"How To Pray Badly"

It's no secret that Christians often struggle with prayer - especially when they feel like God is not listening. When this does happen (and it will) it is always good to do a self evaluation. Here's a helpful tool: Tim Challies has written an article called "How to Pray Badly" that lists 6 reasons why our prayers may seem to go unanswered by God.
1. selfish motives
2. turning away from Scripture
3. unforgiving hearts
4. family discord
5. unconfessed sin
6. doubt

Read the whole article: www.challies.com/christian-living/how-to-pray-badly

Jason & Beth Sessoms Share About Rosa

Dan asked Beth and I to write a little bit about Rosa Porter. This has created two dilemmas for us. On the one hand, it is almost impossible to put into words how great of a lady she is. So no matter how hard we try, we will fall short at expressing to you how wonderful she is. The other dilemma is that in trying to be honest about how special she is, we will most certainly come across as making her out to be perfect. But the truth is, she is as near perfect as anyone we have ever met. No, really.

Some background for you, she is the wife of our former pastor, Roy Porter. And to say he is our former pastor is not an adequate description of our relationship with him. Our family spends birthdays, holidays and other special events with the Porters throughout the year. And although we are no longer members of the church he pastors, he will always be a spiritual father to us and we grow closer as friends with each new day.

Now about Miss Rosa. If she has ever had a negative word to say to or about someone, then we have not heard it or heard about it. She is probably the only person we can say that about, and she certainly is the only redhead we can say that about. Though she must have flaws, we have never seen them or heard anyone else point them out to us. She has the rare ability to make everyone feel like they are the most important person in the room. She speaks with a soft voice but people listen. She gives wise counsel. she invests in people's lives. She is precious, simply precious. You must meet her to know.

Praying For Rosa Porter

Here is Pastor Roy Porter's link to stay updated about his wife Rosa's surgery: http://www.rnporter.wordpress.com/

Let's continue to pray for them.

O Almighty God, who art the giver of all health,
and the aid of them that turn to thee for succour;
We entreat thy strength and goodness in behalf of thy servant,
that she may be healed of her infirmities, to thine honour and glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

-A Prayer for Healing
The Book of Common Prayer, 1789 AD