PLAY ORLANDO
Utilizing the Power of Prayer All Year Did you know the United States has set aside a day for pause and prayer together every year since 1952? This year, National Day of Prayer took place on May 6—but as we know, merely one day of prayer isn’t enough. Our local communities, the nation, and the world should continue to look to God to guide our path and to bring hope, healing, and restoration.
as it sounds! Go on a walk or run while you pray for the people and places you see along your journey. Start off by asking God to make you aware of those around you, and be guided by the Holy Spirit. You could choose a specific scripture or verse for the walk, or get inspired as you journey along. For instance, pray for the safety of neighbors you see riding by on bicycles, or pray for the well-being of anyone who might sit on a bench you see on the trail.
Suggested areas to focus your prayer time on beyond your family, friends, and church include: • Government employees in local, state, and federal positions to lead with our nation’s best interests at heart, • Military members, both active and veteran, so they know their service is appreciated, • Men and women in the media so they may continue to shine a light on the truth, and • Educators, so they may continue to persevere through all obstacles and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Adopt Healthier Habits “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in the world, and all who live in it...” Psalm 24:1
Do we truly believe these words? Are we living our lives as people who believe that everything belongs to God? That would mean that our families and relationships are His, and our spirit, mind, and body are as well. While our bodies are not our own, The YMCA has been our attitude towards an organization that it should never be one has understood the of neglect. Recall in impact prayer can Genesis that God has have for more than Start a Prayer Journal called us stewards to 176 years. George Wil- Some find it easier care for his creation. liams, our founder, to concentrate and We must recognize knew it wasn’t the one stay focused if they Do the Hand Prayer who prays but the one write, so find a paper (Children’s Activity) that our bodies are, too, part of that comwho hears. George or notebook to write As you work look at had no idea he’d your prayers. Reyour hand as a guide mand and His crebe starting a global member to look back pray for the following ation. We only have one body this side movement by simply through your journal things of eternity: do one praying for those he to see how God has • Thumb: those closthing today to care worked with and inbeen working in your est to you like your for it well! Choose to viting them into a re- life. friends and family lationship with Jesus, • Pointer: people who go for a walk or hike on one of the scenic but this simple act led Submit a Prayer to lead and guide you, trails across Central to one of the largest the YMCA Prayer such as teacher, pasFlorida, check out our Christian nonprofits Wall tors, and coaches healthy recipes and dedicated to support- The Bible commands • Middle: local, naadd a healthier option ing every individual, us to carry one antional, and world to your weekly menu, no matter who they other’s burdens. Our leaders who have to are or where they virtual Prayer Wall make impactful deci- or come take a group exercise class at the Y. come from. Below are allows us to carry the sions every day a few activities you burdens of those in • Ring: all of the indiand your family can our community and viduals who may be do to remember to have other help carry sick, lonely, or strugrely on the power of our own burdens. Let gling prayer all year! us know how we can • Pinky: the smallest pray for you and see finger reminds us to Go for Prayer Walks how you can pray for pray for ourselves last It really is a simple others.
