Dear Reader,

The FACETS are thankful for you. After all, this whole project was completed with you in mind. We thought of you each time we sat at the keyboard to share. I hope you know that.

A writer can be tempted to share words for her own benefit, and it would be difficult to think that focus of heart couldn’t slip in silently while we are unaware. Know our hearts desired to serve, to share words designed to bless and encourage. We always hoped to stir deeper connection with God and with others. Mostly, the team believed words could stir something in the soul that led to thoughtful moments and exciting conversations with God, internally, and with others. We hope FACETS of Faith blessed you, too. It definitely did some precious work in us!

Please—read the content here. Some of it is pure gold. We’ll keep it here for a period of time.

Before the last page turns and the book is closed, I (Jennifer) wish to pray for you—

Heavenly Father, I pause here and now to pray on behalf of your daughter, a member of the FACETS of Faith sisterhood. Hear my heart and receive the “golden bowl” I offer as a prayer of blessing…

My friend is precious in Your sight because You say, “He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). There is no burden she carries that You do not wait for her to set down at Your feet and give to You. Anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, every sin and the punishment connected to it—You ask her to put it all down and surrender it all to You. You will take it from her, and it will be far from her, “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

Her experiences shape so much of who she is, and that, too, is precious. There is pain in the past, and You was present in those moments. Give her eyes to see Your presence and grace in those moments. Give her the gift of freedom and healing because You say, “by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

You are “the God who sees” (Genesis 16:13). You see her, my friend! You do not leave her alone in the highs, lows, or mundane middle. Your antidote for painful hardship, loneliness, or relational distance is relationship to You, “the God who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8)! Thank you!

If You, Lord, can transform the life of the “chief of sinners,” You most certainly can do the same for my friend (1 Timothy 1:15). There is no one You don’t love deeply, no one You have not died for, no one who cannot be redeemed by grace through faith in Jesus’ saving work on the cross! Meet her in this moment and bring to mind the incredible, unfathomable love You have for her! You will meet her with truth, grace, mercy, and love. May the Spirit help her know more completely and to the core of her soul that You are her Savior, Lord, and Lover of her soul. Thank you!

Breathe fresh wind into her everyday life. Give her breath for each day. Sustain not only her breath but also her mind, heart, and strength. Help her see when she tries to succeed in her own smarts, heart, or perseverance. You give wisdom, if she asks (James 1:5). You calm the storm (Mark 4:39), give her peace in every moment (1 Thessalonians 3:16), and help fill her mind with thoughts that keep in step with Your mind (Philippians 4:8). Thank you!

Let her trade in life’s ashes for Your crown of beauty (Isaiah 61:3). Help her know and celebrate Your royalty and her adopted status when she seeks Your face. When she asks that the blood of Your Son be applied to her whole life in order to cover her sin, let Your Spirit confirm to her that she is victorious, a child of God (Revelation 21:7). Thank you!

Give her spiritual insight to notice and celebrate Your presence in everyday life. The world is noisy and busy and distracting and hard—all the things—Spirit, help her slow down and make space for Your quiet voice and gentle leading. Let her see the evidence of Your presence and the work You are completing in her during this life. Thank you!

She wants to hear Your voice! Help her hear the quiet whisper (1 Kings 19:12). Thank you!

She wants to be available to You. Work in and through her. Reveal Your presence and power in beautiful gifts and fruit as she submits her heart, mind, and strength to You (1 Corinthians 12, 14; Galations 5:22-ff.). Please give her courage and strength for the divine appointments You have placed before her. Thank you!

And grant her Spirit-infused endurance for the race so she can fight fiercely for things that matter to You and finish her life in a way that glorifies You to the end (2 Timothy 4:7). Thank you!

Lastly, “Let perseverance finish its work so that [she] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). She needs You to persevere through each day. Spirit, let it be! Thank you!

Friend, you are blessed as you go because I have asked Him to bless you. Thankfully, He answers prayers that are in keeping with His heart, mind, and purposes.

You are blessed to GO and BE a blessing!

Love you, friend. Until we meet again…