“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
 
The big sign along the road proclaimed, PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. I read it and thought about the many times I prayed and beseeched God to change things – certain difficult circumstances – in my life. Most of the time, the things didn’t change.
 
I’ve heard this variation of the sign’s message: PRAYER CHANGES PEOPLE, AND PEOPLE CHANGE THINGS. Well, no. That’s even further from the truth. It makes humans the play-makers, the game-changers, not God.
 
Here is a slogan I do believe:  PRAYER CHANGES ME. As I spend time in the Lord’s presence facing up to the things that scare me or challenge me, He reminds me that His ways are superior to mine in every circumstance. Gradually, over time, I learn to submit to His plan, even if I can’t see it in full or understand it. I begin to conform my will to His will instead of trying to conform His will to mine.
 
May prayer change you this week!
 
Here are some ingredients for prayer this week:
 
1.  Our high school students will be at winter camp next weekend, Feb 26-28. Pray that every student will have a transformative encounter with the Lord during this time away.
 
2.  Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: Give careful thought to your ways.  (Haggai 1:5) Your prayer closet is the perfect place to ask yourself questions like, Is the Lord really the #1 priority of my life?  Am I relying on Him or on myself?
 
3.  Take some time to mine the psalms for prayers on behalf of your persecuted brethren all over the world. For example, But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. (Psalm 5:11)
 
4.  Ask the Lord how He wants you to participate in the final leg of our “Journey” to a 500-seat permanent sanctuary.
 
5.  Continue to uphold in prayer those suffering health problems:
          Greg Hodgson – Back in the hospital. Doctors don’t understand why his blood viscosity is fluctuating so drastically in such short periods of time. Ask for wisdom for the doctors and encouragement for Greg.
          Jack Brucks – Home after a cardiac ablation. Pray for healing of his heart after the trauma of ablation.
          Peggy Brucks (Jack’s elderly mother) – Suffered a bad fall that required stitches. Pray for healing and comfort.
          Sam Dixon – Recovering from parathyroid surgery. Praise God that her calcium levels are improving. Pray for energy and strength to replace the fatigue she is experiencing.
          Cory Hovivian – Undergoing treatment for cancer. The Hovivians appreciate our prayers on behalf of Cory and his young family.
 
6.  Lord, I acknowledge that You hold all things together, not me. (Colossians 1:17) Help me stop acting as if everything depends on me.
 
7.  Thank God that Calvary is a singing church. Not every church is! During the musical portion of our worship service, most people sing; they don’t spectate. I think that must make God smile!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea