roots, when, where, what, why and how. Though… trials, tribulations and triumphs have taught me that stress is the emotional and physical manifestation of good and bad stimulations upon a person’s mind. I am reminded of Jesus when he went to pray in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56 ESV).

“And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Talk about STRESSFUL! Jesus was not only concerned with what was going on, he asked his disciples to be on guard while he went to pray in solitude just to come back to find them SLEEPING. HEY! What happen to the support system of friends when you need them? (Hint, Hint) Jesus was stressed, tired, upset and worried, but he did something many of us inadequately do when we are stressed; he went sincerely to the Father, released his burdens to him, and said…not as I will, but as you will.

As a woman, I can attest that when stress impresses upon my mind, and even yours, we can habitually think about all the things that are stressful at one time. Overloading the mind and spirit. We even become tire in thought because we overthink OUR WILL and not receive the WILL of God. We look to our friends and love ones asking them to pray for our strength when they too could be stressed or worst… ”sleeping” during prayer.

I appeal to you, let this mind be in you that was first in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). We are to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all his righteous and all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). If Jesus didn’t go to the Father in prayer and released all his cares and concerns to him and said, “Not my will, but yours”, who knows what the turn out could’ve been. Speaking as a woman who has been stressed a time or two times over…Jesus could’ve came back and snapped on the disciples and been completely out of the will of God. Stress is just a hop and skip away from temptation!

We as women have a great counselor in times of stress. When we, as women start to think about all those things that we should be or could be doing or why this and that didn’t happen, all at one time, stress sets in. Stress management for the woman of God is the comfort of God’s grace and mercy because HIS yoke is easy and HIS burdens are light (Matthew 11:30). I appeal to you to ALWAYS go the throne of grace in times of stress to renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Jesus provided us this clear example of stress management doing his daily activities. We can’t perform to an optimal spiritual experienced if we allow stress to overcome us. We too, can do this because we have the spirit of God in us! Thank you Lord!

Prayer

Father God, as we humbly approach your throne, seeking your wisdom, will, grace, and mercy, through adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, we are ever thankful. We know we can come to you in times of stress, worry, and grief, releasing our cares unto you. Let us have the mind of Christ, the character of Christ and the spirit of Christ during stressful and joyful times in our lives. We have a mighty counselor, the Holy Spirit, who is certified through you and by you to counsel us. It is not our will, but your will, and we confidently know in spirit and mind that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. Glory to God! Amen!  

Submitted By:
Nicole Redmond
Young Adult Missionary (YAM) chairperson for the NorthWest Texas Conference
Women's Missionary Society President Thomas Chapel AME, Copperas Cove, Texas

Prayer for the Holy Spirit to Revitalize the Faith of Believers Everywhere

Meditation Scripture

John 7:37-39 (NLT)

³⁷ On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! ³⁸ Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”^[a] 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given,^[b] because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

Meditation For The Day

The Dead Sea is so salty that it contains no fish and supports practically no life. What actually accounts for this unusual condition? There are absolutely no outlets! A great volume of water pours into this depression from the Jordan, but nothing seems to flows out. Inlets plus no outlets equals a dead sea.

This law of nature may also be applied to the child of God, and it explains why many believers are fruitless and lack spiritual energy. It’s possible for some people to attend church, listen to religious broadcasts, study the Scriptures, attend spiritual conferences, and continually take in the Word of God as it is preached from the pulpits, and yet seem lifeless and unproductive in their Christian lives. Honestly, these people are just like the Dead Sea. They have several "inlets" but no "outlets." To be vibrant and useful believers, that will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ “Beyond the Walls” we must not only "take in" all we can, but we must also "give out" in service to others everywhere!

Faith is the bridge between us and our Higher Power. It is the bridge He has ordained for us. If all were seen and known, there would be no merit in doing right. Therefore, God has ordained that we do not see or know directly. But we can experience the power of His spirit through our faith. It is the bridge between God and us that we can cross or not cross, as we will. There could be no morality without free will. We must make the choice ourselves. We must make the venture of belief.

Without the work of the Holy Spirit through God’s Word, all would perish. May the Lord make us refreshing fountains where thirsty souls may drink. By the Holy Spirit, we possess the "water of life" and can be channels of blessings to those in need. The people to whom we serve, will have many spiritual, emotional, physical and psychological needs, they will need much strength.  Yet from hearts of love, let us pour out to others what we have first received from God. If we do, we will never become Dead-Sea Missionaries.

Prayer For The Day

Gracious God, we pray that we may choose to cross the bridge of faith. It is our prayer that by crossing that bridge we may receive the spiritual power we need to spread your Gospel throughout the world. Let the living water flow freely to others. As we are merely co-workers in Your service, use us for your glory. May we always continue to love and serve the Lord, and rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

Submitted by:

Sister Sylvia C. Blake

Connectional WMS Member-at-Large

Prayer for Young Women and Girls Forced Into Early Marriages

 Scripture: 

Romans 8:18, 26   Suffering in Silence
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Devotion

It is well known today that thousands of young girls are being forced into servitude and arranged marriages throughout our country and our world.  The lives that they are leaving behind are nothing compared to what they are going into against their will.  They are not allowed to be children anymore.  The idea of playing games, school or having the normal girly lifestyle is no longer a possibility.  They are forced to leave their families, mothers, fathers and siblings.  Some families are compensated financially but others are just taken without any regard for the family.  These marriages are not according to the word of God.  The suffering that is being endured causes them to internalize all of the pain and suffering.  As the scripture proclaims this suffering sometimes may be unbearable but the Glory that will be manifested through Christ will be revealed.  This imprisonment is not of God, not of Christ and has no spiritual basis at all.  The evil that is perpetrated on these young girls is unspeakable.  For their sake, they remain silent.  They cry to the Lord in their groanings to the Spirit.  

The Lord hears them as clearly as He hears us when we pray out loud.  Their families may be in danger, if they complain out loud.  The lives are in jeopardy if they are resistant to their captors.  But we know the power of Prayer!

Prayer

Dear Yahweh Lord, Jehovah, we come to you on behalf of our sisters who can’t speak for themselves. They are fearful for their lives and the lives of their love ones.  We lay out before you and cry Abba Father, our Provider, give them strength.  We cry from our inner most parts. Jehovah-Raah, be their shepherd and guide them through these valleys of darkness.    We cry from the depths of our soul.  Jehovah Rapha, please heal and deliver them.  We intercede with moaning and groaning that connects us to the Holy Spirit on their behalf.  We may be free but are not truly free in our minds so we cry out for ourselves too. Father give them all the peace that will sustain them and help them to endure.  Jehovah Nissi , we ask for divine intervention with their captors that they may  see YOU in them and allow them to be set free.  Jehovah Shammah, You Oh Lord are there with them, protecting them and strengthening their minds and bodies to endure.  Jehovah Jireh, continue to provide their every need.  We thank you in advance for hearing, delivering and being just that kind of Lord God Almighty.  In Jesus name.  AMEN.

Submitted By:

Evangelist Valerie Bates

Newman A.M.E. Church

Pontiac Michigan

Michigan Conference

4th District