Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I was talking with a dear friend and the conversation truly inspired me to pray more for my children regarding things later down the road in life. Daily I pray with them and for them, but the prayers seem more “surface” than real depth and heartfelt. It got me thinking…

We are a country big on gift-giving which is a blessing, but what better gift than the gift of prayer? We attempt to save money for our children’s college fund or wedding. We also save for retirement and for a rainy day.  If you view prayer like you do your finances: you have a savings account which hopefully you do not touch unless needed, and then you have a spend account which is to spend now.

With that said, is your prayer bank in order? Are you using your daily prayer account—praying daily and asking God to meet your needs and giving Him Praise for all He that has already done? Are you depositing prayers into your prayer savings account—storing up prayer—prayers like, “Thank you Lord for my marriage, bless it today and each day that is to come.  Watch over my children as they grow. Bring good role models and friends into their lives.”

It’s so important to pray for coaches, pastors, teachers and those who affect your life and the lives of others. Pray for our leaders and our bosses. God has blessed me with an amazing job for seven years. Yes, there have been ups and downs but every night I pray for my boss and his family. As a result, God has given me favor in his eyes. The greatest gift you can give anyone is a heartfelt prayer—not a prayer of your will for them—but prayers that bless them for years to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

16. Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (New International Version)

-Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”