"By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples": Christian Prayer Thread for April

[Tuo]

I thought it was about time we started a new thread, seeing as the previous one now has over 600 posts, making it difficult for some people to load it and navigate around it. I used the quote from John 13. 15 that I posted on the previous thread on Maundy Thursday, because I think it sums up what this thread - and this group of people - is all about.

We pray particularly at this time for RoomForALittleOne: that her baby hang on where s/he is for as long as possible and continue to grow in size and strength, and that Room stay well and as pain- and stress-free as possible. Prayers, too, for the medical team looking after them both at this worrying time.

We pray also for:
amberlight ? for her work raising awareness of ASDs, and for her friends who have cancer;
BabyBeatrice and her family ? for continued healing and with thanks for recent good news;
BlackEyedSusan ? for strength to cope with all the many things on her plate, for health for her mum, and for happier times at school for her DD and DS;
BlueTinkerbell ? for work possibilities and for her vocation;
charlottecollinsislost ? for a peaceful holiday, despite the circumstances, and for as pain- and recrimination-free a separation as possible for the sake of all concerned;
Dontsteponthemomeraths ? for her as she dips her toe back in the 'dating pond'; for her ?LM? as he tries to establish contact with his children; for her brother to regain full use of his thumb, following an accident;
DutchOma and Bob ? for health for Bob, and for Oma to feel supported as she cares for him day-to-day; also for Oma's planned trip to Holland;
GingerCurl ? for the successful and (relatively) stress-free completion of her thesis;
HavingALittleFaithBaby ? for as easy a time as is possible during these last days and weeks of her pregnancy;
jann2013 ? for strength for her following the break-up of her marriage, and for her dd who has badly broken her arm;
Kaykat ? for her and her DS to know peace and happiness as they emerge from an abusive relationship, and for the legal issues to be sorted out quickly so that they can get back into their own home;
MadHairDay - for strength as she lives with chronic illness and for the Spring to bring her better health;
MaryBS - for peace and happiness following a difficult situation at Scouts with her DS;
PositiveAttitude ? for her mission overseas and for her family both over there and back here, especially her DD1;
...and for all who post on this thread, for those who lurk, for occasional visitors, and for those known to us who are in need of prayer, whether mentioned here or not.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Hi Ladies. I'm 38 weeks today and feeling awful. Nothing that's unusual for 38 weeks pregnant but I'm struggling physically with the pregnancy more and more. I'mabout to have a nap as I had a very interrupted night's sleep. I gave in at 3:40am and found out my TENS machine and paracetamol. I knew it wasn't 'it' but I was so fed up with not being able to sleep for the pain that I had to do something. DH is being very lovely so that helps a lot.

Hang in there Room, not long to go now. Hooray for your lovely DH and the friend who offerred to look after your DCs during the birth.

Thanks for you prayers for my situation, they were answered, things started moving along again. I may soon need massive prayers for superhuman emotional strength and a clear head but will post more if and when the time comes.

I had some communication from DH and it was the normal abusive stuff, that I am the one who is to blame for everything. I immediately saw it for what it was and I didn't accept that blame even for a second. DS also had some unpleasant communication from him and coped with it well.

Whilst I have been very frustrated at all the delays, I keep reading in the bible about justice and The Lord rescuing me and wondering how and when that would happen. Now I wonder if the delays were part of the answer to prayer as we both needed the space to become stronger and better equipped to deal with him. Oh and i realised that for the first time in over a year I can think about him and OW without it hurting, I just don't care any more.

Oh Kay... you are such an inspiration. Your strength shines out of your post today, and it's clear that you have been able to trust in God through this whole hideous experience that you've been living through, and that that trust has helped you through the worst of times and is bringing you out into new hope and a new life, in a way. I can see that the waiting, however frustrating, has also been positive in allowing you to build up the resilience you need to move forward from here. What you say about your DS is a testament to your love for him and the stability that that love has given him through these toughest of times. Praying that God now brings you the happiness, peace of mind, and stability that you and your DS so richly deserve.

Praying also for Room... you've had such a tough pregnancy in every way and it's no wonder you're feeling frustrated. But soon your baby will be here and I am certain it will all have been worthwhile. Praying for a better night's sleep for you tonight.

And for PA... prayers for a long and happy marriage for DD3, and for better mental health for DD1. May they both know joy in their lives, and may they know and appreciate how lucky they are to have a wonderful mum like you to support them. Prayers too for all the rest of the family, as they celebrate with DD3, and look foward in different ways to the coming year and the changes that it will bring for them. And finally praying for you to share in your DD3's joy and to know that, in that joy, you will be beautiful and will look fabulous. Remember that this is not about the clothes, the presents, or even the party, but about the love that your DD and her fiancé are pledging to one another, about new beginnings (particularly important and particularl poignant after your DD was so ill for so long), and about the family being together. I bet you could go in a sack, with a paper bag on your head, and your DD would still be happy... (not recommending it as a dress code, mind ).

Lovely to see you, Cloutie.

Goodnight all... prayers for all who visit here, that they may know God's blessings in their lives.

just off to the dentists. again. better find some money.

Hope it goes ok, BES...

Kay, so pleased for you that things are moving forward, and that you are at a stage where you feel you can move on more - you have such strength, and as Tuo says you can see God's strength shining through. Continued prayers for peace as you and DS go forward away from the abuse.

Room...oh poor you. I know you must be fed up of hearing 'not long now'! You've done so amazingly. Continued prayers, prayers for respite from the pain and discomfort and a good birth. Good that you have someone to help.

Faith, do hope you are feeling better soon, poor you with D&V while bf, such hard work, I remember! Prayers for healing and quick recovery.

PA, how wonderful to hear from yuo, and certainly prayers for the wedding and for dd1 too and for you as you reclimatise and get used to being here. It must be something of a culture shock!

Tuo, wonderful to see you and your trip sounds absolutely amazing, would love to hear some more about it.

Prayers for amber, Mary, cloutie, gingercurl, Blue, Oma, BES, Charlotte, Mome and everyone else, lurkers included!

Thank you Tuo and MHD you are always so supportive. Tuo I remember you going out in the snow to light a candle for me at your cathedral and prayed I would have a light to follow. Still following that light.

For once I have a prayer request not involving h. I have a difficult and confusing task to complete at work on Monday, should have finished it today, I don't think I have all the information I need and i certainly dont have enough time and not sure I have the brain power either! Worried it will turn out a big mess.

PA I pray you have a wonderful happy day tomorrow.

Thinking too of Faith and Room and BES hope the dentist wasn't too painful for your mouth or your bank account.

Argh wrote a long post last night but battery died!

kay you sound really strong! You're absolutely right in both your approach to your H and its fantastic that you're immersing yourself in the Bible - God is clearly speaking to you through it and strengthening you through it. Praying for legal proceedings to progress.

bes hope the dentist was ok - I was praying,

PA I'm sure your dress looks lovely! Remember you're Mother of the bride and will be wearing something that makes you very beautiful - . Is it the first time many people will have seen you since you lost weight?

We're on holiday! Travelled yesterday to stay with FIL and SMIL near Bristol and today will be heading to Devon to see more of DH's family. Prayers for safe travel appreciated. Also DH's mother is a law unto herself...they were estranged before I got pregnant and although we're in touch now her behaviour is still challenging so prayers that its ok and he can deal with it would be great thanks :)

DS had a temp of 39.5 in the night. I'm not sure why. Prayers for healing appreciated.

Praying for our very own Mother-of-the-bride. For Kay for wisdom and stamina at work, and for Room's ds and all the family.

And for everyone else whose needs are known to God if not to us.

And for wisdom for Faith in dealing with dmil.

off to mum's. prayers tht I can keep my temper ould be appreciated. i m strressed. she is anxious and panicky.

will take my prayers with me.

thnks for the dentist prayers. I was scared and it was unpleasant.

Prayers for the visit to your mum BES Good that the dentist visit is now over..

Hi ladies, I'm lurking as usual.

Desperately tired at the moment, things are tough at work with one colleague, DD struggling at School and getting cross too quickly or not listening, I have too much on I've agreed to do/ help with, flats a mess and I'm stressed, cross or grumpy myself lately with it all. I need some grace and peace badly. Feels like spiritual warfare at times tbh. I'm supposed to be proof reading the book being published by the divorce course I help on and I cannot find the time or energy. I was going to knuckle down this weekend but it's been a tough weekend one way or another and I'm so tired I think I need to go to bed now.

I have a meeting with the head about DD this week . Pray for her and that the School do not pass the buck to me alone here. She needs support there too.

phew, I am home.

4 hours or so of gardening. ( wheelie bin full of weeds and clippings)
shopping
made 2 cooked meals and batch cooked enough for 8 more to put in the freezer for mum. on the plus side she has decided to eat the ones with beans in after all.

party food prepared.

I need a lie down!

ds has been out of sorts this weekend. all week really. his behaviour has been worse this weekend than it has been recently.

BES - you are a force of nature, you really are... I am full of admiration for all you do, and am praying for a quiet week for you, for your DS and DD to have a good week too, and for your mum to be calm and well too.

Mome - lovely to see you... praying for your DD, and that the meeting with the Head goes well, also for your work situation, and for all the stuff you have to deal with; praying for peace and strength in equal measure, for you to get on with everything and to feel at ease with it all.

Faith - praying for a lovely holiday with Mr Faith and Faithlet, and for wisdom in dealing with your MIL. Hope it all goes well.

PA - How was it? Can't wait to hear all about it? Praying for your DD3 as she enters this new and exciting phase of her life, and also for the whole family, but especially for DD1 - for her health and happiness.

Kay - praying for yoru work situation; I pray that it all goes well tomorrow, that no-one expects the impossible of you, and that you get the information you need in order to complete your task.

Room - praying for you as you reach the end of this long and difficult pregnancy and look forward to meeting your beautiful new baby; also for your DS - I hope he's feeling better now.

Oma - prayers for you and for Bob... how is he doing these days?

And prayers for greenheart who was ordained priest this weekend. Congratulations, and may God bless your work in every possible way.

explains why it looks like a tornao has blown through the flat then...

the caffeine to drive home is finally wearing off. off to bed.

DS is much better, thanks. We had a lovely time at a friend's ordination yesterday. There's a lot of new Revs taking up title posts in the country today. This time next year...

I'm feeling quite poorly today. I don't know if I should try and see the midwife or not. It's all a bit non-descript as there is not one problem that is really bad more a bit of nausea, a bit of a headache, a bit breathless, stupidly swollen feet etc.

Tuo Thank you for doing your small "round-ups" of everyone's prayers, it does make it easier to prayer for everyone on here. How are things with you now?

BES - Hope you had a good night after the caffeine wore off.

Mome - Praying for your colleague issue and for your meeting at the school.

Faith - Have a good time and praying for peace and wisdom - MIL's can be a nightmare!!!

Kay - Continuing to pray for your difficult situation. You are sounding so much stronger and more confident. well done!!

Room - Praying for you and for baby room to be welcomed into the world very soon now.

Oma - Hello!! Prayers for you and Bob. I do hope you are getting the help, support and friendship that you need.

Bakingtins- prayers continuing for you.

The wedding was amazing. I have never seen such a beautiful bride and she and my new son-in-law laughed and smiled all day long - apart from at the end of his speech when he just could manage to say "I love her so much........" and burst into tears, then they both sat hugging each other crying together......not a dry eye in the house!!!! I just thank God for such a wonderful day. They go off on honeymoon this morning, so praying that they have a fantastic time and safe journey to Tenerife.
Tomorrow DH and I celebrate 25 years of marriage. I pray that DD3 and her DH will be as happy as we have been together through life's ups and downs as we have been.
Now that the wedding planning is over with we need to think quickly about how we are going to celebrate tomorrow!

Please pray for a job opportunity that has come up for me, well a couple of jobs actually! I am applying for a temporary job that will keep me busy when DH and DD4 return to Cambodia in 3 weeks time. We could really do with the money and it sounds ideal, but I think hundreds of people could be applying.
Job number 2 is not even advertised yet, and would start in the Autumn. It sounds really exciting and I am very interested. Please pray that I either get the jobs, or that others come along for me. Also DD1 needs a new job as she is not working right now. Please pray for one for her too. - some of the jobs we could both be applying for. I would prefer her to get it rather than me, to be honest!

DD1 is doing well. Lots of people have said how much better she is looking since our return. She seems to be more relaxed and small steps to being more positive. Please continue to pray for her - we have a long road ahead.

Oh PA it sounds like it was so beautiful! So glad it went so well. Praying for a job, and for dd1.

Room, praying for you. My fb feed is full of new ordinands again too!! It all goes so quick - it was 5 yrs ago yesterday dh was first ordained!

Meeting up with Blue this morning, will be great to see her.

Prayers all round.

oh and have just waved ds off for a week on the Isle of wight, he's only y4 so I feel a little tender, but he will have a ball I know! Prayers for him (and me!) would be appreciated!!

Oh, PA, that sounds like an amazing, and amazingly blessed, day. Continuing to pray for you and your family.

MHD praying for your DS and for you, missing him!

Continuing to pray for Room - hope you feel better soon - and for your BES - hoping you got some rest.

And praying for all who visit this place, that it may be in different ways a comfort and support to every one of them.

oops. I have chickend out of going to get the parcel from the post offce depot. it was just too difficult to go.

I have though, as way of excuse, filled in 2 occuptional therapy forrms for the children. which mweans we are likely to have a run of appointments sometime sson.

so we may end up wiith:
occupational therepy for dd (hypermobility) handwriting etc
physio therapy for dd (hypermobility) core body strength etc
occupationaal therapy for ds (spd)
speech therapy for ds

occuptional therapy for ds (hypermobility)
physio for ds (hypermobility)

something for dd for dyspraxia or spd...

please could someone arraange for and extra hour to be inserted into the day to accomodate this. pretty sure some of you are on good terms with the boss.

Great difficulty in not bursting into tears at work today. When someone clearly doesn't like/ respect you and operates in a passive aggressive way constantly, it's exhausting and it's also influencing how one of the shop staff treats me now

My boss is lovely but this work colleague situation is very hard. It's not imagined. She's not being subtle.

BES I know our God is a God of miracles and I know He stopped the sun in the sky before when Joshua prayed, but not too sure my faith is up to another hour in the day, so can I pray for you to cope with what you are given to cope with?

Mome oh so sad to hear you having a tough time of it with your work colleague. Prayers for the situation and that you can have peace. In the past I found one way to deal with a flippin pain in the arse a not very nice person, was to be overly nice and bend over backwards for them. I know that it is very hard to do, but in my case I prayed for them very much and would just be calm and very nice and little by little they changed and I can honestly say that I even ended up liking them just a little!

We are celebrating our silver wedding anniversary today - out tonight for a very rare meal out, very excited!! Thank God for the past 25 years of a wonderful marriage. We have been through an awful lot together and have come through it only with God's grace. Thank you God for putting us together.

Still reading and praying...