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A new Christian prayer thread for 2014

999 replies

Tuo · 02/01/2014 00:58

Welcome to our new prayer thread for 2014. This is a safe and supportive place of prayer, where regulars, occasional visitors and lurkers, committed Christians and those just dipping a toe into the water are all equally welcome. Come and leave a prayer, tell us what’s going on in your life, bring your worries, hopes, fears and joys to God, and know that you will be prayed for.

We pray, in particular, for...

... amberlight, for her work raising awareness of autism in churches, and for her to know love and acceptance wherever she goes;

... Badvoc and her family, as they grieve for her dad; prayers too for her aunt who is seriously ill; and prayers for a good recovery from her gallstones operation;

... BananasForTed, praying for her mental health and for her difficult work situation, and also praying that she was able to go back to her church and that she found support there;

... BlackEyedSusan, for all the many things which she has to juggle in her life as a single parent; in particular, we pray for her mum's health, and for both her DC to receive the support that they need at school;

... BlessedAssurance, when she feels challenged because of her faith at her place of work; also for her pregnancy and for her eye problems;

... BoxOfDelights, for her to find somewhere good to live and a job;

... bountyicecream, thanking God for her renewed happiness after leaving a very difficult and abusive relationship, and praying that she will continue to grow in happiness and strength in the future;

... CharlotteCollinsisinherownplace, giving thanks for her new home and new job;

... Don'tsteponthemomeraths, thanking God that an MRI has shown her brain to be normal, and for the continued progress of her niece, little Grace, born prematurely;

... DutchOma and Bob, for Bob's health to be as stable as possible and for him to receive good care in the hospice; also praying for him to see some glimpses of light in what is, admittedly, a very difficult situation, so that his outlook may be less 'catastrophic'; and praying for Oma that she may find rest and peace of mind and support at this time;

... Gingercurl, giving thanks for the successful completion of her thesis and praying for her viva to go well; also for Ginger’s MIL who has been diagnosed with cancer;

... HadALittleFaithBaby, for all bugs to leave to Faith household; also for her neighbour who has cancer and for his family;

... JugglingFromHereToThere, for a job which interests and fulfils her;

... Kaykat, giving thanks that she is now settled and happy in her new home with her DS, and praying for her DS to cope well with his new situation and not allow his dad to influence him in a negative way; also praying that she will find a welcoming church community in her new place;

... MadHairDay, thanking God for a Christmas spent at home with her family, and praying for continued health in 2014; praying too for health and love and friendship for MHD’s DD;

... NeverKnowinglyUnderstood, for her relationship with her DS and for support for them to understand his anger and frustration and find ways to avoid it if possible;

... niminypiminy, for happiness in her new home;

... octopusinastringbag, thinking of her as she feels drawn to explore faith in more depth;

... PandaG, for her mum's health;

... PositiveAttitude and her family; in particular, at this time, for DD3, praying for a happy end to her pregnancy with no complications; also praying for PA's parents’ health, for her DD1's finances, for her DS's anxiety, and for PA as she awaits the outcome of a job application and misses her DH and DD4;

... revivingshower, praying for her back pain to ease and thanking God for her family who've been supporting her during this tough time;

... RoomForALittleOne, for her DD3 to stay well and to sleep well too, so that Room can get enough rest;

... RunRunRuby, thanking God that she has come to our thread and praying that her faith may be strengthened;

... SESthebrave, for all that she has to juggle in her life, with work and DC;

... SunshinemMum, praying for her and her family as they look for a new spiritual home after leaving their previous church; may they find the place that is right for them, and may it welcome them with open arms;

... thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts, for a more peaceful time now to recover from the hecticness that is Christmas, and for her academic work;

... weegiemum, giving thanks for her own better health, but praying for her stepmum and for Kat, who are both seriously unwell and for all in the family affected by their illnesses;

We pray also for all regular and occasional visitors, and those we haven't seen for a while, including: Bluetinkerbell, cloutiedumpling, EasyCompadre, FairPhyllis, fluffieduckie, FriendOfDorothy, GoodbyeRubyTuesday, harbinger and her family, JakeBullet, jan and her DD, ktef, LollipopViolet, MaryBS, notquiteagrownup, PloddingDaily, Soozi, thehorridestmumintheworld, trish5000, youretoastmildred, and zulubump, and for anyone I've forgotten to name-check (don't take it personally, please!). And we pray for those who read and pray but don’t post, for those who need our prayers but are afraid or too uncertain to post them, and for all those known to us in our own lives who need God’s love.

May God bless us all in 2014.

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 31/03/2014 15:48

oh dear, I was supposed to be tidying. I have slept for four hours...

CharlotteCollins · 31/03/2014 18:00

I'm sure you needed it, BES!

That's lovely, Tuo. I've only just started feeling that I "get" friendship. I've never really understood it! I'm something of a slow learner. :o

So, I woke up this morning feeling headachey and unrested, having gone to bed too late. I seem to behave similarly to alcoholics with the computer. Yesterday I just switched it on "to look up one thing" and then was there for 3 hours or more. I kept thinking, "I ought to stop now," and then thinking, "Nah, it's not doing any harm." Whole chunks of time just disappear and I really need to get a handle on it. So I have written in my journal the rules that I'm setting for myself (as I can't avoid the computer altogether!) and signed it and am telling you lot for extra accountability.

Jan, I think that your H's dramatic turnaround when you pointed out how unreasonable he was being tells you all you need to know. It shows that he is making you responsible for his behaviour, which is just not tenable in an adult relationship. You have every right to walk away from the counselling at any point. Every right. And if you feel your health is suffering, then do it. I feel that if I were to get back with my H now it would be just like committing to a new marriage. I believe it's like that in God's eyes. The marriage vows were broken, repeatedly and systematically, in both our cases. Don't let guilt make you go back. ((hugs))

Kaykat · 01/04/2014 00:06

Charlotte I feel like that too, that it would be like a new marriage and if I wanted a new marriage I wouldn't be choosing him. In fact I have changed so much from the doormat I used to be that I wouldn't last more than five minutes in a relationship with him now.

Tuo · 01/04/2014 03:30

Aargh! I've been trying to write something for work that I got a bit stuck on and started feeling stressed about. Couldn't put it off because I'd have been letting other people down. So now it's 3.20 a.m. and I'm buzzing and stressed. Ah well... hopefully once I get myself horizontal sleep will take over. Prayers for a bit of sleep and some energy to get me through tomorrow would be welcome! Thanks.

Kay, Charlotte - brilliant posts. Jan - thinking of you and praying you will know the right thing to do.

My prayers tonight are for amber, in particular: thinking of you as you go for your check-up tomorrow, amber, and praying for inner and outer calm for you before during and after the appointment, and for a good outcome. May you know that all our prayers go with you.

A prayer of Julian of Norwich:

O God, of your goodness, give us yourself, for only in you do we have all. Amen.

OP posts:
jan2014 · 01/04/2014 15:53

hey guys hope you are all ok, and thank you so much for the encouragement re the ex. i am in so much admiration for you ladies who have been there and been strong and went your own way and stood up to your exes. in some ways after 2 years nearly i can't believe i am pretty much in the same boat. marriage counselling is tomorrow.... of course he will be like a new person!! well if he is going to change, it will have to take a good year or so before i will believe this new behaviour.

please pray for me.... i honestly think i have chronic fatigue syndrome or something similar. i have pretty much all the symptoms online, and have been to the docs before but they have always just brushed me off saying im just tired because i am looking after a child on my own. i really feel there is a lot more going on ... i have written a list of symptoms and am taking it to docs in 2 weeks i have an appt. i guess theres nothing they can do anyway but i just want them to take me seriously and find out what it is.

Kaykat · 01/04/2014 18:03

But Jan you have been strong you separated when your DD was a baby and you say that you won't take him back unless he proves he has changed for a very long time. I pray that your counsellor will see through his facade (if there is one) and stand for no nonsense from him so that it won't be such a tiring experience to you. Also for your health. Have you had a blood test? Could it be thyroid? If I could live my life over again I would have separated when DS was a baby just like you did.

jan2014 · 01/04/2014 18:30

thank you kay...oh there are so many things i would do if i could live my life over again! yes ive had blood tests and they are all normal although i was borderline thyroid but not enough for meds. so ive to go in and pickle the doctors head. ive literally no energy in my body! the good thing is the counsellor does see through him, which i am so grateful for....she said in front of him that he was all wrong!

amberlight · 01/04/2014 18:47

Praying through, again. And prayers of thanks for good results for both DH's eye consultation and my hospital appointment checkup today.

CharlotteCollins · 01/04/2014 21:44

That's good news, amber.

Praying for an earlier night tonight, Tuo - much earlier, I mean! Hope you got through today ok. I often feel tired just reading the time that you've posted!

Jan, maybe try calling the ME association for a chat? I expect it would be a small help just to talk to somebody who doesn't try to downplay what you're experiencing. My DM had ME for years; she thought this organisation was great.

CharlotteCollins · 01/04/2014 21:47

PS: I don't want to go on or be a nag or anything, but has this desperate lack of energy coincided with starting counselling by any chance? I know the sense of obligation when I took H back (and then realised the enormity of what I'd done) was debilitating. My muscles turned to lead.

Tuo · 01/04/2014 22:55

Survived the day, though I had a little droop during a meeting this afternoon when I ended up sitting in the sun and ... zzzzz! Off to bed once I've posted this.

Praying tonight for all those who are in, or who have survived, difficult relationships: for Charlotte, for Jan, for Kay, for BES, for Mome, and for bountyicecream. May you know friendship and support from those around you; may those who love you uphold you; may you know inner reserves of strength, energy and resilience; may you feel safe; and may your futures be full of hope and joy.

Thanking God for a good outcome for amber and her DH, and continuing to thank God too for the safe arrival of Blessed's Dominic. And finally thanking God for this thread... what a blessing it is!

A prayer of St Augustine:

O thou, who art the light of the minds that know thee, the life of the souls that love thee, and the strength of the wills that serve thee; help us so to know thee that we may truly love thee; so to love thee that we may fully serve thee, whom to serve is perfect freedom. Amen

OP posts:
GingerCurl · 02/04/2014 01:03

Praying as I read through.
Am concerned about DS. Tonight he cried when he went to bed saying that he had no one to play with. I realise that he may well be exaggerating but I think something isn't right. It has been going on for a while but I don't know if it's him being a pain and the other boys not wanting to play with him as a result or if he's being excluded for other reasons. Not sure what to do.

BlackeyedSusan · 02/04/2014 03:27

ouch...
oh my gosh, have you seen the time?
I may have accidently fallen asleep on the sofa about 4 hours ago... off to bed to unkink my back.

CharlotteCollins · 02/04/2014 09:34

Ginger, that's a tricky one. DD2 has felt friendless at one time or another for a few years now. She's better now because there was a new girl in September and the two of them get on really well, but before then, there just wasn't anyone she really gelled with. Does he ever have anyone over to play after school? If he gets on with someone well enough for that, then you can maybe do some gentle encouragement/coaching from the sidelines! Other than that, I think mhd said to me once that her DD found friendships awkward till secondary school and then found her niche. (MHD feel free to correct me!)

madhairday · 02/04/2014 18:40

Charlotte yes, dd found things a lot more difficult at primary school. She still has social problems due to her SN but things have improved a lot. Remind me how old your ds is ginger ? It's such a horrible feeling isn't it when our dc feel isolated by that, both of mine have been through it at varying times. Could you go and talk to his teacher about it and see what she has to say? She might have some insight on it and be able to say who he does get on with so you could perhaps ask them over?

BES Thanks - I am so sorry church is being so draining. not at all what it should be like. I can't remember where you are - if you PM me I am happy to look at churches, I know a fair amount of clergy around the country. It sounds like it has been so destroying rather than upbuilding for you :( Praying that new steps forward will be so much more positive.

Great news amber - was so pleased yesterday when I saw this. :) Thanks

Continued prayers for all of you.

I am not getting better, so am at the stage of asking about further treatment now. will see what gp/hospital say. sigh. Just want to feel better. DC are a lot better now :)

Tuo · 03/04/2014 00:34

Oh, MHD, I'm so sorry that you're still not well. Are you looking at hospitalisation? So Sad for you. Praying for the support you need from your medical team, understanding from all around you, and lots of love from family and friends. Thanking God that the DC are better now, at least.

Praying for Ginger's DS. May he grow in confidence and make many friends. (Like MHD's DD my slightly quirky - or 'weird' as her primary classmates described her Sad - DD1 has been much happier and has been able to find like-minded souls since starting secondary.)

I've been thinking about absent friends, and especially RoomForALittleOne and weegiemum. If you are lurking, ladies, we are thinking of you and sending prayers.

As I was writing the above, Psalm 23 came into my mind, so I'll post that as my prayer for tonight.

The Lord is my shepherd :
therefore can I lack nothing.
He will make me lie down in green pastures :
and lead me beside still waters.
He will refresh my soul :
and guide me in right pathways for his names sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil :
for you are with me, your rod and your staff comfort me.
You spread a table before me
in the face of those who trouble me :
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup will be full.
Surely your goodness and loving-kindness
will follow me all the days of my life :
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Amen.

OP posts:
jan2014 · 03/04/2014 08:58

good morning everyone..... i am so glad that my parents took dd for the night last night cos ive been up half the night sick and just not well at all. had to go to college last night can't miss any more as im on my last legs with attendance and that didn't help... noone would come near me! mhd im sorry you aren't well.... i find it so hard being sick this time i can't imagine what its like being sick so often.

charlotte i might give them a ring the ME people thats an excellent idea... i know that counselling deffo hasn't helped, but the exhaustion has been ongoing maybe around a year and a half or so. its getting worse. what you are saying is right it feels like my body is lead. did you take your husband back in the end then? i do apologise i haven't been able to catch up and that i was so bad at keeping in touch . i even find the thread hard to keep up as its so fast moving!

kaykat im sorry your ex just dropped off the face of the earth like that... what a twat. all i can say is the lord knows and understands everything you have gone through and all that you do and he will reward you for all your hard work.

BES im sorry youre having a rough time with your church. its so hard in that situation and its a big decision to leave - in the last month i made the decision to leave my church and join and new one, and i feel so much better. but still its so hard as i still don't know anyone in my new church! but i feel so much more freeer.

BlackeyedSusan · 03/04/2014 11:05

the computer is randomly crashing again.

BlackeyedSusan · 03/04/2014 11:05

ds off school with tummy ache/temp

BlackeyedSusan · 03/04/2014 11:06

praying for mhd

BlackeyedSusan · 03/04/2014 11:07

I have a head ache and sinussy and finding it difficult so can not imagine what it is like to feel so ill so often.

dd has had a terrible cough in the night but is in school. I was really scare and so was she. must try and go to the gp to see about whether it was wheezy or just coughy

madhairday · 03/04/2014 11:13

Thankyou BES . Praying for your ds - you get more than your fair share of bugs/sickness :(

Jan - yes, good idea about the ME association. If your gp doesn't take you seriously, then it would be a good idea if you can to see another gp. Something like this should be listened to. You know yourself, and you know your exhaustion is more than day to day mummy tiredness. Praying for you as you explore it all and praying especially for support for you. Being so exhausted constantly is deeply wearing and has profound effects on daily life. If you do have ME/Cfs there is a lot of support out there which you could access, so gps should be listening and helping rather than palming it off. :( praying.

I'm seeing my consultant in a couple of weeks so I've decided to try and wait it out until then, but if I get worse I will be seeing gp. I just don't have the energy to sort it out and I am still hanging on to hope that things will get better and I won't need hospital. I have got myself in a bit of a state about it tbh.

BlackeyedSusan · 03/04/2014 13:27

grr. it has gone to my eyebrow. painkillers taken so waiting for them to kick in. I am going to have to go to the gp to see if they are migraines rather than sinus. I am too ill to bother at the moment though.

ds is being good so I am getting some rest.

Kaykat · 03/04/2014 21:43

Jan it was actually a blessing and an answer to prayer when he dropped off the face of the earth. He was messing with DSs emotions pretty much on a weekly basis and messing up my life with last minute changing plans and demands. DS is loads more settled now. The only annoying thing is that it makes the legal stuff tricky not knowing where he is. I do know he's nowhere near us any more and that makes me feel a whole lot safer.

Praying to keep MHD well for spring and out of hospital. A lot of us me included take our health for granted and its hard to imagine the daily struggle that you must face but I always feel admiration for your strength throughout it all.

Also praying for better health in the BES household.

Tuo · 04/04/2014 01:37

Gah! Forgot to do something I need to do for work so here I am again. But feeling so tired I turned the computer off and then remembered I hadn't posted here today. Another quick update then.... not least because I'm typing on phone!

Praying for MHD's health and for BES to feel better soon too. Also thinking of PA who hasn't been around for a bit, and of Faith and Badvoc.

Please pray for me tomorrow. Tiredness is catching up with me and I'm feeling quite stressed. Have to go on a long journey tomorrow too - it's my parents' Golden Wedding. Praying that will go well - DH will drive, but it's a long way. Oh and prayers for my parents too - for many more years of happy marriage to come.

OP posts: