City Prayer - Walking on Mustard Seeds

Can You Influence Your City?

Black woman with arms raised, smiling, as confetti rains down on her.

Yes, and after reading this article, my hope is that you will have confidence knowing you are doing some great work with God in your community.

You may live in an urban area, with the ease of drive-through eateries and the pick of grocery markets within a short walk or quick drive. You may live in a rural area, that is the quiet backdrop to all the hustle and bustle. My family lives in a place in between the two, we have neighbors but it takes a quarter of an hour or more to run errands, besides our local Dollar General.

Every time you drive, shop, or otherwise come in contact with your neighbors, you are influencing them. I looked up influence, (don’t fall asleep on me yet!) in the trustworthy Webster’s Dictionary from 1828; the online version.

Webster explains we can identify influence by its effects. Influence is completely unseen, a power, like a superpower, brings a person to respond for good or bad.

A driver who becomes angry on the road can influence another driver to an angry response. This is defined as road rage. What happens when a driver practices the opposite behavior on the road, giving way when it is legal and safe? There is an influence that the other driver will know and anyone who witnessed the courtesy given.

You can dismiss the example as not sweeping enough to bring a big change to your City, but how do you know? We have all heard stories of how a simple kindness turned someone’s day around.

In fact, what you do may be a great benefit to you but it also influences others.

A fellow writer and friend of mine writes for a foundation that is holding a 5k in October. The run is not located in my state and I will not be attending the actual 5k, but, I signed up and am training because I believe in the foundation. I will run a few laps in my somewhat rural neighborhood, waving at the deer and squirrels as I jog to the lake and back.

Why am I doing this? I want to help the foundation. The organization’s goal is to help the families of First Responders who are in need. Is my thirty-dollar entry fee going to change one life significantly? Not at all. But if the power of influence is true, it will encourage the foundation, my friend, and myself.

You see, the world has done its darndest to make you overwhelmed with every single tragedy that occurs as it is occurring across the globe. Of course, you care. But not one of us can take it all in, and that is not our job. It is God’s job. Ours is to do our part, where we are when we can.

What does the 5k give me?

Health goals I can reach.

Something to look forward to.

Feeling good that I am helping First Responders.

An example to my children.

Most of the time, only God and the person will know the influence you have on another soul. In your City, I bet there are testimonies on how you have impacted someone for a good effect.

Continue to use this unseen power wisely.

Christ sacrificed himself so you can have eternity with his father. Does it make sense that as God calls you to pray for and do good for others in your City, there will be a benefit for you and your family? I sure do believe this to be true. Scripture tells us that very fact.

Would you take a moment to pop onto the Trooper Black Foundation to learn about Trooper Black?

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

City Prayer –It’s About Time

You have heard the slogan, buy local. I like to say Pray Local. Come on by Walking on Mustard Seeds to see why time is important — in prayer and in your local community.

An old-fashioned pocket watch swinging side to side a galaxy of stars in the background.

“TO EVERYTHING there is…a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, AMPC)

You have a purpose in this moment, this very time that is ticking with the clock. I thank you for using this time to read my post. There are reports saying we are consumed by social media and news outlets.

If you are like me, after catching up on news, the updates can run through my mind while I go on with my day. That is not good.

No one needs the plague of modern news to bat around. God would rather we be about our purpose than trying to wrestle out the times.

Let’s figure out how to be in step with God’s plan for time.

I think it starts with thanking Him FOR time.

It goes something like this while walking my dogs in the morning, I say, “Thank you, God, for time to walk my dogs.” When I am driving into town to run errands, I say, “Thank you God for time to shop.” While researching curriculum for my youngest’s freshman year of high school, I say, “Thank you Lord for time to gather information.”

At these times, when my thoughts regularly turn to to-do lists, worry about the economy, and any number of other thoughts, I can thank God for the joy and gift of time.

Without time, we can do nothing.

As we turn our hearts to pray for our City this week, we can thank God for the time he has provided to pray and serve where we live. I am sure your town has slogans to buy local. Local farmers, local crafters, and local shops. I believe in praying local.

Pray for the farmer, the artists, the entrepreneurs. The farmer needs time to prep their land and for their crop to grow. The crafter needs time to design and make their art. And the shop owners need open hours and time to shop for products or services provided.

Time is precious to you and your neighbor. As schools start back up and summer vacations are in the past, may we each keep focused on how precious each moment is. Thanking the Lord for it on behalf of our fellow citizens too!

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

#praylocal

#Cityprayer

#prayforyourCity

P.S. Have you Checked out Deana Farrell’s new book, You’re a Beautiful MESSterpiece: A Guide to Prioritizing the God-Given Dream You’ve Been Entrusted to Pursue & Share? If you have been thinking about that God-size dream inside of you, I HIGHLY suggest it!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Are You Guaranteed a Reward for Praying For Your City? And Updates!

Do you want to see change locally–pray with me over your City, and see God change some things.

And–you never know when your City has a wonderful surprise for you, like my attending our local 4th of July parade in Belton, Texas.

Today’s blog post falls in line with the spirit of my devotional designed to pray for your City. I am grateful for any prayers for the writing process. Thank you!

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way…” (3 John, 1:2a AMPC)

When your grocery cart emptied of its items and bagged, does your jaw drop at the total on the register?

And your gas tank is taking a whole lot more money to fill up. Are you taking fewer trips out because of the higher cost of gas?

There is scripture instructing us to not be shocked by things we see or hear. How are you doing with non-shock? I have told myself to stop gasping out loud, but I still hear an inner groan.

The news does not help the concern as they report that Americans have less in their savings and are using their credit cards more.

Financial stress on a family can create a feeling of isolation and worry, which leads to tension.

Do your neighbors feel isolated by their financial worries too? I bet some of them do.

There is a story in the bible, of a man who reestablished his outcome by praying for others, specifically his friends.

Mini Bible Story

Job was a man who loved and lived for God and lost everything, except for his wife and a few friends. His money, children, and livestock–gone–and he developed a terrible skin condition that tortured him.

This all came into Job’s life as a gift from the devil. Satan thought he could get Job to reject God, but his plan did not work. In fact, it backfired!

God restored him, and people find that fascinating, actually giving him back more than he originally had.

But, this is NOT the best part of the story.

Main Point

God did end up giving Job a ‘God size’ lecture. God had some correcting to do in Job’s heart. But at the end of the lecture, God gave Job one task to do.

Job, was instructed to pray for his friends, the ones who rushed to his side to comfort him in his great loss. Their attempt to help Job was overshadowed by misrepresenting God’s view and care for Job in this painful time. Theirs was such an error in judgment that God required sacrifices from them.

Ouch! Can you see their pride burning up in their chests?

Job was restored times two after he prayed for them.

Bottom Line

Prayer is not a frivolous, last-ditch effort. Nore is it a groundless proposal for a serious situation.

We honor God when we pray, turning to Him to solve what only He can. Praying for someone in your City, at the next gas pump, or behind you in line at Walmart, that their finances be blessed and their burden lightened, honors God.

That is it — P R A Y for them. It is a simple act of obedience void of pride.

What About You?

God has answers to prayers for you too, but first, what prayers does your neighbor need? If you don’t pray for them, what will the loss be for your community?

I am not saying or implying that you, or they, will receive Job’s fortune after you pray. How God blesses you is up to Him. He always deposits peace, joy, love, or grace, with prayer.

Is that enough–or better yet–isn’t that what is really needed to combat daily stressors?

Who in your City is coming to mind that you can pray for?

Father, You do want to provide a way for each person in my City to prosper. As prices rise, I am focused on my own struggle, but people all around me have similar concerns. Bless everyone that I pass on the road or in the store. Bless their day with financial wisdom and sound sleep tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some News

Does this float photo say everything that needs to be said about prayer? I have seen this group on the weekends at different events with a booth set up ready to pray for anyone who asks. They were a beautiful sight as Greg and I were in line at our local 4th of July parade. By the way, the large flag says, “Jesus is King”. A needed reminder.

Greg and author Michele, wearing cowboy hats and red, white, and blue, on the float. — Greg and I at Belton’s 4th of July parade.

You’re a Beautiful Messterpiece, by Deana Farrell

Have you ever been over the moon about a book?

There are few titles that make me feel like it was written by a friend who wants me to succeed at by biggest dream. Deana Farrell brings a unique voice to the conversation of getting your “God-given dreams” in motion. Perfection is NOT the goal. This VAL (me)–you have to read at least the back cover copy to find out what a VAL is, is starting to see that my ‘mess’ is part of the story and not to be shunned. Check out Deana Farrell here to find out about her new book!

Invited Guest

I was honored to be asked by a fellow writer and ministry-minded friend to start writing a monthly prayer for her ministry’s newsletter.

Naomi Fata resides in New York and is the author of, Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts. She also writes God’s Corner for her local newspaper.

To read more about her ministry and sign up for her encouraging ministry email, go to Christian Resource Ministry.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS Walking on Mustard Seeds can be sent directly to your inbox!

AMPC link is to lockman.org

Photos were by Greg and Michele Weisman

Where to Pray for Your City

You are a walking ministry.

Hand holding push pin over location on a map. Several other push pins laying in the forefront awaiting placement.

“Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 KJV)

Welcome to our monthly post, Prayer for your City.

I thought it would be fun to explore; where exactly are we supposed to pray? (Do you have places or opportunities to add?)

Pray Here

when reading or watching the news

while driving (with your eyes open)

at work

at home

on a walk or run

at Church

waiting in line or on hold

Grouping of blue butterflies against a plain pink background.

Who to Pray With

Are there times when you are looking for someone to pray with? That is normal and prescribed in the Bible. “…where two or three gather in my name.” (Matthew 18:20 KJV) Jesus is describing Christians praying alongside each other! How exciting is that?

Praying with others brings accountability to your commitment.

My prayer ministry, Two or Three, prayed together through email and delivered Sunday mornings. Everyone could set aside time to pray when it fits their schedule. And, more people could be involved; living out of state and in different Cities did not cut them off from the gift and work of praying as one.

You, too, can pray with others for your City.

in person

over text

through messenger

a phone call

a Facebook page

When you came into relationship with Jesus Christ, you became a resident of heaven. Everywhere you step is an opportunity to bring heaven to the situation through prayer and action; you are a walking ministry.

Does that feel like a heavy responsibility? Allowing God to lead your thoughts and actions, brings His will to earth. You affect heaven by affecting the earth, through our obedience to God.

Disobedience in Your City

When a child rebels in the home, as we all did and ours do, it brings discord. Do you see this played out in your City, people rebelling outside of the house?

Prayer works. Jesus asks us to actively pray together, crying out for His perfect good-will on earth. You, too, can pray for God’s plan for your City, with two or three–or more. 🙂

God, I am sorry for the times I worry about my City more than I pray for it. Your instructions call me to action. May I seek deliberate times to pray for the people around me. Show me who to invite into this devotion of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional Update

Laundry machines, side loading, a young person is sitting inside of one, with their legs outside of it. Contemplative image.

Still in research mode for the book, aka Devotional, Two or Three for Your City, last month, I attended a showing of, Miss. Virginia. The film, based on TRUE events, promised to give an understanding that I can apply to education in our Citites. It was held in my favorite local movie theater, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2022. 🙂

Miss. Virginia is an excellent film depicting a mom who, upon wanting a better educational opportunity for her son, made education better for all kids in Washington. It was a powerful testimony to the human spirit, love, and commitment.

I cried I cheered, and I cried again. If you have not seen it, please do. It has strong language and some parts that are not appropriate for little ones, so preview it first.

My Movie Takeaways

We were created to learn. Like breathing air and our hearts beating, these come naturally and are out of our control. Our minds were created to observe, learn, do, observe, learn, and do again.

A baby in the womb can see light, hear voices, and, observing it, learns from it. When the child is born, learning continues for a lifetime. But, obstacles to learning are real and too common.

So stay tuned as I continue to research, in person rather than from behind my keyboard. #shynomore

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS Who are you going to invite into prayer for your City?

Photo by GeoJango Maps on Unsplash (pin map)

Photo by Elio Santos on Unsplash (woman with map)

Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash (butterflies on wall)

Photo by Mennie on Unsplash (laundry)