Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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:
Dontbesilly · 20/08/2015 23:57

Thank you Briony. I totally agree with you it is stressful, more so I think because she knows exactly what career path she wants to follow, right down to the finer details, so her expectations of herself are high. Dd got her results and has done very well thankfully which is a huge relief all round.

Brilliant that your ds got a uni place, prayers that everything works out well for him and for your family too, especially with your challenges you mentioned. I bet you will really miss him when he goes to uni. Thinking of you Flowers

Good luck Bes it sounds exhausting BrewCake

Quiet how did the meeting go.

Thinking about everyone and praying for you all too x

QuietIsland2 · 21/08/2015 10:31

Dontbesilly well done to your dd - I was thinking of you all yesterday. Also praying for all the others on the thread and their concerns and hopes.

I still have a job! It didn't expand so I still have the same hours which I'm quite happy with as I was beginning to wonder how I'd fit all other commitments in. However the role is changing into a completely different direction so they've changed their minds about my redeployment - it rather knocked me for six but I hope I hid that well! I'm so delighted to still have a small job and I'll have some training but not too much financial stuff. It's all a chance to grow and learn. Others in my workplace are being made redundant so I am very lucky. I reread your good wishes dontbesilly before I went in and it really helped. My husband thinks I'm anxiety girl personified. Leaving you all with a St Francis de Sales prayer to be at peace:

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for
you today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

Hands together and eyes closed: a new Christian prayer thread (May 2015)
Dutchoma · 21/08/2015 10:44

Beautiful prayer QuietIsland, thank you

BlackeyedSusan · 21/08/2015 14:04

I am staying with an anxiety oap... never mind girl, which means she has years more practice!

BlackeyedSusan · 21/08/2015 21:05

3 hours in the supermarket for mum. shattered.

Dontbesilly · 21/08/2015 23:29

Quiet. No wonder you were a little nervous about the meeting, there was a lot of important stuff up for discussion by the sound of it. I kept you in my prayers and thoughts. Thank goodness you still have your job. As you said, there will be training opportunities and you can grow and learn too. This all sounds really positive and exciting, although I imagine you are a little bit nervous about this too though. I will pray for you that you are successful dealing with the challenges ahead, settle in quickly to the role, are happy and do a wonderful job . I am so pleased that my words helped you when you needed them. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for dd's exams, that was so lovely of you!! I hope you have a lovely relaxing weekend after your stressful week.

Bes I don't know how you manage to do everything. You sound like you never have a minute to yourself and it sounds exhausting. Praying for you for strength and also for you to have a bit of time for yourself to relax. Three hours in a supermarket sounds like a nightmare. BrewCake for you, if you find the time for them before the coffee gets cold.

Hoping everyone else has a wonderful weekend and things are improving for you all. Praying for everyone x

Dutchoma · 21/08/2015 23:36

How did the first chemo session for your dad go Don't?

Dontbesilly · 22/08/2015 10:37

Oma thank you for asking about dad. The first session went well and he now has chemotherapy tablets to take in-between the hospital ones. He is a bit tired which is unusual for dad as he is always doing something. He is on his organic special diet which is hopefully building him up to be a bit stronger but I think it might be a tad boring as there is a lot of foods he can't have. Still it's all for the greater good.

How are you Oma? Did you enjoy your weekend away with your friend and visit their church?

Dutchoma · 22/08/2015 10:59

Thanks for the update Don't. I had five glorious days with my friend, met her family and a number of her friends, went to church with her and out for dinner with her housegroup on Wednesday. Went to see Dyserth waterfall and Ruddlan Castle. The next day we went to St Winifrede's well which has been a continuous place of pilgrimage since 700 (something); it felt very holy. Brilliant time.

Dontbesilly · 22/08/2015 14:10

So pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable few days and well deserved days too. I just had a Google of those places and a read up and they look like really lovely places to visit. The waterfall looks beautiful and peaceful, I love old castles and the history and the feel you get of the places when you wander around and the well just looks wonderful. The picture shows changing tents for people to change clothes if they want to go in the water, bet the water is a bit chilly, but it says it's like the water at Lourdes for healing so I don't think the coldness of the water would stop anyone from going in. Glad you enjoyed your break and got home safely. x

Lightnessofbeing2015 · 22/08/2015 14:18

Hello everyone just wondered if I could ask for some advice about churches. I have managed to survive the first three weeks of my new job and am now home. I am hoping to find a new Christian church that suits me and there are quite a few locally.
There is a traditional CofE church which looks nice. I am not confirmed and don't take communion and sometimes have found the responses etc quite formulaic and the whole service quite formal in my other local similar church. There is also a modern evangelical type church where they speakin tongues(?) a Methodist and Pesbyterian pt church a gospel church and a Baptist church.
I want to worship in a modern way with music and singing and hymns ut not so much speaking in tongues etc. I don't think I am fundamentalist but I would enjoy uplifting sermons and prayer. I would be against rigid rules or sexist traditions but not too happy clappy either.
Current plan is to try each one on a Sunday I am not working but Id be really grateful if anyone has any input.
I was christened Presbyterian, attend occ CofE but find it very dull service wise.

Dutchoma · 22/08/2015 15:22

Really a case of suck it and see. There is so much variation within the various denominations, let alone between them.

It changes with a change of minister too, so you may find a church to fit into now and in two years time they have a new vicar or minister and it all changes. Look for one where Jesus is at the centre, whatever the denomination and concentrate on getting to know Him better. Jesus is not only the reason for the season, but the reason for it all.

Lightnessofbeing2015 · 22/08/2015 16:02

What does suck it and see mean

Dutchoma · 22/08/2015 17:22

It's an advert for Fishernan's Friend and means that you can only experience something after you have tried it for a while. In this case there is not option but to visit the different churches and see how you like them.

PositiveAttitude · 22/08/2015 20:13

Hi Lightness, I think visiting each and crossing them off your list is the best way to do it. If you meet someone who is like-minded you could ask where they attend and what they suggest, but unfortunately denomination does not mean a lot when it comes to worship style. For example some CofE churches are very traditional, some even nearer catholic then anything else, but others are majorly "happy clappy". Enjoy the search and I hope you can find a real spiritual "home" soon.

I have been reading and praying, just not posting so much these days.

BlackeyedSusan · 22/08/2015 20:30

holiday for next year booked. ( they were already booked up for several weeks next summer) without mother, with ex. he is flexible though and will stay elsewhere if I have a wobble. we managed five nights with reasonable behaviour from both sides. mother is adjusting to the fact that we have booked to go away without her. and the reason. ie she is bloody hard work and if I take her it is not a holiday for me.

we will be taking her away at easter. currently looking for ideas that are easily accessible from the midlands and not fecking freezing at easter. it will be bloody hard work. but I will be having a holiday in summer, god willing.

we decided in the end on somewhere that I had sent details to ex, and him not knowing sent the same details to me. cheap too. half the price almost than last year. does not seem to be much worse condition. near a railway line so that may account for some of the price. also in a cheaper area overall than this years holiday.

Lightnessofbeing2015 · 22/08/2015 21:24

Thank you. That's my plan . I work locally and know a LOT of the local townspeople and that is also a consideration.
I don't want to be baptised by full immersion either which rules a couple out.
Thanks to Positive attitude and Dutchoma.

Dutchoma · 22/08/2015 21:33

Even if you go in with the Baptists you won't need to be baptised again as you were baptised as a baby. You can ask for baptism by full immersion even after you have been baptised as a baby, but you don't have to. So don't let that rule out a church you might otherwise like.

Lightnessofbeing2015 · 22/08/2015 21:37

Ok I have two churches in mind for tomorrow, one traditional and one happy clappy/ speak in tongues (?) church and haven't decided yet between the two.

Tuo · 22/08/2015 22:57

Hello all. Popping in quickly to say that I'm still praying for all, but especially Dontbesilly. Also wondering how Whoa is getting on. And thinking of Commander.

Lightness - I'm CofE, and don't know much beyond that, so am not a lot of help, probably, but just wanted to say don't mix up 'traditional' in terms of the form of worship with traditional in terms of thinking and outlook. My church looks and feels quite traditional (choir, servers in robes, etc.) but is open in relation to things like gender and sexuality. Personally, I find comfort in the ritual of repeated 'known' responses - the pattern doesn't mean that I just repeat 'parrot-fashion' and don't engage, but rather provides a framework that allows me to focus my thoughts/prayers in a way that I find helpful. But I can see that for others that may just come across as formulaic and impersonal... I think you're right to just 'give it a go' and see how you feel. I shall be thinking of you and praying.

Thanking God for your lovely break, Oma; and looking forward - albeit some time in the future - to a lovely break for you too, BES.

Here's a lovely prayer for today, courtesy of the Methodists' website. Something to remember...

Before ever you made us, O Lord, you loved us. Your love has never slackened nor ever shall. In love all your works have begun, by love you sustain them and in your love our life is everlasting. So let the beginning and ending of all our loving be to see our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Julian of Norwich (c. 1343-c. 1417)

OP posts:
QuietIsland2 · 22/08/2015 23:31

Thank you for the prayer Tuo - lovely to see one of her prayers!

I saw Whoa on another thread the other day so she is over her surgery. Still praying for her and you all. Glad don't's dad has his first chemo dose over with. And very glad BES is getting a holiday.

FaithLoveandHope · 22/08/2015 23:51

Sorry to just pop on but wanted to come to pray for all those who lost their lives in the shoreham air crash ( www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/22/hawker-hunter-plane-crash-shoreham-air-show-reports )
Desperately sad for all involved. Praying also for the emergency services who are working to recover any bodies and to help the wounded.

QuietIsland2 · 22/08/2015 23:54

Indeed Faith. Thinking of those affected. What a terrible crash.

Dontbesilly · 23/08/2015 13:52

Morning everyone. Please can I ask you for your opinion and advice. I have a very small micro business. My clients are mainly elderly and as a naturally caring and helpful person I try to really help them. Over time this help has begun to be taken for granted, expected and relied upon. It's extra time on my behalf and extra cost too, as my clients don't pay for these additional services, considering them an act of kindness, which is something I can't really afford to do. Now my dad is ill and him and mum are looking for paid help, in my line of work, I am realising what a bargain price I am for my clients and to he honest, how much of a ride I am being taken for.

I have to think of my own family and invest my time in caring for them and although I will still continue to work for my clients, the extra unpaid time will have to stop.

The problem is that I feel it's so 'unchristian' of me. I feel as if I am not being a good person. So, what do you think about my situation and the steps I am having to make? Will God understand me and my reasons for doing this? Will he condemn me? I don't know what to do? Any ideas for the situation will be gratefully received.

EdithSimcox · 23/08/2015 15:28

Hello everyone. Just to say I have been reading often and thinking of you all though not posting much lately. Nothing changes for me, and when I say that things are hard, or getting easier, the situation never lasts. Some of the toughest days ever (for me) have been in the last couple of weeks, but also some more positive ones.

I am praying when I can, and when I do that always includes all of you.