Christian Prayer Thread for Winter - all welcome!

[DontstepontheBaubles]

Roomforalittleone - That the house sale continues speedily and completes asap and that God would provide for them and help them make ends meet financially. For her sickness to ease in her pregnancy. And for her friend who has sadly lost a baby, who was sleeping.
BabyBeatrice- who has been diagnosed with cancer at only 14 months, Mum is a long term MNer who has name changed. Prayers that God would surround the family at this time and heal her DD.
Blackeyedsusan- for good health, for energy, for her two children as she struggles to get them support at School and for her Mum. For more support at Church and to not feel isolated or lonely.
Jan- For peace, for her DD to sleep better, for her to be able to put firm boundaries in place and that her H would reach acceptance and peace about the situation and learn to respect her, so they can reach a place of good co parenting. That God would help her as she begins to investigate divorce and proceed. And that the meeting goes well with her parents and in laws and that a line would be drawn in the sand.
MHD-for her body and lungs to recover from the pneumonia fully and completely and her lungs to strengthen, so that she doesn't relapse at all but enjoys this festive season with her family.
amberlight-For her family to recover from the norovirus and for peace and reconciliation with an old friend.
MrsRhettButler- for her friends Mum who is very ill in hospital with a 5% chance of survival and young children.
HaveALittleFaith -for her energy as she grows this baby.
Cloutiedumpling- that her DD settles into nursery for her return to work and adjusts to bottles/ cups.
LewisFan- Her Nan has passed away, prayers for her family.
CharlotteCollinsislost-Prayers for her as she makes big decisions about her future as she plans to separate.
Positiveattitude-for her DD over Christmas, as her Mum is so far away. For home sickness to ease with PA and DS. That her children back home get support from PA's old Church and the heating is fixed asap. And that the organisation trace the money and PA then has the funds she needs whilst they serve God out there.
Kaykat- Prayers for her in her difficult marriage, for protection, peace and for God to help her and surround her with people, so she can end things, have a safe home and for her DS.
LiftUpYourGingerHeadsOYeCurls-for her as she does her thesis, for energy, concentration, clarity, ability to see the connections as well as the bigger picture AND be able to express it in writing.
Dontsteponthemomeraths - Prayers especially for her lovely man (LM) as the court case heads to High Court, there have been so many delays but it should get there in January. That God would make a way, where there is no way, help him to afford the court fees and that he will finally have the closure; contact with his children and a maintenance agreement in place that is fair to him, his ex wife and to the children. For justice. It's 6 years since divorce due to her infidelity and it is so hard for him. The children and ex wife live in another Country and the legal system there is very different. Prayers that he has freedom from his past and doesn't live in it anymore but breaks free and moves forward in all God has for him.
And for my brother, that his thumb heals fully and that with the rehabilitation he regains movement and use and that his nerves and feelings across the top of his hand come back. The outlook is not positive currently.

If I've missed anything, please add it.

Oh Littleone, that is very good news. An angel sent from the Lord to comfort you.
Praying for more 'angels' (messengers and messages from God) for all of us.

We had a good appointment with the consultant at the hospice, not that he can do much to help, but it is good to see that somebody is keeping an eye on us.

Ah Room I hope you feel better soon, and glad you met a friend at toddlers :) I've missed something along the way I think, is your dh at vicar college?

I've not spoken to the anaesthetist as yet as the doctor has only just booked me for the op, he said that everything would be talked through with me when I come in for the surgery and not to worry about it. I wouldn't mind a spinal at all, had one after I had dd for some postnatal complications and it was fine.

It looks like I might be able to apply for an extension for handing in my thesis. Thank you all for your prayers and moral support. They mean so much.

Oh and am praying and lurking as usual.

Oh well done Gingercurl. Go for it!

well done gc

how are you DO?

i went to see dd's teacher recently... she took me seriously, and is going to get other staff to assess her.... so easy... an answer to prayerr!

great GC

dd up most of last night messing about....need sleep.

I feel like giving up today. As MHD guessed, DH is at vicar school and we have moved half way up the country for that. Our sending diocese pay for our living needs where we are but we have no income to pay the mortgage on our house in the south. We are in a serious financial situation because we have kept paying the mortgage. Just in case you need catching up, here's the house saga so far...

We accepted 3 offers on the house over 4 months which all fell through, as did a rental agreement (while I was in hospital with HG). We have now accepted an offer that is 10-15k below the value of the house and all appeared OK with the sale. I even discovered that our estate agent has agreed a rental contract on behalf of our buyer which sounded promising. But, our solicitor has heard absolutely nothing back from the buyer's solicitor despite sending a chasing letter. I can't help but feel like we've been mucked around again (and incurred solicitor's fees) by someone who has no intention of buying the house. He was supposedly pushing for a quick sale but his solicitor has had the draft contract for two weeks now and has not been in contact.

I'm afraid that I feel like I have little faith about the house now. It is making me question so many decisions that we have made. And it's not exactly important but it's my 30th on Monday and I wanted to be able to enjoy it without worrying about money. MIL has the DC's overnight on Friday so that we can go out (HG permitting) but there is no way we can go out if the house sale falls through

Oh Room - I totally appreciate how difficult it is. The income is just about enough to cover living expenses but nothing apart from that. We sold our house when dh went to college but later on invested the money from the sale into another house as we need somewhere when we retire and as some kind of safety net for me if something goes horribly wrong. Is there any way you can rent your house out, or would that not cover the mortgage? Hope this buyer gets their finger out and gets on with it - sigh, it's such a stressful thing. Is dh in his first year? What college are you at?

Ginger, that is fabulous news about the thesis, I knew God would answer this prayer, you have worked too hard, so glad.

MHD, I'll pm you as I will totally identify myself otherwise. No offence to others but c of e clergy are like the mafia (in as much as everyone knows everyone, not the horses heads or violence!). I'm struggling a little with the idea of living a very public life and never being able to whinge about DH because everyone has him on a pedestal! It's been pointed out that people may put me on a pedestal as well.... ROFL! Just wait until they see my parenting skills...

Yep - totally with you I like that about MN, we can have a good moan incognito ...

Prayers for everyone. especially "room". I think if you put your head above the pulpit you are bound to have the devil throw hand grenades at you. That's what I feel is happening with us, anyway.

Thank you for your prayers. We have some decisions to make about DD1. One option is for her to come out here to be with us. Can you please pray for guidance for us to do the right thing and not just do a panic reaction. I don't want to make the wrong decision and it all go wrong again for her. She is feeling quite desperate. The church have been aware since August that she was struggling, but have done hardly anything. Someone popped in before christmas with a hamper of goodies for her, which was nice, but other than that no contact at all. Now I have received a message about something from the church and I feel very judged and demeaned. I just want to scream at them that they just don't understand. It was written by a very well meaning person, but they have lived a very "sheltered" life and have managed to bring up 2 perfect Christian children who have never gone off the rails and have never had any problems and I get advise as if they know exactly what it is like to have a 21 year old daughter who is not a Christian who is struggling with God/life and everything else and feels very alone and unloved in the world.

DD3 is moving out of the home tomorrow so please pray that DD1 copes with that ok.

Also today I received a message from my sister to say that my mum has got a lot worse recently - alzheimers. She is thinking that she is just "visiting a hotel" where she is living in the house she has lived in for the past 32 years! she thinks she should be going home to the house that she lived in before that one. She does not recognise any grandchildren now and often does not recognise her children. I dont think she will know who I am when I return in 5 months time. I feel as if I have lost my mum, now, too.

On the positive side please give thanks with me for the birth of a baby son to my nephew and his wife. This is my mum's first great grandchild......she would have loved to be able to spoil him and cuddle him. She was always the best mum/nanny anyone could ever have wanted.

You are entitled to your 'moan' PA. Praying for the best solutions to be found. Where is dd3 moving to?

She is moving just a few miles away into the next town over. She had just started looking in preparation for when she is married in June, but this house came up and apparently it is "perfect", so she has moved things forward a few months as regards moving out.
IF Dd1 does come out here this would mean a big empty house that is not really up to scratch for renting - another hurdle we will have to get over somehow!!

changed my nickname for 2 secs and someone stole it would u believe it?! lol

PA you are not moaning at all.. we are very glad to be here somewhere that you can share and know people are caring and praying. it sounds things are so hard and especially with your mum not doing so well at the same time. congratulations on the lovely new baby boy! praying that dd will cope with her sister moving out and that something will change for her.... and that God will give clear direction about bringing her out to be with you or not.

room also thinking of you. i know all too well the struggles of growing up in the ministry - im a pastors dd, and there is a huge pressure that others don't understand to be the perfect family, and you have to look for support outside the church. its an amazing work and God has called you as the wife to this role too, and he is going to give you the grace and strength to do it

I also need guidance at the minute. im considering a divorce, and am really confused about it all because all im ever hearing about marriage is to try to save it and make it work no matter what, and divorce would be going against all that. but yet i felt God leading me to be separated in spite of al that, and i need to know the next step... i don't feel i can just wait around for years for him to change. but i don't want to do anything without Gods backing.

PA praying for you all. I think my mum used to be a bit smug until I 'went off the rails' and struggled with life. You are not alone in this parenting challenge. And I bet that the well meaning lady's children aren't that perfect. Either she isn't being very real with you or her children aren't being very real with her. By our very nature, we are not perfect!

Quick update before a school run/ballet... House sale appears to be proceeding with some negotiation over fixtures/fittings/building guarantees. The buyer is pushing for completion on Friday 8th. Not that we've exchanged yet! I am hopeful but I'll believe it when I see it!

Start praising God for an answer to prayer Littleone. 'Cause I'm sure that's what it is.

I don't believe anyone can take your nickname Jan Contact mn x

Jan, it takes two people to make a marriage work - two people who work to respect one another. It's not you who has failed in that respect - it's your dh, from what you've told us. It's not in your power to make it work by yourself either. Don't blame yourself.

Prayers all round.

It's been difficult here, working through more anti-autism hate campaigning against me, but I've been supported by wonderful people who have promised to sort out the person concerned in a suitably stern and professional way. And I've had a really good conference today, teaching 100 people about autism, so God is good.

Jan I understand about the confusion, it's a big step and you need to be sure. Do people really think a marriage should be saved no matter what? Have some people you know given you that impression? Some people live in their own bubble I suppose with no experience of abuse and maybe see things in a very black and white sort of way. I also know what you mean about wanting to get things sorted and resolved. Right now I'm pretty happy with my situation but there are so many unknowns about the future, that's where I just have to trust it's in God's hands.

I'm pleased to report that DS is quite delightful now and the house has a happy atmosphere, that's down to me being happier too. H got a bit bullying on the phone and by email and I didn't rise to it, I responded with a friendly tone of voice and he backed down! Couldn't believe it, I wonder if that will work every time? It seems that partying with his new friends is not bringing him happiness except maybe fleetingly for an evening, what a surprise!

PA sorry to hear about your worries, could your DD come for a visit to see how it goes then make a decision after that?

Glad to hear about the house sale Littleone. Am thinking and praying for everyone else, especially the little DDs suffering from illnesses.

PA, I'm so sorry things are so difficult for dd1 and that the church have been sod all use :( Praying that you'll have wisdom about the whole situation and praying very much for her. Good news on your DNephew's new little one. Praying also for your mum, and for comfort for you as you cope with the reality of this happening :(

Room, good news on the house :) Continuing to pray for you.

Amber, do you know what? You are amazing. You inspire me so much - I can't believe people would conduct hate campaigns against people like you :( :( You keep doing what you're doing. God works so much through lovely you.

Jan, oh poor you. I can only agree with the others. I do not think God is a God who would want someone to stick in an abusive marriage, because the wedding vows have already been broken on one side, and if that side isn't doing anything about it what can you do? It must be so, so hard and you don't need misplaced guilt over it on top of all the other emotions you must be feeling :( Go easy on yourself and remember God's comfort, God's everlasting arms, God's faithfulness. Praying.

Kay, that is great about DS and about h's reaction to you being nice and calm, good for you! :) answers to prayer. :) We see so much answered prayer on this thread...someone should do a spreadsheet ;) Hope you are feeling ok - continuing to pray for you.

Really struggling with ministry here atm. Don't know if it's just the whole coming out of being so ill, and realising the huge task we have. Pioneer ministry is so different to 'normal' vicar-ing, it is lonely and hard and so so tough. About ready to jack it in some days tbh. We need God to break in here. Please can you pray - also another one in ministry feeling under attack big time here.

Ooo did someone say spreadsheet? Spreadsheet are my obsession speciality. Stepping away from computer.

Amber how can anyone have an anti autism hate campaign? Some people are unbelievable I feel very cross for you.

MHD thinking of you, you're doing amazing coping with the illness and your ministry too, hoping you get the support you deserve.

I'm very used to hate-stuff, unfortunately. There's a minority in the world who hate us and do everything they can to cause us difficulties. Bullies.

Praying for those struggling with ministry too.