pray – Amy Linnea

Fighting Discouragement

Published on June 7, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11

I fight discouragement.

Do you?

Same lies in my head.

Unanswered prayers.

Unchanged people.

Who are we to question Almighty God?

We are but a breath in all of God’s created beings.

God’s ways are higher than ours.

Then mine. Then yours.

He is above it all.

Even unanswered prayers.

Even unchanged people.

Even the lies still swirling in your head.

Our job is to submit ourselves to Him, asking Him to make us new.

Then pray for what God lays on our hearts.

After we pray, we are to give it all to God.

The unanswered prayers.

The unchanged people.

The lies in your head.

Now we sit and trust.

Yes, we can pray, of course, we should.

But as you pray, resist the urge to scoop the burden back up.

God’s got it.

He’s got it and all the rest. Why?

Because He knows all things and loves your loved ones even more than you, you must trust Him.

And He loves you more than you know, too.

Those lies in your head?

Give them to God.

Remember Whose you are.

Fully and completely loved.

Repeat scripture aloud, retraining your brain.

Your prayers are not unanswered.

They are answered in God’s timing.

In the mean time, pray, believe, and trust.

God’s got the rest.

Photos by Steve Gribble on Unsplash

Boundary Waters

Published on November 2, 2024November 2, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

Boundaries. Do you have them?

We all create boundaries with many things.

Not accepting a call from an unidentified caller.

Staying in our personal space when out in public.

Not interacting with previous flings while in a serious relationship.

Adhering to the law of paying for what you buy.

Obeying the road’s speed limits.

Ok, maybe not that, but you get the point.

Boundaries are necessary to keep us and others safe.

To keep us under the banner of right and wrong.

How about your time?

Do you create time to recharge?

We all have a limit button, and when that’s pushed, we find ourselves on empty.

Mamas regularly find themselves in this camp.

Running on empty, we continue to give ourselves away when our littles are, well, little.

When mine were young, I scheduled a quiet time right after lunch each day.

My welcome hour of relative peace and quiet.

Baby took a nap, and the other three played, read, or slept on their individual beds.

For one blessed hour all were contained.

And the best part? I was alone.

I needed that time to recharge.

That boundary was my sanity saver.

As they came running out after the hour was up, I was super happy to hug them once again.

What about when kids are older?

On normal nights I had a 9:00 kitchen closed rule.

Stay up however late you want, but you’re in your room after 9pm.

Gave me an hour without any fuss before I went to bed.

Finally, as we recharge ourselves, don’t forget your prayer time with God.

That’s when your heart is focused on Him as you read the Bible and pray.

My time is from 6-6:30am.

I’ve already exercised, showered, and my coffee is nice and hot.

As I drink in the goodness of God (and my coffee!), my mind rests on what is truly important.

And if you have a houseful of children while having your prayer time?

Hang a sign on your door that reads, “Mama loves you, but Mama needs time with Jesus to love you best.”

We all have boundaries, and they usually lead to our personalities or preferences.

Certain boundaries are necessary to fully give your best.

As you regularly pour out your life to others, make sure you carve out time for Jesus to pour into yours.

After all, you matter just as much the others you care so very much about.

Photos by Annie Spratt, Sue Winston, Daria Lyalyulina, & Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Come On, Let’s Go!

Published on September 7, 2024September 6, 2024 by amylinnea3 Comments

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. Psalm 62:5

My first phrase as a child, was something like, “Come on, group, let’s go!”

I’ve always wanted to keep the move on.

Forget ahead.

Time is wasting!

Are you waiting on God for anything?

Usually we are as we always want something.

Are you waiting for God’s timing on something specific?

Or directions as you know something is about to change?

When waiting on God, we tend to wrap ourselves up in what we want.

What we want when we want it.

And that’s like now, right?

Or yesterday!

But there’s more.

When we are waiting on God, we tend to become anxious or worried as things are not moving fast enough for us.

And we become anxious because we think we know best.

Better than God.

And when we dwell on what we think should happen, and begin to feel anxious as we wait, fear moves right on in.

Worry and anxiety do not reveal God’s plans, instead keeping us bound to fear.

Do you want to see God’s plans?

Keep trusting Him, asking Him to reveal them to you in His perfect timing.

In the mean time, trust.

Trust He’s on the move.

Trust He’s got the plans.

And trust He knows best for you.

He’ll nudge you to move here and there.

And when He does, make sure to pay attention.

Don’t just sit there as a lump on the log, waiting for God to do everything for you.

When you pray and wait, actively participate in His plan. His solution.

Allow Him to work through you as you wait and as you walk into His future planned just for you.

Photos by Scott Higdon, Pawel Tadejko, Max Goncharov, & Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Lace Them Up!

Published on July 13, 2024July 11, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… Ephesians 4:1

Are you lacing up your tennis shoes?

Making sure they are on tight?

Double knot or single?

When you lace up your tennis shoes, you’re getting ready for something.

Something requiring walking, running, or simply going about your day.

I like to put lotion on my feet before I don my socks. You?

When you put on your tennis shoes, you are readying for something more.

You are prepared. You can now walk on legos (ouch!), in the great wide world, or simply in the yard.

Lacing up your tennis shoes is similar to preparing your heart, mind, and soul for the day ahead.

Preparing for the day, we open our Bible.

We read a devotion book (I know a great one if you need it, haha!).

We meditate on scripture.

We pray for God to fill us up with Himself afresh.

We lay our burdens again before the feet of God.

We pour out ourselves, so we can be filled with God’s mercy and strength.

When we begin our day listening to Jesus, we are ready for whatever the day holds.

And you know that could be anything up or down, as we live among a broken world.

But when you purpose to ready yourself, God will help you face whatever comes your way.

It’s like lacing up your tennis shoes.

Your feet are ready to walk on whatever.

And after spending time with Jesus, you are ready for whatever comes your way.

Spend time with Him each morning.

Read His word and pray.

And just sit.

God wants to speak to you.

And when you’re done, your laces will be all tied and ready to go for whatever God has for you this day.

Photos by Lee Campbell, Kristian Egelund, Sophia Kunkel, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Broken Bars

Published on April 20, 2024April 19, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. Leviticus 26:13

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for a long time.

One day is actually too much.

But God rescued them, bringing them out of slavery under Moses’ leadership.

God broke the bars of their yoke, which was incredibly heavy as slaves.

He freed them, causing them to lose not only their yoke, but instead walk completely upright.

They were no longer prisoners.

One can only walk upright without a burden on their back.

Ever tried to carry something heavy or awkward?

We usually stoop at least a bit.

Or what about internal burdens not physically seen?

Those are usually bigger.

The pressures and weight cause us to walk around slightly hunched, eyes downward, gloom written on our faces.

Even our eyes look sad when we are under the yoke of burdens, which become our prison as we constantly feel the pressures, not aware of any escape.

God reminds us in Leviticus of His deliverance from slavery. Of the prison the Israelites were dwelling.

And He also reminds us He has broken the bars of that yoke, allowing us to walk uprightly.

Do you want to walk uprightly as one who has received God’s peace and strength?

Eager to break out of your prison?

Have you given your burdensome yoke to God?

Those pressing situations causing you to stoop over with anxiety or fear?

He wants to break your yoke, allowing you to walk out of your prison, into the freedom He has for you.

As you release all things to God, He will straighten your back, causing a smile to spread across your face.

Walk uprightly. Smile. Look others in the eyes.

You are God’s beloved one. He has your life in His hands.

And He has all the stuff you worry about, too.

When you place your trust in God for not only your salvation, but your life here on earth as well, your prison doors are opened.

Give God your relationships, your jobs, your addictions, your future, and more.

And don’t allow that yoke to reattach as worry and fear begin creeping back into control.

God is more powerful than your burden.

Allow Him to take it off.

He’ll even help you with the transfer.

Now don’t worry about where He put it.

Just pray and trust Him instead.

Doesn’t it feel great to stand tall again?

Photos by Artem Beliaikin, Daniel Born, Daniel Krueger , & Ben White on Unsplash

Scattering Seeds

Published on April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 by amylinnea2 Comments

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. Mark 4:26-27

Ever become frustrated by a lack of growth in an area?

Could be yourself, a loved one, or a friend.

God’s timing is not always our timing.

Preaching to the choir, I know.

But our job? It is to remain faithful to the call God has on our lives.

Part of our call is to pray for the lost, asking God to soften their hearts.

Part of our call is to encourage others, pointing them to the One they can trust.

And part of our call is to be His witness.

God’s hands and feet to those we meet.

While we usually don’t see any changes, seeds are scattered. Planted. Watered.

You might be the one who scatters that seed.

Or maybe you planted a seed specifically.

Or maybe your job was to water the seed. Again and again.

We often don’t know what role we play on another’s journey to God.

But as long as we are doing our part, we can anticipate the harvest.

But sometimes we don’t even know we are planting any seeds.

We are unaware people are watching, weighing our words or actions with God’s gentle whispers.

And one day, when that harvest pops through, we are surprised as anyone!

Let me give you an example.

Last year I had two pots of pansies on my front porch.

Not sure what kind, but I know now. How do I know?

I have several little bunches popping out of my mulch in full bloom.

Did I plant them? Nope.

Did I scatter the seeds? No, but the plant did.

And this spring, I am enjoying the harvest.

Plus now I know what kind of pansies I had last year.

As you go about your day, praying for others, think about the seeds you are scattering.

It’s pretty incredible to be a part of someone’s story to Jesus.

May we all keep pursuing Jesus on behalf of others we know and don’t know.

And someday soon, may we see a glimpse of the happy souls we love rejoicing with their faith in God.

I Am Yours, God

Published on November 4, 2023November 2, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

You know my heart, Lord.

You created it.

You fashioned me in every way.

My talents.

My hopes.

My dreams – all of them are from You.

I want to know You more.

I want to trust You with all that I am.

The moment I wake, may You be on my mind.

When I close my eyes at night, may my thoughts remain on You.

You have my best in mind.

You created me for a higher purpose.

Reveal Your plans to me, O God.

May I recognize Your divine appointments.

May I minister Your peace to those around me.

May I comfort those who are sad.

May I rejoice with those who share.

May I pray with those who need Your touch.

And may I be a living extension of You.

Photos by Rula Sibai, Annie Spratt, Nong, & Gary Yost on Unsplash

Open and Shut Doors

Published on November 12, 2022November 11, 2022 by amylinnea2 Comments

As I’ve prayed during these last dozen years, I’ve purposely begged God to fling WIDE the doors He has chosen for me and to SLAM shut the doors not in His plan.

When you are walking through darkness during a season of complete uncertainty, you need His light to guide you.

You rely on His guidance.

I like the analogy of open and shut doors; although, I added an extra measure of assurance.

I wanted to easily walk through to His plan or get slammed in the face with a resounding NO.

Might as well be crystal clear, am I right?

I’ve had many doors open with ease: graduate degrees, student teaching, first job, and marrying the right man just to name a few.

I’ve also had plenty of slammed doors, mostly in the area of dating the wrong men before I married my husband. Giggle.

Guess what?

Those slammed doors are a whole lot of fun.

It’s a joy to know which man God did NOT have hand picked for me.

Back in the day, one date never showed up after weeks of talking on the phone.

He would have been my first date post divorce.

It was the weirdest thing, but God knew best.

I won’t lie – I was bitterly disappointed for a few hours.

My pride was wounded.

But I turned my focus to God and realized it was simply a closed door.

And each closed door moves you closer to a door flung wide open!

Another story? Well, a different date ended in disaster after he told me he had been ‘quite bored’.

I was sitting at home when I got that text.

I began to laugh.

This man had spent the previous two weeks proclaiming his devotion and wondering ‘where I had been his whole life’.

He was also a Christian, but every time he called, I almost broke out into a sweat, because he was easily offended.

Not a good sign!

This guy was the one missing out on me.

It was his loss, certainly not mine.

When the ground shakes from a slammed door, get on your knees and thank God for having your back.

He knows what is best for you.

Because God flung wide the door with my beloved almost a decade ago, I am even more grateful for the closed doors.

I mean, God saved me from a lifetime of misery with the wrong man.

How can a girl not get on her knees thanking God for that?

When God answers you, it may be in a way you absolutely never expected.

Trust Him.

You pray for open and shut doors and wisdom for a lunch date.

The door slams shut.

Why? Because the date never shows up.

Recognize God’s shouts after you’ve ignored His whispers.

Yes, God will communicate to you, but we must listen.

And after listening, we must trust that yes, God still knows what He’s doing even after we hate His answer.

Pray for those doors.

Ask your friends and family to pray for you in this way.

It helps immensely.

Almost like a dot to dot puzzle.

And remember how fun those were?

Photos by valérie faiola, Ibrahim Rifath, & Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Not Responsible

Published on May 14, 2022May 6, 2022 by amylinnea1 Comment

When others choose, we are not responsible.

Make sense?

Is that an eye-opening statement or is it common sense to you?

We cannot control other people.

Everyone makes their own choices.

That includes your children.

When they are small, or still under your roof, you guide them to the right choices, giving them consequences when they poorly choose.

Why?

Because you are their mentor. Their guide. Their parent. Their authority.

When children grow out from your nest, their choices are their own.

Does not reflect you. At all.

When we acknowledge we are not responsible, we must recognize we cannot change others either.

We cannot beg our children to do what we want. Nor should we.

Decisions must be made on their own. Within their own conscience.

What can we do when our children make choices we deem unacceptable?

Love them anyways.

Be there. Fully. Not accepting sin, but accepting them. Always.

And we wait. We wait for them to come back.

While we wait, we pray. We get on our knees for their very souls who used to praise His name.

We know we aren’t responsible, but we feel we are. Don’t scoop up that burden.

Simply return them to God. He loves them more than you. His heart breaks when they think only of themselves.

You are not responsible for anyone else but yourself. Keep yourself in check. And give the rest to Him.

Photos by Max Goncharov, Kelly Sikkema, & Japheth Mast on Unsplash

America

Published on July 4, 2020July 4, 2020 by amylinneaLeave a comment

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

How often do you pray for our country?

For our leaders?

The ones you like and don’t like?

You know we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)

God urges us to pray for our leaders whom He has placed in power over us.

He reminds us how to live a peaceful and dignified life.

Through praying for our leaders and country.