Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

A reader of the blog shared with me her experience with prayer over the holidays. She discovered how deep self-centeredness goes, even in prayer. Read on! 

Holidays with my family are often a source of stress for me. Family dynamics and “button pushing” can lead to arguments, disgruntled siblings, and early departures. I always approach these get-togethers with much prayer. I typically pray about how I will react to conflict, what I will say, how I will treat others. This year, I realized that my motive for these worthy prayers was my desire that the holidays be enjoyable – or at least tolerable – for me. God used this realization to change my prayers. I began praying for each family member, praying that they would enjoy themselves and have fun with the family. This Christmas, I prayed for their good, and not my own. I think it made a difference.

Here are ideas for prayer this week:

1.  Ask the Lord to reveal the true motives behind your prayers. Are you really seeking the good of the other? Or your own?

2.  Apply what Dave taught yesterday about prayer. Ask the Lord to deliver you from evil, from the strongholds Satan has been using to keep you from pursuing God. Pray this prayer for others in your life as well.

3.  Rose Palfenier, one of Calvary’s retired missionaries, suffered a stroke in late November. She is recovering well and expects to go home from the rehab facility in a week. Please pray for a full recovery for Rose. And pray for her husband, Bob, who has had to take on all kinds of duties (cooking, shopping, paying bills, etc.) that Rose used to handle. Bob also asks for protection for Rose from falls once she’s home because he will be unable to lift her. When I last spoke with Bob, he expressed deep appreciation to Calvary for our prayers and long-term financial support.

4.  Pray for the Family Equipping Fellowship class that begins this Friday. Pray that it will be an encouragement and practical help for the young parents who participate.

5.  Also lift up the Discover Calvary class that begins next Sunday. Ask the Lord to use the class to deepen participants’ commitment to Himself and His body at Calvary.

6.  Have you started a Bible-reading plan in this New Year? Pray that we all would develop a holy addiction to God’s Word this year.


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