Today has been one of those days where everything got away from me from the time I opened my eyes. There are many things that I feel I need to do, but only a few that I want to do, and even less I actually get done. One of the biggest struggles for me is to do what I know God has called me to do when I don’t have the ability to focus or fulfill that calling. I have come to understand more times than I want to admit, I get so busy in my life that if it is out of sight, it is out of mind. There have been times throughout my Christian walk that others have asked me to pray for them and I forgot or neglected to prioritize their needs before God in a timely manner, if at all. Because of past failures, I have learned to pray immediately upon request, but still as time goes by, these prayers go by the wayside as well, at least until something sparks them again or the conviction of the Holy Spirit affects me. Praying for all of God’s people who are going through something can be overwhelming at times especially when so many of my days seem overwhelming for one reason or another. I have been blessed to witness the fruit of my prayers in real time, with healing, provision, and most of all God’s presence through many of the situations laid before the throne of grace. There are specific prayers and even some blanket prayers that I have spoken as the need and time allows. I reflect on what is written in *Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.* In the past, we only knew of the saints close to us, those that as brethren we associate with, in our own fellowships. In the days of technology, we get to see our brethren around the world on a regular basis. I remember a person that “friend requested me” and let me know that I had made it all the way to Greece, and I thought that was so cool. For many of those abroad, they live in difficult situations and suffering. Over 380,000,000 people worldwide are attacked, discriminated against at work and at school, as well as risk sexual violence, torture, arrest, and much more. For us in America we live a more peaceful life. I heard it said that, “persecution never hurt the church, only prosperity has.” Leonard Ravenhill said, “The early church was married to poverty, prisons, and persecution. Today, the church is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity”. For me, my heart is heavy because I have bought into the American big box church mentality not considering all that the first century church as well as those around the world have gone through. I am looking forward to meeting all those who consider me their “friend” face to face when we get to heaven if I do not meet you before, but until one of those two days happen, I will do my best to pray for you all. Remember that all of God’s people need prayer, I know I do. May we lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ to fight the good fight and stay the course wherever they are in the world, in Jesus name, Amen. Final thought, I know the pain of praying till my knees hurt as much as my heart, and one thing that I have witnessed lately is a lot of people’s pain and suffering that I have taken to heart personally. I am genuinely seeking to deepen my faith and never give up on God’s involvement in my life. This involves desiring a constant awareness of Him, surrendering every  situation to Him, and believing that He will act in a way that is best for me and those around me, even in difficult times. I desire to foster continuous communication through all of life’s moments to glorify Him, while maintaining persistent, intentional prayer and a prayerful mindset until a breakthrough, answer, or resolution occurs. My prayer for all who read these words is that you be relentless in your reliance on God, bringing every need and situation before Him with unwavering faith until you see a change or receive confirmation of His will in every situation of your life. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.