Christian Prayer Thread. Back to school and into Autumn

[Dutchoma]

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.

I am supposed to be starting the mega christmas beating back the muck to an acceptable level but we are currently riding out a meltdown.

it is calmer. Ihave done two loads of washing and put some away.

more to do. please pray for the children and me. I have been really stressed and not sleeping and it has all got out of hand again. please pray that I can make a lot of visible progress and spend my energy in the most needed places.

Kaykat. Wow what a lot of stress you have and I am sure it could be avoided if your dh was more reasonable. Really hoping your ds can turn his education around. It's surprising how much they can achieve when they want and need to. Really hoping that you house buying and selling works out well for you. It sounds exciting, a fresh new start. Continued prayers.

Bes, prayers for the fridge freezer to start playing ball and work. It would be a shame to spend the Xmas money on a replacement. Your neighbour needs to understand its not intentional that there was some noise from it too and your doing your best. Prayers for calming progress with the clearing out/up, better sleep (which will make everything else seem better) and less stress in general.

Kay - it's really good to hear from you, though I am sorry that things are still tough. It's really good to hear about the turnaround in your DS's attitude, though. Sounds like your ex has been hoist by his own petard [hopes that's the right expression, or at least that you know what I mean!] there. Praying for the house to sell quickly in the New Year and for DS to get his act together school-wise. But remember, educationally-speaking all is never lost. If he doesn't fulfil his potential now there are always options: he can re-sit, or do something else for now and go back into education later. Sometimes, IME, the people who follow a more tortuous route into Higher Education are the ones who benefit from it most. (My DH failed all his A-levels, worked for a bit, did a degree as a mature student in a totally different subject, and now also has a Masters and a PhD...) Praying for him and for you. Also praying that you find a church where you feel welcomed and at home: Christmas is a good time to try places out, as there are always lots of visitors and once-a-year church-goers at this time so you don't feel as conspicuous. Good luck!

Don't - How's your dad doing?

BES - Praying for All Quiet on the Fridge Front tonight, for an understanding neighbour, and, generally, for peace in your life.

Praying for all clergy and associated people at this busy busy time: especially for thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts, niminypiminy, MaryBS, MHD's DH and any others I've forgotten.

From www.sacredspace.ie

"Be still and know that I am God"
Lord, may your spirit guide me to seek
Your Loving presence more and more.
For it is there I find rest and refreshment from this busy world. Amen

another meltdown endured.

I hope that was not the fridge?

Thank you very much for your words and prayers and your thoughts on the education issue. Yes he could turn it around without much effort but at the moment he doesn't see or care how it will affect him in the future. Hoping that will come eventually with a bit more maturity. It's nice to hear of your DHs success story Tuo. I may try a carol service or a midnight mass. You're right they will think I'm one of those people that only go at Christmas and Easter and take no notice of me.

well the fridge is having one of its periodic not refrigerating bouts. using the top drawer of the freezer as a fridge. must time the switch back to freezer drawer and fridge correctly...

ds had a bit of a wobby in church. tables were kicked, chairs barged past and overturned.

That sounds a faff with the freezer having to remember to move stuff around. I think I might forget it and remember when everyone was frozen solid. Have you got a timer or something to remind you?

Poor ds and you too. Have things calmed down a bit now?

Was your neighbour ok about the fridge noise in the end?

Kay: "You're right they will think I'm one of those people that only go at Christmas and Easter and take no notice of me." I didn't mean this negatively - just that if you want to sort of 'blend in' for a little while and get the feel of a place the 'Christmas rush' might give you a chance to do that unobtrusively... Good luck!

Sending prayers to all on the thread today. I give you this prayer from the Methodist daily prayer website:

Grant to us, O Lord, fullness of faith, firmness of hope and fervency of love. For the sake of the gospel may we sit loosely to our wealth and daily embrace you in the poor of the world. As we rejoice in your generosity so may we give ourselves in the service of others; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thomas More (1478-1535)

taking dd to the gp for ear ache. might be why she was so tearful yesterday.

hoping ds does not have ameltdown about it not being his turn.

Hope she's ok, Bes. Sounds like things are very full on for you, praying for peace.

How is your dad, don't?

It's lovely to see you here, Kay. I'm so glad there is a turnaround in ds' attitude, but so sorry things are so tough and that church is too much - very understandable. Praying you will know the right time and place but that in the meantime you will know God holding you tight.

How are you, oma - thinking of you at Christmas time, a hard time with your grief. Lots of love for you and prayers.

Tuo - how is everything?

Sorry again for my absence - I've been getting better which has been brilliant but things are hard with our work, waiting on a decision as to the future of our project. It's so unsettling and there's been a lot of pain in it all. Very tired with it.

Love to all. 🎄

all is quiet which leads me to believe small boy has found somewhere to go to sleep after a humdinger of a meltdown.

Dh had his interview today and is awaiting news on the outcome, hopefully before Xmas. He felt it went better than he anticipated. Praying for him for good news.

Took dad to meet the surgeon today. Honestly I don't know what to think. My emotions are in overload. Basically the surgeon was very matter of fact and nowhere near as positive as the oncologist for dads condition after the operation. We were all shocked and confused. We were under the impression that the surgery could cure the cancer with follow up chemo to mop up any residual nasty things possibly left behind by surgery. The surgeon didn't agree with that and told us that after surgery dad has only a 25 per cent chance of survival after five years. Basically the operation only buys time. Who do I believe, when each specialist is painting a different picture and each one a specialist in their own field?

We really were not prepared for the news. My dad was upset and silent in his own thoughts, my mum was a tad angry at being given what she described as false hope and how that affects dad. I am gutted and shaken emotionally and felt alone spiritually, I am praying for strength and resilience and I know that deep down I am not alone. It's just shock and emotion and once I have had time to structure my thoughts I will be on track. I know that God didn't leave us and I feel awful for doubting him, even angering him with that possible fleeting suggestion. I know that all we can do is pray that the surgery is successful and that the oncologists theory is right.

The adrenal gland is being removed anyway regardless of the biopsy results, which was news to us. As dh pointed out, he's getting surgery now, whereas before surgery was dependant on the adrenal gland biopsy, so that is progress and dad knows what is happening rather than not knowing until he wakes up.

I am going to go to sleep now, I always really need to sleep when I am really sad, funny how that happens, like I have to let my mind process everything. Sorry for the downer and if this is a longwinded post. It's helping to write it down and tell you all what's happening. Anyway night all x

Dont I was thinking and praying for your dh and his interview.

Yes, you do seem to have received differing opinions from the two doctors. But stats are general and not specific to your Dad - he may well have an above average reaction to the treatment. If it was me I'd go with the Oncologist's view. It is a shock though nonetheless as you weren't expecting this today. Is it possible for your dad to run this view past the Oncologist to see what he thinks?

Go get some sleep dont. I know you feel very at sea tonight but there is still hope. xxx Will pray hard.

Don't - I'm sorry to hear about the difficult meeting with the surgeon and the mixed messages. I don't know how to make sense of it - I wish I did... Perhaps the answer is that no-one really knows - which doesn't help you at all, I know. Sleep is good, and I agree that your brain will start to process things while you are not consciously guiding it. I pray that you will be able to make better sense of things overnight, and please never apologise for posting. Post as much as you want if it helps. It's what this thread is for.

Praying for your DH too. Waiting is hard, but really hoping for a positive outcome.

MHD - it's lovely to see you and to know that you are doing OK health-wise. Praying for your work and ministry and for the decision about your future.

BES - praying your DS is resting now after his meltdown, and that your DD is feeling better. How's the fridge?

Keeping prayers going for Kay, Oma, amber, PA, Anjelica, Edith and anyone else I've forgotten.

Thanks for asking about me, MHD. I'm OK. I've been ridiculously busy, and am tired and a bit under the weather (annoyingly, I don't really feel ill, I have just lost my voice and am feeling a bit sinussy... hoping I can shake it off quickly). DD1 seems to have it too, bless her. It has been a long term!

A(n old favourite) prayer of St Augustine

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 there is a sinus virus going. My family have all had it and you feel really tired and rotten with it. Take care x.

Now ChristmasIsland2!

Dont I hope you are asleep now and that your brain will take strength from it.
One thing though: God will never get angry about honest doubt and despair, He is supporting you through the storm, think 'footsteps in the sand'. He loves you and 'His banner over you is love'.
It is very difficult to know what to think about your dad's condition with so many conflicting opinions. You can only go with what is offered and know that God will never leave you or your dad. He nows the outcome even if nobody else does and that outcome is good, whatever happens. Meanwhile I pray for strength for all your family, also fo your husband that he may find out quickly whether he has got the job.

ds had fallen asleep... using dd as a mattress and she just lay there reading.

he is now eating his tea. the proverb let sleeping dogs lie applies here. he is now a reasonable child having slept. dd has had a peaceful evening, once she was rescued from being a mattress. advent calendar, juice, milk and bed for both of us.

hoping that you cope with the uncertainty of knowing what is going on with your dad. glad he is getting surgery. hope it goes well.

the fridge is noisy again but only for about a minute not the 15 it did late at night.

ds is now asleep. I hope in his own bed. there is a possibility that dd could be being utilised as a matress. I will go and check that they are in their own beds when I go up.

glad the interview went well. pryaers for the result to be positive.

ah bugger look at the time..

Thank you everyone and Oma, your words made me cry in a good way about my faith as I was troubled.

I don't feel much better today. I think the pressure of retail Xmas certainly doesn't help. I just feel absolute panic with everything. Like everything is unmanageable even little things.

I think we need another chat with the oncologist really to clear things up. I said to my mum and Mil last night it's a pity that both doctors were not in the meeting yesterday, I appreciate that their work loads makes it impossible but it would be helpful to ask questions with them both present, especially with confusing aspects.
I am going to ring mum today and suggest speaking to the oncologist secretary and leaving a question with her to pass on.

Everyone says that they would listen to the gastrointestinal guy for the surgery details, as he performs the operation for all sorts of different reasons and it's his speciality and the oncologist for the rest as it's his speciality. I just feel like putting my head under the covers and hibernating where I can cope and feel comforted. Then retail Xmas is creeping up and I panic again, a big gripping fear of things to do with little time and then I panic I can't cope with them and then my thoughts turn to dad and I panic and feel sad again and it's a merry go round that keeps on going. I know that it stops eventually but goodness knows when....aaagh. Bet that must sound crazy and daft, I am seriously anxious about retail Xmas that's the catalyst.

aggh I am making christmas jumpers for tomorrow. (ie adapting some of their clothes)

Hi all, feeling better here though still tired and working my way back to normal. Trying to get ready for hosting family at Christmas now.

Dont I've been praying for a good job outcome for your husband. Sorry that the discussion with the surgeon left you feeling so bad. In my experience they tend to be very focused, very much on surgical outcomes rather than so much the wider picture (it's what makes them good at what they do) and not inclined to sugar coat or look on the bright side. Stats are all very well but every individual will respond differently too for a load of complex reasons. I think you have to trust the surgeon to do his bit of the job as well as he can and we can pray for him to do it with skill and good judgement. I also think speaking to the oncologist is a very good idea as they will have the long view in mind and have seen a lot of patients through this and out the other side.

Prayers for us all to cope with seasonal tiredness, illness and general overload.

Dont, please may I suggest that you leave 'retail Christmas' to its own devices? It will make no difference if, for once, for good reasons, nobody, or some of them don't get a card or a present. Just concentrate on getting the absolute essentials in and realise that there is only one day that the shops are not open: Christmas Day. So if you have a meal in for that day the rest of the holiday can take care of itself. Any chance of you buying a magazine you like and having an early night?
There is also no real reason for you to worry about your dad, things will happen the way they are meant to happen. Hand the control back to God, Who, to be honest is better at doing the caring than you are. You know that worrying is unnecessary and damaging, try and 'be still and know that I am God'.