Dear Pilgrim,
I received your recent phone text message about forgiveness. You wanted to know about the importance of forgiveness, and how it relates to God’s Word. I’m certain that your inquiry is not just about the many Bible verses on forgiveness. Am I right? I did a little personal search in the Bible on forgiveness and came out with few, including the following: John 2:9: Mat 6:12, Rom 12:19.
As I skimmed through just a few of the numerous Bible verses, my mind became filled with some of the challenging situations we faced, and how these situations negatively affected our lives, and the lives of our families. Since reflection on these situations became overwhelming, I decided to reach out to my pastor, Bishop Johnson, and other friends. My pastor was unavailable. I then diverted my course, and stopped at my friend’s home. Old man Tony was sitting on his porch with his usual volumes of books. As I approached his porch, Old man Tony shifted his glasses, allowing it to reach the edge of his nose. He then tilted his head downward as he peered in my direction. “Hi MaMus, what brought you here this afternoon,” he said with a broad infectious smile. I looked at Old man Tony; my face took on a moment’s smile. “I want to cross reference some issues with you, Mr. Tony,” I said walking briskly towards him.
“Oh, come and sit besides me, you know you can always come over. But I hope I can help you with whatever you want to talk about,” Old man Tony said, as he quickly tossed over some books from a baboon chair nearby. I quickly stole a glance at the books, the magazines, and papers Old man Tony had easily hurled from the chair he now pushed my way.
I sat down in the chair, leaned backward, and immediately became a part of Old man Tony’s environment. We chatted briefly about the books he had been reading, he skimmed at the books I carried, as we slowly transitioned to the purpose of my unannounced visit.
Old man Tony’s eyes warmed when I brought out the issue of “Forgiveness,” I asked, to what extend can forgiveness impact our personal and spiritual lives. I then elaborated a bit on my own understanding of Forgiveness. I made reference to the Bible, and some of the basic teachings. I explained some of the things in church and out of church, for instance about the creed: "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." I then told Old man Tony that when I prayed the Lord’s Prayer, rather than say “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, “I say, “And forgive me my trespasses, and teach me to forgive those who trespass against me.” As unorthodox as it may sound, or appear, I look to God for strength, and guidance in my pursuit of forgiveness, and to let the past remain the past, because pulling on the ugly past takes away my focus from the present, and the future.
Old man Tony gently stroke his beardless chin, he tapped his pen on the temple of his head, and said, “Forgiveness in a tricky issue, and God is aware of the importance of us learning to forgive. It is hard MaMus. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single injury, but to forgive incessant provocations- to keep on forgiving the bossy sister, the bullying and abusive husband, the nagging wife, the distrustful spouse, the selfish children, and the deceitful friend. How do we do it,” Old man Tony said the words easily as he stared far ahead? And then the momentary silence that perhaps was less than a second was eering, and felt like 65 minutes. I stared in the direction of Old man Tony, but my thoughts were occupied by own experiences during my pregnancy, and when I had my Child – the bullying, the physical cruelty, the emotional mistreatment, and other deliberate and brutal aggressions. Deep down in my heart, I pity the aggressors, and that means for me, I no longer hope to revenge their deliberate and cruel treatment against me and my son. It did take me a while, and by that, I mean several years to reach this point. I then reached for Old man Tony’s Bible; I quickly turned the pages to Rom 12:14-21, which I paraphrased to understand as “Don't pay back bad with bad to anyone. See that your behavior is above criticism. Never take vengeance into your own hands, says the Lord: stand back and let God do the punishment if he will. For it is written: "It is mine to avenge, I will repay," says the Lord. And it is also written. Don't allow yourself to be overpowered by evil. Take the offensive--overpower evil with good.”
Old man Tony then looked at me and said, “You have got the answers, so why come to me?” I then informed him that I had a discussion with another Pilgrim, whose views about forgiveness sounded complex. I quickly referred to one of my favorites author, Max Lucado word on forgiveness, "Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!" .
Old man Tony then uttered another of Max Lucado powerful statements from his [Lucado’s] book When God Whispers Your Name, “The past does not have to be your prison. You have a voice in your destiny. You have a say in your life. You have a choice in the path you take."
We laughed, because I have read a lot of Lucado’s book, including, When God Whispers Your Name, but little did I know that Old man Tony also read Lucado’s work.
Our similar interests brought a sense of easy informality and to our discussion. I had known that we both read T.D Jakes, Joyce Meyers, and Jill Rigby, among other line of authors, but apparently both of us didn’t feel the need to push the other about including new authors on our book lists.
Old man Tony asked, "which of Lucado's books did you first read?" I responded, "The first Lucado’s book I read was, Six Hours One Friday: Living the Power of the Cross. While reading that book, I got the Lucado’s bug because of two key things: the richness of the materials, and his writing style. Since then I have read almost all of Lucado’s books, including, “Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Claim Your Heart, Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear , A Gentle Thunder: Hearing God Through the Storm, Come Thirsty/Traveling Light/Next Door Savior: Three Life Changing Books in One Volume,” among many others.
Old man Tony then reverted to our topic by cleverly asking, “How do you know when you have forgiven?” I was stunned by the directness of his question, but I quickly went deep within, and carefully chose words and phrases that I hope would convey my position on the issue: I sometimes feel that I know that I am in the midst of forgiveness because I no longer want to revenge, and I sense a sort of freedom. I look at where I am today. Before today, I envisioned the sort of revenge I would take on those who deliberately pursued and hurt me and my son. At that time, I was bitter and felt imprisoned, but today I pity the aggressors, and I feel sorry for the perpetrators. However, my level of forgiveness doesn’t mean that I trust those who were calculative in brutally hurting us. No, No, don’t get me wrong Old man Tony. The world is filled with evil, and my forgiveness doesn’t mean those who trespassed against us have in any way recognized the effect of their actions on me, an unborn child, and later an innocent child. They may, or may not be quite aware of the level of effects their ill actions had on my son but, that's not the issue. The issue is where I am today. I am moving forward, taking the necessary actions to heal our wounds, and live a purposeful life.
As I spoke, Old man Tony sat attentively, looking deeply in my face. I paused, in the hope that he would comment, but he said, "go on."
And I continued, " As I was saying, when I sought revenge, I was bitter, but now, I realized that I was imprisoned because of their actions, but they lived their lives; and I gradually reached where I am, and vowed not to get my path interrupted.”
Old man Tony then asked, "supposed they try contacting you" I responded, , "I did received a communication recently, and have taken the necessary steps regarding such actions. I had thought that they knew better than to make any such attempt. That's because our situation was beyond minimal, it was incessant and required the intervention of groups that dealt with such situations."
As I spoke, Old man Tony kept a hint of smile on his face, and nodded. Old man Tony then asked me, "what specificially helped you reach the level you are at in your forgiveness? I responded, “In the past, I tried, putting all my efforts into understanding why our aggressors did what they did, but later I learned that to try to understand their frame of mind, and to figure out the Why would be futile. I then recognized, after talking to trusted people, listening to others, and reading that a life well lived is my best revenge, or to be out it nicely, my best course of action. Instead of focusing on my wounded feelings and fears, which would mean giving the giving, the person(s) who caused me pain power over my life, I learned to look for peace, beauty and kindness, and embrace love around me. And my philosophy is that Forgiveness is a personal weapon that gives personal power.”
Old man Tony then heaved a sigh of relief. He pushed his glasses off, dangling it in one hand. He gazed, then took in a deep breathe, pulled himself forward in his chair, as if to reach my ears. Then he said, “Look he said, I am not your Pastor, and I think your Pastor, and the Church Ministers have their own challenges with Forgiveness. But I can tell you where I am at when it comes to forgiveness. I believe God knows our weakness, and try as much as we can; it all boils down to whether we can trust those who hurt us. I can give water to the person or persons who deliberately hurt me badly. I can offer a ride to the person who was disloyal to me, or betrayed me. I can buy groceries for an ex. I can tell my ex wife that I will help pay her car insurance bill, but does that mean she can become my wife again. Can I get into partnership with a ex business partner who planned, then took the time to reach the bank, sign a check, cash the check and diverted the funds into their personal bank account without my knowledge?”
Old man Tony, sat back, erect in his chair, and continued, “In my view, Forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation with the person that hurt you, or overlooking of their action. What I am after is to find peace. In my opinion, Forgiveness can be defined as the "peace and understanding that come from blaming that which has hurt you less, taking the life experience less personally, and changing your grievance story."
With that, Old man Tony, sat back in his seat and began tapping his pen on the edge of his seat. He gave me a wide smile, and our discussion moved from religion to politics. We chatted on a wide range of issues.
I left Old man Tony’s home with a lot to ponder about on forgiveness. I do hope my thoughts, and my discussion with Old man Tony will also provide someone insights on the challenge of Forgiveness.
Always,
musue
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Keeping the Hotline Open!
Dear Pilgrim,
Thanks you for the words of encouragement. In spite the challenges you face on this journey, I want to admonish you “do not give up.” It may be dark at this time, but remember that the morning comes, and it comes with the rising of the sun.
In addition to your communications, I also received several mails from others who're also on a journey of religious devotion. One set of communications that caught my attention came from a lady, who’s interesting in understanding a personal situation she faces, and how it relates to my “Petition” prayer.
Francine, the lady, send her questions and concerns in several parts. However, I selected one part of her several letters to discuss some salient issues we experience on this journey. Now, let’s look at an excerpt of Ms. Francine’s note:
Dear Musue
I'm in love with a guy. I'm still in love with him even more. We make love, but he doesn't kiss me. I want him to kiss me so bad and in your petition it says never be anxious for anything. My heart yearn for for his love I cant sleep at night sometimes I find myself crying because I fell in love again and it hurts me what do I do I pray even when I pray my feeling stays the same he ask me once was it lust or love I couldn't answer then but I think it's love cause it's hurting my heart staying away from him and acting like I dont care even though i think about him day and night and even while I was reading your PETITION. How can I let him know? What should I do here?
Francine
While the excerpt of Francine’s letter above (also within the comment's box of my last post) will serve as the focal point of our communication, we will also delve in other extenuating situations that will set the premise for expounding on other related issues.
When Francine sent her first communication, I did respond to some of her questions, and concerns. However, as our communication continued, I asked whether her concerns could be used to set the premise for this communication. Francine agreed, and has been awaiting this communication.
However, my first reminder to Francine was that I am not a professional Biblical Counselor; I am not a Minister of Divinity, neither am I a Psychologist, nor an expert at resolving relationship issues. However, with the help of my beloved husband, and some of the things I have learned since being married to this wonderful man, as well as my own experience on this spiritual journey, I anticipate that my open thinking and yours can serve as a stage for discussing and expanding our ideas on the issue.
Pilgrim, here we find ourselves. On our own journeys, we also experience relationship's issue, maybe not the kind of situation Francine faces, but we as human beings are interdependent, and therefore we interact with people, and in most cases, at different levels. I do interact with my husband, and our interaction varies: we interact as married couples; we interact professionally when we become enthusiastically engrossed in our works, we interact as negotiators, we interact as educators; and the list goes on. We also interact when we fellowship, and study the bible for spiritual growth. There’s no boundary to how we interact, and the depth of our interactions. And in our interactions, we communicate.
When I read Francine’s comments, one key element jumped at me: communication. Her reluctance to express her feelings to the person she is involved with points to a key problem in the relationship. And why is this lack of communication a problem?
Communication is important is every relationship. In our relationship with God, we communicate through prayers, fellowship, reading His Word, and discussing the Bible with others. God communicates with us using a wide variety of medium, and also through His words. When we fail to communicate with God, we begin to slide in our journey, and in our relationship with God. Likewise, if I fail to communicate with my husband, our relationship begins to experience bumps. Like Francine who probably assumed that (those we interact with) her male lover knows what’s in her mind, many of use also assume God knows what we are thinking; and the other person knows exactly what we are thinking. That’s a mistake. Remember that, we human beings are not crystal balls to read the other person’s mind. In the case of God, John 14; 14 state: Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! Can you ask without communicating? Obviously, that is impossible. And for us human beings, we don’t have the luxury of using a crystal ball to determine each other’s thoughts. That is why we need to spend time telling each other exactly what we want, how we feel, and what we think. That is the inportance of communication. The importance of effective communication becomes evident when dealing with members of the other sex.
I hope that an opened and warm communication will give Francine and her male friend the opportunity to discuss the ultimate goal, if any for their relationship; the kind of relationship they desire, and what they wish to accomplish. As individuals, the values they hold, and what values they can share, including spirituality. Are they fishing, or looking to keep? And one big element is loyalty, and support, which I do not in anyway intend to impose, but I believe it is crucial. I see loyalty and support as fundamental yardsticks for the value a person holds; their perception of themselves, and the level of regard they have for their partner, and their family. Once loyalty becomes a question, trust becomes an issue, then the relationship is empty, futile, and morelike irrelevant, and for me a deadbeat. That is why i consider communication as not only important, but priceless. Verbal and non verbal Communication provides the platform for people to talk, chat, joke, and it is during such times, we learned about the things others value, the lives they live, their aspirations, and where or whather you are in their future, or part of their vision. It is also at such time you can determine whether you want to be where they want to place you. Do you want to be fished, or to be a part of their future? I can't answer that for you?
In our relationship with God, he places us on the pedestal, proud for all the world to see that he loves us. He also tell us about where we stand in his plan. God's promises for us are many, including "Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28).So God wants us to loove Him Faithfully. The word faithfully, according to the Roget's dictionary, the synonyms and meaning for faithfully includes, devotedly , lovingly, attentively, supportively, fondly, and not partially, or in bits.
Regarding my Petition prayer, I will urge Francine, as I encourage myself, to delve more into the Word of God for comfort, and also begin to lean more on God for wisdom and strength in facing our everyday challenges. We all go through trials and tribulations during our lives. There's not a single person in this world, who has not experienced an awful or terrible situation. However, the difference lies in how we handle, and cope with these situations. How do you handle the situations you face? How do I cope with my challenges? We deal with our situations differently, but the question becomes: Should we allow these upsetting, or traumatic events to shake our faith or to strengthen it! Let's quickly look again at Romans 8:28: "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Sometimes it is difficult to embrace this promise, but we must learn to trust him. To continue to hold on to his promises, I draw strength and courage from my experiences, and how he helped me overcome and or successfully face those situations.
As painful as our situations may be, as shameful as they appear, we must readily remember that we will come out victorious if we put our trust in Him. Of course during the dark periods, when it feels like we are in the rough waters we must crawl, and grasp His hand; we must feed on his promises, we must move our lips and call his name, because he is waiting to hear from us. Matthew 11:28 states: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," and in Jeremiah 31:25, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
So you see Pilgrim, in our relationship with others, and with God, communicatio is important. Communication is the impetus to every successful relationship' it is the hotline, so let's keep it alive, let's keep it open!
Always,
musue
Thanks you for the words of encouragement. In spite the challenges you face on this journey, I want to admonish you “do not give up.” It may be dark at this time, but remember that the morning comes, and it comes with the rising of the sun.
In addition to your communications, I also received several mails from others who're also on a journey of religious devotion. One set of communications that caught my attention came from a lady, who’s interesting in understanding a personal situation she faces, and how it relates to my “Petition” prayer.
Francine, the lady, send her questions and concerns in several parts. However, I selected one part of her several letters to discuss some salient issues we experience on this journey. Now, let’s look at an excerpt of Ms. Francine’s note:
Dear Musue
I'm in love with a guy. I'm still in love with him even more. We make love, but he doesn't kiss me. I want him to kiss me so bad and in your petition it says never be anxious for anything. My heart yearn for for his love I cant sleep at night sometimes I find myself crying because I fell in love again and it hurts me what do I do I pray even when I pray my feeling stays the same he ask me once was it lust or love I couldn't answer then but I think it's love cause it's hurting my heart staying away from him and acting like I dont care even though i think about him day and night and even while I was reading your PETITION. How can I let him know? What should I do here?
Francine
While the excerpt of Francine’s letter above (also within the comment's box of my last post) will serve as the focal point of our communication, we will also delve in other extenuating situations that will set the premise for expounding on other related issues.
When Francine sent her first communication, I did respond to some of her questions, and concerns. However, as our communication continued, I asked whether her concerns could be used to set the premise for this communication. Francine agreed, and has been awaiting this communication.
However, my first reminder to Francine was that I am not a professional Biblical Counselor; I am not a Minister of Divinity, neither am I a Psychologist, nor an expert at resolving relationship issues. However, with the help of my beloved husband, and some of the things I have learned since being married to this wonderful man, as well as my own experience on this spiritual journey, I anticipate that my open thinking and yours can serve as a stage for discussing and expanding our ideas on the issue.
Pilgrim, here we find ourselves. On our own journeys, we also experience relationship's issue, maybe not the kind of situation Francine faces, but we as human beings are interdependent, and therefore we interact with people, and in most cases, at different levels. I do interact with my husband, and our interaction varies: we interact as married couples; we interact professionally when we become enthusiastically engrossed in our works, we interact as negotiators, we interact as educators; and the list goes on. We also interact when we fellowship, and study the bible for spiritual growth. There’s no boundary to how we interact, and the depth of our interactions. And in our interactions, we communicate.
When I read Francine’s comments, one key element jumped at me: communication. Her reluctance to express her feelings to the person she is involved with points to a key problem in the relationship. And why is this lack of communication a problem?
Communication is important is every relationship. In our relationship with God, we communicate through prayers, fellowship, reading His Word, and discussing the Bible with others. God communicates with us using a wide variety of medium, and also through His words. When we fail to communicate with God, we begin to slide in our journey, and in our relationship with God. Likewise, if I fail to communicate with my husband, our relationship begins to experience bumps. Like Francine who probably assumed that (those we interact with) her male lover knows what’s in her mind, many of use also assume God knows what we are thinking; and the other person knows exactly what we are thinking. That’s a mistake. Remember that, we human beings are not crystal balls to read the other person’s mind. In the case of God, John 14; 14 state: Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! Can you ask without communicating? Obviously, that is impossible. And for us human beings, we don’t have the luxury of using a crystal ball to determine each other’s thoughts. That is why we need to spend time telling each other exactly what we want, how we feel, and what we think. That is the inportance of communication. The importance of effective communication becomes evident when dealing with members of the other sex.
I hope that an opened and warm communication will give Francine and her male friend the opportunity to discuss the ultimate goal, if any for their relationship; the kind of relationship they desire, and what they wish to accomplish. As individuals, the values they hold, and what values they can share, including spirituality. Are they fishing, or looking to keep? And one big element is loyalty, and support, which I do not in anyway intend to impose, but I believe it is crucial. I see loyalty and support as fundamental yardsticks for the value a person holds; their perception of themselves, and the level of regard they have for their partner, and their family. Once loyalty becomes a question, trust becomes an issue, then the relationship is empty, futile, and morelike irrelevant, and for me a deadbeat. That is why i consider communication as not only important, but priceless. Verbal and non verbal Communication provides the platform for people to talk, chat, joke, and it is during such times, we learned about the things others value, the lives they live, their aspirations, and where or whather you are in their future, or part of their vision. It is also at such time you can determine whether you want to be where they want to place you. Do you want to be fished, or to be a part of their future? I can't answer that for you?
In our relationship with God, he places us on the pedestal, proud for all the world to see that he loves us. He also tell us about where we stand in his plan. God's promises for us are many, including "Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28).So God wants us to loove Him Faithfully. The word faithfully, according to the Roget's dictionary, the synonyms and meaning for faithfully includes, devotedly , lovingly, attentively, supportively, fondly, and not partially, or in bits.
Regarding my Petition prayer, I will urge Francine, as I encourage myself, to delve more into the Word of God for comfort, and also begin to lean more on God for wisdom and strength in facing our everyday challenges. We all go through trials and tribulations during our lives. There's not a single person in this world, who has not experienced an awful or terrible situation. However, the difference lies in how we handle, and cope with these situations. How do you handle the situations you face? How do I cope with my challenges? We deal with our situations differently, but the question becomes: Should we allow these upsetting, or traumatic events to shake our faith or to strengthen it! Let's quickly look again at Romans 8:28: "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Sometimes it is difficult to embrace this promise, but we must learn to trust him. To continue to hold on to his promises, I draw strength and courage from my experiences, and how he helped me overcome and or successfully face those situations.
As painful as our situations may be, as shameful as they appear, we must readily remember that we will come out victorious if we put our trust in Him. Of course during the dark periods, when it feels like we are in the rough waters we must crawl, and grasp His hand; we must feed on his promises, we must move our lips and call his name, because he is waiting to hear from us. Matthew 11:28 states: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," and in Jeremiah 31:25, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
So you see Pilgrim, in our relationship with others, and with God, communicatio is important. Communication is the impetus to every successful relationship' it is the hotline, so let's keep it alive, let's keep it open!
Always,
musue
Friday, February 4, 2011
My Petition
Dear Pilgrim,
Here is my most recent Petition, based on Philippians 4:6, which states “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, [emphasis mine] with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I hope the verse(Philippians 4:6), and my petition below motivate you to also develop you own ways to communicate and grow spiritually. I try to ask Him to reign in every areas of my life. Believe me, I falter and wander away all the time. But we must learn to ask Him for strength to keep our eyes on him, and or return to him. I have learned that on this journey, we may experience distortions and distractions, we may come in contact with sleazy ones cloak as His messengers but we must ask Him to open our hearts, open our eyes, our hands, and ears to recognize His, and only things from him, and ask him to guide our feet so that we can remain on his path.
This Petition, which I tried drafting last night, but could not because of some technical problems, until this morning comes from a dire need, and as I started drafting prayers, I am sure He watched with a smile on his face - my fears, my doubts, and even the mistakes that I made. My composition and constant revision of my bullet point requests might have caught his attention. I am a weakner when it comes to identifying my weakness and fully releasing my concerns, but I still try to release them to Him. I anticipate that Today marks a new day in all I have put forth, and I claim it all, amen.
For me, my dear Pilgrim, a Petition is another wonderful experience on this journey; it is a moment of meditation, and deliberations on His words. During those moments of mediation, he is watching, and listening, even to our inner thoughts, while we skim through pages of His words, mull over our choices of words, write, delete and rewrite.
My petition below:
Petition
Father, thank you for the time you gave me to write this prayer as a petition to you. Thank you for the opportunity and channel to present this petition to you. I thank you God for accepting me into your family.
This appeal is addressed and brought to God because of His Word, and as the Highest Authority in the Universe, according to Philippians 4:6, which states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I am thankful that I can call on God, and petition Him, because God has done great things for me. My account has been identified by the written word, and again I give thanks for His promises to me. [Ps. 136].
So here I come before God to surrender the following concerns and request regarding my well-being, and the wellbeing of my son. I am represented by Jesus Christ, my advocate, in Christ. Satan, his agents, including the evil spirits, and anything outside of God’s Will and outside of God’s Word do not represent me. [Col.1:13.]
With Christ as my advocate, I have the right to be here, and God has the authority to issue a decree in these matters. [Malachi 3:10, Psalm 23]. In addition, God has the authority to provide the relief sought because:
He is my Shepherd, my Jehovah-raah;
He is my God who Provides, my Jehovah-jireh;
He is my God who heals, my Jehovah rophe;
He is my God of Peace, my Jehovah shalom;
and Lord of my Refuge, my Jehovah-nissi.
The reason for His granting my request in full is, because I have a covenant established upon better promises with Him; I am a heir through my agent Jesus, when Jesus sealed it by His blood for this new covenant. [Col.2: 13, 14]
So I come before you, my God, the Highest Authority, and request to be granted the following specific request for relief in all areas of my life, and my son, Michael’s, the child You, God anointed me to parent:
• Give me your strength and health, your wisdom, and patience, your love, and the resources to be a virtuous parent to the child you’ve placed in my care, and all who come before me.
• Remove [easily] from our path all that is not a part of your purpose in our lives, and our destinies.
• Provide a hedge of protection around my son: Your shield to protect him; and your hosts to save him; your eyes to look ahead of him; your might to encourage and look after him, and let him rise today and always through the strength, the guidance and instructions of the Trinity. Send warrior angels to be placed to stand guard against any cracks and openings of protection; deal with any and all beings that harass my son, that cause[d] him grief, or hinder [ed] his development, restore to my son all that have been stolen from him in seven-folds.
• Manifest you presence in our lives as, our provider, our healer, our comforter, and our source of support.
• Grant us uncommon favors, and give us the strength and wisdom to recognize and embrace your favors, and divine opportunities
• Guide us to be over comers; to live victoriously; to grow spiritually & to know you, God intimately
• Grant us your promises so that we can live in supernatural security and supernatural victory, even in the most difficult and dangerous of times.
John 10: 10 says that Satan has come as a thief to steal, kill, destroy, and distortion but Your Promise to me is in Your Word and Your Spirit which you gave me. (Ps.119: 170) This is my petition and my prayer, and I am asking for a judgment, your mercy and grace.
By your Word, your Love, and your promises to me, I have faith that you are with me; I am believing that my request in this Petition shall be granted in full because you silenced the heavens to hear my request. Moreover, your plans for me and my child are " plans for good and not for disaster, to give” me a future and a hope, and you are strengthing me with your powers, your love, and grace. [Jeremiah 29:11, Colossians 1:11].
I cast all of my cares on you, for I know You have heard me, and my requests are granted, as you promised. So therefore it is ordered and adjudged that I receive the relief, and request sought in this petition according to Mark 11: 23, 24.
As you grant judgment in this appeal, be it further decreed that the agents, that is the Holy Spirit, and Your Angels shall implement such findings immediately pursuant to the your Word. Ps.103: 20.
Again, let me say Thank You for all You have done and are doing now. I know you shall continue to bless all who serve you.
Petitioners: Musue Haddad on behalf of my son, Michael and myself Dated:02/04/2011
Here is my most recent Petition, based on Philippians 4:6, which states “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, [emphasis mine] with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I hope the verse(Philippians 4:6), and my petition below motivate you to also develop you own ways to communicate and grow spiritually. I try to ask Him to reign in every areas of my life. Believe me, I falter and wander away all the time. But we must learn to ask Him for strength to keep our eyes on him, and or return to him. I have learned that on this journey, we may experience distortions and distractions, we may come in contact with sleazy ones cloak as His messengers but we must ask Him to open our hearts, open our eyes, our hands, and ears to recognize His, and only things from him, and ask him to guide our feet so that we can remain on his path.
This Petition, which I tried drafting last night, but could not because of some technical problems, until this morning comes from a dire need, and as I started drafting prayers, I am sure He watched with a smile on his face - my fears, my doubts, and even the mistakes that I made. My composition and constant revision of my bullet point requests might have caught his attention. I am a weakner when it comes to identifying my weakness and fully releasing my concerns, but I still try to release them to Him. I anticipate that Today marks a new day in all I have put forth, and I claim it all, amen.
For me, my dear Pilgrim, a Petition is another wonderful experience on this journey; it is a moment of meditation, and deliberations on His words. During those moments of mediation, he is watching, and listening, even to our inner thoughts, while we skim through pages of His words, mull over our choices of words, write, delete and rewrite.
My petition below:
Petition
Father, thank you for the time you gave me to write this prayer as a petition to you. Thank you for the opportunity and channel to present this petition to you. I thank you God for accepting me into your family.
This appeal is addressed and brought to God because of His Word, and as the Highest Authority in the Universe, according to Philippians 4:6, which states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I am thankful that I can call on God, and petition Him, because God has done great things for me. My account has been identified by the written word, and again I give thanks for His promises to me. [Ps. 136].
So here I come before God to surrender the following concerns and request regarding my well-being, and the wellbeing of my son. I am represented by Jesus Christ, my advocate, in Christ. Satan, his agents, including the evil spirits, and anything outside of God’s Will and outside of God’s Word do not represent me. [Col.1:13.]
With Christ as my advocate, I have the right to be here, and God has the authority to issue a decree in these matters. [Malachi 3:10, Psalm 23]. In addition, God has the authority to provide the relief sought because:
He is my Shepherd, my Jehovah-raah;
He is my God who Provides, my Jehovah-jireh;
He is my God who heals, my Jehovah rophe;
He is my God of Peace, my Jehovah shalom;
and Lord of my Refuge, my Jehovah-nissi.
The reason for His granting my request in full is, because I have a covenant established upon better promises with Him; I am a heir through my agent Jesus, when Jesus sealed it by His blood for this new covenant. [Col.2: 13, 14]
So I come before you, my God, the Highest Authority, and request to be granted the following specific request for relief in all areas of my life, and my son, Michael’s, the child You, God anointed me to parent:
• Give me your strength and health, your wisdom, and patience, your love, and the resources to be a virtuous parent to the child you’ve placed in my care, and all who come before me.
• Remove [easily] from our path all that is not a part of your purpose in our lives, and our destinies.
• Provide a hedge of protection around my son: Your shield to protect him; and your hosts to save him; your eyes to look ahead of him; your might to encourage and look after him, and let him rise today and always through the strength, the guidance and instructions of the Trinity. Send warrior angels to be placed to stand guard against any cracks and openings of protection; deal with any and all beings that harass my son, that cause[d] him grief, or hinder [ed] his development, restore to my son all that have been stolen from him in seven-folds.
• Manifest you presence in our lives as, our provider, our healer, our comforter, and our source of support.
• Grant us uncommon favors, and give us the strength and wisdom to recognize and embrace your favors, and divine opportunities
• Guide us to be over comers; to live victoriously; to grow spiritually & to know you, God intimately
• Grant us your promises so that we can live in supernatural security and supernatural victory, even in the most difficult and dangerous of times.
John 10: 10 says that Satan has come as a thief to steal, kill, destroy, and distortion but Your Promise to me is in Your Word and Your Spirit which you gave me. (Ps.119: 170) This is my petition and my prayer, and I am asking for a judgment, your mercy and grace.
By your Word, your Love, and your promises to me, I have faith that you are with me; I am believing that my request in this Petition shall be granted in full because you silenced the heavens to hear my request. Moreover, your plans for me and my child are " plans for good and not for disaster, to give” me a future and a hope, and you are strengthing me with your powers, your love, and grace. [Jeremiah 29:11, Colossians 1:11].
I cast all of my cares on you, for I know You have heard me, and my requests are granted, as you promised. So therefore it is ordered and adjudged that I receive the relief, and request sought in this petition according to Mark 11: 23, 24.
As you grant judgment in this appeal, be it further decreed that the agents, that is the Holy Spirit, and Your Angels shall implement such findings immediately pursuant to the your Word. Ps.103: 20.
Again, let me say Thank You for all You have done and are doing now. I know you shall continue to bless all who serve you.
Petitioners: Musue Haddad on behalf of my son, Michael and myself Dated:02/04/2011
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