Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Hands together and eyes closed: a new Christian prayer thread (May 2015)

958 replies

Tuo · 19/05/2015 10:32

Welcome to a new prayer thread to take us into the summer. 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...

... ALittleFaith, especially for her dad, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease;

... 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;

... Anjelica27, as she tries to find ways to support her DS through his mental health problems and self-harm;

... AnxiousKeziah, following the loss of her baby DS;

... BlackEyedSusan, for all the many things which she has to juggle in her life as a single parent; for good support for her DD and DS; and for her mum;

... BlueTinkerbell, thanking God for the safe arrival of her beautiful DD4;

... Bsshbosh, who has terminal cancer, for the best possible quality of life for her for as long as possible; also for her DH and DD as they travel this road with her;

... DizzyDaffodil, who is struggling, asking God to be with her and for her to find RL support at this time;

... DontstepontheMomeRaths, for her busy life as a single mum, and for the wonderful work she does through her church supporting people going through separation and divorce;

... DutchOma, thanking God for the wonderful support that she provides for so many on here;

... FaithLoveandHope, for her mental health; for decisions about her academic work; for her STB-FIL who has been diagnosed with cancer; and for her relationship with her DP;

... fakenamefornow, thanking God that things have taken a turn for the better for her;

... howtoapproachthis, for her health, following her diagnosis with CFS and for her to find support for herself and her DD;

... HydrochloricTulip, for stresses at home and at work;

... innerstrength100, for strength to decide what to do in the aftermath of the break-up of her relationship last year and the unexpected coming back into her life of her ex;

... 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 continue to support her DS through this process;

... LegallyBlonde77, as she goes through the adoption process - praying for a match very soon and for her family to be complete;

... LifeofBriony, for problems in her relationship with her DH;

... littlehouseinthebigwoods, for problems in her relationship with her controlling DH;

... MadHairDay, for her ongoing health issues;

... PositiveAttitude, especially for her mum who has dementia and for her dad, who finds it hard to accept help; for her DD2 recovering from a scary reaction to a dog-bite overseas, and for her whole family; for her studies and her role within her church; and for her and her DH as they plan new and exciting ways of working with the people of Cambodia;

... QuestionofFaith, as she tries to rebuild her life with her DH following his mental health problems and withdrawal from her;

... SESthebrave, for problems at work; also for her MIL who has had a cancer diagnosis;

... TooBusyByHalf, as she explores and hopefully rediscovers her faith;

... weegiemum, for her continued recovery from her very scary infection and septicaemia, and also for her DD's continued progress in overcoming her anorexia;

... ZipadiSoozi, for her dad who has dementia and for her mum and the whole family as they find ways to support him in this; also for her BIL who has cancer;

We pray also for all regular and occasional visitors including: Badvoc, BlessedAssurance, BlueSkies80, CaulkheadUpNorth, CharlotteCollins, chocolateteapot, cloutiedumpling, CocoaBean, DeladionInch, EilisCitron, FlabbyMummy, Gingercurl, JugglingFromHereToThere, ktef, legohurtswhenyoustandonit, LollipopViolet, LostinChilli, MaryBS, MrsPixieMoo, niminypiminy, ninetynineonehundred, PandaG, Pipbin, RoomForALittleOne, ScarletDancer, thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts, weegiemum, WobblyRainbow, Zing and for anyone I've forgotten to name-check (don't take it personally, please!). We pray for our muslim sisters over in the tea-room, at a time when many feel afraid in a world which seems suspicious of their faith, praying for peace and understanding between all faiths. 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

OP posts:
QuietIsland · 11/08/2015 10:17

I was diagnosed with a serious illness once which now thankfully in remission. I had that feeling of falling asleep and waking thinking for a nano second that all was fine and tgenbtge realisation that all wasn't. It's shock. You are trying to get your head around the news and it takes time. It's a normal reaction - be gentle with yourself. Praying for you and your family.

QuietIsland · 11/08/2015 10:17

*then the realisation

Dontbesilly · 11/08/2015 10:54

Thank you both for the kindness, the spiritual advice and support and confirmation that I haven't lost my mind and I am normal. I suppose I am coping as I am still breathing in and out and crying and grabbing onto God but I am managing it, its enough for the moment.

Glad your in remission Quiet and praying for you to remain so and giving thanks too.

I went to church this morning and it was locked. At first I was a bit frustrated then I thought about it and came to the conclusion that the door was locked but he was right here anyway. So I am coping.

QuietIsland · 11/08/2015 11:22

Thanks don't. 8 years in remission even after a pregnancy - I'm very grateful.

Whenever anything serious happens I think of the saying that the happening is "normal for the species but not for the individual". In other words it's happened to others before and will happen to others in the future but it's outside your range of experience until now and it takes time to get to grips with.

Dutchoma · 11/08/2015 13:04

I had seen it before but came across it on FB again this morning: A woman is like a teabag: you never know how strong she is until you put her in some hot water.
Yes you are coping because: underneath are the everlasting arms. It may feel like you are in free fall, but you can't fall so deep that God is not there.

Dontbesilly · 11/08/2015 13:11

Wow that's amazing to hear about and so inspiring. I am so happy for you and your family. I am guessing that your child is fairly young but that perhaps one day they will understand just how amazing you both are. That's just wonderful to hear about although I have no doubt that the pregnancy was probably a worrying and wonderful time in equal measure.

I read and re-read your last paragraph and that makes sense to me. A bit like my mum saying to us "your not the first or the last person to go through this" but with the explanation that it is just outside of my life experiences for now and I need to adjust.

Thank you x

BlackeyedSusan · 11/08/2015 13:44

oh bugger. did not sleep until four in the morning so struggling. was thinking about going to mothers but do not have the temper to hold nor the ability to drive safely.

we have started on the living room which is slightly easier to cope with tidying wise as there are less decisions to make.

so far got another carrier bag of stuff for friend and one for charity.

Dontbesilly · 11/08/2015 19:39

Oma I really like that quote I think it's an Eleanor Roosevelt one. I like the Churchill one about when you are going through hell keep going also. Thank you about the arms not letting me fall too. I will try to remember these quotes and recite them when I have a wobble or a meltdown moment and need to calm myself down.

Bes I imagine that you must be exhausted by now with so little sleep. Can you not put the children to bed and after a bit of a time out for yourself have an early night. You might sleep well and maybe face the journey when you are feeling better. Plus you have done some more sorting out today so you have earned it.

BlackeyedSusan · 12/08/2015 15:35

working on the living room. please pray I can get it finished enough today. I would also like to get my wardrobe mended and clothes sorted so I can sleep in a bed again.

BlackeyedSusan · 12/08/2015 17:12

keeping going. it is taking ages. it is really really hot. having a break as children are sitting eating in the bit I need to do next. I shall hoover up their crumbs as soon as they are upstairs again.

Dontbesilly · 12/08/2015 18:40

You sound like you are doing an amazing job, your always at it so it is getting better. Your constantly making progress and it will get sorted out and you will get back your bed. It's just a case of keeping going. Thinking and praying for you.

PeterSpots · 12/08/2015 20:59

Prayers for all. One thing off my list. Now have bladder sensation after 1 month. Saying thank you. Trying not to feel overwhelmed but thankful

BlackeyedSusan · 12/08/2015 22:51

yay to knowing you need to pee. thank god.

well I did nto finish but I have made good progress.

Dutchoma · 12/08/2015 22:54

Well done BES

QuietIsland · 12/08/2015 23:14

That's great news Peter.

Thank you for your kind words don't - he is 6 now and a chatty joy!

Thinking and praying for all on this thread. Xx

Tuo · 12/08/2015 23:19

Prayers for all, but especially for Dontbesilly. It is very hard for you, I know, but you are coping and will cope in the only way you can, by putting one foot, however tentatively, in front of the other, pasting on a positive face for your dad, and facing this awful thing, knowing that a group of randomers on the internet virtual friends (as well, I'm sure, as RL friends and family) are praying for you. I pray for you, for your dad, for the rest of your family, for the medical team looking after him, and for all who care for him.

Peter - thanking God for some progress. May it continue, so that you regain full health.

QuietIsland - thanking God for your current good health too. I love that idea of things being 'normal for the species but not for the individual'. That really helps.

BES - praying for you in the Great Tidy Up mission, and in general.

Also keeping praying for Whoa, for MHD on holiday, for Edith and her DP, for Kay and Anjelica and any others who haven't been around for a while but might need our prayers.

Would appreciate prayers for peace of mind. Feeling stressed about work stuff, kids are hormonal grumpy, DH may have a kidney stone, nothing really serious, but I am feeling the anxiety in a way that doesn't normally get to me, but has done today for some reason.

This is the Methodist Church of GB's prayer for today:

God beyond all speech, above all thought and surpassing all imagination; when you speak to us may we listen, when you draw near to us may we rejoice in your presence, and when you reveal yourself to us may we bow before you in adoration. Amen.

Gregory of Nazianzus (329-389)

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 12/08/2015 23:27

proper random me

EdithSimcox · 13/08/2015 07:59

You lot are the best bunch of randomers the internet has.

Prayers for all.

DP kicked off again this morning, about my chatting online to a Christian friend, so I hope my coming here now is not my way of saying ner-ner-ne-ner-ner but I expect it is. Must try harder to be a good person. Hmm

FaithLoveandHope · 13/08/2015 08:30

Reading and praying, especially for Tuo BES Dont EdithPeter and anyone else I've missed. Also agree with Edith that "you lot are the best bunch of randomers the Internet has." Busy few weeks at the moment but always read and pray even if I don't post.

BlackeyedSusan · 13/08/2015 10:33

You do realise that I am now going to have to use my utmost self control to preventmy self from posting random words here and there and filling up the thread.

we absolutely have to go out today. I can put it off no longer. I need to choose the supermarket really carefully. there is only one opportunity to go today and I need to work out what I can live without, and how much I am prepared to pay for stuff. I need stuff from three supermarkets, specific to each one. grr.

QofF · 13/08/2015 11:12

dontbesilly the fear of not being able to cope can be paralysing but as others have said you will and the strength of God will sustain you. Know that as every hour passes on this journey you will be given the strength to cope with that hour. I am praying for you, your dad and your family.
edith hope things improve through the day with dp.
tuo praying that the anxiety passes and that the Dcs hormones calm down...What's the situation with DH? Does he have to have tests?
bes good luck today!
Also as I am laying here on the beach looking at a beautiful flat calm sea I am praying for all those displaced people who have crossed it in hope of a better life and all those who have lost their lives in it this year. Praying that some kind of solution to deal with the situation across Europe is found. And that we don't lose the ability to have compassion for them whatever our individual worries, beliefs, politics etc.
On a lighter note thanking God for holidays Smile. And still asking for prayers for me and dh. Things are lots better but still not right so appreciate so much your ongoing prayers.

Dontbesilly · 13/08/2015 13:55

Thank you Tuo your words made me cry they were so nice. Then I continued reading the other posts and then they set me off again too.

Randomers maybe, but I know that if I get overwhelmed I can write it down here and before long along pops someone who will take the time out to read and reply to me, just another randomer. I am so grateful for each and every one of you and for your support. I pray for you all and think of you all and what you have written. I thank God for you all too. Flowers

So pleased Peter that the sensation is back after so long. Thinking of you Tuo and praying for peace, and your dh too, kidney stones are not nice at all. Thinking of Edith and praying for strength, I really feel for you. QofF enjoy your holiday and prayers for those so desperate to migrate that they are put in danger and prayers for a solution. Thinking of everyone else and praying for all.

Dutchoma · 13/08/2015 17:50

You see, I would take issue with us being 'random strangers on the internet' I think there is a careful plan set in motion by our Heavenly Father, who knows exactly what we need and how we can support each other.
So never be afraid to spell out what you want to say and before long there will be someone whose heart goes out to you in the dark and holds out a hand in support. And who is, in turn, blessed by having that opportunity.

PeterSpots · 13/08/2015 20:37

They are beautiful words. I am on a journey with some bumps but I am learning to love God & to let him into my life. I have asked for help in times of deep dispair & I have found comfort in asking for his love to guide my way. You have all helped me when I felt hopeless. There are still difficult days ahead but this thread/these prayers has/is making a difference. Praying for all

Anjelica27 · 13/08/2015 21:07

Oma that was beautiful and has made me cry. I feel very ashamed to have hidden away and not been brave enough to post, although I have been reading and praying. Ds takes one step forward and then disintegrates all over again. My prayers were answered at the weekend when he was strong enough to attend his brothers wedding but he is very distressed now. I am praying for some strength to get through this latest crisis and for some peace for him. Thank you for the mentions and the prayers, ds and I are truly alone so I can't tell you how much it means to me.