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Original poster

Christian Prayer Thread. Back to school and into Autumn

851 replies

Dutchoma · 28/08/2015 17:38

As we were nearly at 1000 posts and TUO is both very busy and away today, I thought I might have a go at setting up a new thread.
I have looked back over nearly four months of prayers, of sharing, of support, of gladness and sadness and so much more. I think there are about 50 different people on the thread, some are there from beginning to end, some come in, are here for a few days and then don’t post any more.
Both are valuable, all are welcome, we share with you in anxiety and depression, in worry for others, but also in prayers answered, wonderful healing, good exam results and so much more.
But we also realise that life moves on, that the prayer thread was helpful for a while and is not so relevant now. Never be afraid to come back, we all need prayer and support.

So, like TUO I shall pick out a few names for the new thread, but leave behind some that have not posted for a while, hoping that they will come back and update us.
Specially thinking of: Anjelica27; I know how much this thread has helped you. Bsshbosh and wondering how she is now.

Whoagirrrrl, after her operation. Dizzydaffodil, Pandora37 and PeterSpots .

There are so many more names to remember: Alittleroom, Bluetinkerbell, DontstepontheMomeraths, Howtoapproachthis and several more.

And then the ones that are quite recent like:
ALittleFaith, Amberlight; BlackEyedSusan, Dontbesilly; EdithSimcox; FaithLoveandHope, Kaykat, Lightnessofbeing; MadHairDay; PositiveAttitude; QuestionofFaith; QuietIsland2; SESthebrave; TUO; Weegiemum; ZipadiSoozi

And if I have omitted any one, be assured that God never forgets and holds you fast in His love and mercy.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dutchoma · 27/10/2015 21:14

You are really a most marvellous daughter, Don't Hopefully you will all have a peaceful night without incident for any of you.

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Tuo · 27/10/2015 22:08

Dontbesilly - I'm so sorry to hear that your dad has fallen and ended up in hospital. I am praying for you, your mum, and for him of course. I hope that they have been able to make him comfortable and that he'll be home soon. And what a lovely person you are to think of everyone else, and to pray for us all, while in such a difficult situation. You are a real blessing to the thread.

And lovely Oma - I'm praying for you too, and for your brother and SIL. I would say not to let yourself be distracted by what your SIL said about Bob's memorial or what they may believe in general. You are not asking them to believe, and they don't even need to know that you are praying - though I suspect they will have guessed that. You can ask God to be with them regardless, and for them to feel less afraid, more cared-for, loved...

Kay - It's lovely to see you back, though I'm sorry your ex is being a [insert sweary description of choice]. Stick to your guns - it has been hard, but you have come so far. So glad to hear, at least, that DS is starting to see his dad for what he is. Sending prayers for you both.

MHD - So sorry you're not well, lovely lady. Take care of yourself, rest and try to conserve energy. Praying for health this winter for you.

FLaH - Glad DP landed safely, praying for a safe return trip too, and also praying for you to discern clearly what God wants from you. (Oh, and welcome back!)

QuietIsland - glad you're getting thyroid problems ruled out. I have an underactive thyroid and didn't realise how generally bleurgh I'd been feeling (probably at a very low level for a couple of years) till I sorted it out and started to pick up again. Praying, meanwhile, for peace of mind and for strategies to keep the anxiety under control... it's so debilitating, I know.

BES, my dear... don't feel guilty. Anyone who reads your updates on here knows how hard you work for your DC. As someone else said, you're a better mum overall when you've had some rest, so do look after yourself. Praying for some opportunities for you to do that in the next few days.

And Pandora - congratulations on qualifying as a midwife. What a wonderful thing to do. Praying it'll bring you job satisfaction in spades, and happiness in your life.

A prayer of St Augustine and a favourite of mine:

Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and let your angels protect those who sleep. Tend the sick. Refresh the weary. Sustain the dying. Calm the suffering. Pity the distressed. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen

Tuo · 27/10/2015 22:10

(Doh... missed that the thread went onto another page. Thanks for the update, Don't...)

Original poster
Dutchoma · 28/10/2015 08:52

I had a message late last night from my dsil to say that euthanasia is being planned at my brother's request. He has been very comfortable with the idea ever since euthanasia was legalised in Holland and has often acted as the 'second doctor' required to give an opinion on the desirability of such a move.

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 28/10/2015 12:15

oh heck. are you going to go and see him?

((hugs))

QuietIsland2 · 28/10/2015 12:27

Flowers Dutchoma I hope you get to see him before this happens. Xxx

QofF · 28/10/2015 12:27

Oh Oma ((more hugs)). Any idea re what happens now? How are you doing???
love and prayers to the rest of you

PositiveAttitude · 28/10/2015 12:38

Just had a catch up with the news on here. DO prayers for you. What a difficult thing to have to hear and so far away, too. Thanks and ((hugs))

Original poster
Dutchoma · 28/10/2015 12:43

No, I will nt be going to see him. It's his decision, but I struggle massively with it and he does not need to be part of that. Nor does anybody else in the family.

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QuietIsland2 · 28/10/2015 13:58

I would struggle with it too Dutchoma Flowers

QuietIsland2 · 28/10/2015 15:20

Thanks for that lovely prayer Tuo it is indeed a gem.

Tuo · 28/10/2015 15:31

Oh Oma. Am at work and in throes of an 'oh didn't we tell you that we need you to prepare that document by tomorrow, oh yes we did say mid-November but really we meant tomorrow at the latest' crisis. But I want you to know I'm thinking of you and praying and sending much love.

EdithSimcox · 28/10/2015 18:20

oma love, hugs and prayers from me too. That must be so tough. Flowers

Dontbesilly · 28/10/2015 18:27

Oma - I am so sorry to hear about your brother and his decision. I must admit that I have never ever 'known' anyone else in this position so I hope that you will forgive me if I am clumsy and say the wrong thing.

I know that a lot of people say that if their quality of life was dramatically reduced that this would be their wish and I know how hard it was on my mum watching her own mum deteriorate following a major stroke and live in a nursing home for several years later. My gran would have opted for euthanasia had she had the choice. It is a hugely controversial subject however.

It's so terribly difficult for you. You are so remarkably selfless to have to go through this and know that you can never ever reveal your emotions. That shows immense unconditional love and a strength of character I can only ever dream of.

I pray for your brother and for you too. I pray for strength and resilience in the difficult times ahead and for you to feel comforted and protected by God throughout this time.

Just a quick update. Dads home. Let's see now what happens next. Thanks for all the lovely words. I am just doing a fraction for them both in comparison for all they have done for me, same as everyone else does for their parents.

Hoping everyone else is muddling along ok. Thinking of you all and praying too x

QuietIsland2 · 28/10/2015 18:43

Beautiful post don't. Glad your Dad's home.

Hang in there Dutchoma - I am thinking of you and your brother a lot. Xx

Original poster
Dutchoma · 28/10/2015 19:02

Dont thank you for what you said. I know. I know. There is a lady who was in the Israel group. She sent a message round asking for prayer for her brother who is suffering with ALS (a form of motor neurone disease if I understand her correctly). It is 100% fatal. It is a result of him serving in the British Army for over 20 years. The hospital are sending him home as they can do nothing more for him. Would he choose euthanasia? I bet and it is of course not an option for him, no more than it was for your grandma.
'Hanging in there' QuietIsland is just about all I can do. It's one of those situations where you don't even know how to pray.
Edith Tuo PA, thank you all. Its a comfort to know others are struggling with me to make sense of this.

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QuietIsland2 · 28/10/2015 19:22

For Dutchoma

O, God of My Future:

Today, I dive into waters, unknown.

The sudden embrace of its cold startles me, awakens hiding fear.

I do not know about the next, or how it may be cruel.

I need your help, God.

To trust more than I doubt.

Rest more than wrestle.

I am afraid of the future. And yet, You are already there.

I live in the unknown. And yet, You live with me.

I want to dance where I now sit, scared, in corners.

I want You to see me, know who I am, recognize my inability to be anything but rattling bones without You.

I need strength. I need hope. I need promises. I need safety.

More than anything, I need to be able to face what I do not know with courage I do not have.

This, God, will only come from You.

So help me not be scared.

Give me eyes to see beyond the natural.

And when my flesh threatens to pull me under in the waters of fear, come with strong hands to bring me back to life.

Amen.

QofF · 28/10/2015 19:31

Oma another one here who would struggle. I think I am against euthanasia and then I read or hear about someone who has chosen it or who would choose it if possible and I totally get why they do or would do so then I don't know what I think about it any more.... All I know is that God loves your brother whatever your brother thinks (or doesnt think) of him and God doesn't need you to express what you want to say in prayer as he knows already so it doesn't matter that you dont know how to pray - just pray for strength and love and courage for all of you and leave it to God. Lots of love to you.

QofF · 28/10/2015 19:32

But you know all of that above already Oma as you are far wiser on these matters than me! - just know you have a lot of people here praying for you and your family

QofF · 28/10/2015 19:33

Beautiful quiet - I will be coming back to that prayer tonight

Dontbesilly · 28/10/2015 21:13

Oma - I really hope that I haven't upset you with my clumsy words. I was just trying to offer a positive when in hindsight that is inappropriate and just plain silly of me.

I can't imagine what your going through and if I were in your shoes, facing what you are, I doubt I would remain as selfless as you are and definitely wouldn't be able to keep my emotions and feelings to myself and I would be selfish. I so admire you.

Prayers for you and your family x

Original poster
Dutchoma · 28/10/2015 21:51

That is a very beautiful prayer QuietIsland, thank you very much. QoF thank you too. I am so grateful for all of you standing with me in this totally confusing place. I knew, have known for a long time where he stood on the subject and yet I didn't see it coming.
I have not mentioned that is what they are planning at the church meeting tonight, just said that he had the stroke and was not expected to live beyond a few days. Which is no lie, but not the whole truth either. But it is a bit of protection from the shock it would create if I came out with the whole truth. My dd was quite shocked, I haven't told ds as he is off to Germany today, it will be early enough when he comes back at the weekend
Dont you did not upset me in the slightest. I think what you said was really lovely and comes from you while you are at a hard place yourself, thank you again for what you said.

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 28/10/2015 23:29

still praying oma.

Dontbesilly · 29/10/2015 07:41

Oma - thinking of you and praying. Hoping you are ok x Flowers

Kaykat · 29/10/2015 07:50

So sorry Oma and I'm praying for you and your family. I didn't realise they had passed that law in Holland it's so scary to have to face that, almost like the doctors taking away your hope that he could recover a bit over time. Maybe it is too severe a stroke for that but that doesn't make it any easier to face. I pray that all your words and prayers mean something to him now. I can't imagine someone facing that and not at least considering what is coming next.

Quiet your prayer is lovely. The line about dancing where I now sit scared in corners particularly resonated with me. I have been scared myself this week with ongoing horribleness from the ex. I am waiting on help from police and WA but meantime he doesn't stop and I am out of my depth not knowing how to deal with him.