Guest Post: Amy's Prayer Warrior Journey, Vol. 1

Remember my asking for volunteers to share about their prayer lives?  This wonderful post was written by Amy.

I am a 33-year-old mother of 3 girls.  I have twins who are 5 and my youngest daughter is 1 1/2.  I have been a Christian since childhood.  I remember praying the salvation prayer as the pastor led at church one Sunday morning, but do not know my exact age.  I think about 7 or 8.  Prayer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My mom would pray with my sister and I each night before bed.  As we got older, I continued to pray on my own each night before I  would go to sleep.  It became a habit and a desire.  As I entered college I began using a devotional book along with prayer each night before bed.  Some nights I would not do the devotional, but would still pray.  

It became more difficult to pray before sleep after I became a mom.  I was so exhausted.  Since then, I have had times where my devotional/prayer time was consistent, and other times when it was not.

 

This past fall/winter has been difficult.  I can't really explain why, but I have dealt with exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.   My prayer life suffered.   When Christine began writing about consistent prayer time, I was convicted to begin again.  She reminded me of using the ACTS plan to pray.  I have been praying each night using that outline.  It has helped me organize my thoughts and reminds me to begin with praise/adoration. 

 

What went well this week was the feelings of peace I experienced as I prayed.  I gave my worries to the Lord and spent time praising and thanking.  When I was experiencing a difficult day with my children, I didn't feel like praying.  I was tired, angry, and overwhelmed with how to deal with certain behaviors my two oldest girls have been struggling with.  I prayed anyway.  

Beginning with adoration, I became relaxed.  Confession humbled me, and thanksgiving made me realize I had no reason to be complaining.  Supplication allowed me to ask the Lord for help and answers.  

Slowly, I believe the Holy Spirit has revealed me to that I have taken all the responsibility of molding, and raising those girls, but in reality they are His girls.  His children.  I struggle with trying to do many things in my own strength.  I understood this when praying and was able to confess and repent and ask for help. 

 

Unfortunately, it is still difficult to keep this prayer time.  I know the importance and I have the desire to spend time with Jesus, but some nights I have started to make excuses that I am too tired.  I have still prayed each night, but one night it was more of duty rather than spending time with the Lord.  I feel ashamed because I make time for other things and I know how importance prayer is.