PSALM 6 THE LORD HEARD THE SOUND OF MY WEEPING


August 6
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PSALM 6 THE LORD HEARD THE SOUND OF MY WEEPING
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—how long?
4 Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?
6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. -Psalm 6:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O my Lord, I cry out to you and plead you to hear my prayer
Please, grant me grace for I am hurting so much from this torture
Heal me O Lord for my soul is distressed and troubled
I am so tired from the enemy’s pulling me down to the rubble
Often, I cry myself in bed; it’s too painful to watch violence
The world is full of people who don’t care for others but themselves.
I know you are steadfast in your love and your mercy abounds
Please hear the sound of my weeping and wrap your arms on me
Let the unrighteous and wicked people leave me alone
My Lord, please accept my prayer for deliverance and wisdom
Grant me peace and strength so I can endure for your sake
Let me never forget that all your elect will have to go through trials.
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REFLECTION
• Do you think it’s alright to weep to God? Why do some people think that it isn’t appropriate to do so?
• Why did David sound so depressed in this psalm?
• What is the spiritual antidote for anxiety and depression according to the bible?

PRAY ALWAYS AND NEVER GIVE UP Poem Devotional

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November 7________________________________________
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. – Luke 18:1(NLT)
PRAY ALWAYS AND NEVER GIVE UP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you weighed down with life’s demands?
Pray that you will seek him and follow his commands
When you pray, you keep your focus on Jesus
When you don’t, you keep your focus on yourself.
The enemy will distract you from praying
He knows it is a weapon in winning over him
Never give up and be preoccupied with things
Make God first and you will have victory over sin.
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I love to pray since I was seven years old. It meant spending time with Jesus for me. It gave me comfort during those times when I had no one else to run to. I always made sure I found time to be with a God who was always there for me and faithful to provide for all my needs. Because the enemy knew how much I loved Jesus, he stole a decade of my life through strongholds and weaknesses passed on through many generations in my family. Those dark periods in my life focused on reaching my ambitions and proving to everyone that I had worth. I stopped praying and got derailed with selfish dreams and quest to fulfill my unmet needs. Jesus said that we must always pray and never give up.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay intimate with you always.
REFLECTION
What do you think will happen if you stop praying and give up on God?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAYERS ARE POWERFUL Poem Devotional

September 22________________________________________
And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for safety. – 2 Corinthians 1:11(NLT)
PRAYERS ARE POWERFUL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When one asks in Jesus’ name
It won’t take long, it will be given
The prayers of a righteous person
Doesn’t go unheard, it is precious.
Prayer is a form of humbling one’s self
You praise the Lord, when you ask for help
Don’t take for granted the power of prayer
It can save someone and bring about miracles.
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There are some people who don’t realize the power of prayers. Have you ever heard the phrase, “I can’t do anything more but just pray”? We should actually be praying first before we do anything. By doing so, we are acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God’s guidance and provision. Jeremiah 29:12 says that when you will call on the Lord and pray to Him, He will listen to you. James 5:16 mentions that The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 cautions us to pray continually and Ephesians 6: 18 tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. When we pray, we are helping each other and the Lord will grant our prayers especially those that jive with his will.________________________________________
PRAYER
Teach me how to pray always Lord.
REFLECTION
How can one develop a habit of praying?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER Poem Devotional

May 13________________________________________
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer. – Acts 2:42(NLT)
TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who wants to be a follower of Christ
You need to follow his teachings and apply in your life
Fellowship and prayers are part of your calling
You cannot isolate yourself; it hinders you from growing.
Jesus’ disciples shared meals often during the Lord’s supper
He calls us to fellowship and to pray with all believers
When we surround ourselves with our sisters and brothers
We encourage each other as we all share our burdens.
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Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. We are commanded to always pray for all believers everywhere. Matthew 18:20 says that where two or three are gathered in his name, Christ is there. I am sure that God wants you to pray on your own regularly but getting into fellowship with other believers to pray is much more powerful. Corporate praying is integral in the church, along with worship, communion and fellowship. Praying together enlightens and ties us as we share our common faith.
It knits us together in a unique bond of friendship found nowhere else in life. Participate in fellowship and you will grow.
PRAYER
Thank you for giving us a family of believers to bond with.
REFLECTION
What happens when you don’t fellowship with other believers and keep to yourself?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAYER FOR CONFIDENT HOPE Poem devotional

December 9
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I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13(NLT)
PRAYER FOR CONFIDENT HOPE
A poem and essay by ILMA
May the Lord, who is the source of all hope
Make you thrive and not just survive or cope
May peace fill your heart because you trust in him
May your heart be filled with the Holy Spirit.
May you continually trust and depend on him
Then you will have courage to overcome sin
Listen to the voice of his spirit deep inside you
He will transform your life and make you new.
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What is the most ardent request you have ever made from God? How can we develop discipline to automatically have confident hope? It wasn’t an easy thing for me to be hopeful because I have gone through a lot of traumas and pain. It was almost an impossible feat for me to be optimistic because I viewed things in the filter of such experiences.
Then I learned baby steps to build my trust in him and his words. I learned to continue to depend on the one who love me most, our Lord and Savior. When we trust that the Lord will provide, guide, teach, convict us, we will reap the fruits of the Spirit which is peace and joy.
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PRAYER
Forgive me when I don’t choose to trust you Lord.
REFLECTION
How can trusting in God build your hope up
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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September 9
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Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard in until now. -Philippians 1:3-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so grateful that you have blessed me Lord!
I feel great when other followers spread your word
I am filled with joy that they are my partners
Thank you for granting us a chance to encourage each other.
I pray that you shower us with strength and persistence
I am glad that you allow us to grow our wisdom and patience
May we always choose to tread that narrow path to your kingdom
May you continue to keep us safe and to continually enjoy freedom.
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It is amazing how the Lord brings people in our lives to encourage us and to grow our faith. When I became born again, the Lord changed all of my friends. He discarded those who weren’t going to bring me closer to him. Each day, I thank the Lord for allowing me to grow spiritually and being given opportunities to minister to those who are hurting and neglected and especially those who do not know him. I am praying for all those who are my partners in spreading the Good News.
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PRAYER
Thank you for letting me freely tell others about you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for us to pray for God’s people?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

DEVOTE TIME FOR PRAYER Poem Devotional

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October 28
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Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. – Colossians 4:2(NLT)
DEVOTE TIME FOR PRAYER
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much time do you spend in prayer?
Do you run to Jesus to cast your cares?
Devote yourselves to prayer regularly
It makes you mindful and healthy.
Connect with the Lord with gratitude
It will definitely transform your attitude
Have an alert mind when you talk to Jesus
He loves intimacy from his children who are precious.
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According to some bible verses, prayer can be defined as a lifting up of our soul to God (Psalm 25:1), a pouring out our heart to God (Psalm 62:8), a crying out to God (Psalm 86:3), a spiritual incense (Revelations 5:8), a coming before the throne of grace (Psalm 84:1-2), a spiritual sacrifice and fruit of our lips (Hebrew 13:5) and a drawing close to God in friendship, fellowship and trust (James 4:8). Jesus taught us to pray and fast in Matthew 6:5-15. He wants us to pray to God in private and not babble on and on like the religious. He shows us that we have to forgive those who sin against us so we can also be forgiven. He gave us the Lord’s prayer which is a prayer of worship and dependence on God for all our needs. We are asked to devote ourselves to prayer with an alert min and gratitude.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never have a day pass without praying.
REFLECTION
What benefits have you reaped from praying?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GOD HEARS AND GRANTS REQUESTS Poem Devotional

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March 17
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. – 1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)
GOD HEARS AND GRANTS REQUESTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a request to ask God these days?
Don’t hesitate, ask anything within what he says
Seek and know God and align your thoughts and ways
The Holy Spirit will teach you what to pray.
Be confident that he hears you when you appeal
He loves a humble heart that is honest and real
Be hopeful and look forward to his faithfulness
He responds to those who walk in his righteousness.
Do you ever feel that God doesn’t hear or answer your prayers? Maybe you are asking the wrong things or they are not aligned with his will. Maybe he isn’t responding at the time frame you requested. He may have other things better for you and you can’t see it yet.
The bible says that we need to be confident that God hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. We also must believe that our requests will soon be granted. It may be instantly but when it’s delayed, he must be working on something first in you before he grants what you asked for.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me what to pray for.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you had answered prayers.
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH) Poem Devotional

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December 17                                                                The Power of God’s Word
I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. – Isaiah 62:1 (NLT)
PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH)
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there someone you love who needs to return to Jesus?
Are they bombarded with conflicts and pressing issues?
Pray that their hearts will recognize their need for the Lord
Pray that they give up rebellion and seek God’s word.
Pray that your life will be a reflection of Christ’s life
Pray that amidst all darkness, they will see the light
Never cease praying until something good happens
The Lord hears the plea of those whose hearts are open.
We get so wrapped up in the “busy”ness of life that we only pray when something overwhelms us such as an illness, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, etc. We do not realize that prayer can do so much to us. It can bring miracles in our lives.
The bible shows us how powerful prayer is when Daniel plead to God to save Israel in chapter 9 and how the Lord answered his prayer while he was still saying it. Isaiah intercedes for Israel too in chapter 62. He continually prayed until the Lord grants his promise about rebuilding Israel. Like Daniel and Isaiah, we can continually pray until something happens.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to pray.
REFLECTION
What have you been continually praying for lately?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

DEVOTING TIME TO PRAY Poem Devotional

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Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
– Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
DEVOTING TIME TO PRAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wake up looking forward to a new day?
Are you thankful for seeing the sun’s ray?
How much of your thoughts are in disarray
Are you alert to everything that happens or do you stray?
Devote yourselves to prayer with a renewed mind
Allow God’s word to make you see and not stay blind
When you spend time with the Lord, you are using your time wisely
When you waste your time, you will be consumed by the enemy.
Making prayer a task or duty rather than an act of love is one of the many causes why people don’t pray enough. Do you remember the last time you were in love? Didn’t you want to be with that person always and talk to him or her? You want to know everything about the person’s thoughts and character. It’s the same with prayer. If we love God, then we will devote time to talk to him and be with him so we can know him deeply. We would drop everything we are doing, just to be with him. Just like any relationship, the more time we invest, the more intimacy and growth we gain.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to talk to you at all times.
REFLECTION
What are the challenges you face with regards to your prayer life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com