Our prayer legacy: Destiny in Bloom!
posted on September 16th, 2009 / by Mary Jo Pierce / 30 CommentsMy younger sister moved to heaven five years ago; my prayer partner, friend and Sister-in-the-Lord, Bernadette. The day before, she and I shared our last over-the-phone, across-the-miles agreeing prayer. We connected with each other and the purposes of God! That was a “destiny in bloom” moment. Why? Because the prayer she prayed became her legacy; the prayers became the fulfillment (the blooming) of God’s destiny for a young couple.
Her son and daughter-in-law had been unsuccessful in conceiving. They were at the point of consulting doctors regarding other options. I have a mind’s picture of God and Bernadette meeting and Him saying, “See that bowl over there? Go tip it!” Tony and Melissa delivered a healthy beautiful son 10 months later. Today, Joey has a younger brother, Noah. Destiny blooming!
The prayers she prayed are still being answered today. How can that be? Easy! Our prayers have a life beyond what we understand as life! Our prayers have a legacy. They are not limited to time as we know it. Rather they are stored in a bowl of prayers just waiting to be filled and tipped. Rev 5:8 tells us about the “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
Read Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17:21, “that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” HIS prayers have produced a destiny in each one of us. His prayers resulted in our being one with the Father as He was. We are Jesus’ prayer legacy. Only God knows how many prayers were prayed for each of us. Then at a moment in time our bowl became full and tipped over releasing HIS will and power to transform our life for eternity!
I love referencing the dictionary adding to my understanding of what God is saying:
- Destiny: something that is about to happen
- Bloom: to flourish or thrive
- Legacy: a gift; bequest; anything handed down
At a conference I recall a woman sharing on legacy. She had brought her great-great-great-grandmother’s journals with her. Many generations ago, this woman had been a minister of the Word. She specifically prayed for someone in her family who would take the mantle and minister. This woman’s written prayers are being fulfilled in Tommi who today has an international ministry. Destiny blooming!
When we pray God’s will for others, they become very prophetic. They are foretelling the plans and purposes of God. These prayers spoken over a sleeping baby, a youngster starting kindergarten, a high school graduate or a grown man or woman … these prayers are someone’s destiny blooming.
On a Sunday afternoon in the lobby of the Gaylord hotel, not too many weeks ago, I knelt beside a dear wonderful woman of God. She extended her hand and prayed a blessing over me. Freda Lindsay has lived a lifetime of seeing prayers answered. The nations are filled with men and women who were prayed for during their time at Christ for the Nations Institute. Many of you are living the prayers prayed for you from that place. Destiny blooming!
Pray prayers of destiny; many of these you will see flourish. Some you will not. But rest assured; prayers originating in the heart of God establish HIS destiny in others lives and He will bring them to pass. I am cheering you on faithful and faith-filled Women-of-God! Destiny Makers! Your prayers become your legacy!
Father, you created us to be eternally minded. We are passionate about Your perfect will worked out in our lives and the lives of those you have entrusted us to prayer for. I make mention to you, each woman given to read this testimony. Lord, speak to her. Speak promises and plans. Speak scriptures and strategies. Build a legacy into their prayer lives that will create a generational blessing; for their children and their children’s children, to the generations yet to come! Anoint their prayer life. Inspire and encourage them. Bless them. Amen.
I’ve included several resources that will launch you into Destiny in Bloom praying!
Jennifer Kennedy Dean explores the principles of praying for generations. What is the legacy you are leaving your descendants? Her book, CD and gift cards are a great place to start.
http://www.prayinglife.org/catalog/Specialty/legacy-gift.htm
Legacy Prayer Journals
Here are some wonderful tools that combine a love for pictures and prayer!
http://legacyprayerjournals.com/Legacy_Prayer_Journals/Home.html
Take advantage of the vast photo book options available online. You can create your own yearly photo prayer book as a keepsake for your children! I always have to order two copies. One for me!
Mary Jo loves God, prayer and people. These ingredients made her a perfect candidate for Pastor of Prayer and Intercession at Gateway Church. She was not considered an adventurous person until she read Catherine Marshall’s “Adventure in Prayer” and Dutch Sheet’s “Intercessory Prayer.” Now every day and every person is an opportunity to connect God with destinys blooming! Besides living her life’s dream of serving Him and others, she loves to immerse herself in books, photographs and gadgets! Her favorite pastime is “puttsin’ at home!
To read more from Mary Jo on prayer visit her websites:
http://prayer.gatewaypeople.com
http://godsprayerpartner.wordpress.com
You can also follow Mary Jo on TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/maryjo_pierce
I love the way that Pastor Mary Jo shares that prayer is a natural, simple, everyday part of life. That it is in fact a liftstyle and not something to check off of a to do list.
Her ministry has been a blessing for me for years now and the impact not only on me but others is immeasurable. Her love for the Lord is contagious and is something that she willingly shares with those that she meets.
Thank you Pastor Mary Jo for encouraging us and giving us practical ways to go to the next level!
MJ, you just make me want to PRAY!!! I am glad to see you sharing your own legacy in this way on this page.
I also love the lenses through which you view the world…it really helpos bring into focus for many, the accesibility of the heavenly realms. You are my favorite pastor of Prayer and Intercession. Tip those bowls baby!!
Mary Jo – thank you for your story; you truly are an ambassador for prayer. Your reminder for us to pray destiny prayers is reflected in Paul’s words to Corinthians, “Our prayers to God are the aroma of Christ to those who are being saved and those perishing.” I love it! Blessings, Joanna
This is the inheritance I wish to leave my children and grandchildren – something of immeasurable value. Whether I live to see the fruit is not important – like Bernadette, I may just walk into heaven and ask the Lord to tip it for me! Thank you Mary Jo for always giving of your wisdom – it is a gift from Father.
I’m inspired! The thought of your sister standing there with Jesus seeing the fulfillment of her prayers answered brings tears to my eyes. The joy of standing with my Lord, friend and Savior doing the same one day brings great joy and motivation to my heart. Press in! I hear Him say to me, Press IN!
Love you:)
We are all touched and blessed by your passion and devotion and thankful for your eternal perspective of prayer. Perhaps this opportunity to share your heart was just one of your birthday gifts from God this year. You are loved!
Mary Jo, You bring to mind the love we have as sisters. We share the memories of learning to pray in the late ’70s. And now we can pray knowing our sister, Bernadette, is in heaven interceding for us.
Have a wonderful birthday, Mary Jo. love from your sister, Theresa
MJ, your writing is so inspiring! It makes me want to spend my day on my knees for the future generations, the one that is my natural son as well as the ones that are my spiritual sons and daughters. When you talk about tipping over the bowls in heaven I am compelled to continue fervantly praying for so many, but especially for my ex-husband who doesn’t know the Lord. Maybe just one more prayer will tip his bowl! Let it be Lord, let it be!
Pastor Mary Jo and Destiny-in-Bloomers…
In 2005, my son’s young life ended here on earth after 17 years 5 month 12 days 3 hours and 18 minutes.
My son had been troubled and the year proceeding his accident and death had been particularly hard on our entire family. We had periods where we dealt with law enforcement daily while we watched my son’s mental illness consume more and more of the funny, life-loving child we had known.
I prayed Philippians 1:6 for him from October 4, 2004 until the day he went home to be with the Lord. October 4th was the day I told God I really didn’t want the assignment of being my son’s mother any longer. At that moment God gave me this vision of my son as an infant reminding me that He had given me a gift in that child and I could not just quit because it was hard. He also gave me this picture of my son as a man teaching people about Jesus. He told me that I had to be his mother now so Justin could be who God needed him to be then…
When my son’s life on earth ended, I had questions like, “How is my son’s death a part of you blessing our family?” due to a financial settlement we had received as a result of the car accident my son was in.
Also, I asked why God had given me a vision of my son’s future when He knew it was not going to happen…
What I have learned since that time is that 1.) The blessing of Justin’s transfer to heaven was not the financial blessing, but that he, my son, is now complete and whole and free in the Lord – an answer to my Philippians 1:6 prayer.
and 2.) The ministry of my son’s life did not end when he went to heaven because each time I tell his story/our story and someone receives comfort or insight into their own painful circumstances… His legacy continues on and his life continues to touch people for the glory of God.
So… Destiny-in-Bloom born of the fervent prayers for her prodigal son saw deliverance, hope, healing and a future full of legacy and BROKEN CURSES as our family is now searching out freedom for every life we touch.
thanks for sharing and asking us to share our stories as well…
Michelle Bentham
Dear Michele,
I wept!
He weeps! Your story needs to be told. There are multitudes who need to be encouraged in prayer. You are a faithful, loving powerful testimony of HIS love and faithfulness.
I wept.
Thank you for sharing your story. It makes mine richer. Each of our testimonies enrich what HE is doing and and through his “partners-in-prayer.”
Love, Mary Jo
Hey MJ:
Today’s North American Church is a sleeping giant. More properly, a sleeping Bride. When she awakes and realizes the nearly incomprehensible power in devoted prayer, she will be that much closer to influencing change in personal situations, cities, states, nations and a world. Thanks for the awakening blog.
Pray without ceasing.
Blessings,
Caz
Mary Jo-
What a gift to have met you last night and then to see you ministering to us on here as well! Thank you so much for your story. God has truly used you to motivate me in the area of prayer. When you spoke of the bowls in heaven that need to be filled with prayers I thought about in my own life about a bowl that was tipped about a year ago. And how God has been moving me into my Destiny ever since! Never been more grateful for prayer.
Love,
Amy
Mary Jo,
I hear the heart of Father expressed as you write. You are a gift.
Your story reminds me of the eternality of our prayers and encourages me greatly. When we partner with His purposes, our prayers reach outside of time to affect generations to come – what an awesome honor.
Rick
MaryJo, thank you for reminding us of the eternal. I think our prayers may have more to do with fulfilling our destiny and leaving a legacy than anything else we do. You’ve illustrated that beautifully in Bernadette’s story. Thanks also for your prayer for us and the list of resources at the end. You are an inspiration!
thank you, maryjo, for your reminder that prayer leaves a legacy because that thought also makes me flip the coin in my head and acknowledge the opposite of that statement…a lack of prayer also leaves a legacy.
what kind of legacy am i leaving for my children, friends, family and husband…that is what i will take away from this blog.
Mary Jo -
Thank you for opening your heart and sharing with us about your precious sister and her legacy. Your word for today is very encouraging. Prayers outlive all of us! It’s something I need to remember each day … and it’s something I can leave for others that is better than anything else in this world.
Love you,
Stacy
Mary Jo, I became aware during class last night and again as I read your blog on destiny, legacy and blooming…that I can learn so much from you. I believe I will become a sponge and soak up what you have been anointed to share.
I have eight grandchildren and I do want to provide for each of them a legacy of prayer and watch them fulfill the call on their lives. Thanks for being willing to pour out what “fills you to overflowing”. I am beginning to see that prayer can be exciting.
By the way, you looked so “put together” last night. Pretty cute! You are a blessing, Jean
Pastor MaryJo, thank you for writing for DIB. I couldn’t keep from crying as I read it and after reading all the comments I’m so moved and blessed. You are such a beautiful woman!
Michelle B — I have no words for that testimony. It is obvious you walk with God on an “Enoch” level. The kingdom advanced with that testimony.
MJ- What a great lesson…Spill the bowl Lord, let the prayers come down, He never tells us that it is bottem-less! Its got to overflow eventually….LETS PRAY!!!
Hey Friend,
Happy Birthday! Thank you for taking the the time to share. You are such a good friend to my family. Words can’t begin to describe what you’ve meant to us. Thank you, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.
Love you (and Bruce),
Yuri
Thanks for a great post; my husband and I have been learning what Legacy truly is and how it fits in with God’s plan for families. I always enjoy hearing you Mary Jo, your faith is such an amazing inspiration to me!
Joey would like to say thanks Busia for tipping the bowl. Mom and Dad talk about you all the time. Your picture hangs in my room.
Now that I have stopped crying, I would like to say thank you for sharing that story. We had never heard it before. Mom always said that we would have 2 boys and at one point in our life we never thought we would have one. She always said that we would not need medical intervention and that it would happen naturally. It just sucks that she passed on before she could meet them. Although I know she watches over them in heaven. Thanks again for sharing.
Mary JO!!!!!
This piece resonates so much with me … I am the fruit of the legacy of others. Anything my life somehow touches for the kingdom is the first fruits of a praying grandmother for her granddaughter who was living a lifestyle of drugs and a life that entails. Our first son is a tipped bowl of a Father who gave his life to the Lord before he passed of emphysema. I am so grateful that my life is the manifestation of answered prayers and it challenges me to leave the same legacy for my children! Thank you so much for sharing such words of wisdom and impartation … it’s so RICH! We at DIB are so blessed you were apart of our Great Writer Week!
Great Love!
~Ris
Dear Marissa and Destiny in Bloom writers: what a honor to be asked to guest write.
First of all, it blessed me to speak of my sister Bernadette. Secondly, her grandson, Joey, and son, Tony commented and the testimony really blessed them. So, on a personal level; grateful.
Secondly, it inspires me and motives me and encouarges me to see young woman of God embracing their “today” destiny. Thiis blog is evidence of women living in the today and not waiting for a tomorrow. This is a Esther generation and I am cheering you on!!!!!
Thirdly, every opportunity I have to speak on prayer … it is LIFE to me.
I love you all,
Serving HIM with you,
Mary Jo
Mary Jo, you always inspire me to higher realms in prayer! Excellent post and great tips too! You are a gift to the body of Messiah.
Your “echo” friend,
Bonnie
So good!
What a GREAT post! I’m inspired, encouraged, enlightened. I’m full of hope and purpose. I see the evidence of your prayers and prophetic proclamations over me, a reader. You spoke life. And I am more aware of how I can make my life count today! Through prayers that lead people into their destinies.
Mary Jo,
Thank you for your faithfulness and obedience to the calling that God has given you! It has caused so many of us to fall on our faces daily in prayer, knowing that our Father is true and just to answer us!:) You are an amazing person and your prayers do bring LIFE! Rob and I love you so very much!!:)
~Maree
Mary Jo,
Thank you for your prayers! They have extended your legacy right into my life, as well as so many others. Thank you for your insight, and allowing the rest of us to glean from the richness of your walking, and talking, with God! No doubt, this world is a better place, a more Your-Kingdom-come-Your-will-be-done place, with both your footprints on it.
Love you,
Kristi