Calling All Prayer Warriors

This was written during the height of the pandemic and now I see that God was laying the foundation of what He is calling me and other Christians to do. On Saturday September 26th, we, along with thousands of Christians around the world, will be meeting in Kingston NY at the TR Gallo Waterfront Park to take part in a Day of Prayer in Repentance from 10:-3:30. This is in conjunction with The return https://thereturn.org/

Here is the article I wrote back in June:

Over the last several weeks, God has been calling me to pray more and more for our country and to inspire and encourage others to organize prayer walks in their cities. Little did I know that on June 20th, God did that in San Diego and 16,000 people from 135 churches gathered on street corners, in parks and on curbsides to pray. Though I live on the East Coast, a world away, it was exciting to know that God is hearing  our prayers as we pray for repentance and revival. Here's my prayer:

My heart is very burdened for the United States of America. There is so much evil trying to destroy it and so many willingly giving itself over to its agenda. Those who call themselves Christians really need to rise up in prayer at this time. I took a prayer walk around my neighborhood and my heart just cried out for all the sins of America: The spirit of rebellion against God, against authority and against all who would curb any self-indulgence, the sins of pride, lust, anger and hatred, pornography and child molestation, murder, the spirit of anger, and anarchy that is fighting for our nation.

My heart is burdened for those who are dying in the streets, for the addicted, for those who are under the sway of the enemy of their soul. Those who are called Christians need to rise up in prayer and take to the streets and pray. Lord I pray that you would send the David Wilkerson‘s of this nation, send them into the cities to bring the healing message of the gospel good news of reconciliation between God and man. I pray for the Nikki Cruz’s of America. Send evangelists to them, send your Holy Spirit to release them from the bonds of hatred, addiction, racial prejudice and self-destruction.

We pray Lord that you would have mercy on this nation, though we don’t deserve it. Break the bondage that the enemy has placed on its people while they were sleeping and unaware of the tactics. Quench the fires of our smoking cities with your Holy Spirit. Bring your peace and unconditional love to the land through your church. church rise up to your finest hour in history to go out into the streets and bring reconciliation in the name of Jesus Christ. 

This is part two of the prayer

God’s calling all prayer warriors to take to the streets of their towns and villages and especially the cities. To pray against the devices and strategies of the enemy. “No weapon formed against us, your church, will prosper.” Wake up Church and hear the cry of the Savior’s heart for the thousands of desperate ones who do not know you and do not know unconditional love. I pray for the church, we pray for the Church that it would rise up and take its place at the head and not at the tail, that it would lead with compassion and walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ

Lord we pray for your mercy on America, though we do not deserve it. We repent of our idolatry as they are many, all centered around the selfish aims of power, greed, control, selfishness and rebellion.

Bring back our youth, our prodigals who have left because the tug of the world was too strong on them because they did not know the power of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit, a dynamic power that converted men like Nicky Cruz, Michael Franzese and ourselves. Lord we need you desperately. We’re crying out for your help. Show your people what they are to do. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

God certainly showed the churches in San Diego what to do,,,Pray. Here's the article if you want to be encouraged!

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son Excerpts and Giveaway

Lastnight I had a booksigning at a local bookstore and had a good discussion of my latest release, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son: Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer. This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story. Send an e-mail BEFORE Nov. 8th to letterstogod27@yahoo.com and your name will be entered into a contest to receive a FREE e-book or paperback copy !

Here are a few excerpts:
Suggestions: It is difficult not to be consumed with your addicted child, but you must not put him or her first. Your marriage and your own physical, emotional and mental stability are very important in order to be able to see things from a clear perspective. While you can pray fervently, don’t let the child or problem consume your thoughts and your time. Make time for you and/or your spouse, your other children and yourself. Spend time in prayer for other’s needs as well as your own.

Life Changing Promises:

During this time I really learned how to pray the scriptures and promises. I needed encouragement everyday and some promises that I could hold onto continually. Here is one more that I clung to:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV). I drew on this verse for God’s strength. I tried not to be afraid, but I had a lot to fear for Ben. I tried to steel myself against the inevitable. My son was going to fail the drug test and be kicked out of the program. Even if this were so, the world would still be intact. I certainly would be shaken, though it wasn’t what I wanted to happen
Suggestions: Find some scriptures and promises of your own that ring true to you and your situation. Write them down, memorize them and quote them frequently when doubt and fear overwhelm you.

Here’s two excerpts from the chapter “Glimmer of Light”
Jesus doesn’t want us to put any relationship above Him and get our peace and joy from them. These words pierce my heart, for this is the work God is doing in my life. I cannot depend on anyone for joy or happiness. I must rely solely on Jesus. He must be my source. It’s not that I can’t receive joy from others, but Jesus needs to be the root of my joy.

Later in that chapter:
I believe God spoke a clear Word to me to continue to come against Satan as Moses came against Pharaoh. Satan does not readily let go of what he perceives to be his. Even though Ben is God’s child, as the nation of Israel was the Lord’s, Satan is reluctant to let go of what he thinks he possesses. Pharaoh needed to be confronted time and time again, and kept relenting on his promise to let the Israelites go.

November 8th is the big launch day for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer by Anita Estes. When you purchase the book on Nov. 8th you will be able to choose from many free gifts and your name will be entered into a contest to win either a $25 or $50 from some of your favorite stores! Heres how http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

Author Interview: Paulette Harper Johnson

Who is Paulette Harper Johnson?

Paulette Harper Johnson is a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, speaker and child of God. I am the visionary behind “Write Now” releasing the word in you literary workshops. Workshops designed to coach aspirating authors in the areas of creativity, development and publication of Christian books.

Can you tell us what your latest book, Completely Whole, is all about and what you hope readers will take away from it?

Completely Whole brings to light those issues that have blocked our path to total wholeness. Everyone desires to be whole and embedded within Completely Whole are keys that will assist the reader in identifying, facing and eventually conquering those places that have kept them from walking in wholeness--areas that have been a constant struggle for one to obtain victory, be it forgiveness, substance abuse, divorce. Completely Whole deals with the whole man spirit, soul and body.
3 John reads “The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!” It is the desire of God that we prosper spirit, soul and body.

What I want readers to take away when they read Completely Whole?

My focus in writing is to enrich the lives of my readers. I had a reader make this comment about Completely Whole, “It speaks” and that’s what I want it to do. I want them to come away knowing that they have the ability to live a full enriched life.
I want to make several impacts on readers: First I write non-fiction inspirational books so this means my books should have a lasting effect on a person’s spirit. I desire to inspire and encourage them to pursue with passion a better fulfilled life. I want my writings to give strength, encouragement in the time of need. As they read Completely Whole, I want my writings to engage, stimulate and edify them spiritually.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be, and why?

WOW that’s a hard question. I like the title “A life preserved” I pick this title because this is exactly what God has done in my life. He has preserved me for the season I’m living in right now. Years ago, going through one of the most challenging times, I felt my life was pretty much over. I faced great insurmountable odds of every kind--recovering from the loss of family, ministry and close friends. Yet God in His infinite wisdom knows how to pick up a shattered life and bring one to a place of restoration. When all hope was gone and life became unbearable, God stepped in and not only intervened but has totally transformed my life better than I could have ever imagined. A life preserved for such a time as this.

What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer an aspiring writer?

Three things I would give new authors: First is to be patient. Connecting with your audience and branding yourself will take time. Especially for new writers, the market is flooded with books for readers to choose from so by keeping this in mind you must be able to patiently wait your time to shine.

Secondly: I would suggest promote, promote, promote. I can’t stress that enough. Your book/books will stay alive as long as you keep them if front of your audience. No one is best suited than you to promote and market your products. If writing is your passion you will continue promoting and marketing your books even when it appears no one is buying.

Thirdly: Use social networks to connect with readers. By joining social networks it presents a platform for you to share with your readers your events or next book release. Readers must be able to find you either on your website or any social network you have joined.

Had you not followed your dream/answered your call and become a writer, what career path do you think you would have taken?

Right now I’m living in my purpose. I’m a minister, inspirational speaker and life coach. Had I not answered the call to write, I believe a void would have been in my life. Actually my writing was birthed from the personal pain I went through years ago. My first book That Was Then, This Is Now came out of going through a devastating divorce.

What has been your most memorable encounter with a reader so far?

The most memorable encounter with a reader was when I received an email telling me how my first book That Was Then, This is Now brought her comfort. She had been going through some hard times and my book brought her encouragement amidst her difficulties.

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?

Not at all. Actually when I hear how my writing has made an impact on someone’s life, that is so rewarding to me. These types of testimonies keep me wanting to put more quality books in the market.

Can you tell us who or what you read for inspiration and encouragement?

I generally read books written by other inspirational speakers such as TD Jakes, Joyce Meyers, Miles Monroe just to name a few. I’ve grown to enjoy some Christian fiction, those stories that have a restoration message will get my attention.

What is your HIGHEST HOPE for your writing career/ministry?

My highest hope for my writing career is to write full time. I would love to devote all my energy to writing and speaking through workshops, seminars and conferences.

What else do you want readers to know?

On a personal note: I enjoy jazz and gospel music. I love playing cards especially spades. I love traveling. I am also a licensed and ordained minister.
Literary speaking: I would love to do a book discussion with your book club and or women’s group. I am available for a phone chat and teleconferences. Visit my website for all events, speaking engagements, workshops and book signings (I might be in your area) I’d love to meet those who have embraced my writing without them there is absolutely no reason to continue writing.
What’s next for Paulette?
I have started writing my first Christian Fiction series. The first book in the series is titled The Sanctuary. I will be released in 2012.

How can readers reach you and find out more about your books (e-mail, website,etc)
There are excerpts and reviews of my books on my website:
www.pauletteharper.com and I’m on Facebook under Paulette Harper-Johnson
And via e-mail: info@pauletteharper.com
I also have a blog Empowered to Proper which I am a blog tour host: www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com