by Deborah Raney I will soon celebrate the 20th anniversary of the day I wrote the first words of the first prologue of my first novel. It has been a wonderful two decades full of adventure and surprises–and adjustments. Almost ten years into my pursuit of being a “real” writer, my job as a novelist had finally begun to be …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 1
Day 1 Topic: That God’s will be accomplished at the conference Verse: Psalm 115:1–Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory. Dear Heavenly Father, ACFW was founded to bring together writers who wish to honor You in all things. We do not take this lightly. As we gather for our annual conference, we pray …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 2
Day 2 Topic: Good weather for travel Verse: Luke 8:24b–And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Holy Father in heaven, I bless You and thank You for each and every one of Your children who will be traveling to the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis. Father, I ask in …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 3
Day 3 Topic: Lisa Rector-Maas and the Early Bird Session Verse: Proverbs 2:2–Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding. Lord, we lift Lisa Rector-Maas to you for blessings and grace during the Early Bird Session. We pray that you direct her thoughts to heavenly wisdom and the application of it in her teaching. We ask that …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 4
Day 4 Topic: Wisdom in decision making for the Executive Board as they meet before the conference Verse: Romans 15:5–Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you with hearts of gratitude and to pray for those who …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 5
Day 5 Topic: Travel Safety Verse: Psalm 121:3b-4–He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Merciful Father, Almighty God, You are so awesome. You are always awake, always watching over us, always alert to every tiny action we make, every syllable we speak, every thought that zips through our heads. Nothing …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 6
Day 6 Topic: For worship pleasing to God Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:9-Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. Lord, as we meet each day for a time of worship, help us to come together in unity and harmony. We lift up the musicians who will lead us in song and …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 7
Day 7 Topic: Health for all attending the conference Verse: Psalm 139:14a–I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Dear Lord, we pray that You put Your hand on all those traveling to the conference who have health issues. Touch them and bring healing. Sustain them as they plan for the conference. Be with them …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 8
Day 8 Topic: For a smooth registration Verse: Romans 8:28–And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Lord, you are a God of administration. You planned the world before You began! We ask for the plans and purposes of ACFW’s conference …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 9
Day 9 Topic: Casey Miller as he finalizes appointments Verse: Hebrews 4:16–Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Father, we thank you for Casey, Robin Miller’s husband. We thank you for his commitment to Robin, their children and to ACFW. …