After the last guest left, Hubs retreated to the house while I added another piece of wood to the small flame in the fire pit. The night air was very crisp, the sky clear and filled with the light of a zillion stars. I stood with my backside to the fire, looking up I took in the beauty twinkling above me. Tonight I felt so small, so distant from the presence of God and overwhelmed for those around me going through very hard times. I have been a little under the weather through the whole Thanksgiving and Christmas break, and my heart still remains heavy with grief for those hurting around me even though the New Year has started.

Before tonight my prayers had seemed jumbled and unclear as my attention went from one needy person to the other. It is fair to say that I am emotional and feeling uneasy. But standing by the fire feeling it’s warmth against my cold clothing feels good. Holding a hot cup of cocoa with mini marshmallows in my cold hand also feels good and each sip tastes good.

But all in my world is still not good. People I love are struggling in their marriages, fighting diseases and mourning the deaths of their loved ones. Over the past several weeks almost everyone I’ve come in contact with is either fighting a battle or related to someone fighting a battle. I must get my mind clear and get those prayers going up on their behalves.

The stars caught my attention long enough for me to focus on exalting our King, giving him praise. My breath mixed with the cold night air as I spoke honoring words out loud, to our one true Creator, Physician, Counselor, and Friend. While I talked I moved around the fire keeping all of me warm, my prayers for others finding their way out and up warming the heart of God.

The New Year has begun, but the same battles are still being fought. I hope you will join me and light your prayer fires for others and ourselves, keeping them lit by fervently speaking them out loud to the Lord and praying and applying this verse throughout the year!  Matthew 4:10 Jesus said, “away from me satan! For it is written: worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Vs 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

“God thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them. We desire that the chains of disease, bitterness, grief and broken marriages be cut away this year, as we strive to serve YOU ONLY. In Jesus name Amen.”