What Should Our Response Be?

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV

Has there been a time in your life that you or someone you know needed consistent ongoing prayer?  Maybe a prolonged sickness?  A marital crisis or pending divorce?  A financial crisis?  A wayward child?  Perhaps someone in addiction? Maybe a family member in the military who is on the front lines?  Someone on the mission field?  Your pastor and his family?  My point is, everyone has need of prayer...and sometimes that need is for a very long time.   

I want to ask you a question and I would value your honest answer and opinion as to why you answered the way you did.   When I ask the question, it may seem very obvious what the answer should be......but again, if you really look deep inside of yourself, see if your answer could be more than one or even all of them?  

Here's the question:  If someone asks you for prayer, what should your response be?
A.  Tell them, they need only ask you once because the answer has already been given.  
B.  Ignore them or avoid any response.
C.  Tell them they are too needy and to quit asking for prayer.
D.  Unfriend, unfollow, block or remove them from your life.
E.  Tell them you will pray for them and then don't.
F.   Pray for them (every time they ask) 

Years ago in one of our bible study groups, a person who had been coming for over a year, finally decided to leave the group.  There was no explanation, just didn't come back.  I reached out to them and asked if they would share why they left, just so we could be sure things ended on good terms.  This person told me that they were tired of praying for the same people and same requests.  I was stunned. I was confused as to why a Christian would say that.   I didn't have any response to that  (at that time) except to bless them.   

Not too long ago, a new friend had prayed for me.   After they prayed, they said, now you don't need to ask me again because it's done.  You just have to believe the finished work of the cross.  And that person has not prayed for me since (at least that I know of). 

Just recently, I was told that I ask for prayer too much and I'm bugging people by asking.  Ouch!!  

These comments led me down a dark ugly road.  Guilt, shame, condemnation, fear and more.  I started to isolate and beat myself up wondering if I was just a pain in the ??? (you fill in the blank) to you and to all those who I have asked for prayer from.   I felt like I was a burden and began to wonder what's the point?  I began to doubt God's love for me.  Oppression came over me like a ton of bricks.  I was hurt, grieved, depressed and feeling hopeless.  But God!! 

I have to admit I am not thrilled about needing prayer as much as I have in this season.  My health has been a battle for a very long time as well as other circumstances I/we face.  I can't begin to understand why the healing hasn't come, when 1000's of people have prayed for me; when God promises healing in His Word; when I've done all I know how to do.  Asking for prayer has not come easy for me.  If you've known me for any length of time, you would know that I never would ask for prayer years ago.  I didn't feel worthy enough.   And yet in this past season, God has wanted me to be transparent in my need.  It's embarrassing, humiliating & humbling to say the least and it has opened the door to many blessings - but also to unimaginable attacks by fellow Christians.   Believe me when I say, if you're tired of praying for me (or someone else) imagine how tired they must be for still wanting prayer for their circumstances. Put yourself in their shoes and see if your opinion changes? 

SO, this blog isn't about me, really... but using myself as an example.  The real question is what should our response be when someone you know or yourself finds need of ongoing prayer?  I refer back to the Scripture above - Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Here's an excerpt from Rick Renner on praying...

The word “always” is taken from the Greek phrase en panti kairo. The word en would be better translated at. The word panti means each and every. You could say that this word panti is an all-encompassing word that embraces everything, including the smallest and most minute of details. The last word in this Greek phrase is the word kairo, the Greek word for times or seasons. When all three of these words are used together in one phrase (en panti kairo) as in Ephesians 6:18, they could be more accurately translated at each and every occasion. 

Ephesians 6:18 conveys this idea: “Pray anytime there’s an opportunity — no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Use every occasion, every season, every possible moment to pray….”

I also want to highlight one other point in that Scripture... it says pray in the Spirit.  I have found myself praying more in the Spirit and asking for that when I ask for prayer.  Why? First -simply because I know then, we are praying God's will.  Second, have you ever asked for prayer for something specific and you find out the person who prays is actually praying "against" what you asked?  That is counterproductive!!!!  So, praying in the Spirit covers it all!! 

Another response.....We are to respond in Love - Matthew 22:36-40  36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”    Loving You Lord helps us to love others well.  Praying for others shows your love for God and love for them! 

Years ago, our pastor preached a sermon series on "How can I pray for you NOW?"  This

title is what grabbed me.  It says it all and put me on a mission to be INTENTIONAL about praying for ALL who ask or have need.  I seek the Lord daily - and He shows me WHO to pray for.  Often, I will reach out to them and let them know they are being prayed for.  Why?  Because I know being on the receiving end of needing prayer, it encourages, strengthens and gives hope. Sometimes knowing people are praying gives the ability to face one more day!   Prayer is vital to the Christian walk both on the giving and receiving end.  I sometimes will post on Facebook offering to pray for those who want it.  That is probably my most looked at post. I see this on others posts as well.  Do you know sometimes (often) when God lays it on your heart to pray for someone, you are or have the answer to their prayer.  

There are so many people who desperately need a touch from the Lord.  They need our prayers.  I want to encourage you, challenge you and to remind me, to be INTENTIONAL and DELIBERATE and CONSISTENT in praying for those God puts on your heart - or in your path whether they ask for prayer or not.  Your prayers are POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE! 

What IF - your prayers for them is the TIPPING POINT:
that brings their answer,
that brings the healing, 
that brings the provision, 
that keeps someone from giving up on God or life,
that brings deliverance to the addicted, 
that brings a soul into the Kingdom, 
that brings reconciliation in a marriage, 
that protects a soldier from death or injury, 
that helps the missionary stay committed to their calling,
that keeps a pastor from quitting or committing suicide. 
that (you fill in the blank) 


So, if you are in need of prayer, please email me at michele@wantinsight.com and I would be happy to pray for you!  There are quite a few of you who have responded in the past, and I am committed to praying for you until you see the answer you are desiring!!!  (Maybe that's why I don't sleep much at night - I'm up praying for you!  and it's an honor!! - seriously it blesses me that I can pray for YOU!)

Praise Reports/Prayer Requests:

Praise God - I finally decided to get a prescription sleep aid. I've not wanted to do that for fear of becoming dependent or addicted.  I was prescribed one that is NON -habit forming.  So Thankful!   I am not sleeping perfectly - but I have had 5 out of 10 good nights with it so far.  Yea God!! It's amazing what sleep can do.  16 years of serious sleep deprivation! 

Praise God -God has been sustaining our SUV.  We still have a main seal oil leak, NO heat and other issues.  Too much $$ to put into an older car with high mileage.   We are believing God for the provision for a new one.  And it amazes me how God is sending people (out of the blue) to pray for us - and stand with us for a new vehicle.  One person came to us and said that God told them to pray for us for a new SUV..  not knowing that we have been for 3 years.  They went on to ask if it was a "burgundy suv"  Yes, we have been praying for a 2019/2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited and we liked the burgundy color.  Lol....  then they said one day they were praying for us in the Spirit and a burgundy suv pulled in front of them with the license plate "GIVE" on it!!  That's a pretty good confirmation in my opinion!!  

Praise God - God has been sustaining my health despite the ongoing issues. Pain has been relentless and intensely challenging.   I firmly believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living and healing will come - in His timing!  Contending for ASAP!!   Thank you for all of you who do pray for me and are believing for my healing too! Please continue to pray!!! 

We are slowly (as time, energy and physical body allows) purging additional things, preparing for another garage sale, repacking and packing for our upcoming move.  We don't have an official date yet, but we are aiming for sometime in the near future.  This is also an area we could use prayers for:  prayer for God to give us clarity on what we will need or won't there.  I'd like to GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY and take very very little with us.  pray for a place to land.  We have reached out to quite a few contacts putting out feelers.  Renting through normal channels is not possible w/o God's help - because we have no income source.  Rent is 3 x higher and job sources are limited to none - like what we face here -except there is even more limited due to seasonal only work.   Buying of course is our GOAL and our prayer request - because we don't want to move just to move and we don't want to move just to be in the same position we are here.  We are moving because we feel God has told us to step out in faith....and is going to launch us into our purpose, call and destiny.  We are asking for prayer for OPEN DOORS and PROVISION to buy a property (we have a couple on our radar) and be able to start building the retreat and equipping center.  Also along the lines of moving, we need prayer for provision and clarity on HOW to move the things we do take.  We originally were going to use UPack/Pods = they drop a trailer, we load and then they pick up and take to our location or store if needed. They no longer come to our area.  UHaul has a similar program but the cost is twice as much... and a moving truck is not something I want to do cross country.  ??? 

Ken and I have been mentoring and discipling a man in the prison system.  It has been a rewarding 6 months so far.  We go see him monthly.... and he calls us almost daily and emails us too.   There has been much transformation.. and he is gaining favor in the prison system - moved to an "honor dorm", asked to do a coloring book for Ronald Mcdonald house, and has had his poetry published and distributed throughout the nation's prisons.   We have been keeping an eye on his home, along with his parents here and unfortunately it just got burglarized and much was stolen & damaged.  The good news is that one of the few involved was caught in the shed - and fortunately by the police and not us - the guy had a loaded gun.  We were there when he was taken out of the shed.  Unfortunately there is no insurance on this property, so we have been helping secure the property.  This has really caused anxiety in the man we are mentoring - beings that he cannot do anything but trust God and others to help on his behalf.  His elderly parents whom we minister too as well, have been deeply affected.... lots of angst there too - feeling violated.  

Thank YOU again for your love, prayer and support!!!  Thank you for believing in us and walking with us on our journey!!   Love ya's!

Ken & Michele Cole

...God's love and your prayers keeps me going.....

michele@wantinsight.com

Here are two ways you can give:

1.  Non tax deductible donations can be made to:

     Ken & Michele Cole, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

     This is the only way currently we can use funds for our personal needs at this time.  or through PayPal.Me/micheleacole.  We also have Venmo & CashApp

2.  Tax deductible options:

     Checks payable to Sonlit Fields, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

     This goes into our ministry account to be used for outreach and saving towards our vision.

     Donor Fund - The Signatry - Ken & Michele Cole - listed under Want InSight Fund.

     7171 W 95th Street, Suite 501, Overland Park, KS 66212

     Phone 913 310 0279

     www.thesignatry,com

     This is an option to keep gifts anonymous - again for outreach and savings toward our vision.

Vision

God has given us a vision to build a retreat property along with ministry equipping center.  

The retreat portion of our ministry is to provide a safe place for pastors, lay leaders & other ministry folks to come and be refreshed & encouraged through prophetic ministry (if wanted).  We will offer private cabins with kitchens & full bathrooms, and plenty of places to roam on the property to get quiet with the Lord. 

We will offer other specialty retreats - marriage, healing, prophetic teaching & activating people into the world & health and wellness retreats and more.  

The Lord has graced us with the desire to come alongside the Church - to bring healing, deliverance & freedom to new/newer believers.  We are not wanting to replace their church, but better help them be ready to serve in their church. 

In our community building - we will eventually have a 24/7 prayer room, healing & prophetic rooms and a place for community worship services for those on the property.  

Our passion is to minister to a lost & hurting world.   To equip the saints to do the same and to be a blessing to our community and surrounding areas.  Our hopes are that we can pour out God's love in a mighty way to bring more and more souls into the Kingdom, get them discipled, called into their purpose & destiny and released to do God's business!!!!  We also have a passion to give generously to help those in need and to help others launch into their God given destinies.