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Philosophy/religion

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A Christian prayer thread for Autumn/Winter

990 replies

Tuo · 30/10/2014 01:17

Welcome to our new prayer thread for autumn/winter. 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 the ways in which we can work to make life easier for our autistic friends, and for her to know love and acceptance wherever she goes; also thanking God for her recent 'all-clear' at her annual cancer check-up;

... BlackEyedSusan, for all the many things which she has to juggle in her life as a single parent; in particular, for her DS to get adequate support so that he is less stressed at school; also for her DD and for her mum, and for BES to find the RL support that she needs;

... BlessedAssurance, for life with her two LOs, and for her family who are far away;

... DontstepontheMomeRaths, for her life as a single mum, for God to provide if her XH is successful in training for a new role, and for the wonderful work she does through her church supporting people going through separation and divorce;

... DutchOma, as she continues to miss Bob; thanking God for the wonderful support that she provides for so many on here; and praying for her relationship with her DD, in particular;

... Gingercurl, for her work situation; and for the relationship between her brother and sister to improve;

... howtoapproachthis for physical and emotional healing; and for a good bond between her and her DD;

... Kaykat, continuing to pray for her as she goes through the stressful and painful process of divorce; praying, in particular, that she is able to find good ways of supporting her DS, and for him to find renewed happiness in the coming weeks;

... MadHairDay, for her health; for peace of mind about the choice of secondary school for her DS; and for her DD to find friendship and acceptance;

... MrsPixieMoo, thanking God for her baby DD; and praying for a new home where the family can be really happy;

... Pipbin, for her IVF treatment - for her to find support and a positive way forward, whatever the outcome;

... PositiveAttitude, for her new studies and her work as a Deacon in her church; for her mum, who has dementia; and for her DD1 to find one or more special friends;

... PurplePidjin, for a more peaceful life;

... QuestionofFaith, for her and for her DH - for his depression to lift and for them to find ways to rebuild their lives;

... and for a poster we won't name but whose situation is known to God, praying that she is safe and supported.

We pray also for all regular and occasional visitors including: ALittleFaith, Badvoc, BlueTinkerbell, CharlotteCollins, cloutiedumpling, JugglingFromHereToThere, ktef, MaryBS, niminypiminy, PandaG, RoomForALittleOne, SEStheBrave, thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts, tunnocksteacake, weegiemum, 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.

Keep Your people, Lord,
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.
Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.
Be strength in their weakness.
Be their comfort in pain.
Be their song in the night. Amen

[post edited by MNHQ]

OP posts:
FaithLoveandGrace · 27/12/2014 21:21

Just realised I didn't finish.

We're back in our cold flat and it's back to work soon and I feel rubbish I meant to say!

Has anyone had snow? Had lots of rain here but no snow.

Tuo · 27/12/2014 22:01

Prayers of thanks from me too, for a happy Christmas, lots of fun with the family, and safe travels for DH to work today despite the snow. Just been laughing and joking around with DD2 and realised how much happier and more relaxed she is than a few months ago. Giving thanks too for Oma's good Christmas. I'm so glad it went well, Oma, and that everyone was on best behaviour!

Have been thinking of people on this thread, but especially of you, innerstrength. I am glad that you had loving people around you. Soon it will be a new year, and your journey will continue as you turn a new page. It will continue to be tough, but you will get there.

Sorry you're feeling low, FaithLoveandGrace, but it's good that you can see it for what it is - the normal post-Christmas crash. Tell yourself that what you are feeling is a natural reaction to a 'big event', a bit of an anticlimax. Is there something coming up that you're looking forward to? Something you can focus on to get you through the next few days? You'll feel better once the flat is warm, too, I bet. (I would anyway; I hate being cold.)

Lollipop - it's great that you came back and posted. I have often thought about you since you first posted on a previous thread. Come and update us on your life occasionally, eh?

howto - lovely to see you... have been thinking about you too.

Love and prayers to all!

Shout for joy
the whole earth,
and everything within.
Rejoice!
For Light has come into the world

The mountains sing,
the seas resound
to the praise of your name.
Salvation
once promised is here on earth

The angels' song
rings in the air,
a child has been born.
Hallelujah!
The Saviour of the world is here.

OP posts:
DontstepontheMomeRaths · 27/12/2014 22:59

No snow here either. It was my side of the families get together today. Which I've avoided for several years as I'm usually in Scotland but my PIL are temporarily living nearby for MIL's job she's contracted to. Anyway, so I went. Usual toxic array of stuff from various family members but lovely times with others. I tried to stay away from certain ones. Odd day but glad I went. Wouldn't have dreamt of going 2 years ago due to Dad.

Too tired to post more but hello.

howtoapproachthis · 28/12/2014 08:22

i love that line 'light has come to the world'

this christmas has been pretty diffficult. ive been diagnosed with ME now, and have had a nasty cold bug for a week and a half,its really making me feel awful, haven't been to church in weeks. please pray i get back on my feet again. i think for me the longer i spend 'out' (ie lounging around, not getting ready etc) the harder it is to get back into 'life' again if that makes sense. so i am getting a bit worried.

dd is very very dissappointed that it didn't snow for christmas, she assumed that when it was time for santa to come, there would be snow. she has been asking ever since. im so thankful that people undererstand now why i am wiped out, and also for new toys etc to occupy dd. thinking of you all and hope you had a lovely christmas... it still seems like its boxing day to me im stuck in a time warp.

Dutchoma · 28/12/2014 09:37

'Light has come into the world' And of couse that is true BUT: it will take another week or so from now before we can actually see that light returning. My mother used to say (and I don't know where she got ist from) that from the 7th January the days would get longer by 'a cockerel's footstep'. That is a whole week and a day to wait from now and then it will only be bit by bit that the light returns. In the meantime we have all got to do the best we can. I am entering a period of painful remembrance, not helped by having a cold. Thankfully this held off while Christmas was going on, thankfully the view from my window is bright and thankfully there will be friends to speak to and see. Thankfully the 'light that has come into the world' is not dependent on what it looks like outside or inside my head for that matter, the 'light of the world' is here, God with us, Emmanuel. Thanks be to God.

innerstrength100 · 28/12/2014 16:28

Sounds like you are having a tough day Oma. I'm sorry. Thinking of you and praying for God to send extra courage and love to you.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Dutchoma · 28/12/2014 16:44

I'm alright, thanks Innerstrength. Just struggling a bit with this cold, but also grateful that I don't have to go out anywhere. And also grateful for extra prayer and friends afar.

QofF · 28/12/2014 17:58

Oma I was a lurker this time last year but your witness to being a Christian at that time made a lasting impression on me. I am praying for you, for love and strength to be wrapped around you especially during this upcoming period of remembrance. And that your cold lifts soon!
Glad you have all had good Christmases overall. Mine was easier than expected, ds had a wonderful time and dh seemed not too bad. So thank you God. Went to mass this morning for the first time in a few weeks due to bugs etc ( not counting our disastrous Christmas Eve attempt at midnight mass where an exhausted ds meant I left before it really started-my fault, should have known was too late for him). Anyway was so glad to go today, lots of food for thought and felt a real physical renewal of strength and purpose from the Eucharist.
Howto am praying for you and am glad at least you have a diagnosis. Is there anything that can be done in terms of medication to help?
Bff so glad to read about your friend.

PurplePidjingThroughTheSnow · 28/12/2014 18:32

Oma I wonder if you can't see the light at the moment because you're too close? You've brought so much comfort with your wise words on here recently, maybe you can't see any light because you are, in fact, the bulb?

innerstrength100 · 28/12/2014 19:36

Yes - I have not been on here very long, only since recent horrible split. But you have been hugely helpful Oma. Thank you. xx

QofF - so glad to hear it went better than you expected. Really so hope the upward trend continues for you. Even if it is two steps forward one back; it sounds like you have come a long way this year.

Dutchoma · 28/12/2014 19:53

You are all very lovely, thank you.

My tumble dryer has broken down. Fortunately I renewed the maintenance contract on it on the 16th December, after seriously thinking that I maybe could do without. Grin

FaithLoveandGrace · 28/12/2014 21:33

oma I agree with what pidjing said about being too close to the light. Same as inner I've not been here long but you've always been absolutely amazing. May we be the light for you during this dark time. Good job you renewed the maintenance contract!

QofF very glad you enjoyed the Eucharist. I hope and pray things keep improving for you. How old is DS?

mome how are you doing? I've been reading your thread on mental health (though not caught up today). Just wondering how you are today.

howto sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Praying for you Flowers

tuo very glad to hear you've had a good Christmas and DD2 is feeling happier. It's DSS's birthday soon so we have that to look forward to. Flat is slightly warmer now but can certainly tell the difference between here and my parents house! Feeling a little calmer but still lots on my mind.

Love and prayers to all.

ALittleFaith · 28/12/2014 22:13

Lots of love DO.

Thanking God today, I skidded on ice and spun the car 180 degrees and got wedged in a hedgerow/ditch! However we (myself and DD) weren't harmed and the car isn't damaged. Also 5 minutes after it happened I had offers to pull me out and a copper and a paramedic stopped (at the same time) and they were able to get me out. Very long journey home but safe! Thank The Lord! :)

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 28/12/2014 22:20

Alittle so glad you're safe and you had so much help around. Sounds like God was protecting you both there.

Faith good day here. Just off to bed. I

Oma love to you and prayers. So glad you renewed maintenance contract.

Jan I'm sorry to hear about diagnosis but praying that now it's been officially diagnosed, the GP will be able to put help/ support in place for you where needed.

Endless sneezing and nose blowing here today but as colds go it's not that bad. Just annoying.

Dutchoma · 29/12/2014 08:00

What a blessing AlittleFaith that neither you nor your daughter, nor the car were damaged. Have you stopped shaking yet?

ALittleFaith · 29/12/2014 09:35

Just about DO! I do feel like I was being looked after given who arrived just after it happened! We are having a quiet morning at home.

FaithLoveandGrace · 29/12/2014 19:47

Wow alittlefaith that sounds scary! So good God was watching out for you all.

Today has been good. I've been feeling like I'm not very good with DSS. I love him to bits but I find it hard to deal with his almost constant need for attention (he's only 4) and I feel like I'm just not very good with him. But this evening I made his food and then was tidying up in the kitchen. He came in and said "thanks for making my food faith." Then 30 seconds later (whilst having a wee) he shouted "I love you faith". It sounds really simple but it was so out of nowhere and so sweet! He really does make my heart melt at times. Thanking God for allowing me to be a part of his life.

Dutchoma · 29/12/2014 21:17

Is it me or do we have multi Faith on this thread? Grin

I had such a lovely day with Amber visiting me. She brought me a couple of books by John Pritchard (he will be the group leader when we go to Israel), one a book of pocket prayers for troubled times.
I quote:

Lord what have we done wrong?
How has our curly-haired, chubby child
become a monster?
How did our relationship degrade
from smiles and laughter
to curled lip and monosyllables?
How did we get cut off from his world
and displaced to the servants quarter?

Graceful and consistent God,
hold us steady in the quicksands of blame and grief
and haul us out onto the far shores of hope.
Be the rock on which we build our family,
emulating your patience and endless forgiveness.

And in the meantime -
help!

BlackeyedSantaStuckUpAChimney · 29/12/2014 21:46

hello.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 29/12/2014 21:57

Two faiths Grin

Hi BES. On your phone at mums or home? How are things?

Dutchoma · 29/12/2014 22:09

And QoF which came from QuestionofFaith?

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 29/12/2014 22:14

Oma we're really growing in faith on this thread Wink

FaithLoveandGrace · 29/12/2014 22:57

Haha loving all the faith comments. Can never have too much faith Wink

oma I have that troubled times book - I bought it at Greenbelt Festival a few years back. it's great isn't it! Especially like the prayer you've shared.

Hi bes [waves] hope things are going well for you.

Hi mome [waves] to you too.

Tuo · 30/12/2014 00:20

Hello all. Love the multi-Faiths... and I know we have some real Faiths among the MN Prayer Thread offspring too (I mean, Faith is actually their name...). Smile

I am going away for a few days tomorrow to spend New Year with some friends, and will be in quite a rural/remote spot, so may not get on here to post till next weekend. I will be thinking of you all while I'm away, though. Have had a manic day today as my car still isn't fixed from when it broke down on the day before Christmas Eve (can't remember if I mentioned that on here) and although we're lucky that DH has a car too, we've just realised that we can't fit all of us, and all our stuff, and the dog in it... We have a solution (I'm getting the train), but it's not ideal and has led to a bit of mad rushing around today. Anyway, I'm looking forward to a few days away.

Oma - I will be praying for you in particular at this time of sad anniversaries and - if I can borrow Juggling's lovely Quaker expression - holding you in the light. I agree with what other posters have already said. You give so much to all on this thread (and elsewhere): try, if you can, to let us hold you for a while. Praying that God will provide you with hope and comfort at this time. Very wise comments (though I'd expect nothing less) about light coming into the world... It's good to remember that we may not always notice the return of the light immediately, but that it's always there nonetheless.

Howto - I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis of ME, though glad that you have a name to put to how you've been feeling. Praying that you will now also start to get a bit more support and that you'll feel better soon.

ALittleFaith - Thanking God that neither you nor DD were hurt in the accident, and for help forthcoming quickly.

FaithLoveandGrace - Thanking God for your lovely relationship with your DSS. Parenting is hard, and step-parenting even more so, but comments like those make it all worthwhile... and you are clearly doing brilliantly at it. Praying that you continue to feel better in yourself too, and not tempted to self-harm.

Innerstrength - Keeping prayers going for you - may 2015 be a positive new start of a year for you.

Momey - Praying you feel better soon, and thanking God that your family get-together wasn't too fraught.

QoF - Glad that you were able to get to mass yesterday and that Christmas was good for you. Praying for you too that 2015 will be a postive new beginning after a very tough year.

BES - Hello! Hope all's well with you.

Yesterday was Holy Innocents' Day and we remembered in our service those - especially young people - you'd lost their lives to violence. I have been thinking a lot about a young woman I knew who was murdered a few years ago. I don't want to name her on this public site, but if you could pray for her family and friends I'd be so grateful.

Thank you to all on this thread for being there for me throughout 2014. I will see you next year!

A prayer from tonight's Northumbria Compline for us all tonight and throughout the coming year:

My Christ! my Christ!
my shield, my encircler,
each day, each night,
each light, each dark.
Be near me, uphold me,
my treasure, my triumph. Amen

OP posts:
BlackeyedSantaStuckUpAChimney · 30/12/2014 08:58

was home mome. a bit shellshocked but home.

up and starting to function. ds and dd have been playing with the things santa brought for them in their stockings. awaoke to the sound of cellotape ripping off the roll and ds telling me he had lost his tape from santa. the playdough was popular too.