Seems God wanted me awake three hours early today to really pray about my oikos.  Mark, Blake, Morgan, Mom, Teresa and Julie are family by blood. Mike must be included because he is the father of my children. My Uncle Marty and Aunt Jane, her daughters and limited family In GA, as well.   My dad’s first and second cousins in Texas.  Team Tunnell., Vicki, Rachel, Mary, Chrissie, Sarah and JoJo are like family.  It is beyond this narrow scope, yet I feel led to define it. I will consider what Pastor Kent said about how it changes and pray over the list each quarter.

Mark and I talked about this past Sunday’s sermon and how praying scripture over others is, in fact, ideal.  This morning, I flipped to Romans 1:21.  Maybe my eyes focused there first since it is my birthday.  I doubt it.  One, I don’t focus on anything at 4:30 am and two, He has shown me time and time again exactly what HE wants me to see.

Father God, I do praise you and you alone.  You created the heavens and earth and everything in between.  I thank you for your son, Jesus Christ and for allowing me to know you better with each passing day.  Today, I pray specifically for my oikos as it has been revealed to me so far.  Please, Lord, use whatever measure you must to remind each of them that you, alone, are worthy of thanks and praise.  Only you, Lord, can bring peace to our hearts which surpasses understanding.  I ask you give each of them strength to find your light in their darkness. 

In particular, today, heavenly Father, please give Mary strength as she deals with her precious Aaron’s diagnosis and future placement.  Please, Father God, put your mighty hand on Aaron and pull him back to you through his darkness and illness. As I read the earthly doctor’s book on mental illness, please give me discernment to separate medical fact from spiritual truth and to always give praise to the Master Physician.  Please, Lord, draw ***Redacted*** back to you, as well.  Oh, how she needs you, desperately!  The pain I allow her to cause is palpable and I am not sure how much of that you intend for me or if I am embracing too much.  I want to be a faithful and loving daughter, Lord.    I can not place any other living soul’s happiness above praising YOU.  Please help me ensure nothing becomes a false idol of importance in my life.  Please give me the specific strength to be the best daughter possible to YOU.  Only then am I able to pour out to others. 

You have created me to worship and love you, Lord.  Thank you for drawing me closer and holding me so near.  I love you.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.