Prayer & Praise
Ҧ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation
and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
¶ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.”
(Psalms 42:5–11 ESV)
Immediate Needs
Michael Surgery on Wednesday to repair two hernias. Plus all the little stresses of his life 😉
John Duncan In the hospital right now with the possibility of needing a leg amputation after his motorcycle accident. Please pray for him in all the things that are bearing down upon he and Debbie.
Oden, Sam and Seth Fong Seth is coming home possibly Tuesday, but is dealing with the withdrawals coming off pain meds. Please pray for him in this transition, and for Oden and Sam as they take on all the responsibility of caring for this little one.
Doug Potter Very ill and near death. I don’t know details on this, but please pray for God’s mercy.
Thank you, Sarah.
This is why there has to be a PP.
Keep Sarah in prayer as well… only God and I know what she has poured into this ministry.
Keep her and her family in your prayers…
Father, There are so many who are in need of Your divine touch. We would be crushed, with no hope, if not for You. You show us the things that are truly important during times of trial. You are our Abba Father. We desire You. Our hearts break for those we love who are going through difficult times. May Your perfect will be done in every need represented here and those that are yet to be. Thank you for this beautiful family of believers. Glorify Your name.
Amen, E…
Praying for Michael and his surgery…God guide the doctor’s hands and give Michael a full recovery. thank you that that Seth is going home soon……. please save John’s leg and give him quick recovery… and…….. a new bike. You are a Great God
and thank you God for Michael’ ministry here, for BrianD who stood in the gap and gathererd the tribe, the Axed and any one else for putting this thing on it’s feet
Amen to all the above!
One of my best friends here in TN needs our prayer tonight…her father, who has dementia, has been missing since Saturday. He walked away from the assisted living place they just moved him in to. Here is the link…
http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=11296763
Please pray.
Oh Lord, I cry out to you with a crushed soul, but I hope in You alone. So many needs this night. I know you care for each of us and want to dispel the darkness of this night. We trust in You and You alone, meet us in our needs as we cry out to You for help. Jesus we look to You for comfort.
Michael,
Praying for your speedy recovery
Praying for the fraying threads of our social contract to endure. Praying for more time. Lord enlarge our heart … hear the prayers of those listed here… and those who linger upon our lips throughout the day.
heavy… Praying.
Father….we are heavy. We come together and we just cling at the moment. We cling to each other and we cling to Your promises. There is such a heavy note here, as many have mentioned. There is a weariness that comes through these requests. A weariness with life that is breaking around us, a weariness with sickness and with hardship.
And yet….I like what Dread has said…we are praying for more time.
We know, Father, that this life will never be perfect and that You have promised that we will suffer. We suffer along with our other companions who are on this planet; suffer with bodies that were not made to last for eternity, suffer with the conditions of a creation that groans, suffer with the ramifications of a world that is marred by fallen-ness and sin and evil. Suffer in a world where there is an enemy who hates us and who hates You.
And yet….we also know that You have promised other things.
You have promised to never leave or forsake us. Lift up our heads with that knowledge, at least a little. Raise our eyes to eternity and burn in our souls that we have a God who is not a myth or a nice story. We have a mighty conquering, holy and true God who broke from eternity and walked our constraints and burst through hell and death and now holds us in the palm of His hand and will not turn His gaze from us. Burn that in us, and may Your Spirit that is within us leap for joy at that knowledge and break through our heaviness and weariness and raise our eyes from the dirt….
WE ARE HELD BY GOD. You have promised….be true to Your word. Do not forsake us, do not leave us.
You have promised that You will complete what You have begun. Those of us who are heavy and cannot feel Your presence, who cannot even call out to You in prayer because the burden of this mortal frame is so heavy….we will not remain here in this state forever. You began a work in our redemption that You will complete in our final glorification of being like Christ. You are not done. Lift our eyes a little more. You will complete this work, and You are active in us even right now. Even in our heaviness and our trials, You are forming us to look more like Christ.
You have promised to give us rest if we come to You. Your rest, your restoration, Your fulfillment of us. Give us rest, Father….those who are so weary they cannot face the day, raise their eyes a little more as You promise them rest.
You have promised to give us peace, not like the world’s peace. You have commanded us not to be troubled, or afraid. And yet we are. We confess that. We are overwhelmed and troubled and afraid…raise our eyes, remind us of Your peace and Your power and Your faithfulness. Teach us Father, because we are not accomplished in this. Teach us to put our faith in You and to see our fear and weariness fade. Raise our eyes. Lift our souls.
Remind us this day…teach us to speak to each other of who You are and to not be overcome. You have overcome this world.
It is done. You have overcome. You have defeated death. You have accomplished. It is finished.
You have promised that You will make all things new. Burn that into our fibers and our soul. ALL THINGS NEW! Cause our souls to shout for joy!!
This is not it! This is not the end of the story, this is part of the story…but it is not the end! Raise our eyes, to heaven…
for where does our help come from?
It is not from us. It is not from our strength, it is not from our power.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. (Ps 121)
Father..lift up our eyes. Be strong in all these requests we lay before You, but before we even do that remind us of who you are and where we place our faith.
Intervene, do not turn Your gaze from Your servants…be with John today in a mighty and powerful and tangible way. We pray that You would heal him, we pray that You would encourage his heart and cause him to rejoice in You even in the midst of this. Quiet Debbie’s heart and give her peace in this time of fear. Raise up men to come alongside and to support them. Be mighty on behalf of Your servant and turn the tide of trial he is facing.
Father, be with Michael. Encourage his heart and cause Your Spirit within him to shout above all the other noises in his life that HE IS YOURS. Confirm in him Your calling and Your affection upon him. Give him peace with this surgery, make the doctor swift and able and give him relief after this surgery. Restore his strength and enliven his spirit.
Father, be with Oden and Sam. Strengthen them. Pour out grace upon them and patience to hold little Seth as his body gets used to not having the pain medications. Heal his little body, strengthen him and may he be a daily reminder in that home of Your mercy and Your grace…of Your blessings. Fill their home with sound of laughter and joy. Fill them with wonder as they watch Seth grow, and in that wonder and joy and laughter may they find rest and strength.
Father, be with Doug Potter. I don’t know the details of this man’s struggle, but I pray for Your mercy. If it is time for him to cast off this body of struggle…welcome him with peace and great rejoicing. May his end be one of peace and not struggle. I pray that if it is possible, though…that You would heal him mightily and he would tell of Your glory. I pray for his son that I have heard mentioned, and for others close to this man who’s reputation is one of being Your child. I pray that You would be true to Your promise to be a comfortor. Fill them with the knowledge of Your care, of Your affection and love in this time. Be strong on their behalf.
For Jlo, for dusty…for all the others who are struggling. Lift our eyes. Remind us of our great God…the Maker of heaven and earth. Teach us to look up. Be glorified in our midst today…we trust You, Father.
“For all the promises of God in Him are yes,
and in Him Amen,
to the Glory of God through us.”
2nd Corinthians 1:20
Joining in prayer with you – amen to what’s been posted.
Amen to the prayers above..praying..
A job I thought for sure was gonna work out, didn’t because the client changed the requirements at the last minute. Was a pretty good gig in a lot of ways, but was on the other side of the country. A bit disappointed, but I know this company will continue looking for something for me so that’s good.
Anyway, I need a job pretty soon…
Calling a place today that I’d REALLY like to work at. It’s weird cause I keep avoiding calling them because I don’t want them to say no. It’s better in some ways to just think there’s always that possibility. dumb…but true….
London, will be praying
London,
Joining in prayer for your job situation.
Reading through and joining along in prayer with sarah, BBd, grendal, Jlo, erunner, and centorion,,, agreeing in amen with all that has been prayed…
except for a new bike for DMW… Im praying he will never set foot or bottom on a bike again, but only admire them from a distance…
God,
may your grace be poured out upon this thread,
through these prayers, may the lives of your children who need healing care be touched,
physically and through the core of the soul of their being… Especially DMW, for Debbie, for Michaels surgery, for Seth and for a time of rest and refreshment for Oden and Sam.. For Doug Potter…
for the father who is walked away from his living center, may he be found quickly and in safety.
for mrs Tdos and that which concerns her, for sarah, for Dusty, for Nomans and Briand,
minister to their hearts, their souls and their physical care, for Paigemom, and continued and sustained healing,,,
Lord, for these and for those who are reading,
give them awareness of your care and hand upon their lives,
even in the midst of the greatest trials they are facing at this time.
help the to know, you will perfect that which concerns them.
that your promises are true,
and that you will never leave or forsake them.
Stir the hearts of your saints to sing united in prayer for our brothers,
for our sisters, for healing, for encouragement in your promises,
for walking in truth and righteousness, to more richly and fully abide in Christ.
to become more like you, and to not attempt to form you into our image,
but submit ourselves to be formed into yours.
Bless your people with peace that surpasses understanding,
strengthen the joy You have placed within,
reinforce it so strongly, that neither darkness, opposition, trials, nor hardships can extinguish the light of your love,
But Lord, we ask Through the power of your spirit,
those glowing embers in our hearts,
would burst forth with a quiet yet powerful surge of light
that would diffuse the fragrance of Christ to those around us.
May your name be exalted
King of Kings,
Lord of Lords,
Almighty host of heavenly beings…
who reached down to those who were
sick, captive, lame and blind,
to set us free to walk in your love
with hearts of eternal gratitude
Father, please surround your children and keep the enemy away…Father, Oden, John, Michael and Sarah need a time of rest from these draining, derailing attacks of the enemy. They are courageous in their battles and steadfast in their walk with You. I don’t think any of them will ask for themselves so I ask…please…please Father give them a time of rest. Bless them and fill them by Your Spirit. They need refreshment and encouragement and healing that only comes from You, their protector, healer, their tower of refuge and strength. Have mercy Lord…let Your love touch them today.
Michael, I think I know a bit of what Sarah has done for and put into our little community…She is a huge blessing to us all.
DUSTY!!!!!!!!!!
((((((((HUGS))))))))))
((((((((HUGS))))))))))
and more
((((((((HUGS))))))))))
and Love to you!!!
Prayers and Blessing to you dear sister!
Ps 46:1-5
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.”
Dusty,”refreshment and encouragement and healing that only comes from You, their protector, healer, their tower of refuge and strength.” amen
praying for the Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts to praise Him with that unexpected joy – that gold glowing there in the refiner’s file
Oh, Lord Jesus, how long? Multiply your grace, mercy and truth to us all – without You life is pretty tenuous and deceptive
Thank You, Lord. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We need more Christ: more reality, more strength, more hope. Open our eyes Lord to see You in the furnace, too.
refiner’s file? nope “fire” was what I meant to say – and as I do so, I realize that I’m not sure that I know who “the refiner” is…doesn’t matter, tho – it’s the heat
Sister Christian,
((( tons of hugs back at ya! )))
missing you sis, love ya.
Praying for the needs here.
Feeling the heaviness and praying for all the requests here.
I have a request to add: I have an appointment tomorrow morning with an infectious disease specialist to discuss the many ailments I have been experiencing over the last few years. I recently discovered black mold in the classroom in which I have taught for three years. A correlation? Only the Lord knows for sure.
Praying for Captain Kevin
Praying for Trey
They did find black mold??
Dang…Did they move you out of that room?
If not, INSIST that they do!
Father God, we are helpless to change things as they are for those we care about, but not hopeless. Our hope is in You. Many are sick and hurting. They are distracted by the enemy but not defeated. We hold one another up to You for care and comfort. We seek You for healing and strength. We join in one heart to plead for help and mercy in the lives of these many of whom we have never seen but know. You are God alone and You know everyone of us. We bow before You with petitions on our lips.
Praying also for wisdom and skill for the Drs., for caution and care for the other medical personnel.
Where is TonyP? Praying for him.
We had my parents come to visit, and it could have gone much better, In fact, even the pessimist I am was surprised by how bad things went. We are going to have to reevauluate any further visits by my folks, who are non believers.
I am going through the process of forgiving them, but I cannot allow them to repeat their behavior in my house. I am really considering asking them to stay in a hotel the next time they come to visit.
So prayer would be appreciated…
Thank you to those that have been praying, things at our house are still in upset mode, my husband eldest daughter still refuses to speak with me, but things are getting better.
My husband and I are communicating better than ever, but most importantly we are clinging to the Lord.
God is good, all the time.
My wife and I just experienced the same painful thing for the third time. Our daughter and her boyfriend came over and let us know we are going to be having another Grandchild. They were afraid I would go ballistic but I was very calm.
Our daughter is 26 and this is the second time we have had this take place. She married the first guy and then he deserted her after a few months of marriage. She lost that child due to a tubal pregnancy.
She never divorced her husband and it’ll be at least six months before it is final. She just told her boyfriend a few weeks ago about the marriage.
You sit there and wonder what in the world do you say? She’s living with the guy currently. That just makes it more of a mess. I have been meaning to talk with her and that was on my mind when I wrote about divorce on the Bentley thread.
I spoke plainly about how I felt. I tried to show both of them how God sees the situation without pushing them away. Our daughter agreed with me on everything. I told her if she meant business then she shouldn’t have sex before she marries her boyfriend which is their plan. His parents are excited and anxious to meet us.
My poor wife was grief stricken and sobbed as she said she had failed our children in raising them. I suspect others would agree with her. We did our best in raising our kids for God but when they left home things changed.
They are being evicted from their condo as it has been sold and it appears they are set on getting a place together. I wasn’t up to telling them that was wrong as I already know our daughter knows this.
We then tried to focus on the positive (the baby) and the conversation became less tense. I was thinking of praying together but I didn’t feel it was appropriate. Our daughter wants us to be happy and I think to go light on the “God thing.”
I shared a favorite verse with them from Jonah I believe it is 3:1 where God spoke to Jonah a second time. I shared how Jonah blew it completely when God told him to go to Ninevah. Yet God spoke to him a second time and offered him a do over if you will. I told them they have a chance here to get the marriage thing right. I am not sure how much they were listening. We have two Grandchildren on the way. I want to be excited for both of them. Right now I’m not.
rest easy ERunner.
Praying that Michael is resting comfortably, that Trey is sleeping through the night, that they know God holds them in His right hand.
Erunner, give your dear wife my love – she is absolutely not responsible for your childrens’ choices now. We hold our babies in our arms and they look so sinless and perfect and, sadly, there’s no way I know of for them to arrive at the end of their lives in that condition. I had a rebellious mother and was the mother of rebellious children, myself. My grandparents were good and godly – full of grace and mercy and His truth. I, personally never heard my mother express any remorse for hurting them deeply (perhaps she did privately). You are entering into the grief that our Father in Heaven knows well – as do so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Praying for you both and, in spirit am holding your wife’s hand as I pray.
Thank you jlo and Psalm62, Psalm, I sent an e-mail to my wife that contained your post. It did its job. She understands but is heartbroken. Thank you so much.
Doug Potter is in Heaven. A brother on FB posted the news.
I have not updated you yet about what is going on at my job.
I confronted my boss and did go to HR and to our DTL…all seems to be resolved. The DTL told my boss that her success depended upon me and the success of our store depended upon me…(I don’t think so highly of myself as to believe that could be true)
…things have been way better, way better, over the past two weeks…
Thanks so much for all your prayers and words of wisdom.
great news, dusty! I pray this is truly behind you..
Ebrother(gramps), you and Esister have been faithful in what you know to be right. You are wonderful examples to your children. Praying that the joy of your new arrivals is not diminished by the wrong choices of their parents. It seems they are learning, slowly, but learning…that walking in God’s path is best. they are still listening to you…your opinion, direction and guidance seem to matter to them…that is hopeful, isn’t it?
Esister, You are a wonderful mom, and wife. The fact that your children come to you…knowing they messed up is proof that you taught them well – otherwise they would not care that they messed up…or even think of it as messing up…Don’t let the enemy put lies into your heart. Don’t let him put a wedge anywhere near your relationship with your children. I understand your disappointment and concern that your children will have pain in their wrong choices. Don’t confuse that for guilt.
Much love to you both.
thank you centorian. 😎
Papias,
praying wisdom for you and Gods grace to unfold in this situation
and for your parents salvation… sorry to hear that went so poorly,
and yes, it may be very wise to ask them to stay in a hotel next time.
jlo,
good to hear things are going better, and especially that you and your husband are communicating better than ever… praying for your husbands eldest daughter and for full reconciliation
Erunner,
thats tough, praying for you, your wife and your daughter.
you wrote a couple of sentences that appear conflicting:
“Our daughter and her boyfriend came over and let us know we are going to be having another Grandchild. They were afraid I would go ballistic but I was very calm.”
“I told her if she meant business then she shouldn’t have sex before she marries her boyfriend which is their plan.”
You know it really sounds as if they are off on a rough and on a not so solid footing,
which is likely to mean alot more sorrow and grief down the road,
however, let me encourage you to continue to love them and pray for them as you and your wife do, you shall see the fruit of your prayers and your godly example to them,
it may take a long time, ( Lord we pray it wont)
but some people learn by hearing and listening to the wisdom of others and some people need to learn through their own hard wrought experience,
Dont grow weary Erunner… its obvious she loves you both. thats a good start in tough situation
some of the dearest Saints here have been the ones taking such a pounding over the time that I have lurked and, then, posted/pontificated here
I’m rehearsing a long list of names in my head as I type – Servants like Dusty (there’s a bunch of you)…
thank You, Lord for Dusty’s good report today
praying
Dusty!!!
WOOHOOO!!! Thats great news to hear today! Now I can stop worrying!
But ill continue to pray with Centorion, that this is well behind you
and E~ Dusty said it much better than me!
let me add a praise,
My husband still has his job! and his boss said, though he was against it( his continued working out of the house) at first, he is surprised at how well its been working out, (its been almost 2 years now… travel free, working here by my side day after day, and im thrilled about that!( he was gone traveling about 90% of the time for over 10 yrs, and Im thankful for the time we have had that’s been restored to us.) Thanks be to God for this mercy.
dusty and SC, Thank you for your encouraging words. Given her age (26) we realized they didn’t have to come over as they did and for that we are thankful. You look back through the years at times like this and realize maybe if…. Our daughter made sure to say that wasn’t the case.
They are starting on a very tough road. This is her second time and it’s plain given the history they will learn things the hard way. Marriage is a challenge in and of itself when you start on on a solid foundation as the enemy seeks to ruin homes. We will support them. My wife’s love will not waver during this time. She has been praying so much for our girl this has knocked her for a loop. She sad with tears unable to speak for a good while as I talked with the kids. It’s been a tough year for us with various illnesses and all and its taken its toll.
Sis, I’m not sure I understand your comment about conflicting statements. If maybe you could rephrase it I’d be more than happy to respond.
If you guys could remember my sister and family. They are seeking to work through her husband’s suicide note and subsequent police visit from a few weeks ago. We’re not sure what’s going on.
Lastly. I’m heading to church now to speak with a few folks about the church and I somehow coming along side one another as it relates to my blog.
This blog has become family for me and you guys have always been there. You see it now with Oden, DMW, and Michael among so many others. This happens despite the fact none of us go to the same church! For any critics of PP this place shows what the body can look like when we allow the non essentials to remain non essential. And like any place else we all have our weak points. I do love you all. Allan
Erunner, don’t you and Mrs. Erunner be so hard on yourselves. I am sure you did the best you could. Good Christian parents everywhere are beating themselves up for the apparent poor outcome of their parenting skills, but in my opinion, we live in a world so full of temptations, vice, and demonic influence that no amount of excellent parenting guarantees god-fearing children. When my children were young my husband and I did all we could, using the best Christian wisdom available to us, and our kids have made some poor choices and the same is true for all our friends. I know kids from good, god-fearing families whose kids wound up in prison, on drugs, alcoholic and and with unmarried pregnancies. We live in perilous times. It’s not your fault.
Urgent prayer.
On our way out of the hospital, Max (five year old) got his hand stuck in the elevator door. We’re in the ER waiting to see the doctor and get an Xray. Sam, Seth and Jack are in the van because Seth can’t be exposed to any disease. He hasn’t an immune system right now because of his anti-rejection med. Thanks
Oh Lord..please heal this little boy…please let it just be an opportunity for Oden to be a witness again for You.
Let there be no broken bones, just bruising.
Thank you Xenia. I met with the Pastor who oversees the care ministries at church and the on site MFT regarding how I might serve in the church. It was a real good meeting and I shared about my children as I wanted them to no what the reality of my life is. As the Pastor walked out with me he shared that what he was drawn to about me was my openness and love for our children. He then shares he has a few prodigals of his own. That really made my day that he was relating to me.Stuff like last night takes you by surprise and you’re filled with so many emotions.
I was allowed to share my hopes for serving in the church. I used Shawn Sell’s church as an example and shared that was my deep desire. We’ll see where this leads.
There are many parents in the church as you described who carry needless condemnation. There is so much we can seek to do to address real needs that are in our churches that can be such a benefit to the body as folks can come to see themselves as God does. What a wonderful freedom there is in that. Thanks so much for your encouragement. God bless!
Maybe 18 months ago one of Oden’s boys (I can’t remember which one) fell out of the back of his truck and I believe he landed on his head. God healed him and he’s as good as new.
I pray the same and more for this entire family. God help them all in Jesus name.
Praying for the little mashed hand
Praying that Max is doing well. For Erunner an unerstanding where they are in loving and just living with all things that go on in our grown children’s lives.
Wisdom, grace, waiting. Asking for prayer for my own family situation that is ifficult. Wisdom needed.
Lord, life is hard. Families are difficult. Many of us need Your guidance.