She Is Strong and Courageous 30-Day DevotionalSample

Pray with Confidence – Amy Carmichael 

Known as a woman of prayer, Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India where she rescued and raised children saved out of ritual prostitution. In today’s devotional, identify ways you can become a prayer warrior for the mission God has called you to at home, in your neighborhood, and in your community.

“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. 

And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:13–16)

Pray: Lord, pierce my heart and challenge my life as I meditate on your Word. 

Observe: Our prayers are to consist of heartfelt thoughts and verbal pleas we share with God. We are to rally family and friends to join us in praying. We are to pray for our leaders, even those we don’t agree with. We are to pray at all times and in all places. We can pray while driving, pray while exercising, and even pray in the midst of a completely consuming project. We are to pray again and again when, out of the blue, God brings a person, place, or need to our mind. 

Irish missionary, Amy Carmichael, sailed to India and was extremely distressed when she learned of the countless children who were being forced into ritual prostitution. Shortly thereafter, Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship that rescued hundreds of children from this horrific fate. 

Called “Amma,” meaning mother, by the children, she made great use of her brown eyes and used tea bags to dye her skin, in order to be permitted into Hindu temples where she would rescue children. Amy’s ministry success has been credited to her faithful dedication to Scripture and prayer.

Consider the following promises from God and learn to courageously pray with confidence: 

1. God promises to hear our prayers (Jeremiah 29:12). 

2. God promises to be near when we pray (Psalm 145:18). 

3. God promises the Holy Spirit will help and intercede as we pray (Romans 8:26). 

4. God promises to answer our prayers (John 15:7). 

Interpret: God wants his followers to pray at all times, over all things; for there is great power in prayer as God hears and answers our prayers. 

Apply: Ask God to place one person on your heart that needs prayer and make time today to repeatedly lift up his or her name and needs to our Father in heaven. 

Pray: Father, thank you for hearing and responding to my prayers. Help me remain confident as I pray, knowing you will answer my prayers in the way that is best.