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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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If My People, 4th Edition

So, because my mind doesn’t know how to quit, I’ve been thinking…

To gain an audience with the President, we’d have to go through every invasive process. (And still probably be denied.)

And, to chat with a company CEO, we’d need to justify our request for the boss’ time.

But, to bend the ear of the Creator…the (Big L) Lord of (little l ) lords…the One whom all other gods fear??

Well, that’s simple.

Humbly call on His name.

Bam! There we are in His presence.

The fact that He bends low to meet us in prayer is more than this lover of words can articulate.

Thank you, sweet Father for being ever-near your people. We are nothing without You.

Oh, to be a pleasing incense rising up to God on one another’s behalf. Tweet This

Sometimes, it’s hard to pray the same prayer yet again for ourselves. Even though we trust He hears and cares, at times we just ain’t got another prayer in us.

Enter the family of God. That’s where we come in, hold each others arms up, and pray for one another. And, there’s not much more comforting than knowing our hearts and needs are being lifted before the Comforter Himself! Amen?

Friend, how can we pray for you today? Whether a detailed request, a name, an initial, or an unspoken request—if you’re comfortable, please share—so together we might storm the throne on our knees.



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It’s a casual, pony-tail & sandals environment around here, but a few important reminders:

  • Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for other friends who’ve linked-up today — this is the heart of community & your words of support could be just the thing another friend needs to hear today.
  • Please only share like-minded words of spiritual encouragement and insight.
  • Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)
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Thank you for bringing your dish to the table–May your ministry of words find community here.

Ministry+Friends=Fun. I’m linking up today with my friends at #ChasingCommunity. Come join us!
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35 Comments

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Comments

  1. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    February 1, 2018 at 5:51 am

    Hi Brenda and all,
    Thank you for this safe place you provide. I could use prayer for strength and endurance as I try to fulfill a very demanding yet rewarding job as the head of RCF, Inc. Foundation. It doesn’t leave me much time for my writing (and visiting other’s writing) and I miss that. Trying to find balance. Thank you.
    Blessings,
    Bev xo

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      ((Hug)) Honored to pray with you, friend. I’ve prayed and have added this to my list. Thank you for sharing and for all you do to help the little ones a world away. God bless you. ♥

      Reply
  2. Betsy de Cruz says

    February 1, 2018 at 5:56 am

    Thanks for the encouragement, Brenda. We always have an audience with the King of Kings. How reassuring. I’d appreciate prayer for guidance and annointing as I work with a team to plan a national women’s conference. (For about 200 women.)

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      Exciting, Betsy. Honored to pray with you and your team regarding this conference. Love the word you use “anointing” — so perfect. I pray He anoints this project with His favor and grace and especially with His presence. Thank you for sharing. I’ve written down on my list and will continue to pray. ♥

      Reply
  3. Liz says

    February 1, 2018 at 6:11 am

    I love the community you’re cultivating here, Brenda! I would appreciate prayer for health (I woke up feeling like something was coming on) and for discernment and wisdom as I write and an end to whatever is stifling the words lately. Also, that I would settling into this new routine comfortably with the beginning of my weekly workshops. Blessings to you, friend!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      Oh, Liz, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well today. ((Hug)) Thank you for sharing your requests. Honored to pray with you about these. I’ve prayed and added these to my list as well. ♥

      Reply
  4. Debbie Putman says

    February 1, 2018 at 6:46 am

    Brenda, thank you for the important reminder of God’s care and love. I would like prayer for perseverance in writing. I feel called by God to continue my blog, but I could use some guidance from Him in what direction He wants me to go!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      Debbie, I can relate to your request. Feeling much the same lately. Honored to join you in prayer for these. I’ve prayed and added these requests to my list. Thank you for sharing. ♥

      Reply
  5. Anita Ojeda says

    February 1, 2018 at 6:53 am

    What a beautiful reminder, Brenda! We have instant access to the King of kings. ❤️

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      Good word for it, Anita…”instant.” This is one area where “instant” isn’t a bad thing, isn’t it? 🙂 Thanks for being here and for sharing. 🙂 ♥

      Reply
  6. Kristi Woods says

    February 1, 2018 at 7:10 am

    Mind-blowing, isn’t it? <3

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Indeed! ♥

      Reply
  7. Jill says

    February 1, 2018 at 7:22 am

    Thanks as always for the beautiful reminder of God’s presence always and the community here. It’s treasured, be assured. Prayers for my family as we embark into new adventures, finish others well and wisdom and ability for me to follow Him and lead others well in it all.Thank you my friend!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      (((Jill))) Honored to keep you in prayer, friend. I’ve prayed for these and added them to my list. Thank you for sharing and for being here. ♥

      Reply
  8. Esther | Chosen & Cherished says

    February 1, 2018 at 7:46 am

    Amen, Brenda!! Thank you for the illustration of how hard it is to get an appointment with others but how easy it is to gain access to the King of the world! Praying for all those with demanding jobs, the call to write, family adventures, and callings to assemble His children!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      Amen, Esther. Joining you in that prayer. Thank you for your prayers and for being here and sharing. ♥

      Reply
  9. Paris Renae says

    February 1, 2018 at 8:56 am

    AMEN! Grace, grace… What a mighty God we serve… What a love He has for us. Humbled indeed.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      Yes…mighty in strength and in love. Oh, to serve Him more. Thanks for being here and sharing. ♥

      Reply
  10. Michele Morin says

    February 1, 2018 at 8:57 am

    Amazing. And the fact that we live our lives in His presence, that His interest in the state of my heart never wavers . . . incredible.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Agreed, friend! Incredible. Ever-thankful for His continued interest in little old us. 🙂 ♥

      Reply
  11. Ruth says

    February 1, 2018 at 9:06 am

    You need a love, love, love button for this post! 😀

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks for your sweet encouragement, friend. ♥

      Reply
      • Ruth @ plantedbylivingwater says

        February 2, 2018 at 4:17 pm

        To think, that we have an audience with the King of kings!!! We ought to be all-kinds-of amazed; how do we manage to be so apathetic about our relationship with Him sometimes? Lord, please forgive us for our disrespect and disregard for Your gracious generosity. Help us to keep thoughts of Your love for us and how much gratitude we owe You ever before us. In Jesus’ name,
        Amen

        Reply
  12. Rachel Lee says

    February 1, 2018 at 10:27 am

    My mind doesn’t know how to quit either. 😉 Great word Brenda! Instant access to God through prayer! Isn’t He so good!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      He sure is! — Good to know I’m not the only one with a runaway mind. 🙂 Thanks for being here and sharing, Rachel. ♥

      Reply
  13. BettieG says

    February 1, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Such beautiful thoughts here today about the great gift of prayer! I would appreciate prayer as I step forward with a group of women into new areas of writing and sharing God’s heart for the prodigals. Even as my own health is weak, I know that He is stronger!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      Honored to pray with you about that, Bettie. May His heart be made known to all who are in a period of wandering. — I’ve prayed and added these requests to my list. (Along with your health.) Thank you for being here and sharing. ♥

      Reply
  14. Donna Reidland says

    February 1, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Brenda, it is an incredible and almost unbelievable truth that our Great God and Creator waits and listens and answers us! Thanks for reminding us not to lose sight of that and remember what a privilege it is. Thanks, too, for hosting! Blessings to you!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      “Waits…listens…answers” — amen, Donna. Incredible and a privilege, indeed. Thanks for being here and sharing. ♥

      Reply
  15. Linda Stoll says

    February 1, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    How simple yet sacred is our access to the One who loves us best of all …

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      Oh, “sacred.” I love that word. Even the word is elegant and noteworthy. The simplest things are often the most sacred, aren’t they? Thanks for sharing, friend. ♥

      Reply
  16. sue says

    February 1, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    I think a delicate balance between taking God’s presence for granted (Lord, help me now!) and, recognizing the amazing access that I forget to take advantage of, moment by moment. thank you for your encouragement to not just cry out or check in with my Creator, but to encapsulate my soul and mind with all He is – w/ Paul, Lord, fill me up to all the fullness of God. Amen.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 1, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Oooh, joining you and Paul in that prayer, Sue. “Fill (us) up to all the fullness of God. Amen” Seconding (third-ing?) that prayer. Thanks for being here and sharing, friend. ♥

      Reply
  17. Maree Dee says

    February 3, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    Thank you for the reminder it isn’t all that hard. Struggling for some reason this morning hearing God and praying. Love the reminder to just call on his name.

    Reply
  18. Debbie Williams says

    February 3, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    BAM Brenda. You nailed it.

    Reply

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