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Original poster

Christian prayer thread for winter

984 replies

Madhairday · 12/11/2017 17:18

Hello all! I just posted a long post on the old thread and realised it's full up, so just going to copy this here to sunshine - will try and do a roundup of other prayers too later. Everyone welcome here!

Just want to reiterate what Oma and Cocoa have said so well, sunshine. It's no wonder church feels like a hostile place and you freeze up. I feel so sad for you that that man did this to you. But Christ isn't the church , the church is supposed to be his body, reaching out hands of love and help and compassion, and sometimes they mess that up. Hugely. Sometimes evil crawls in. But that doesn't mean God's abandoned you. I love that Oma referred to the prodigal son, I was looking at Rembrandt's study of that parable the other day and so struck afresh by the father's absolute joy in his son being home, his grace in embracing him whatever he'd done. Sadly you've had a poor excuse for a father so it must be so difficult to frame God in the language of father for you Flowers but God is the father who loves you beyond your imaginings, who reaches out arms of compassion and forgiveness, who gathers you in and just loves you. Loves you so much, so, so much, without end. You can never do anything that will make God abandon you. Jesus said that he is with us always, even to the end of the age.

I know church is threatening, lovely, but there are a lot of people who would love to help, here on the internet and in real life. It's just a case of reaching out, but I know that must seem impossible right now. I've learned that God is a God of restoration, a God who longs to mend the broken places and devastations in people's lives. I've seen people set free from so much and believe with everything I am that God longs to set you free, too.

I'd love you to find some medical support. I'm so sorry your GP is so rubbish. More and more the case, sadly. I pray you can get in to see someone. Would you also consider some counselling? Like cocoa says, that doesn't mean they would take your DC away, just that they would want to support and help you. Flowers you sound a lovely mum and have done so well to get to this point. I'm glad you are reaching out here. Please take care and know God's love pouring over you by the Holy Spirit. Flowers

OP posts:
Becca19962014 · 02/10/2018 17:39

Yes they took one look and immediately prescribed.

They're not supposed to though, the policy around here for tonsillitis is rediculous, a week with symptoms and over the counter meds only, then a swab, then antibiotics but only if indicated for a week. By which time youd be really ill for ten if not more days before getting antibiotics!. I can't imagine that. I was really scared last night when I woke up choking, am very grateful for those who encouraged me to seek an appointment and of course for my GP who ignores policies!

To be fair I thought I only had a cold too!!

Becca19962014 · 02/10/2018 17:39

Actually i think I may have a cold as well as I'm getting through tissues really fast.

Stupid body!

Original poster
Madhairday · 02/10/2018 17:50

Sorry to hear about the tonsillitis, Becca. That sucks. I've had it many times and it can be vicious - hope you feel much better soon.

Hey MsForestier, I think we all get days like that of existential angstyness. Sometimes everything seems overwhelming.

Waves to DrSpouse and BES :)

I'm still struggling with this infection, on second lot of antibiotics now. Bleurggh.

OP posts:
MsForestier · 03/10/2018 00:33

Hope you are better soon too MHD. Feeling a bit better now, don't know what got into me. Guardian angel 👼 got busy elsewhere and didn't pull me into line.

MsForestier · 03/10/2018 00:35

😀 Guardian angel second class 👼. Clearly a trainee.

JugglingMummyof2 · 03/10/2018 13:31

Hope everyone is feeling better today - all well here and even though life in hectic, it's calmer that when we were in exam season 3-6 months ago and for that I am thankful. I'll enjoy it while I can.

Becca19962014 · 03/10/2018 14:59

Still unwell though I think a bit better. Can really tell as I seem to have a cold as well now. Good job I didn't wait until today - I'd definitely have been refused an appointment on the grounds it was just a cold!

MsForestier · 03/10/2018 16:35

Hello juggling!

Glad there is some improvement Becca. I hope second round of antibiotics are helping mhd

Becca19962014 · 03/10/2018 20:59

I managed a couple of hours sleep today. Went to shop tonight, I had no choice as no food at all in and overdid it, now feeling unwell. Seeing GP tomorrow but must go find a taxi to get there as the ones I've rung are all busy, so please pray for strength.

I'm struggling being this ill and alone.

BlackeyedSusan · 04/10/2018 15:07

we have colds here too, all three have now gone to coughs. dd seems to have recovered first. I will be barking for a week.

tonight is the dreaded get the bike in the car fiasco. and visiting a secondary school, both children are home. ds has an appointment til two. In theory that sounds like he has plenty of time to get back to school, however, we have to factor in walking back to the car, driving home, parking, walking up to the flat, preparing something he will eat. (autism specificness) him eating it, getting a drink, going to the loo, getrting shoes back on... and we would arrive back at school with less than half an hour to go. not worth it. still feel fecking guilty though.

also he finds it traumatic to go back into class after being out.

drspouse · 05/10/2018 10:45

Oh dear, I think I said Sunday school didn't go well last week, teacher just doesn't get him and doesn't think he has anything wrong with him plus it's way above his head.
Now the vicar and teacher want to see us before the service (so both of us with both DCs, yeah that's going to work!)
We aren't sure whether just to say "don't bother, Sunday school is really boring" or "really you aren't thinking of the families that have additional needs, are you?" or just not bother.
I'm going to send them this anyway
www.homeforgood.org.uk/articles/what-church-needs-know-about-invisible-needs
A friend whose son has ASD (much lower functioning than my DS) asked if I knew of anything similar for her son's type of needs. I don't but does anyone else?
We are also considering another church but I really don't think I'd cope with the theology. We both left evangelicalism behind quite some time ago.

Becca19962014 · 05/10/2018 12:03

The meeting sounds a bit of a nightmare, bit like their understanding is more theory than practice a bit like my church and all the "mental health awareness and first aid" courses they ran which haven't changed attitudes at all, just simply mean they can say they've done it. I don't really know what they want you to say really. I don't know if any articles, but I wanted to say I misunderstood your post about going to the other church, I'd thought you meant you were struggling with the theology where you were! Sorry about that.

drspouse · 05/10/2018 12:56

Yes I do think that's the case, they don't really get that of a child was in a wheelchair they'd have to make adjustments too.
Current church is liberal Anglican and a fair bit of liturgy. Other church is also Anglican but drums/guitars. Someone else has just recommended a church that says it's "Bible believing" which to me says "all you other churches are full of HEATHENS because you don't take it all LITERALLY". So not that one.

Becca19962014 · 05/10/2018 13:17

Ah yes, we had a chapel like that. I remember asking about it and the person I spoke to said "we LITERALLY follow the bible here" then I made the mistake of mentioning different bible versions. It's KJV in the traditional text English ONLY and that led to a lecture about how they didn't do things like advent or confirmation and other stuff as well because it's NOT IN THE BIBLE but I switched off after that.

I did go to a service and it was over two hours and most of that two hours was preaching. It was very complicated, in depth and exhausting.

They won't involve other churches in anything they do either, because they DONT FOLLOW THE BIBLE.

Didnt seem very biblical to me.

Sometimes I wonder what Jesus would make of some of the churches and things done in his name Confused

Dutchoma · 05/10/2018 13:54

DrSpouse is there a way you can suggest a meeting t any other time than just before the service? That seems a very awkward time. it seems that the Sunday school teacher is in need of some basic training on ASD children as well as the vicar.
In the meantime I would stay at home.

drspouse · 05/10/2018 14:00

It's not ideal is it?
DS probably has ADHD rather than ASD so he's quite socially aware (when he's not being random) and he asks why we aren't going...

Becca19962014 · 05/10/2018 23:09

I'm sorry, I've another request.

I'm struggling with still being ill. I've also had a worrying phone call about what I'd been led to believe was a standard MRI which is being rushed through. I know there are two options, both aren't good. I just thought I'd have more time. I feel I've not had time to get a breath this year and am really panicking. I'm terrified of hospitals. I need some peace.

I'm sorry to ask again, I'd really appreciate you doing this for me.

Thankyou!

Dutchoma · 05/10/2018 23:12

Praying Becca May the peace of the Lord be with you.

BlackeyedSusan · 05/10/2018 23:15

10 past fecking 11. he brought them home at 10 past fecking 11

Becca19962014 · 06/10/2018 09:48

Thankyou.

BES that's awful.

applesandpears33 · 06/10/2018 23:24

DrSpouse - your situation sounds difficult. It is encouraging though that the vicar and teacher want to talk. Maybe they want to learn more about your DS and how they can help him. What would you like? Is there anything you think would make things easier for your DS? You're right that churches should be more inclusive but the teacher may not have had much training in ADHD/autism etc and may be feeling a bit out of her depth. Personally, I'd wait to see if the vicar and teacher want to work with your family before deciding whether or not to leave, especially if you like the preaching where you are and have concerns about the theology at the second church.

Becca19962014 · 07/10/2018 11:13

drspouse I hope the meeting was helpful, to all of you.

drspouse · 07/10/2018 11:21

Not in the slightest.
DS can't come back to Sunday School not even with the 1:1 we've lined up.
They won't make any changes to the sessions, they won't try and find money for help, and they won't change the services to help us if we have him with us (the vicar complained that I was sat outside with DS and he was being rude to me (what does it bother him?).
So I left and then realised I'd forgotten DD's jumper and coat.
Considering a PA FB post (church members will see it) and definitely going to complain to the Diocese.
Also wondering how to get the vicar to explain to DS. I don't see why we should have to.

applesandpears33 · 07/10/2018 11:51

That is terrible. I had hoped they would want to work with you as a family. No one should ever be turned away from a church.

Becca19962014 · 07/10/2018 12:17

Oh dear.

If I didn't know better then I'd think you were at the church I've been discussing on here as that's how my conversation went about mental health issues. When I complained I got nowhere.

I found out this week the vicar had been a teacher and, was known to be unsupportive of SN as well as MH, and left when " all that stuff came in about pandering to naughty kids" mental health is seen as weakness - he wasn't liked at his last church either because of it.

I found out the pressure I've been getting for years my godmother had before her death because her PIP was stopped (she lost her tribunal) and she was put on a zero hour contract and forced to work when needed and to give up her activities which helped her mental health. Previously she had exclusive days of work and was excluded from working Sunday's for religious reasons (she took them to court) but that was no longer a valid and overidden.

I don't know why there's no training on this stuff, like zero hour contracts. Ok so the older congregation don't understand them because when they worked (if they worked, we've a lot of women who never did) it was Monday to Friday 9-5 not zero hour whenever you're needed and assume because of the stuff in news that people have a choice over the hours - say no and it's no job. A lot of disabled people, especially here, lose their benefit appeals (like she did) as we've no cab or similar so must work and, then have no strength for other activities and must save for care to meet essentials. Mental health and SN support needs to be in place to make people feel welcomed, pushing people out actually effects others without those needs as well, I know people who won't attend anymore after seeing how I was treated for example.