"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, "Matt 18:20 (ND Devotional)

July 7, 2008 | self

[svcw]

For some time, through FReepmail, several FReepers have provided each other with a way to share prayer requests and praises.

Now that the Non-denominational category has been established, we are offering a weekly thread in which posts of your requests and praises are welcome.

Anyone, regardless of denomination, is welcome to bring their concerns here.

The one thing that we hope to establish here, is that at a set time on Sunday evening, 11:00 p.m. in the Eastern time zone, 10:00 p.m. Central time, 9:00 p.m. Mountain time, and 8:00 p.m. Pacific time, we will as a group, lift these concerns up in prayer. Individual prayer at any time is, of course, encouraged.

If anyone desires to post an "anonymous" request, just word it in a manner such as: " Please lift up my prayer (or praise) for a personal concern." Additional anonymity can be gained by sending a request or praise to svcw via FReepmail.

In the future, the weekly thread will be posted on Monday mornings in order for the concerns to be gathered through the week before they are compiled for the Sunday evening group prayer. This list will be available to all by afternoon on Sunday.

If anyone has any additional ideas for this thread, or anyone would like to volunteer to help keep this thread going, please let us know.

[svcw]

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

[svcw]

Good Morning everyone.

[MHGinTN]

Good morning, m'Lady! Glad to have you back, and glad that your trip was safe and 're-creational'.

When doctors find the cause of a malady and treat it with discovered medications and/or healing treatments or surgery, isn't that a miraculous outcome by the blessings of God toward us? But for the span of a few years, the treatment would not be known and would not have worked to heal. ... Apply that notion to prayer for others. God uses us like a grease for the balm He provides for others like us, and if the world never knows of us directly, the credit goes where it is always due, to The Lord The Giver of Life. Pray for others in need, and don't hesitate to get your hands into a task for the needs of others, when offered.

[T Minus Four]

I’m in

[lula]

Please lift up my Daughter, Natalie in prayer. She will be taking her boards for her RN next Thursday the 17th. She doesn't test well but is smart. She tends to 2nd guess herself. She has been working as an LPN for 12 years and knows her stuff. Thank you and God bless.

[svcw]

I am going to mark my calendar for special prayer on the 17th.
Not just for the material, and testing but for strength and courage.
Thank you for letting us know.

[greyfoxx39]

I got this request from a fellow FReeper:

From Graybeard58 | 07/08/2008 1:21:29 PM PDT

"I posted this last night in “chat”: Link

It’s from my local paper. I didn’t know the couple then but I do now. They live about 4 or 5 miles from me, so I took my 8 year old grandson with me to visit and to contribute some money. We talked with Pam and Thom and Thom’s mother. They are surely going to lose their house, which may be a blessing in disguise, the house is modest and clean in a good neighborhood but the incline from the street in front of their small yard to their front door looks insurmountable with anything like a simple ramp.

When I posted the article I asked if anyone had a prayer ping list, I didn’t get a reply on that, so I am requesting that you either go there and ping your prayer list or just pass this around.

I asked for a prayer and got a few but most of the replies were about the irresponsibility of Pam and Thom to have adequate insurance. I am not passing judgement on Pam and Thom or anyone who replied about their situation. Their lives are forever changed by this accident and they need prayers and help. Their address is listed in the article and if anyone has any questions they may address them to me."

Please lift this family up in your prayers, and Graybeard, bless you for your Christian concern.

[greyfoxx39]

Good news about Amanda, for whom we have been praying:

“I just wanted to update you a little. Amanda has truly turned a corner and may be moving out of the hospital and be able to go home! They are still concerned about her recovery and trying new meds, but a miracle has happened here.
I believe it is the power of prayer and that God has shown His mercy in a tangible way.
Thank you for being so supportive.
God Bless.”From ozaukeemom | 07/13/2008 10:58:23 AM PDT read

I just wanted to update you a little. Amanda has truly turned a corner and may be moving out of the hospital and be able to go home! They are still concerned about her recovery and trying new meds, but a miracle has happened here.
I believe it is the power of prayer and that God has shown His mercy in a tangible way.
Thank you for being so supportive.
God Bless.

From ozaukeemom

[greyfoxx39]

svcw may be away from the computer this evening. I haven't heard anything from her, and hope everything is well with her family and herself.

Pinging the prayer thread list to this evening's prayer.

I am ill myself, (nasty cold or allergies) and won't be online this evening, but I'm sure this work will carry on. God bless you all.

[greyfoxx39]

Post no. 8 was such good news, I posted it twice! ;)

[SkyPilot]

I am ill myself, (nasty cold or allergies) and won't be online this evening,

Take care lovely Grey!

Prayers to you, and I hope you feel better soon.

SP

[Monkey Face]

I won’t be here, either, but I thank you for the ping, and will add you and svcw to my prayers for this evening. I hope you’re feeling better soon!

[svcw]

Good evening everyone.
Are we ready to lift up to the Lord requests and praises?
The song reminds me always: the battle belongs to the Lord.
The battle belongs to the Lord
I want to thank everyone who is participating in this endeavor. I want to sing praises that so many requests have been fulfilled.
Thank you sweet Jesus.
See you all in about an hour.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

In heavenly armor we'll enter the land.
The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand.
The battle belongs to the Lord!

We sing glory honor, power and strength to the Lord!
We sing glory honor, power and strength to the Lord!

When the power of darkness comes in like a flood.
The battle belongs to the Lord!
He's raised up a standard, the pow’r of his blood.
The battle belongs to the Lord!

Words and music Jamie Owens-Collins
Copyright 1985 Fairhill Music.

[MHGinTN]

July 13, 2008 seed list for prayer as we gather in His name:

November 20, 2006 … More than two years ago, I asked for your prayers for my son, who was undergoing treatment for a malignant brain tumor. His treatment at the time, though physically brutal, was successful. However, Austin's cancer has returned, and he will be going back into radiation and chemo soon - he had surgery last week. Freeper Phathead …
and a mixed blessing update:
July 12, 2008 … There is not much to say, but I wanted to post this brief update. Austin received the Sacrament of Confirmation in May. I think that time is now growing short - whether that means weeks or still months I do not know. The Lord has blessed Austin with a special Grace which brings strength to his mother and to me. Whether He blesses Austin also with either healing or with peace, His will be done. I thank you all for your continued prayers.
Folks, you are hearing the Spirit of the Lord when you read ‘His will be done’ from a loving father regarding his son he loves so dearly. We gathered in His name ask the Lord to heal and use Austin, as OUR time is growing short!

We pray for the Lord’s Peace that passes all understanding to descend and hold the wife, children, and close friends of Tony Snow in their days of grief and feelings of loss. When I heard of Tony’s passing, I was struck with a feeling of the enigma of it when we in America are so desperately in need of public figures who are genuinely good men, good Christian men. But the following teaching from Paul did comfort me:
I Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Pray for the Lord‘s Peace to overshadow Jill and the children. [I wonder what Tony Snow and Tim Russert will be talking about in Heaven?]

As a short reminder: July 01, 2008 2:04:35 PM by wagglebee
I just received an email from a very dear FRiend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous informing me that her husband had a very serious stroke on Sunday morning and will likely be needing surgery to remove swelling on the brain. This woman is one of the finest FReepers I know, she is a true conservative and a staunch defender of life. She went through cancer surgery herself last year and is now facing this. She and her husband and family need all the prayers we can give them.
… and …
Waggle bee -- I've got another update:
He's still in the stroke unit, but he is getting some therapy for speech, swallowing and range of motion. He needs more intensive therapy, but he’s not ready to be released to a rehab facility yet. They are going to do another swallow test today which hopefully will show improvement because he has been having trouble with the feeding tube and IV. There is a lot of blockage in his carotid arteries, they don't want to do anything now, but hope to open one of them up with surgery or a stent in about a month. He seems to be trying to say some words, but it will take time. [We shall lift this man and his family to the Lord’s ministrations and ask the Lord to hasten his recovery as a witness of God’s healing Love.]

The following is from our previous week’s list. I’ll try to make comments in italics, to stay out of the way: ;^)

"Please pray for a dear Christian friend of mine, his family, and his 19 month old daughter who fell into a pool and is on life support. She is not expected to survive. Thank you." 159 posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 8:14:28 PM by pby [I have not seen further information on this little one. Please, continue to hold this baby up and pray for the family who must be crushed!]
We lift colorcountry and her family up in prayer ... My father in law has been sent home from the hospital today to die. His brain tumor has won. I will be spending some of the following nights at the home of my in-laws to help provide comfort and care during his final days. Please cover me with prayer, and continue to cover the threads with the word of God. I am at times, soooo tired. It has been a very busy and full two weeks for me.
Tennessee Nana: A Nana has asked us to pray for her grandson, Michael.. For the past 3 years Michael has suffered from a staph infection. He has been in several GA and TN hospitals and many different medicines have been tried.. Right now he is back in hospital and about to start a new regime of medicines. The doctors are puzzled about the origins of the infection and are nonplussed to treat it.. Michael is 17 and will be a senior in high school this year..He is a Christian, a good student and has a full time summer job.. I have know his Nana for several years..She is a sweet Christian lady who loves her family and has faith in Jesus for the complete healing of Michael.. This nice young man has the right as a believing Christian to be free of this affliction.. In Jesus Name.. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20 [Again, we have not had an update on Michael’s condition. ]
Marysecretary: Please pray for a little boy named Spencer Rollins who is around three years old. You cannot imagine the surgeries, infections, serious fungal infections this little one has had. He’s on dialysis now, he’s in a lot of pain and there’s so much more. His mom is pregnant again and they have suffered greatly watching their little one go through so much. I can’t begin to tell you what he’s been through. The parents know the Lord and He has greatly sustained them but it’s so hard for them right now.
… And more on Spencer:
Marysecretry: I just want to thank everyone for their prayers. Spencer is really doing well. He’s eating baby food now (pray they won’t put a gastro tube in him) and his kidneys are almost normal. Doctors are amazed? Should WE be? NO because we’re praying for him. Keep up the good work. [… Let’s continue to lift this little one to the Lord for his full delivery to health and wellbeing.]
Prayers for freeper LADYAK; her son was swept out to sea and is missing. There is a tribute website:www.jeremyearnshaw.com. [Please seek the Lord’s Peace that passes all understanding for our fellow freeper and her family.]
rightazrain: For next Sunday night’s prayer meeting I’m asking for prayers for Walt’s widow, Louise. Specifically that all her needs be met. She is a strong woman, but now is facing financial trials because of the loss of Walt’s social security income. [We will lift up Louise to the Lord’s provision for we know by what He taught us that widows and orphans are particularly important in His sight.]
svcw: PRAISE. My daughter is now 30 weeks pregnant and all is going well. She is strong and healthy and the baby is strong and healthy. [We will ask the Lord to send His Angels to watch over this little one and the mother, svcw. We all pray for a safe and uncomplicated, normal delivery!]
We will not forget to lift up metmom for the Lord’s healing of her allergic reactions to foods and other daily contact things. He made us and He knows how to remake us for His purposes. Here is the previous request … and we are instructed to ‘persist in asking’, the Bible teaches the principle, lest we slack off in our requests to Him.
We have a private request: “I am asking for intercessory prayer for a freeper, for those of you are blessed by this ability. It is a private request. The person is having terrible difficulties of faith. No job and living off credit, no family support (financially or other), they are becoming increasingly isolated and depressed. Although this person is reaching out they do need intercessory prayer. Thank you. I know that the Lord will provide these people to lift this person up.
From the week of the 29th: Smokin'Joe has a prayer request: "I am asking FReepers to join me in prayer for Emily, whose husband was killed in an accident on the oil rig on which he was working. She is left with their two year old and is on her way to Wyoming to make arrangements.”
Tennessee Nana lfits up Joe Greenwood for protection as he returns to Iraq having met his new little daughter on furlow!

Please, freepers, don’t hestitate to post requests, and join us as we gather in His name with the assurance that He will be in our midst tonight … He does not ignore His promises.

[MHGinTN]

It may seem enigmatic to say, but as we gather in His name, Jesus our Lord and Savior, He promises to be there in our midst, and we can each lift up our voice to Him to request His Grace. And though we may be a thousand miles apart, and asking different things and perhaps even in different languages, He hears and knows each and every prayer for others. Let us gather in His name, to Him be the glory ...

[metmom]

Thank you for managing the request list.

Just when I’m getting discouraged about how my life is going with its annoyances, I read through this and realize that there are so many blessings that I have, and it’s not nearly as bad as what some people are going through. The Lord is really teaching me about my priorities and having a grateful attitude.

Things seem to have settled down food wise, but I am being really careful about what I eat and testing foods I’m not sure about. There are more foods that I found I can eat without any problems so the variety in increasing. I’d still like to be healed from my reactions to fruits and vegetables so that I can eat those.

We are still struggling financially. I would like some part time employment. It would be just enough for us to get by without taking money out of our savings account every month. It’s not much but you can only do it for so long before you run out. We have two kids in college starting this fall. We are only helping them out a little but it is another expense that we’re looking at for the next 5 years.

Thanks again for your prayers.

[MHGinTN]

Good evening, m’Lady. Can you give us an update on Michael’s condition?

[MHGinTN]

I fumbled through it. See you on the MOnday devotional.

[greyfoxx39]

I fumbled through it.

No fumble...good job! God bless you for your efforts.

[colorcountry]

I’m sorry I didn’t join you in prayer last evening. My FIL passed away at 10:15. His death was expected, peaceful and he was surrounded by a loving family.

Thank you all for your prayers during this time. I thank God for the peace I have in Him.