Many hours of this week were punctuated by thoughts, sorrow, and intercessory prayer for those both near and far, who are suffering. Sorrow for grave illness, heartbreaking loss for those in my closer sphere and concern for the terrified surge of humanity seeking survival overseas sends me searching through scriptures to pair a message with a photo for each personal need, to portray heartfelt concern. Calls, posts, or mail all enlisted to communicate loving support and to share God's promises of presence and protection. For after we have walked out all earthly responsibilities for the care and wellbeing of others, there comes the essential action of prayer.
"Prayer is a participation in willing God's will. While God's ultimate will cannot be thwarted, the strategy God uses to reach that goal may be infinitely variable. The prayers of committed people become part of the cosmic reality God has to work with. [As Douglass V. Steere] suggests, God can use them to "tip the balance" and change the shape of distorted realities in the world. It is not stretching the truth to say that God needs our prayers. Such is the dignity and purpose we have been given in his divine [plan]." Marjorie J. Thompson, Soul Feast, "Communicating and Communion with God" p. 41
Claiming significance as a daughter of God,
claiming the attention of His hearing to ask for His holy work in every need known to me,
emboldens me to pray the 91st Psalm
and to say to others:
For He will give His angels charge over you
to accompany and defend
and preserve you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11, AMP
Reassuring words, Lisa. Prayer opens the door to God's resources. It is the calm for anxious hearts and the way in which God chooses to co-labour with us as He works in the world. During those times of deep pain, anxiety and sorrow when we don't know where to turn, we can always rely on God hearing our prayers, be they tears, sighs or heartfelt cries. Psalm 91 is one of my favourite psalms and a great one to personalise as we read it. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch encouraging words. Thank you for your kind and faith filled thoughts.
DeleteNothing makes a difference as much as prayer. Joining you from Still Saturday.
ReplyDeleteStill Saturday remains one of my favorite communities as Sabbath holds a place close to my heart. Thank you for visiting.
DeletePrayer makes the difference. And that is a beautiful photo. Thank you, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteAnd I look forward to angels every day and every moment and forever when heading to heaven. Several years ago, when leaving a very serious situation re: praying about the way an abortion place, a lady behind me, when I was walking several feet before her, said that I had tall, strong angels on each side of me so no one could break in and hurt me. That was a blessing. AND a couple months later it was on the newspaper that that abortion place in a strong part of our Omaha city had cancelled. It had been in place for quite a number of years, and now was gone. Anyhow, I'm certain we have angels when driving, walking, praying, preaching... they are in our lives, too. I look forward to meeting them! I'll thank them and praise them for their God-job. Bless you. Sorry to yammer so long, but you grabbed my heart!!
ReplyDeleteAlways an honor to hear how a post is "heard" by my readers. Thank you for sharing. May His angels cover your circumstances.
DeleteWe have a family friend who has been struggling with health for the past 5 years. He is an elderly gentleman who was told he had about 1 year to live....over 5 years ago. This week he has come to the conclusion that he is tired and has decided to cease the dialysis treatments which had pretty much stopped working anyway. He will probably not last a week. Yours is about the 5th post I have seen with prayers for the grieving this week. It's funny how God works like that.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that to; themes that seem to be repeated across several writings in a week. Must "listen" to discern how that might have importance. Thank you for sharing your thoughts .
DeleteThank you for these words in intercessory prayer. This past week was a week of prayer for me too starting with IF:Pray on Monday. There can never be enough prayer. Thank you for sharing this at Weekend Whispers.
ReplyDeleteSoaking it in, the full promise of restoration and redemption and rest poured out
ReplyDeletein every breath He breathes. Thank you for singing along as He sings tender over us all.
Peace and protection to you,
Jennifer