I’ve been under the weather with a sinus infection, so it may be a few days before I get back to my frequently infrequent posting schedule. But I did want to express my tremendous thanks and gratitude for your prayers and support. Last weekend with my daughter went far better than I had anticipated, although she and her husband still have some tough trials and days ahead of them. If you find a moment to pray for them, all of us would be most appreciative.
I realize that some, perhaps many, of my readers are skeptical about prayer and its effects on our lives. I am not here to attempt to prove these things to you, except to say that I have seen countless instances in my own life and those of many others where profound changes have occurred as a result of prayer, explainable in no other way.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the Anchoress (or, as I prefer to call her, Anchor-Babe) had a post today on this very topic, asking for prayers for her husband in his travels. She says:
… when some emailers and cyberpals read that I \'m having a rough time physically, I can tell I \'m being prayed for … and it is so incredibly moving to me, to know that somewhere out there a perfect stranger is speaking a word of good for me. Nothing is more humbling than that.
Because I believe – no, I know – that prayer makes a difference in people \'s lives, I try to remember in my prayers some folks who I suspect have no one praying for them. Mostly that involves praying for public figures – some of their names might surprise you – and certain friends of my sons who have been raised without much exposure to church or faith.
Like her, I too can sense the support and strength which comes when others pray for me and mine–and I experienced its power last weekend, as did my wife and daughter. Thank you from the depths of my heart.
The Anchoress finishes by asking:
If you \'re inclined to prayer and you have room on your prayerlist for a stranger, I would be most humbled and grateful if you \'d remember my husband. Thanks.
Done deal, sister–may God be with you both.
Thanks for the update.
Thank you for the update; I have been checking each day, knowing that, in the best of times, you don’t post nearly that often (neither do I!). I just haven’t wanted to miss any updates, and I’m so happy that the weekend was not as bad as you had feared it might be. I realize that doesn’t mean the forest has been cleared.
I, too, have had times of feeling, sensing, knowing that prayers were being lifted up for me. I’m glad the combined prayers of many lifted you and your family, and know that they will continue to do so. You remain in my own prayers, and would appreciate yours for me, if God brings me to mind.
I really believe there is a growing “fellowship of the blog” among believers. Our God can use anything!
Prayers for you and your family from this corner of New England. May you feel the healing presence of the Good Physician in every aspect of your life. God bless.
Please keep this private.
I’ve only begun browsing your posts, and deeply appreciate them.
I’ve also known the power of prayer – God’s been most good to fools and little children (and I usually fall into the former category).
Referring to an earlier post you made, on the subject of ‘bad things happening to good people’ – sometimes, when something bad/unpleasant/horrible is happening, and I start to think, “Why me?”, the not-flippant-but-serious thought comes back, “Why not?” After all, am I any more or less than anyone else?
I have struggled very hard with the question of why – and in my case, “why?” isn’t really an honest question. It’s a challenge to the omnipotence and authority of God, demanding that He justify the event to me. As did Job before me, I’ve found that there is no direct answer to such a challenge – only the knowledge that He is present in the storm.
It’s still painful, and hard, to try to console others when their best friend (my son’s close comrade) has died in a non-sensical car accident. That’s where the listening has to come in. The only thing I know is that God still loves. And sometimes, they’re not ready to hear that. So I’m supposed to show them.
Tough thing, life, isn’t it?