Moment by Moment I Pray

By Warren Banks

The story behind this book started when I found myself alone after the funeral of my wife, Chief. We had been together almost fifty years. My wife, Annie Jewel "Chief" Banks, was held a funeral on Monday, January 5, 2015, at Ben Hill United Methodist Church, located in the heart of the Ben Hill Community. After a forty-plus miles drive to our birth home of Griffin, Georgia, she was laid to rest. Three days after her funeral, I took my original manuscript from a storage area in the house that we had made our home and had raised our family and went out into the backyards and destroyed all twenty-six thousand pages. I did not see the need nor did I desire to continue writing or to live. But that was January 8, 2015. I looked up into the heavens and asked the Lord what did He want me to do. I said, Lord, I have pulled myself up from a small starting place in Griffin, Georgia, completed high school, accepted to pursue my education at Clark College [now Clark Atlanta University]. From 1966""1970, I completed my degree in sociology and psychology. During my senior year at Clark, I married the love of my life, Miss Annie Jewel Hosely, my high school sweetheart, also from Griffin, Georgia. We set up housekeeping in Atlanta, Georgia. But in January 1971, I was drafted into the Army and I served a tour of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam, as a squad leader, in a military police unit. I worked very hard, and I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant E5. I survived Vietnam and many other situations, but Chief's death took a toll upon the very essence of my soul. But on February 12, 2016, I started back writing, and after my talk with the Lord, on September 17, 2018, I had handwritten about three thousand pages. At that point, I asked the Lord, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" A soft but firm voice came to me. "Warren, my son, I want you to publish your story, which you have written, in the form of a continued prayer. I will send you the name of a publisher." Well, looking back upon my life and the Lord has always been there for me, even when I thought my life was over. About seven days later, I was listening to my favorite Gospel radio station and I heard this message, "If you are considering publishing your manuscript, call this number or go to this Web site." I was not quick enough to get the information down; therefore, I missed out on get that information that I needed to make my contact. But a few days later, as I was again listening to the same radio station, the message came again; this time, I was ready, and I wrote down the information. Within the next few minutes, I had contacted the publisher and I spoke to the agent and she directed me to mail my manuscript to the address that she had given me. I mailed my manuscript to the address, and within a week, I received a phone call from an agent, telling me that the company had accepted my manuscript for publication. I was really beside myself. I have been in constant prayer with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He saw so much more in me than I saw in myself. He said that He would never leave me nor forsake me, and He never has. There are so many people who have been instrumental and positive impacts upon my life. I would like to thank the followings people: Jesus Christ, my lovely heavenly residence, my wife Chief, my children, Tonya Tameka (BeBe), Anwar Jamaal (Man), grandchildren Aliyah (Alex), Ali, Ava Jewel Marie, Jabari, daughter-in-law, Amesha, sisters Jenny and Jana, brother John E. Banks (BeBo), brother-in-law Timp, cousins Nita, Lorette, and her daughter Lola, Gwen, Betsy, many nieces and nephews, and so many more family members and friends. I love you all. I will always keep you all very close to my heart. Amen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781098004965

Book preview

cover.jpg

Moment by Moment I Pray

Warren S. Banks

Copyright © 2019 by Warren S. Banks

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

All of the scriptures used at the beginning of each day came from the Kings James Version of the Bible.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

I would like to dedicate Moment by Moment I Pray to my lovely wife, Chief, who departed from this life on December 29, 2014. We dated for four years prior to marriage on December 21, 1969. We were blessed with two children, Tonya Tameka Banks on July 7, 1971, and Anwar Jamaal Banks on May 9, 1980. Three grandchildren Aliyah (Alex), Ali, and Ava Jewel-Marie, Jarbari, and my daughter-in-law Amesha. This book is about my prayers and the various subjects that I thought about throughout each day. You will notice from day one how I started listing each subject matter preceded by a verse from the Bible. The date of each occurrence is stated, and each day will end with these words, May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen. I would also like to thank the rest of my family and relatives for giving me the gift of having them in my life.

February 12, 2016

Philippians 4:10–20

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Prayers for Barbara, Nita, Aunt Niecy, Lola, Aubrey Maddox, and Audrey Arrington. Strength, understandings, Chief, my wife, who is in heaven celebrating her second Valentine’s Day. Protection from evil and demonic spirits. Uncaring human beings, for family, for the Truth, for consideration, for guidance, health, and peace. Assurance, deliverance. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 13, 2016

Prayers for safety, Chief, love, health, completion of tasks. Barbara’s well-being and recovery. My understanding of my daughter’s well-being, two grandchildren’s well-being, health of other family members, friends, the nation, community church. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 14, 2016

Psalm 119:65–72

Prayer topics: Happy Valentine’s Day to Chief. This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Healing for the soul, mind, and body. For forgiveness, for those who seek to kill and destroy, salvation, fulfillment, rededication, my family traveling mercies, protection, proper medical attention, deliverance from evil. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 15, 2016

2 Corinthians 1:1–10

I will continue to pray for my lovely wife, Chief, who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will pray for the health and recovery for Barbara, understanding between family members, as they try to adjust to Barbara’s medical condition, peace, and a holy practice session at rehearsal tonight. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 16, 2016

Titus 2:7–8, 11–14

I pray for Chief, Barbara, deliverance, dedication, understanding, patience, devotion to family, duty, honor and respect, forgiveness, honesty and truth. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 17, 2016

Isaiah 49:14–16

I will continue to pray for Chief, Barbara, things that are sensitive to others, trust in others, believe in self, conscious of others and what they have to offer, worthiness of each individual, peace of mind, accomplishment of goals and action steps, thoughtfulness control of my mouth and tongue, planning and scheduling, a clean heart. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 18, 2016

Mark 9:14–29

I will continue to pray for Chief, Barbara, my children and grandchildren, glory be to God for Barbara’s well-being. Strengthen Fawn and Ebony, for my two sisters and only brother, discipline, sins of self and others, working with authority coming from God, directions, remembrance, God’s tender mercies, all of our blessings, eternity, peace and love, trust. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 19, 2016

Psalm 13

I will continue to pray for Chief and our family, safety and protection in all things and situations, peace and love of self and others, from all ungodly circumstances, joy, respect, our souls, community developments, coming together, sacrifice, Barbara’s restoration, and if she is transitioning, Lord, let there be peace among family and friends, relationships, traveling mercies, my brother’s milestone treatment and successful walk with God during the first phrase of cancer treatment. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 20, 2016

Thessalonians 1:1–3

I will continue to pray for the life and love of my devoted wife, Chief, who transitioned to heaven on December 29, 2014, my children and grandchildren, understandings, and devotion to others, for Barbara, who is seriously ill, at Emory Midtown Hospital, for her children, sisters and brother, who are praying for a miracle, for her mother and father, who are concerned about her healing of their daughter. I pray for deliverance, peace, understanding, consideration, wholesomeness, as it relates to our heavenly Father, Jesus Christ. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 21, 2016

I will continue to pray for my beloved Chief who I miss tremendously, family, peace, protection, growth, support and consideration for each other, a church atmosphere, where all people may worship and receive God’s grace and mercies, Barbara’s well-being, comfort and joy, her two (children) and two (grandchildren), for my sisters, brother other relatives and friends, President Obama and his family, an educational system that serves all people, health, food, shelter, and clothing for all. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 22, 2016

Mark 4:35–41

I will pray for Chief and our continued existence as a spiritually connected couple, for continued strength, devotion, consideration, faithfulness to family and friends, for service, as a human being created by God and for God’s purpose, I pray for truth between all, and the understanding that truth will set you free, I pray for peace, and discernment, that only God can give, I pray for a clean heart and the renewal of a righteous Spirit within me, I pray for Barbara’s health and protection, I pray that her daughters will make the proper decisions. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 23, 2016

Togetherness

Job 19:23–29

I pray for Chief as the love of my life, the mother of our two children and the keeper of our home, the goodness of Jesus Christ, the keeper of my soul, peace that endure forever, faithfulness in all of our doings, protection, honor and glory, God unending power, Barbara’s health and happiness, her children acceptance of God’s plan, forever, my children Tonya, Anwar, grandchildren Alex and Ali, the healing of my cousin Nita, Aunt Niece, Jenny, Rin, J, Aubrey Maddox and Audrey Arrington, protection from all evil forces, clean heart, to glorify my Lord and Savior, a righteous spirit, safety and assurance that all will be all right, when the morning come, faith in God, when times are ruff and few things are going your way, dedication to the spirit and work of God, hurtful attitudes, dispirited responses, and mischaracterization of others, my soul and how/why it is anchored in the Lord I will continue to pray for health and healing. I will continue to pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will continue to pray for my children and grandchildren, who I love very much. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 24, 2016

James 3:2–10

I will pray for Chief and the many attributes that are associated with the godly life that she shared with me, from September 1965–December 29, 2014. May she continue to rest in peace, Barbara Hayes, who underwent surgery on the morning of February 24, 2016. May she continue to heal so that she will be able to return to a normal lifestyle, my health, self-improvement, safety from all harm, joy and everlasting peace and understanding, discernment, harmony and love, forgiveness of past sins, for a holy ghost experience, dedication, salvation, grace and mercy, reliable, trustworthiness, honesty, dependability, update on Barbara’s condition-enlarged tumor-healing. I will continue to pray for health and healings. I will continue to pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will continue to pray for my children and grandchildren who I love very much. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 25, 2016

Second Timothy 4:1–8

I will pray for Chief, who exemplified the true spirit of God throughout her life, Barbara, who is currently going through and dealing with various medical issues, deliverance, protection, spiritual growth, self-confidence, a pure heart, dedication to the purpose and cause for Jesus’s life and work on earth, love, humble and caring heart, understanding and consideration for others, traveling mercy, thankfulness, a heart for service and giving, songs to sing only God can give, I pray for a clean heart and the renewal of a righteous Spirit within me, I pray.

February 26, 2016

John 12:42–50

I pray for Chief, who has seen the light and is living in the light as a servant resident of heaven, for truth, glory, trust, comfort, joy, deliverance, peace, abiding faith, healing for Barbara Hayes, Aunt Nicie, J, Rin, Nita, Aubrey Maddox, Audrey Arrington, love, self and all human beings, salvation, leadership, safety, for Jesus will to be done on earth as it in heaven, for God’s grace and mercies, strength, perseverance, holiness, inspiration, education, dedication service to others, moving in the spirit, as in the dark, all praises are to You, Almighty God, all things in your name. Amen.

February 27, 2016

Acts 9:1–9

I pray for and give thanks to God, for Chief, devotion, dedication to the cause of Jesus, strength to do His Will, love for self and my neighbors, consideration for all points of view, salvation for my Soul, protection travelling to/from, guidance to make appropriate decisions, healings for Barbara, Aunt Nicie, my sister Jenny, for others, peace as we travel along God’s highways, peace among all, forgiveness for self of our transgressions, unity for mind, soul and body, courage to face each day, comfort knowing that you God, and God alone. I will continue to pray for health and healings. I will continue pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will continue to pray for my children and grandchildren, who I love very much. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 28, 2016

1 Corinthians 1:25–31

I will pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who departed her life on December 29, 2014, for her eternal home, in heaven. This is the first time in my life that I have lived alone. On January 26, 1948, on a very cold morning, I was born to the parents of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Banks Sr. Since that date, I have completed the following: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Lived with my uncle and aunt in Cedartown, Georgia, the summer of 1966. Completed college, 1970. Lived with my Aunt Ruby in Atlanta, Georgia, during college. I got married to Annie Jewel Hosely, on December 21, 1969. I entered law school in the fall of 1970. I was drafted into the army after completing the first semester of law school. I served in the Republic of South Vietnam and rose to the rank of Sargent. We had two children. I retired from active employment on December 1, 2013. On October 1, 2014, my wife retired from Atlanta Public School System. On December 29, 2014, my lovely wife transitioned to heaven. Now, Lord, I am asking that You give me the strength and courage to continue my journey. I will continue to pray for health and healing. I will continue to pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will continue to pray for my children and grandchildren, who I love very much. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

February 29, 2016

Philippians 3:20–21

I will pray for Chief, my heavenly present wife and lover. I will pray for comfort, peace, joy, a thankful heart, a surrendering spirit, consideration for others, safety and happiness for my children and grandchildren, discernment, holiness, protection, friends, guidance, spiritual connections, clean environment, positive thoughts, a sense of purpose, healing, for Barbara, who is currently at Emory Midtown Hospital, for strength and salvation for her two children and grandchildren, for my sister Jenny comfort peace, joy, and deliverance. Her acceptance of God’s will. For my brother Bebo’s continued healthy body and a sound outlook on life. For Angad’s continued good health and parenting for his daughter Alex. For Nita’s healing. I will continue to pray for health and healing. I will continue to pray for my lovely wife (Chief), who is resting peacefully in heaven. I will continue to pray for my children and grandchildren, who I love very much. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

March 1, 2016

Galatians 6:1–10

I pray for Chief, asking for the Lord of lords to take care of her, as He has always done. I ask for spiritual guidance, as I continue to study, comprehend, and do God’s Word. I pray for forgiveness of body, mind, and soul. I pray for strength, healing, for Barbara, who is currently at Emory Midtown Hospital, for salvation for her two daughters, and grandchildren, for my sister Jenny’s comfort, peace, joy, and deliverance. Her understanding and acceptance of God’s Will. For my brother Bebo’s continued health of body, and positive outlook on life. For Angad’s continued good health and consideration and parenting for his daughter (Alex). For discernment, understanding, a loving heart, consideration and acceptance of others and their differences. I pray for joy, peace, longsuffering, devotion, and dedication to all of the Scriptures that are in the Bible. I pray for my children and grandchildren. I pray for healing of Barbara’s body, as she recuperates at Emory Midtown Hospital. I pray for the guys at Ben Hill UMC. I pray for the election Hillary Clinton, as the next president of the United States of America. I pray for President Obama and his family. I pray for my extended family. May the Lord continue to bless and keep us all. Amen.

March 2, 2016

John 21:15–22

I pray for my wife (Chief), who has given me the most rewarding life that a person could ever ask for. I pray for my niece, Barbara, who is fighting for her life, at Emory Midtown Hospital. May she get the necessary treatment to sustain and enrich her life. I pray for her two daughters, who are facing insurmountable odds, as they relate to their mother’s overall health. I pray for her grandchildren, who may be witnessing the final earthly days of their grandmother’s life. I pray for strength, encouragement and that staying power that only God can give as I face many challenges. I pray continually for deliverance of my children and grandchildren from all harm and danger. I pray for my brother John E. Banks Jr.’s health and safety, during his post-cancer treatments. I