PRAYER THREAD for Dr. Steve J.

July 11, 2003

[Humidston]

I know of no finer robes to wear, my friend.

Prayers of comfort for you and your family.

[NYer]

When Sandra Olson was killed in the 9/11 flight that crashed into the Pentagon, a mass was held for her at the National Shrine in Washington, DC. The cantor sang a song composed by Marty Haugen. Based on Psalm 23, it is entitled 'Shepherd Me O God'. It brought great comfort to those assembled. I hope it does the same for you and your family.

We have been taught that song is prayer set to music. This is for your brother in law.

* * * * *

Refrain: Shepherd Me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.
2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary sould, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.
3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.
4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my pow'r to hold.
5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forever more.

[NYer]

also request prayers for my 40something nephew (2nd of 14 children) who will have bypass surgery in the morning.

O God, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of such great perils, that, by reason of the weakness of our nature, we cannot stand upright, grant us such health of mind and body, that those evils which we suffer for our sins we may overcome through Thine assistance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Humidston]

And prayers for your nephew as well, AE. My husband went through the same surgery (triple bypass) three years ago and he's better than new.

I will pray that your nephew's surgeon's touch will be accurate and precise. Also, that your family will have the Lord's comfort while you wait.

[Starwind]

My brother lived in rebellion, and died of a sudden heart attack, leaving a rebellious wife and two innocent kids.

My prayers for God's comfort and provision for your brother in law's family, and that God reveal to them their need for Jesus and eternal security, and that they turn to God in their loss.

[drstevej]

My brother-in-law was never married and had no children. I do appreciate the prayers.

[Starwind]

My brother-in-law was never married and had no children.

I presumed/projected.... prayers for the family's comfort and well being, regardless.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I've been away from the forum for a few days and missed your travails.

You and your family are in our prayers. I know your grieving loved ones will feel the surety of Christ with you as their comforter.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Hi, xzins! I'm happy you're back.

We never know what transpires in the last moments.

As my father lay dying, I found my faith again, as he told me I would one day. So I guess the only thing we really do know is that God's will is done, in all the moments.

[fortheDeclaration]

Prayer bump for Steve's wife and family

Amen and amen!

[xzins]

Hi Dr E,
Thank you for your welcome.

I've always liked the expression, "in the center of God's will."

[Elsie]

I thank you Lord, for the parable of the workers in vineyard...........

 

Matthew 20:1-16

 

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.  After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

 

And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place; and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.'

 

So they went.

Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.

And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing; and he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'

They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.'

 

He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.'

 

And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.'

And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.

 

Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.
And on receiving it they grumbled at the householder, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'

But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?  Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.  Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'

So the last will be first, and the first last."

 

---

So it is, at whatever time we enter the field, our reward is the same.

[drstevej]

Great parable of grace.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

That's amazing, Elsie. I was just discussing this parable yesterday. I had always thought it was illustrating that only God decides what's fair, etc.

Then it was pointed out to me that it also teaches us that even the timing of our salvation is God's decision and is most likely different for everyone, predicated only on His will.

Thanks for the reassuring "coincidence." 8~)

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you for retelling that incident. Indeed, I am certain, that praying mother's prayers were heard and that one is with Jesus today. God loves the sinner, the lost ones, and left heaven to come to save the lost. How much we need His saving love and grace. I am sure that one found it in those last moments. God is merciful. I pray your brother in law, drstevej, also made his peace with God and the prayers of many who continued to pray for him no matter what he was doing - were heard and answered. God bless you and the family members left behind. He will never leave them nor forsake them, no matter what else has happened. He is ever faithful. We praise and magnify His name and seek His face at these times of grief.

[drstevej]

***I pray your brother in law, drstevej, also made his peace with God and the prayers of many who continued to pray for him no matter what he was doing - were heard and answered. ***

Thanks, he certainly had been prayed for by many over many years. He was not unfamiliar with the content of the gospel. We leave him in the hands of a holy, loving and sovereign God. There is peace in doing so.

[RochesterFan]

Steve, May the peace of God, which passes all understanding guard your heart in Christ Jesus during this time of mourning.

[editor-surveyor]

"We never know what transpires in the last moments."

True, but we know that the Lord will never forfeit his own; those he has chosen are forever his own; our salvation is not by our own works.

[TotusTuus]

Prayers for your brother-in-law, his family, your wife and yourself.

[drstevej]

Thanks to you and the many who have been so gracious.