Saying Prayers of Petition

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, July 31, 2016

Saying Prayers of Petition

Every Sunday at my church, we have prayer time. The weekly bulletin has a list of names on the back; names of those who have requested prayer or has some need. Sharing joys and concerns. Everyone in the congregation has the opportunity to mention a prayer. Something they are glad or sad about.

Yes, there are some seniors on the list. People in need of healing, people homebound. Cancer, tumors, kidneys. General weakness. Transferring from one level of care to another. I keep them on the list as long as the congregation requests it. And, almost every week, we close with the words our Lord taught us to pray: the Lord’s Prayer.

We bring all of these before God, knowing God will hear our prayers. The Lord hears us when we cry out, when we are silent, and when we use groanings too deep for words. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers. Please, Lord.

@chaplaineliza

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Listen, Pray, Mourn, Remember

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, July 3, 2016

Listen, Pray, Mourn, Remember

Today was a Sunday. A day to worship, a day to gather together with other believers. A day to share joys and concerns. Oh, how many joys and concerns we all have.

Many concerns, including a 90-something friend who is recovering from yet another hospital procedure. Just like the Energizer Bunny, keeps on going. God bless this senior! Also a newly-born premature baby, the tiny relative of an older friend. Great amount of concern for this little one, and family! Then, several generations of a family going some distance to a large family reunion. Journey mercies going, and returning, and many blessings while at the reunion. And, my friend in hospice. So sad. God be with that situation, too.

Today was also the day that I provided flowers for the altar at church. Yesterday was the anniversary of my father’s death.

I could not help but remember that my father had been dead exactly twice as long as I had lived. Since he was a statistician by trade, and I remember how much he used to enjoy serendipitous situations like that, I noted it. And, I missed my dad. Mourned him and his premature death. Cancer took him much too soon.

I went to the cemetery to see him and my mother today, as well as the other relatives buried there. Gorgeous day to walk in the cemetery.

Yes, I listened. Certainly, I prayed. Quietly, I mourned. And yes, I remembered.

Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er