Protection and Safety: Day Twenty-One

Lori Freeland

Lori Freeland, an encourager at heart, believes everyone has a story to tell and wants to help make those stories as strong as possible. An author, editor, and writing coach, she holds a BA in…
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Lori Freeland, an encourager at heart, believes everyone has a story to tell and wants to help make those stories as strong as possible. An author, editor, and writing coach, she holds a BA in psychology from The University of Wisconsin and currently lives in the Dallas area. She’s presented multiple workshops at conferences across the country, has experience in developmental and copy edits in various genres, and writes nonfiction, novels, and everything in between. When she’s not curled up with her husband drinking too much coffee and worrying about her kids, she loves to mess with the lives of the imaginary people living in her head. You can find her inspirational blog and writing tips at lafreeland.com.
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Published Oct 23, 2012

We made it! It's the last day of the prayer campaign.

Today is also my day to wrap up prayers for Maddy. But I'm cheating a little and throwing in my other kids as well because today's prayer covers safety and protection. This is a universal plea that touches my mother-heart. I hope it touches yours.

As a mother who wants the absolute best for her kids, there are days I'm tempted to do this.

Are you ever tempted to lock your kids up to guarantee their safety? Would that even work if you tried?

Maybe, I could hire them a personal escort 24/7. These guys look pretty competent.

Perhaps, that would keep them safe.

Or maybe a padded room? Or layers of blankets?

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, I can only do so much.

Alone, I haven't the strength, the stamina, or the will to keep my children safe all the time.

I need someone greater than me.

Because I believe that praying God's Word over my kids holds great power, this is my prayer for them.

Lord,

Our world overflows with disappointment, disaster, and danger. As humans, we have sinned and that sin has taken over every part of life. It doesn't matter how good we are, how much we love You, or how hard we try, we live in a fallen world where terrible things happen to even the best of people.

Today, I give you Kyle, Alek, and Maddy. I put them, I put all of us, in the palm of Your mighty hand. Because that is all I can do. That is all the power I really have. Putting my family under Your protection allows me to, "...lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make [us] dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8 NIV).

Protect us from random acts of violence and from becoming the target of someone bent on destruction. "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while [we] pass by in safety" (Psalm 141:10). And, "Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you (Psalm 5:11).

Keep our hearts focused and centered on You and Your will for our lives. When we call out for help, "May the LORD answer [us]when [we] are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect [us] (Psalm 20:1) and Do not withhold your mercy from [us], O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect...(Psalm 40:1).

We don't have to live in fear.

Jesus, thank You for taking care of my kids and my family when I am powerless, helpless, hopeless. Reach out and wrap Your mighty arms around each one of them. Protect their hearts, their minds, their bodies. Thank You that You don't sleep, You don't give up the vigil, because You are stronger and mightier than anything I could ever hope to become. Amen.

I believe...

Do you?

If you missed any of the campaign, it starts here: Take a Spin Down Intercession Avenue. Just because we've finished doesn't mean you have to finish. I encourage you to pray daily for your kids, your family, your friends...and, gasp, your enemies. God's Word is power. Use it.

Please share any comments. I'd love to know who you are praying for! Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Prayer Moves Mountains: Day One

Look to the Hills: Day Two

You Must Ask: Day Three

Take Captive Every Thought: Day Four

You Are Not Alone: Day Five

Quit Looking at the Old: Day Six

Revisit Your Blessings: Day Seven

What Does God Have For You? Day Eight

The Greatness of our God: Day Nine

A New Spin on Purity: Day Ten

You are Not Invisible: Day Eleven