A week or so ago there was a post in the prayer thread from TinkerbellesMum which I quote here in full because I think she has something important to say:
"I don't normally post in this section or this thread, but I wanted to share something that my sister's Pastor said a few months ago at a Dedication because on a regular basis I'm logging into MN and seeing it come to truth again and again.
He said that the devil has started an attack on children.
If you look through this year you will see so many children have died in really horrible circumstances, we've not seen anything like this happening before.
Please when you pray can you include our children in general, ask God for His protection over our own, each others' and the unknown child. Ask for Him to send His angels to fight against this attack."
We've only got to remember Baby P to know that terrible things are happening and that the only weapon we have against the forces of darkness is prayer. That is a strong weapon and a weapon that will bring results for the safety and security of our own children but also as TM says "the unknown child".
So can I encourage you all to praise God for our children and to set side a few moments to ask His protection on them, but also to pray protection over the millions of children which don't have the quality of life that they should have.
We then pray for our unborn children:- Swaliswan's, Boffinmum's and of course Tinkerbellesmum's own baby. Also for the other children in those families.
We remember those with health problems:
Belgianbun's sister recovering from an operation. OJ who goes to hospital on Monday to have a lump investigation - please God, no more trouble.
Zipadisuzy's dh who fell off a ladder and has cracked ribs and for Suzy who is picking up his workload.
NSFN struggling with depression, praying that this will not continue all winter.
And we give thanks for M44's ds2 who is on the mend but pray for dd1 who is still struggling with a broken arm.
We pray for those who are struggling with various issues:- CaptainDippy, Peachy, FAQ (praying that her babysitting problems can be resolved to enable her to continue as church organist) and CaptainCaveman.
And so to all of us who are part of this small community and who will always pray for one another:- MaryBS (continued prayer for BIL and MIL), Amber, Jentlydoesit (good news at the eye hospital) Myjobismum (good news about ds's behaviour at preschool), NowWeAreFour (continued prayer as requested for her nanny, PandaG and NotQuiteGrownUp (will she ever?)
Also we remember RevJustabout in her work with the Reluctant Worshippers.
And so we come before our Heavenly Father Who hears all our prayers and answers them in His own way. Thanks be to God