I pray for my family and friends , Oh man Donny where do I start ? This past two weeks has been a whirlwind and last Friday I lost my older sister and I couldn’t go home to travel. I pray to God that he has set out a plan for me that is greater than I can imagine. At this moment I might not be able to see what’s on the other side but I may never know he already has a plan. I know he will open doors for me in his perfect timing and I will grow in grace and love through this trials. He uses theses times of “ rawness “ to attract my attention, to build us into a better people. Each and everyone of us is set out for something amazing. Our purpose is great , beautiful and beyond what we can vision , so I will walk in His power today, stand in His Grace and allow myself to be change from within.
Like you, Lucy, I always pray for my family and friends. Like praying for you and your family during this time and a friend I've known since primary school who lost her dad.
Aug 30, 2023·edited Aug 30, 2023Liked by Donny Mac
Donny, I honestly try and pray for and include everyone in my prayers. If I'm praying for someone that is not saved, I praise God for the seeds that have been planted in their heart all the while knowing God granted each of us the free will of choice. I pray in "hope" that one of the seeds would bud and take root. For others, that have prayer requests, I try not to show partiality when I pray for them. I really try my best at that, but I'm not flawless.
At the beginning when you referenced 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, I believe God works best in our weaknesses to strengthen us for the calling He places on us to do. The adjustment from a full work schedule for so many years to not having one now has not been easy. I feel like I struggle through some days, but I do know God has a purpose for this time, but I don't yet have a clear vision of what the future holds. There are small hints. I know there's a purpose, and I trust He will reveal it when the time is right. He always does. I share this only because during those weak times as you mentioned at the beginning of the prayer walk, He is working in me during those days I struggle. I believe He's working hard at drawing me closer to Him. I know through His unfailing love and His gift of eternal life, I do not walk alone. He goes behind me and pursues me; He walks beside me; He goes before me and clears the pathway ahead. I need to remember to surrender it all to Him and be sure I'm quiet and still long enough not to miss that time when He shares the vision with me. As I type these comments out this morning, I'm smiling because it is something I needed to remind myself of right now. I want to thank you for that reminder. You didn't know I needed that but God did.
Welcome back to the South! Safe travels and prayers for God's will to be shown in His time for you.
As always, Donny, an inspiring prayer walk. I admit, I do show partiality in my prayers. My first priority will always be for my family and friends, those people I have a personal relationship with. This is not only because I care about them but also because the circle of people praying for them will be small compared to those praying for a well known person. I do often pray an all inclusive prayer for the leaders of our country because their influence and reach is very expansive. Their voice is heard by many and if their voice is based in Christian love that influence, that voice will be heard by thousands, a very big circle indeed. Jesus did use ordinary people to do extraordinary things so we should never underestimate our impact whether that be be our voice or our witness. Lastly, God will sometimes lay it on my heart to pray for someone or something. I always answer that call to pray. Thank you for this prayer walk. Continued blessings on your journey and it is great seeing you in Tennessee.
Aug 30, 2023·edited Aug 30, 2023Liked by Donny Mac
I love when the prayer walk converges with my devotional!
Today the reflection was “Love and only love led Jesus to prioritize people. Cited examples: the woman at the well, the man with leprosy, a blind beggar and even the thief hanging on the cross”
But, the excerpt from my devotional that touched my heart the most was “Jesus did not see problems – He saw and loved people”, this quote reminded me of something that happened to me days ago (this story will demonstrate that yes, unfortunately, I do show partiality not only in my prayers but in my relationships).
A friend sent me a message on Instagram asking us to talk (he saw that I was online) so I said it wasn't the best time and committed to calling him on the weekend (that weekend never happened).
This friend is “full of problems” emotionally, with his family and is a addicted to alcohol... and I used that as an “excuse” to justify to myself the fact of not wanting to talk to him.
So this walk hit me hard, I got punched in the stomach (just a figure of speech - lol).
But when you say, “finding an excuse to be lazy and not get things done” and you still say, “You think God is so small that he needs a celebrity and not you or me ?”
Jesus told me: if you are unsure about how to love others, look at me, I am the ultimate example (I'm glad Jesus' love reaches me too)
I laughed loud when you commented on “a little fat on your chin”.
I'm getting ready to have a treatment for facial harmonization - rs
But, Is this the most important thing at the moment, when I still have so much to learn from Jesus about "seeing others and not their problems"?...
Anyway, thanks for the walk and the many “punches in the stomach”!
God bless you!
P.S. It was nice to see you happy to be in Tennessee!
Morning, Donny ~ I remember the time years ago I was feeling pretty insignificant in this world & a wise person I know told me: "Jan, all you can do is Light your own candle in your own corner of the World. Think what would happen if we all did that?" My Life changed that day. Since then, I pray every day that God helps ALL OF US use the gifts He has given us individually to glorify Him & to make this world a better place. ~Jan xoxo
While listening to you I was remembering all the past people I had prayed for and found there were some with celebrity status that I would pray for but being honest they were just people God placed on my heart. Five years ago I began watching Heartland. It was a wonderful show but one specific person I found most interesting. Graham Wardle your friend I began to study and feel the pulling of God on my heart to pray for him. I also asked God to help those prayers become a friendship. I’m not a celebrity myself so it was a task only God could do. That’s also when the most trouble in my life started to blow up. My daughter was becoming even more of an alcoholic than she was. My prayers did lead to an awesome friendship with Graham at the best place I could hope for but my daughter needed prayers too and she lives with me with all of her hostility sometimes. What Graham did was show me other celebrities that actually needed prayer and lo and behold there you were. I do know when I pray I let God lead. I also know that when I commit to support my friends and daughter they are equally important and I don’t let go. The only ones special to me are the ones God places on my heart. I feel if I don’t pray for them I’m letting them down. This was sweet thank you.
Ok, ok, convicted on both fronts. As you were sharing, I thought about the times I have thought, "If only he/she would come to Christ, how many people could they reach for the Kingdom." I don't know many well-known people personally but there are special ones that I pray for regularly to come to truth so that God could use them. So then I have to ask myself, "Am I letting God use me with the abilities and gifts that I have that might lead others to knowing Him?" And then the whole idea about focusing on what we look like made me realize how many times I criticize myself for not working out more, for letting myself gain an extra pound or two, for not eating all the vegetables, for worrying if I'm not "put together". I need to pay more attention to rerouting those thoughts into something much more important. Good thoughts from you today. You always give us things to think about and work on. Nice to see you back in Tennessee - I'm sure you're loving your time there.
Cathey, I almost forgot about the part of Donny’s prayer walk when he mentioned about our looks until you mentioned it in your response here. I’m right there with you and some others but like you said, I need to channel that particular fear some other way so it doesn’t get in the way of how God wants to use me, you, or any of us in the ways He gifted us. Thank you for sharing!
I don't think I show partiality when I pray. I have a prayer list from our church each week of people needing prayer and I pray for them. I also pray for my two sisters every day. But I also pray for a friend who is does not believe in Christ, that he would turn to Christ. I pray for you daily, Donny. If I tell someone I will pray for them, then I do exactly that. There are two ladies who have asked for prayer on this site and I pray for the and their families.
I am a family ,friend siblings I think is going to be certain person . Because they are important people who support me. when I see natura I disasters , I naturally pray.
I guess when I pray for certain well known people I think that they have a larger sphere of influence than I could ever have and so more people could be reached for Christ if they became Christians and talked about it. Maybe if I hadn't said I couldn't do what God said he had planned for me then my sphere of influence may have been larger than it is. However I can be an influence on family, friends and even people I don't know very well if I listen to what Holy Spirit is speaking to me and being obedient to what He wants me to do or say at any particular time or situation.
Another inspiring prayer walk Donny. Thank you for continuing to take the time to share with all of us.
If I show partiality in my prayers it would be for my family and close friends, which I think is probably normal. Otherwise, there are people I pray for every day, people who are on various prayer lists I’m given, people who specifically ask me for prayers, and people God puts on my heart. I do sometimes pray for celebrities, especially ones I feel a bit of a connection to. Maybe that does show partiality.
Good to see you back in Tennessee following your heart. Prayers for continued blessings and success as you follow where God leads you.
I do not believe I pray in partiality toward famous people. But, maybe toward my family and my friends. I am still praying for my daughter whom I live with as she is still struggling with feeling like no one notices her, so she is at the top of my prayer list. But, then as people come to my mind, I pray for them. I have prayed for people in here as they share(you and your vehicle) I also pray for Graham..not because he is famous, but in his poetry and podcast, I can tell he is searching for God. I am praying that the Holy Spirit works on his heart...I also pray for our leaders because that affects all of us. I think it depends on our hearts while we are praying as to whether we are being partial ,and we are probably all guilty of being partial at times.
There's something else that's on my heart, too. When I wrote my first set of questions, like I said, I was concerned that the language I use to express my feelings about God and Jesus might not fit with how other members are expressing themselves. Before you answered me, I felt like I could never "belong" to a group where I was afraid to use the language that arises in me. It would be a betrayal of the incredible GIFT that God is giving me. I'm so grateful that you clarified for me. As I understand it now, after listening to your affirmation of my "speaking" my own way, and in studying further in my Bible (The New American Bible, Revised Edition) this afternoon, Ephesians 2:14-16 (with notes and cross references) it is necessary to, at some cost to ourselves, distinguish and separate things before we can spiritually unite them. Unity is not the same as uniformity, but is the reconciliation of differences which must be maintained yet overcome. This makes so much sense to me, and particularly in light of my experience in the group. I think I can now continue to belong without fear that I am in some way betrying the GIFT that God is giving me. Thank you so much again for listening, and responding when you have time...Pam...✨️💞🦋🙏
I have a question for Donny and Anne. Anne, I've noticed that you seem to respond to everyone. Is this something you feel called to do? Are you a sort of moderator? Are all of us being asked to share our responses to other's prayers? I'm just trying to figure this out. I hope you won't take offense at my questions. Thanks for answering.
No offence taken at all. I appreciate your questions.
There is no "moderator" here. This substack and prayer walk series is completely run by me alone.
As for sharing your responses. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and responses, ask questions or enjoy reading the comments. What ever you are comfortable with.
No one is forced or coerced and I will not tolerate name calling, bullying or any one putting anyone else down.
I believe in creating a safe place for people to share, ask questions, grow and build community based on love and support no matter where you are on your journey.
Thank you Donny! I was beginning to wonder if I was in the "right place". I love God and Jesus, and through the Mystery of the Holy Spirit, yhey abide in my heart. The song that's been playing in my head/heart all morning is OH COME EMANUEL.. it speaks to me at my roots " oh come, oh come EMANUEL, and ransom captive Israel...that (waits?) in lonely exile here...until the Son of God appears...Rejoice, rejoice oh Israel for (?)... Perhaps you would fill in the (? ) marks for me, Donny, if you have tim
https://youtu.be/UH7asSGxAxA?si=8NZJW8SEUGypjST7. Donny, this is a lyric video of the song that Chris Tomlin sang over on YouTube. We’re actually singing this in my church’s Christmas program this year. Thought I’d share this with you! Saw you asked about and thought I’d share a YouTube link. It’s a beautiful hymn.
Hi Pam! Just like Donny said, I am not a moderator and appreciate you asking. I respond if I feel God laying it on my heart to do so. God has worked through the lives of so many in this community to help me grow in so many ways that it helps me to give back and encourage others or just share something. I hope this helps and I do not take offense you asking about it. Thank you for caring enough to ask.
Thanks, Anne, for responding. This kind of prayer group is new to me, though I've participated in other prayer groups before. Right now I'm feeling my way into this, and asking God to guide me through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
It is from them that I feel most comfortable listening and moving on my life's journey. I'm very grateful to Donny and to all the THC community for shinning the Light of God's Love into the silent depths of my being...Pam...✨️💞🦋
I pray for my family and friends , Oh man Donny where do I start ? This past two weeks has been a whirlwind and last Friday I lost my older sister and I couldn’t go home to travel. I pray to God that he has set out a plan for me that is greater than I can imagine. At this moment I might not be able to see what’s on the other side but I may never know he already has a plan. I know he will open doors for me in his perfect timing and I will grow in grace and love through this trials. He uses theses times of “ rawness “ to attract my attention, to build us into a better people. Each and everyone of us is set out for something amazing. Our purpose is great , beautiful and beyond what we can vision , so I will walk in His power today, stand in His Grace and allow myself to be change from within.
Sorry for your loss. 🙏🏼
Like you, Lucy, I always pray for my family and friends. Like praying for you and your family during this time and a friend I've known since primary school who lost her dad.
💖🙏💖🙏
Thank you so much mate❤️
Lucy, A hug with all my love and I pray that the Holy Spirit console your heart!
Prayers for you and your family! I certainly agree with what you shared my friend.
Donny, I honestly try and pray for and include everyone in my prayers. If I'm praying for someone that is not saved, I praise God for the seeds that have been planted in their heart all the while knowing God granted each of us the free will of choice. I pray in "hope" that one of the seeds would bud and take root. For others, that have prayer requests, I try not to show partiality when I pray for them. I really try my best at that, but I'm not flawless.
At the beginning when you referenced 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, I believe God works best in our weaknesses to strengthen us for the calling He places on us to do. The adjustment from a full work schedule for so many years to not having one now has not been easy. I feel like I struggle through some days, but I do know God has a purpose for this time, but I don't yet have a clear vision of what the future holds. There are small hints. I know there's a purpose, and I trust He will reveal it when the time is right. He always does. I share this only because during those weak times as you mentioned at the beginning of the prayer walk, He is working in me during those days I struggle. I believe He's working hard at drawing me closer to Him. I know through His unfailing love and His gift of eternal life, I do not walk alone. He goes behind me and pursues me; He walks beside me; He goes before me and clears the pathway ahead. I need to remember to surrender it all to Him and be sure I'm quiet and still long enough not to miss that time when He shares the vision with me. As I type these comments out this morning, I'm smiling because it is something I needed to remind myself of right now. I want to thank you for that reminder. You didn't know I needed that but God did.
Welcome back to the South! Safe travels and prayers for God's will to be shown in His time for you.
Anne, I know God sees you as one of His beautiful servants.
Thank you Cindy! He sees you and all of us that way! Some days I like all of us need that gentle reminder. God bless you!
As always, Donny, an inspiring prayer walk. I admit, I do show partiality in my prayers. My first priority will always be for my family and friends, those people I have a personal relationship with. This is not only because I care about them but also because the circle of people praying for them will be small compared to those praying for a well known person. I do often pray an all inclusive prayer for the leaders of our country because their influence and reach is very expansive. Their voice is heard by many and if their voice is based in Christian love that influence, that voice will be heard by thousands, a very big circle indeed. Jesus did use ordinary people to do extraordinary things so we should never underestimate our impact whether that be be our voice or our witness. Lastly, God will sometimes lay it on my heart to pray for someone or something. I always answer that call to pray. Thank you for this prayer walk. Continued blessings on your journey and it is great seeing you in Tennessee.
I love when the prayer walk converges with my devotional!
Today the reflection was “Love and only love led Jesus to prioritize people. Cited examples: the woman at the well, the man with leprosy, a blind beggar and even the thief hanging on the cross”
But, the excerpt from my devotional that touched my heart the most was “Jesus did not see problems – He saw and loved people”, this quote reminded me of something that happened to me days ago (this story will demonstrate that yes, unfortunately, I do show partiality not only in my prayers but in my relationships).
A friend sent me a message on Instagram asking us to talk (he saw that I was online) so I said it wasn't the best time and committed to calling him on the weekend (that weekend never happened).
This friend is “full of problems” emotionally, with his family and is a addicted to alcohol... and I used that as an “excuse” to justify to myself the fact of not wanting to talk to him.
So this walk hit me hard, I got punched in the stomach (just a figure of speech - lol).
But when you say, “finding an excuse to be lazy and not get things done” and you still say, “You think God is so small that he needs a celebrity and not you or me ?”
Jesus told me: if you are unsure about how to love others, look at me, I am the ultimate example (I'm glad Jesus' love reaches me too)
I laughed loud when you commented on “a little fat on your chin”.
I'm getting ready to have a treatment for facial harmonization - rs
But, Is this the most important thing at the moment, when I still have so much to learn from Jesus about "seeing others and not their problems"?...
Anyway, thanks for the walk and the many “punches in the stomach”!
God bless you!
P.S. It was nice to see you happy to be in Tennessee!
Morning, Donny ~ I remember the time years ago I was feeling pretty insignificant in this world & a wise person I know told me: "Jan, all you can do is Light your own candle in your own corner of the World. Think what would happen if we all did that?" My Life changed that day. Since then, I pray every day that God helps ALL OF US use the gifts He has given us individually to glorify Him & to make this world a better place. ~Jan xoxo
Love the metaphor of lighting our own candles. So much truth there.
While listening to you I was remembering all the past people I had prayed for and found there were some with celebrity status that I would pray for but being honest they were just people God placed on my heart. Five years ago I began watching Heartland. It was a wonderful show but one specific person I found most interesting. Graham Wardle your friend I began to study and feel the pulling of God on my heart to pray for him. I also asked God to help those prayers become a friendship. I’m not a celebrity myself so it was a task only God could do. That’s also when the most trouble in my life started to blow up. My daughter was becoming even more of an alcoholic than she was. My prayers did lead to an awesome friendship with Graham at the best place I could hope for but my daughter needed prayers too and she lives with me with all of her hostility sometimes. What Graham did was show me other celebrities that actually needed prayer and lo and behold there you were. I do know when I pray I let God lead. I also know that when I commit to support my friends and daughter they are equally important and I don’t let go. The only ones special to me are the ones God places on my heart. I feel if I don’t pray for them I’m letting them down. This was sweet thank you.
Ok, ok, convicted on both fronts. As you were sharing, I thought about the times I have thought, "If only he/she would come to Christ, how many people could they reach for the Kingdom." I don't know many well-known people personally but there are special ones that I pray for regularly to come to truth so that God could use them. So then I have to ask myself, "Am I letting God use me with the abilities and gifts that I have that might lead others to knowing Him?" And then the whole idea about focusing on what we look like made me realize how many times I criticize myself for not working out more, for letting myself gain an extra pound or two, for not eating all the vegetables, for worrying if I'm not "put together". I need to pay more attention to rerouting those thoughts into something much more important. Good thoughts from you today. You always give us things to think about and work on. Nice to see you back in Tennessee - I'm sure you're loving your time there.
Cathey, I almost forgot about the part of Donny’s prayer walk when he mentioned about our looks until you mentioned it in your response here. I’m right there with you and some others but like you said, I need to channel that particular fear some other way so it doesn’t get in the way of how God wants to use me, you, or any of us in the ways He gifted us. Thank you for sharing!
I don't think I show partiality when I pray. I have a prayer list from our church each week of people needing prayer and I pray for them. I also pray for my two sisters every day. But I also pray for a friend who is does not believe in Christ, that he would turn to Christ. I pray for you daily, Donny. If I tell someone I will pray for them, then I do exactly that. There are two ladies who have asked for prayer on this site and I pray for the and their families.
I am a family ,friend siblings I think is going to be certain person . Because they are important people who support me. when I see natura I disasters , I naturally pray.
I guess when I pray for certain well known people I think that they have a larger sphere of influence than I could ever have and so more people could be reached for Christ if they became Christians and talked about it. Maybe if I hadn't said I couldn't do what God said he had planned for me then my sphere of influence may have been larger than it is. However I can be an influence on family, friends and even people I don't know very well if I listen to what Holy Spirit is speaking to me and being obedient to what He wants me to do or say at any particular time or situation.
Another inspiring prayer walk Donny. Thank you for continuing to take the time to share with all of us.
If I show partiality in my prayers it would be for my family and close friends, which I think is probably normal. Otherwise, there are people I pray for every day, people who are on various prayer lists I’m given, people who specifically ask me for prayers, and people God puts on my heart. I do sometimes pray for celebrities, especially ones I feel a bit of a connection to. Maybe that does show partiality.
Good to see you back in Tennessee following your heart. Prayers for continued blessings and success as you follow where God leads you.
I do not believe I pray in partiality toward famous people. But, maybe toward my family and my friends. I am still praying for my daughter whom I live with as she is still struggling with feeling like no one notices her, so she is at the top of my prayer list. But, then as people come to my mind, I pray for them. I have prayed for people in here as they share(you and your vehicle) I also pray for Graham..not because he is famous, but in his poetry and podcast, I can tell he is searching for God. I am praying that the Holy Spirit works on his heart...I also pray for our leaders because that affects all of us. I think it depends on our hearts while we are praying as to whether we are being partial ,and we are probably all guilty of being partial at times.
Donny,
There's something else that's on my heart, too. When I wrote my first set of questions, like I said, I was concerned that the language I use to express my feelings about God and Jesus might not fit with how other members are expressing themselves. Before you answered me, I felt like I could never "belong" to a group where I was afraid to use the language that arises in me. It would be a betrayal of the incredible GIFT that God is giving me. I'm so grateful that you clarified for me. As I understand it now, after listening to your affirmation of my "speaking" my own way, and in studying further in my Bible (The New American Bible, Revised Edition) this afternoon, Ephesians 2:14-16 (with notes and cross references) it is necessary to, at some cost to ourselves, distinguish and separate things before we can spiritually unite them. Unity is not the same as uniformity, but is the reconciliation of differences which must be maintained yet overcome. This makes so much sense to me, and particularly in light of my experience in the group. I think I can now continue to belong without fear that I am in some way betrying the GIFT that God is giving me. Thank you so much again for listening, and responding when you have time...Pam...✨️💞🦋🙏
🙂
I have a question for Donny and Anne. Anne, I've noticed that you seem to respond to everyone. Is this something you feel called to do? Are you a sort of moderator? Are all of us being asked to share our responses to other's prayers? I'm just trying to figure this out. I hope you won't take offense at my questions. Thanks for answering.
No offence taken at all. I appreciate your questions.
There is no "moderator" here. This substack and prayer walk series is completely run by me alone.
As for sharing your responses. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and responses, ask questions or enjoy reading the comments. What ever you are comfortable with.
No one is forced or coerced and I will not tolerate name calling, bullying or any one putting anyone else down.
I believe in creating a safe place for people to share, ask questions, grow and build community based on love and support no matter where you are on your journey.
Thank you Donny! I was beginning to wonder if I was in the "right place". I love God and Jesus, and through the Mystery of the Holy Spirit, yhey abide in my heart. The song that's been playing in my head/heart all morning is OH COME EMANUEL.. it speaks to me at my roots " oh come, oh come EMANUEL, and ransom captive Israel...that (waits?) in lonely exile here...until the Son of God appears...Rejoice, rejoice oh Israel for (?)... Perhaps you would fill in the (? ) marks for me, Donny, if you have tim
I don't know the song you are referring to perhaps someone else knows the lyrics?
https://youtu.be/UH7asSGxAxA?si=8NZJW8SEUGypjST7. Donny, this is a lyric video of the song that Chris Tomlin sang over on YouTube. We’re actually singing this in my church’s Christmas program this year. Thought I’d share this with you! Saw you asked about and thought I’d share a YouTube link. It’s a beautiful hymn.
I'm going to look in one of my husband's liturgical song books. Ithink I can find it there. Thanks for responding...Pam...💞🦋
Hi Pam! Just like Donny said, I am not a moderator and appreciate you asking. I respond if I feel God laying it on my heart to do so. God has worked through the lives of so many in this community to help me grow in so many ways that it helps me to give back and encourage others or just share something. I hope this helps and I do not take offense you asking about it. Thank you for caring enough to ask.
Thanks, Anne, for responding. This kind of prayer group is new to me, though I've participated in other prayer groups before. Right now I'm feeling my way into this, and asking God to guide me through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
It is from them that I feel most comfortable listening and moving on my life's journey. I'm very grateful to Donny and to all the THC community for shinning the Light of God's Love into the silent depths of my being...Pam...✨️💞🦋
Amen Pam! Welcome and let the Holy Spirit guide you! You said it so well! I’m glad you are here!
Thanks Anne.
I am shocked to hear of your sister'ts sudd en death.I'm so sad that I can't find the words．I pray . I pray from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Yoshiko 💞🦋
Did you calm down a llittle🙏💐😢