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Every year I look forward to the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference for many, many reasons. But one of the things I love the most, is getting to spend time with the people I room with at the hotel! We have such a fabulous team that no matter how assignments shake out, I am always blessed by awesome roomies!
This year I got to room with the Julie Gillies, a wonderful speaker and writer who serves Proverbs 31 in many ways. She is an asset to our ministry and everyone loves her! She has such a heart for prayer and for helping women grow closer to God. So today I wanted to introduce you to her as well as share about her new book that was recently released called Prayers for a Woman’s Soul.
This is an inspiring book teaches wives, mothers, friends, sisters, and daughters how to cover themselves with prayer on a regular basis. Each devotion includes powerful spiritual insight, personalized Scripture, and a prayer to help you begin a conversation with God. So if you want to give your prayer life a spiritual boost, check it out!
Julie has agreed to give away one copy of her book today, so to enter to win, leave a comment committing to believe from this day forward that God always hears your prayers  – you can even simply say “I BELIEVE!”
Now I am going to let you hear from Julie. Please read below for a word of encouragement from her, and be sure to check out her upcoming online bible study based on her book!
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We called it the surgery club. Though none of us wanted it, Âľ of our family underwent surgery that year; I had major shoulder surgery, and just 12 days later my husband had emergency gallbladder surgery. Then, after six bouts of tonsillitis over the summer, our 11 year old daughter got her tonsils out.
It felt like we’d never get better. And unbelievably, more surgeries lurked on the horizon. Yet I sensed God urging me to believe that He was still in control and that He heard my prayers.
So, in spite of how I felt I kept praying—I chose to believe. Through tears, pain and not understanding, I chose to believe God heard me and was still in control.
One of the most essential components to a powerful and effective prayer life is our willingness to believe. Not some utopian, fairy-tale type of belief that mocks reality, but a rock solid, deeply personal, I know the character of Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him—including dealing with my current reality belief.
We must believe that our prayers matter and can make a permanent and eternal difference in our lives and the lives of others, and we must believe that God not only always hears our prayers, but that He is omnipotent and able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Once these issues are settled in our minds and hearts, our prayers hold the capacity to literally move heaven and earth:
When we believe, we please God (See Hebrews 11:6).
When we refuse to cease praying because we believe that God has spoken and will move, our prayers will accomplish greater things than Jesus accomplished (See John 14:12).
When we believe, our prayers become rivers of living water that flow out of our innermost being. (See John 7:38).
Eventually, thank God, our surgery club closed. And though that year was ridiculously hard, God helped me believe Him anyway.
I don’t know what you’re enduring right now, but regardless of the circumstances swirling around you, believe. Believe that God is listening. Believe that He hears you. Believe that He is greater.
Today, sweet sisters, I invite you to pray bold, daring prayers, and believe.
And if taking some time to pray for yourself sounds like just what you need, I’d like to invite you to participate in the Prayers for a Woman’s Soul online study at my blog, starting September 9th. Take 8 weeks and pray for and you and topics that matter most to you! CLICK HERE for details.
 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you,          and you will get it. (Mark 11:24)
I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. (John 14:12)
 Julie Gillies is the author of Prayers for a Woman’s Soul (Harvest House Publishers/January 2013). Healed from a traumatic childhood and awed that God saved her seriously troubled marriage, her message helps women pray with boldness, confidence, and the certainty that God hears. Julie is the Critique Groups Director for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and serves on the editorial team of P31 Woman magazine. She’s the joyful wife of Keith, mom of two soldiers and one civilian, and grammy of four. She loves hanging out with the entire gang at home, especially on days when her house is clean. Connect with Julie, find free resources, and sign up to receive “10 Days of Extravagant Prayer”, a free opportunity to refresh and pamper your soul at: www.JulieGillies.com
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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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I BELIEVE!!
I need help its hard for me but i believe God for greater things
I believe
I BELIEVE!!
I truly BELIEVE that God hears our prayers, and am so thankful that He answers in His way, not always giving me what I think I need. God knows the best for us. Just last week I had a situation that I kept asking God why He wasn’t answering a certain way. Later, I learned that if He had given me what I was asking for, my health could have been in jeopardy. Thank you, God, for knowing the best for all of us. 🙂
I BELIEVE!!!! I just found out my husband had an affair and I don’t know how to pray about it.
Deborah praying with you and for you.
Deborah, I am so, so sorry! My heart goes out to you!
I would definitely pray that your husband will submit to wise, godly counsel. Pray for trustworthy, godly, wise women to surround and uphold and pray for you during this time. Pray that God will help you to forgive, and pray that the Lord will establish His will in your husband’s heart and life, and in your marriage. Also, pray about Christian counseling–for you and/or your marriage.
I pray that you will sense God’s very real presence and comfort and that He will intervene and move in your life, your husband’s life, and in your marriage as only He can.
Deborah – I’m so sorry! I know the pain you’re going through! I REALLY do because I’ve been there! Not only did my husband have an affair but – it was with my best friend! Double whammy! But God IS faithful and truly CAN use all things for good for those that love Him! Eight years later and we’re still married and in such a better place than we were back then! God is using that terrible, painful situation for His purposes! I’ll be praying for you!! I’d be happy to share more with you if you’d like! In His Love,
Deborah, I too am so sorry for what you are going through. Its hard to deal with the level of heartbreak that a marital affair brings. But as others have said, God can make possible what we feel is impossible. He is bigger than anything we face. I pray that God will intervene in your marriage and in your husbands heart and that He will provide a pathway to restoration and forgiveness, and for healing of your heart in so many ways. Virtual hugs to you.
I believe!
God hears my prayers! Something so simple and true – yes so hard to believe in difficult and stormy times.
My mother passed away 2 weeks ago – my husband and I are struggling to find a ‘new normal’ now with our 4 small children (ages 9,7,5,and 8 months). I am sad – discouraged – overwhelmed. Days seem to be filled with anger.
I woke this morning realizing that I need to start living my life for Him…not for my husband, not for things of this world. I need to seek Him first – and that means not just praying for my family, my husband, or my children – but praying for me too!
I need to learn to trust Him fully….every day!
God is Good ALL the time!!!
Praying for you Tonia!
Praying for you too Tonia! What a great start in the right direction to pray for you and everyone in your family! I pray God will replace your hurt, sadness and anger with peace and comfort, and that His Presence will be felt so strongly as you walk through this difficult time. Your emotions are so valid and so raw, so don’t feel bad for having them. Just ask God to fill with you a huge portion of Him every day until your new normal begins to feel right. God IS good!
I BELIEVE!! I BELIEVE!!
I BELIEVE!!!
I Believe!!!
I BELIEVE and I know because prayers have helped me through some very rough times lately.
I wish I could believe, but I’m not really sure I do anymore. No one hears. No one understands.
Anonymous, people will always disappoint us, (I wish they didn’t, but it’s the truth), but God ALWAYS hears your prayers. ALWAYS. Psalm 139 says that He perceives and knows and understands our thoughts–how awesome is THAT?
And even when it appears that He doesn’t hear us, He is behind the scenes, working, moving, as only He can. I encourage you to ask Him to help you trust Him, then choose to believe He is at work.
If he hears and cares, then why won’t let me come home to Him. I don’t want to be here any more, and I’m tired of fighting this feeling.
Sorry, I shouldn’t have posted that here. I’m just tired, angry, and lonely. If you want to delete it, please do.
Anonymous, I’m so sorry you are feeling so down today. I have certainly had those days myself. But even when God seems absent, He is not. He is right by your side and loves you and adores you. You matter to God, and your heart matters to God, and if we are still on this earth, it’s because God has a special purpose and plan for our lives. If you need someone to pray for you and with you, please send me an email at traciewmiles@carolina.rr.com. I would be blessed and honored to do so and I hope to hear from you.
I BELIEVE
I BELIEVE!!!!!
I Believe!
I 100% believe God hears my prayers without Him I would have nothing or I wouldn’t be here.!!!
I believe!!!! Looking forward to yet another deep and meaningful bible study!!! Yay!!!
Thank you, Pamela! I’m excited you will be joining us! 🙂
I know God hears and answers prayers – now I just need to have the patience to allow Him to work in His time.
I know God hears and answers our prayers–I just need to remember that “wait” answers do not mean He’s not answering!
I BELIEVE!
I. B.e.l.i.e.v.e.
even if I don’t understand…
That is a revolutionary statement, that just brought clarity the way you wrote it!
I still believe. He hears, He sees and He knows better than me. I will wait. Be still, know, pray.
I believe….I believe as it is hard to relinquish my perceived control, God is in charge, not me.
I Believe!
I believe that God always hears our prayers! “Ask and you will receive”!! And this must definitely be the reminder God wants to give me this morning because in addition to this blog post about prayer, my Jesus Calling daily devotion today is about our healing God who heals broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken live, and broken relationships when we ask.
I BELIEVE!
I believe. I have been eyeing this study for a while. I receive her emails and I can tell that I really need more of this in my life right now. I am praying and believing God to open the door for me to purchase the book and to find them time to participate.
M. Waters
“I BELIEVE”
I BELIEVE! 🙂
I BELIEVE!
I BELIEVE!!!
I BELIEVE!!!!!
I BELIEVE!!!
I BELIEVE:)
I BELIEVE!
I BELIEVE!!!
Just last week my husband and I were facing a very challenging and stressful situation. I told him I wanted so badly to be faithful and trust that God has this all under control, but someone needed to tell that to my stomach which was all in knots! God was and is faithful and took care of the whole thing in a way we never imagined it could happen.
I believe!
I BELIEVE!
I Believe!
I believe God hears my prayers.
I BELIEVE!!!! And I know God hears my prayers!! God bless you!!
I believe.
I BELIEVE and I RECEIVE!!!
I BELIEVE & KNOW GOD IS WITH ME& MY FAMILY!
I KNOW BECAUSE THE BIBLE SPEAKS IT!
& GOD HAS ANSWERED MY PRAYERS!!
We can all pray more. I am compelled. Tthank you for sharing.
I also had a difficult time praying for myself. Maybe it’s because I am such a co-dependent person. But I guess it is because I really don’t feel worthy. But I have stopped and prayed for strangers because the Lord wanted me to so what is wrong with praying for myself? I don’t know the answer but I would love to learn how to feel ok about praying for myself.
My life is a deep struggle at the moment, but I believe that in the end it will all be worth it. I believe!
I am struggling that God hears my prayers but I continue to pray for my family that is falling apart right now. Praying God will bring us back together!
I believe – I know God hears me & that He also knows I’m hurting (chronic pain & migraines) & that healing/health is there for me- sometimes tho when I’m suffering it’s hard to hold on to the truth of that promise- but I tie a know & hold on the best I can and keep believing
Charlene, I’m sorry for your health issues–I completely understand because I’ve had my share and still deal with certain issues. When I began seriously praying about my health issues God showed me I was addicted to sugar (NOT what I wanted to hear!) and also that I had some food allergies. (In fact, a side note here, I had migraines for about 3 years and discovered it was triggered by wheat. I am now wheat-free and no more migraines.) I’m not implying that you have either of those, but ask God to show you if there are any triggers in your control, and then obey what He shows you. It has made a significant difference in my quality of life. May He bring healing to you in the strong name of Jesus!
I BELIEVE I BELIEVE!!!!!
I believe!
I BELIEVE, what a idea for a book!
Trying to believe. prayed really hard and believed that God would heal our middle school minister, however he passed away and I am heartbroken for his two little girls and young wife.
Oh Elizabeth, I’m so sorry about the loss of your middle school minister. I pray God will comfort that sweet family in a very real way!
I don’t understand when God says “No”, I think if we’ll admit it most of us agree that we don’t understand. We should always believe for healing, but that doesn’t mean He always answers according to our will. I sure didn’t want all those surgeries (I endured 6!), but God sustained me through them. Honestly, there are things we will never understand this side of heaven. Our great comfort is His presence and knowing this life is not all there is.
I Believe
I believe! Atleast I am really trying to:)
I believe and receive!
I definitely believe : )
Even when it’s hard…I will believe.
I need a boost in my prayer life; this book sounds like it would be a wonderful way to focus on God!
I absolutely believe!!!
I believe!
I believe!! I tend to question when sometimes; but then remember that God always comes through!
I believe!!!!!
I BELIEVE!
Oh yes, I believe. Very excited about the Bible study!
My faith has been shaken and am working to restore it. I believe as I have seen the blessings of prayers but sometimes I really struggle and feel alone in the things I am dealing with. I am in the process of getting a divorce after 20 years of marriage ( have been separted for the last 13 due to him being in jail), I have four kids I raised on my own and now have 6 wonderful grandchildren. I am very blessed and know that if it was not for God and mine and others prayers I would not have made it as far as I have, but sometime it is still hard to explain and talk about it with other people. Thanks.
I BELIEVE !!!
I ABSOLUTELY Believe! I have seen evidence of it too many times to ignore.
I believe!
I believe. It’s been very evident just recently. My daughter who is epileptic has never wanted to tell anyone about it. She recently had problems with her meds and wrecked her car. A prayer warrior friend of mine saw her leaving Church and asked if she could prayer over her. Not only did my friend pray but about 20 other people joined in. My daughter, my friend and I wept through these prayers spoken for her, her job, her husband, Her faith, her doctor and her medicine. The Holy Spirit was present. Since this happened, my daughter has shared with several people and her boss what her situation is. Thank you Jesus!
I BELIEVE!
I believe!
I believe God does hear our prayers, but He doesn’t answer them immediately. I prayed for my brother-in-law’s salvation for over 14 years. As he was dieing, he woke up from the coma he was in, looked at me said “I believe” and slipped back into his coma resting peacefully until he died several days later.
Wow, Deanna! What an amazing story of God’s AWESOME power to reach those we pray for! Thank you so much for sharing!
My daughter just started seminary today…as of right now she has no funding to attend the 2 year MFT program to become a Christian Marriage & Family Counselor. She just received her psychology degree in May. She has until August 28th to come up with funding or they will withdraw her. I BELIEVE God knows her heart and her passion and I pray fervently that he will intervene and provide if this is his will.
Kathy, I am linking arms in agreement with you and believe for divine provision for your daughter! Thank you, Father, for making a way where there is no way, in Jesus’s name!
I believe!!!!
Thank you for a great post. Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. Without prayer I would not have survived the last few years. Thank you for the opportunity of this lovely giveaway. Kind Regards Mandy Currie (mandycurrie@googlemail.com)
I BELIEVE!!!!! I am still here on this earth today as God answered the prayers of many people for healing on my behalf. I survived cancer, 7 surgeries and a 2 day coma and lost 7 pints of blood all in one year.
I BELIEVE! Saying it out loud empowers me even more. Prayer and listening to God pulls me through everyday. Thank you for the giveaway.
I BELIEVE WITH ALL MY HEART!!! Thank you so much for this chance to win this wonderful book.
Thank you. Barbara
I BELIEVE!! 🙂
I Believe 🙂
I believe!
I believe!
I BELIEVE! I prayed for God to help be stay calm during my chemical stress test (for my heart – they are not fun) yesterday. I so felt Him there with me. I felt calm, and the test just seemed to fly by. The technician asked me, after he injected the medication in my IV….”Your feeling the effect of the meds aren’t you? I can see it in your eyes, and yet your so calm. I didn’t every have to think, I just said “I’m calm because the Lord is with me”. I truly believe God is with us always, and especially when we ask Him to be. I just signed up for Julie’s blog, and can’t wait to do the Study. Thank You Tracie…Blessings Anna
I would like to read more books about prayer.
I BELIEVE!!!
I believe! One of countless reasons-aAfter 21 years of waiting for a husband, my prayers were answered and God blessed me with a ‘ man after HIS own heart’., my Jack. I couldn’t have answered for a better gift. Also last night my husband and I entertained our neighbors for dinner. For two frustrating(their words) days they have had their front yard torn up by heavy equipment looking for their sewer connection to our town’s system in order to put a backflow device to prevent another 8 foot flooding in their finished basement. This past spring our entire county was one of the worst hit for flooding in Illinois. Anyway at the dinner prayer we lifted up their need for these people to find their sewer connection. And praise the Lord, the workers found it this morning…on the third day! God is so good!
I BELIEVE
I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE! Dear Lord I believe.
I Believe! I Believe! I’m so thankful for the abiltiy to pray!
I Believe! I Believe! I Believe God hears me!
I BELIEVE God hears my prayers and listens to me when I talk to Him! He is always answering me in the most amazing ways…even if it is not always the response I was hoping for…He knows His plans for me and all of us.
Tracie & Julie, I tried to sign up for the OBS but had trouble…hoping someone can help me. Thank you!
Hi Mary,
All you have to do to sign up for my online study is visit my website, http://www.JulieGillies.com, then sign up in the red box on the right side of my blog. It’s that simple! We start on September 9th and I’m excited you’ll be joining us!
Thanks! I finally had to try with a different email account but I am signed up and so looking forward to it 🙂
I BELIEVE!
I believe.
I Believe!!
I Believe!! I Believe!!
It is becoming harder and harder to believe God hears and listens but most importantly answers. Our mortgage is late again and so is our car payment. The medical bills are piling up. Every day I cry in silence as I head to work so my 4 year old won’t know that I’m sad. Tears just roll down my face but I keep up with his morning conversations. I’ve cried out so many times to God and our needs seem to get met each time. But I live in fear of what if He can’t pull through the next time? I just want out of this endless cycle of finances. It is eating me up and tearing my family apart. I WANT to trust and believe.
I believe God for a Godly husband and spiritual leader in my home!!!! Thank you Lord!
I too dare to BELIEVE! 🙂 Thank you for the inspiration.
I BELIEVE
A special friend sent me this article concerning prayer. Do I believe? Yes, yes I do. My husband and I were injured in a one car accident that could have taken our lives. We had just flown in from a mission trip to Honduras, and were on our way home when he fell asleep at the wheel on a two lane, windy road in upstate New York. God not only put his angels around us to keep us alive, but once word of the accident got back to the team leader of our mission trip, the request for prayer went out literally around the world. The power of prayer sustained us, and continues to sustain us as we face the healing process. My husband, Jack, will undergo surgery on his back in the days ahead. My injuries will heal with care and patience.
God’s family has been amazing through it all, and our two children and our grandchildren have blessed us with love and care. We know the power of prayer, and are so thankful for a loving, heavenly Father that never leaves us or forsakes us. The devil wanted to steal our joy of participating in a trip where over 5,000 people heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and 409 decisions for Christ were made. Right now, our desire and our prayer is that God will heal us, and allow us to go forward on future short-term mission trips.
Dianne Perry
I Believe!
I believe God hears and answers prayer according to His will. Sometimes His response is: “yes” “not yet” or “no.” The “yes” is always the one I would like to hear. The “not yet” and “no” will most definitely be uncomfortable, frustrating, annoying or even angering if I allow my desire to control my circumstance get in the way of God’s will. I would love to say that I am never uncomfortable, , frustrated, annoyed or angry, but I am still a work in progress. Surrender does not come naturally to me. It is a process I have to work on it each day, and some days are better than others. I trust that I am covered by grace, and that God will provide for my every need, even when I immediately react (or overreact!) to my circumstance rather than immediately remember, reflect and rely on His promises. Perfect peace truly comes in the midst of any storm when I place my trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3 – Not easy, but my experience has taught me it is always worth it.
I BELIEVE 🙂 !!!
I believe!
I believe!
I BELIEVE!
I BELIEVE!
I believe! And I’d love to win a copy of the book 🙂
I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!
i believe
I BELIEVE wholeheartedly!!!
I believe that God hears all my prayers. and more than that, I believe that His answers are far better than I could ever have planned myself. they may not always be what I want (or think I want), and they may not come as fast as I want, but He NEVER fails to teach me and grow me in His answers – both the joyful ones and the hard ones.
Yes I BELIEVE although i have been waiting for THE JOB the Lord has for me since I was laid- off from my job and later being made redundant and cheated on the amount that should have been paid me but I know ”the battle is not mine …it is the Lord’s’. Not easy waiting but I am!!!
Praise the Lord
I love to pray and tell God everything.But I must admit that I sometimes lose heart.I have been praying for almost three years now that our three sons would give their life to Jesus and (outwardly) nothing has changed in their lives,sometimes this overwhelmes me and doubt starts creeping in my heart.But NO,my Savior promises me over and over again that He hears every prayer and I want to trust His work even if I don’t see anything. He is the Good Sheperd, so i believe!
I believe but I really need this book to help me be a better person and to spend more time with God.
I Believe, that why Jesus died, so we would believe in Him as well as answers to our prayers!
I believe and go to Mom’s in Prayer weekly. I encourage any other mom to do this at their child’s school too as it is wonderful to see God’s answers with a group of other moms.
I am in. Enter me to win. I need to work on a better prayer time.
I do believe in the power of prayer. God is good all the time. I choose life and I m so excited to find out what God’s plan is for me. Thanks!
I believe!!! I really need to spend more time actually in prayer though!!!
I BELIEVE!!!!
I BELIEVE!!
Have often seen the power of prayer and God’s answers in praying in agreement with one or more prayer partners. Such great needs listed by many above. May we all see glimpses of God at work loving us and giving grace and peace.
I believe! (And thanks for this reminder – it was just what I needed to hear!) 🙂
I believe!! Very glad to have found your site!
I believe and I KNOW that God hears and answers our prayers because he has proven himself to me, time and time again. May God bless you each one.
I Believe!!!
I believe Lord. Help my unbelief.
Tracie
Thank you for your thoughts on back to school. My transition is kindergarten. It is full of up and down emotions and I’ve been struggling with balancing all of that. There are three parts of my emotionsl roller coaster. Gratitude and thankfulness for her life, for her growth and development, for all the exciting things to come. Sadness of how quick it’s already going and have I missed things or not done all that I could so far, and then trying to be intentional with my time with her and time on my knees praying for her future.
In Psalm 56:8, God reminds us He is intimately concerned with every aspect of our lives. God doesn’t judge whether our sorrow is “valid.” But because of His compassion, He catches every tear that is shed. It doesn’t matter how big or small, trivial or important, the sorrow might be.
Thank you for the reminder of how much God loves me and my children.
Thank you Father for your endless love, compassion and patience.
I want to have a more disciplined prayer life, and this book would inspire me to grow. I have many stories of God’s answers to prayer–yes, no, wait, and surprise!
I believe God hears our heartfelt prayers. He has spoken to me lots and from bible week camping i took a step for new things and that things were going to change from then on. I need help to believe his word is true and am struggling with knowing his presence on a daily basis. As i have to look after my four children on my own and deal with paper work and letters i wouldn’t have to be doing if my husband hadn’t left me. I still feel the pain and hurt and still have to keep giving it to God. I need Gods supernatural patience,Grace and love. I want to see all God has s poken into our lives to come to being, yet its not my timing but Gods perfect timing i have to rest in.
I feel sad and lonely even though i know God is with me always.
This year will truly be a teary time for me. My youngest is a Senior in High School and my oldest is a Junior in College. I have decided to continuely pray for strength and comfort my our dear Lord. I really need a new prayer book.
I Believe!!!
I truly believe!
I believe, he just answered one!
I know… and believe … that my God sees, hears and knows everything! He longs for us to co-labor with Him in this Earth… to pray and speak regarding the affairs of men. I am blessed and privileged to have a voice…