February Prayer Time
by Eva Gibson
OCW Prayer Team
Father God, You are the Light of the world, the one who whispers truth into our souls, the Spirit who pours peace into our hearts. You are Jesus, our Master who calls us to be Your servants.
Lord, we long to listen to Your voice, but sometimes fears, doubts, and worries distract us. When we hear Your call to write, and our thoughts race ahead of us, we welcome You to come.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3 nkjv). Thank You for the words to express Your lovingkindness.
Speak to us through Your Word. “I, the Lord have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand” (Isaiah 42:6 nkjv). Lord, You are very gracious to us at the sound of our cry. When You hear it, You will answer us (Isaiah 30:19). Through prayer, we embrace Your truth and write the words You call us to write.
Gracious Father, lover of our souls, teach us to pray more and in obedience write what Your Spirit lays on our hearts. We’re so grateful that as You hear our prayers, You answer us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MEMBER NEWS
In the current issue of The Upper Room, Heidi Gaul, of Albany, wrote the January 26th devotional; Susan Maas, of Gresham, wrote the January 11th devotional; and Jane Reid, of Tigard, wrote the February 3rd one.
Amy LaMae Brewer, of Yamhill, will have two articles published in the February and April issues of Clubhouse. They are both a result of contact at the summer OCW conference.
Lydia Harris, of Lake Forest Park, Washington, reports that a 2017 OCW summer conference connection resulted in a book contract. She met Todd Hafer of Harvest House who was interested in her cookbook project. At the end of December, she signed with WordServe Literary Agency (working with Greg Johnson, recommended by Nick Harrison). Then she signed the contract with Harvest House the end of January. Her cookbook includes spiritual insights to accompany groups of themed recipes to help parents and grandparents be intentional about sharing their faith while they cook and eat with their grandkids.
Tracie Heskett, of Vancouver, Washington, had a post published on David C. Cook’s blog: https://davidccook.org/2018/01/6-tips-to-become-effective-small-group-leader/. Her blog post, “Six Tips to Become a More Effective Small Group Leader,” arose out of a 2017 summer conference contact and submission of a nonfiction book proposal, which awaits hopeful acceptance with Cook.
The following members have articles in the January and February issues of The Christian Journal: Jon Drury, of Vancouver, Washington; Helen Heavirland, of Milton-Freewater; Annika Klanderud, of Dundee; Maxine Marsolini, of Happy Valley; and Jan Sheerin, of Bend.
Congratulations to those authors who are either members or friends of OCW whose books made the long list for the INSPY awards: Karen Barnett for The Road to Paradise, Melanie Dobson for Catching the Wind, Rachel Hauck for The Writing Desk, Ronie Kendig for Crown of Souls, Hillary Manton Lodge for Jane of Austin, Carrie Stuart Parks for A Portrait of Vengeance, Joanna Davidson Politano for Lady Jayne Disappears, and Jill Williamson for King’s Blood.
