I get a lot of prayer requests emailed to me. So today, I thought it might be cool to share what we’re all praying for right now. I’ll go first:
1. My dad’s new church.
2. My daughter L.E. starting kindergarten in the fall.
3. Not becoming an arrogant jerk when the Stuff Christians Like book comes out.
How about you?
What are you praying about right now?
I've written up a more detailed explanation of what's going on here but the short version of it is that the dramas with my study abroad program sort out and that i don't catch the swine flu that is unusually prevalent in my community before i travel.
ReplyDelete*Not hating America when I move back after being a missionary for several years
ReplyDelete*Not hating seminary when I go because I know God wants me to go
*Not hating the American church because it is "not as good as the church here"
So yeah, I am praying for contentment with the next step God has for me.
- husband's salvation
ReplyDelete- finances after I stop working next week
- VBS preparation
1. my house to sell
ReplyDelete2. a full time job opportunity, to return to full time ministry preferrably
3. my sisters dissolving marriage, my cousins dissolving life
1. Believing in Jesus the way he intended.
ReplyDelete2. Dealing with domineering co-workers.
3. My wife to get a teaching job in public school.
4. Keeping the intensity up on our debt snowball.
my marriage. it's falling apart.
ReplyDeletemy faith. not sure i have any left.
The kids in my Youth Group!
ReplyDeleteI became a youth leader in a lame attempt not to lose connection with my teenage daughter. I think God tricked me (jking!!). I will tell you 6 yrs later - the needs and burdens and trials of these teens regular wake me up in the middle of the night crying out to God on their behalf.
I am praying to be chosen for a Habitat For Humanity house. I'm desperate for God to move in this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Carolynn
Jobs. Getting married. Finding a church to work in.
ReplyDelete-Hubby's fulfillment at work
ReplyDelete-Church plant grand opening in September
-That we can somehow have kids
Our son's upcoming deployment to Iraq; salvation for several family members; and continued safe travel as we roam this country in our RV.
ReplyDelete*freedom from the way we continue to persecute ourselves.
ReplyDelete*deliverance for a dear friend caught in the new age movement
*how to effectively teach my young sons just how much their Heavenly Father loves them.
- for my husband and I to find an apartment to move into in Indiana where we move in 3 weeks and for him to find a good job to work as he starts grad school in the fall
ReplyDelete- to grow in my trust of the Father's goodness as I learn to lay anxiety and worry at His feet
I am praying for children like these, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDA-nZuwCeI&feature=player_embedded in countries that reject their children simply for being disabled.
ReplyDeleteI try to help raise awareness for www.ReecesRainbow.org and my business was set up to try to raise money through my artwork for them. www.poppieslooming.co.uk.
If you want to learn about some of the families adopting through Reece's Rainbow you can find them in between the ridiculous things I do on my blog http://thepoppiesblog.co.nr
So, I'm praying for orphans and hoping to help change even one person's mind about children with disabilities in these countries...
- My parents' salvation
ReplyDelete- For the two friends that are responsible for my salvation to come back to Christ
- For a friend's family to keep it together while his grandfather is in the hospital
-my financial situation (it's really bad; I'm two months behind in rent and in danger of having my electricity turned off)
ReplyDelete-that I can remain emotionally stable until I can afford to get back on my anti-depressant
-what to do about school in the fall/getting things squared away so I can go back to seminary in the fall
*My blogging friends who want a child but cannot conceive.
ReplyDelete*Our neighbor with cancer.
*Our church....an increased passion for sharing Christ in our community
-safe healthy deliveries for my friend Michelle (twins) and me (one baby)
ReplyDelete-the state of our nation and its leaders in the local state and national government
-the daughters of two friends, one a single mom, the other about to be
-my church and the ministry that my husband and I are leaders for
--for anonymous at 4:29 and other friends whose lives are falling apart and whose faith is faltering.
ReplyDelete*Having enough faith to take the next step I feel God is showing me.
ReplyDelete*To increase my compassion for broken people (that's everyone, BTW) and to know what God wants ME to do about it.
(amen vanilla)
ReplyDelete1. For my school finances to finally be done for next year. The accountant is doing my dad's taxes still and I am supposed to be going to Jerusalem this fall, (in 71 days actually). So i need him to finish my dad's taxes so that I can apply for my loans. It's such a messy situation. This was supposed to be done in April
2. My oldest sister has lost faith in God through her life situations...
3. Another older sister is getting married in November
4. Barack Obama
On top of my list is the family of a friend whose daughter was murdered last Sunday. She was 36 and got in the middle of a domestic abuse. She was an only child and the family is devastated.
ReplyDeleteThis all brings back feelings from when our niece was murdered 6 yrs ago.
1.missionary friends in Thailand to find a permanent house
ReplyDelete2.friend in New Jersey to know God's will for the next step to take in her life
3.step-son's salvation
4.a job
5.energy
6.freedom from negative thoughts
7.the Packers to find a really wicked awesome quarterback as good as Brett Favre, but Not Brett Favre :) (j/k)
Thanks Jon, I needed that smack on the forehead. My prayer life has really been lacking lately. But as I read through these comments, I was incredibly convicted to not just read them, but really stop and lift up these requests. Especially the anonymous @ 4:29. (And I see I'm not the only one.) So I'm praying for these comments today.
ReplyDelete....also for my husband's addictions to alcohol and cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteNot to ruin the mood of heartfelt needs, but I have to ask you Jon, did you give us this question to prove your point about inventing prayer requests you wrote on just a few days ago? Because now I'm scrambling to come up with something good, but all I've got are things I *should* be praying for and haven't been.
ReplyDeleteAnother prayer I have. Our daugther and her husband and 5 kids are still not back in their house after Hurricane Ike. We are within a few weeks of that happening. We are all exhausted and spending money like it is water so please pray that it gets done. Please pray for all of those displaced by this disaster.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/toots/sets/72157616428591062/
And please no more hurricanes for a long time to come.
Emotional healing. I was raped. Sometimes I think its impacts will never go away.
ReplyDelete*freedom from laziness and lust.
ReplyDelete*mission trip to indonesia in a week.
*being able to move past feelings for someone.
*my agnostic friends at college.
I've been praying for my hubby to get a Job. He works in construction and he didn't work last year so he really needs the work.
ReplyDeleteNow for a praise report. We live full time in a fifth wheel rv. We were coming home yesterday from a trip and hubby realized that the lights on the trailer were not working. That means no brake lights, no signal lights, nothing.
We were in very heavy traffic in Dallas and he just Knew that someone was going to rear end us because we didn't have brake lights. We had an 8 hour drive ahead of us! I started praying that we would get home safe and with our home undamaged. Hubby isn't confident in his mechanical skills so he wasn't sure how to fix the problem. But God was listening.
Hubby decides all of a sudden to stop at Camping World and while there he finds a hoppy to replace the one that he was sure had stopped working. He got the old wiring system out and rewired it with the new and it worked!
We had working lights! I just knew that God had given him the solution to our problem. Thank you Father!
Sorry about the long post but I just had to share that!
Biggest one,
ReplyDeleteThere is a youngish lady we know that was diagnosed with a tubal pregnancy yesterday. They did surgery but we know just how devastating this is. Hits very close to home for us. Anyways, we are praying for her.
- ... for finding the right country to work in now that I've been accepted as a missionary candidate
ReplyDelete- ... for a team mate in whatever country I will work in
- ... for the scary task of support raising that I'll be facing over the next months or year or so
- ... that God will use this exciting and slightly daunting time of so many uncertainties to teach me whatever He wants me to learn (I have an inkling it might have something to do with trust and prayer...).
Mother is sick praying she gets better and or does not suffer
ReplyDeletethat my son can see her before its too late.
- Our house buying process. We're almost done but we have no idea when we can close or move.
ReplyDelete- The attitudes and personalities of our future children (may sound funny, but I work in mental health with some children who need a lot of extra love, attention, and discipline)
Our finances.
ReplyDeleteMy back to heal.
For the Lord to help me loose the 20 pounds I can seem to.
For my 7 year old doing his first church camp this summer.
For my 5 year old starting Kindergarten in the fall
-a friend's pregnancy that is at risk
ReplyDelete-a simple resolution to an outstanding tax debt of someone I love.
-follow through for myself.
God to tell me what He wants me to do in the next stage of my life. I've only got one more year in undergrad and no clue what I'm doing next!
ReplyDeleteAlso, safe travels on my way home. I'm studying abroad in Australia and will head home to South Carolina in the next few weeks!
Praying for quiet to hear God's voice as he guides our family in what He would have us do next:
ReplyDelete- Finish seminary (wife)
- Start seminary (me)
- Get a consulting job (me)
- Get a ministry job (wife)
- Launch a business (me)
- Mission field (family)?
1. that when I look in the mirror I would see Him rather than me.
ReplyDelete2. That the Spirit would be present at today's ladies breakfast
3. That my upcoming trip would be restful and refreshing
4. for my children
5. for my church member's prayer requests
1. My beloved family: that they'll love Jesus back.
ReplyDelete2. For direction and/or a job: I graduate in a few days.
3. That I will be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life, no matter what manifestation that takes.
My daughter and my parenting skills. I didn't grow up in a Xn home. I'm afraid I don't know how to teach her well. I'm afraid I'm going to miss something/not model something well/not address something and in turn jack her up.
ReplyDeleteObama & leaders. For wisdom as they lead us.
Thanking God for my husband's solid career and praying for direction for my search for a position. Guidance for my son and his new wife (new college grads) as they look for employment.
ReplyDeleteAnd there's the USA, the Padres, and help in the kitchen is usually needed... :)
A home
ReplyDeleteA job
1. for young children who loose their parents - namely a child in my class last year and 3 very young children of a friend. All lost their mother to cancer - this is one I'm struggling with. I really am struggling to see how God's hand could be part of these situations at all.
ReplyDelete2. for hubby to get a teaching job. He worked hard for the degree and a midlife career change is beginning to stress us all out.
3. that I use each day I'm given with my children to it's fullest. I'm finding that I'm really not all that selfless and sometimes I'm not at all appreciative of the gift of life and my children.
@ Anon @ 4:29
ReplyDeleteYou are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you; so do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Is. 41.10
Reading your brief words was painful to read, I can't imagine what it was like to write it. No matter what is happening or what happens in the future you are not named "Divorce" or "Isolated". You are named "Child of God", whether you feel it or not.
Praying for you.
Stacy
To Anonymous at 7:26,
ReplyDeleteNo One is an expert at parenting except The Father. Let yourself off the hook, and ask God to teach you what you need to know.
I'm praying to see my students through God's eyes.
-For a good friend for my 10 yr old daughter. She has never had it easy physically or socially and my heart breaks for her.
ReplyDelete-For my dad's cancer to respond to the chemo
-For my FIL who is bedridden with MS to be able to be taken out of the house smoothly for his dr appointment.
-For God to clean the bitterness and unbelief from my heart. I believe, help my unbelief.
discernment for what lies ahead and help processing the very possible abrupt change in circumstances we have right around the corner;
ReplyDeleteand we had a long time community member die yesterday so praying for him and his family
I am moving to KY in August to attend seminary. I am praying I make friends, do well in my classes, and that God continues to develop his calling in my life. I am also praying for his provision regarding my finances.
ReplyDeleteFor increased contentment in the country where I am living and that God would help me with the grief I feel at not being where I want to be.
ReplyDeleteFor my patients - because I can't overtly witness to them, only sow seeds; so I pray that God will water what I've sown.
That I will be able to forgive others and grow in faith despite many hurts.
For my grown daughters, and my future granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteFor my current pastor, as he is assigned to a new church, for my future pastor as she starts her assignment with us.
For endurance, as I start my senior year of university and apply for graduate school
For guidance as I apply at Duke Divinity.
-for my dad to find the job that God has for him.
ReplyDelete-for the safety of a friend who is traveling through Mexico to deliver food and Bibles.
-for peace that passes understanding.
1. my wife and baby's health and she goes through the 3rd trimester
ReplyDelete2. financial needs, especially after Jakob's born
3. a better attitude all around, and not being so quick to go sour with my attitude
When I was a small child I was diagnosed with a severe panic disorder. As I got older it became crippling- I was too afraid to leave the house much of the time. Things got a little better but a few weeks ago I began having some issues again. For a week straight I had panic attack after panic attack. I had to leave bible study early two weeks in a row because of this, and I've had to stay home from work for a few days. If you find the time I'd really appreciate prayers for peace and reliance on God.
ReplyDeletewe are adopting our second child from Ethiopia right now...the process sped up all of a sudden, which means we need 3,000$ in the next month (miracle #1) and then 10,000$ (miracle #2) in about 4-6 months...yikes!!!! But God provided last time, so I'm sure he'll do it again! Or he will miraculously raise our credit limit $15,000... Either way will work for me ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Jessi-
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are going through. I suffer with panic attacks and they have been quite active these past couple of weeks. I know how hard it is to feel like you can't leave the house...especially when the disturbances are frequent and increasing in their intensity. I have been unable to participate in many normal life things lately and am pretty discouraged as well. Please know that you are in my prayers, I sure know how frustrating this can be.
Thanking God that what breaks His heart is breaking mine...
ReplyDeletePraying for Anon 4:29 & 7:26--for God to touch them both in a tangible way today -- for them to feel His love...
Sara @ 8:50
ReplyDeleteAre you attending SBTS? If so, I know some amazing girls your age. Their love for God is humbling. Such faith! I would love to meet you and introduce you. My e-mail: stacyasmall@att.net
i am praying for:
ReplyDelete- my church, as my senior pastor went to be with God a week ago. and of course for his family. and for our children's pastor, who has stepped in as "interim senior pastor". and for my brain to have peace with what happened because i haven't been sleeping much because my brain won't shut off.
- more financial aid money for school since they seem to think my parents are paying for school. actually, all of school.
- my relationship..we are working towards getting married and some things are just difficult to figure out.
I'm praying for...
ReplyDelete1. The courage to change and embark upon a new life-path.
2. The wisdom to discern the Lord's will.
3. Friends, family...Both their safety, and their concerns.
That last item puts everything into a lump. But sometimes I don't pray in great detail. ;)
Wow! What an experience just reading all these and seeing all the burdens people carry.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I'm praying for:
1. A high student, Sequoyah, who was in a car accident and has been in the ICU for four weeks. There has been a couple really close calls in the past month.
2. The students who know her, bc earlier this year we had a zipline accident at Fall Camp, where a middle school student later passed away. That these students would continue to have faith despite these circumstances.
3. My time as an intern at my current church is almost over, so prayers that God would open an opportunity for long-term, full time ministry.
-- God's guidance in what to do with a witchcraft-ish tattoo now that I'm saved
ReplyDelete-- an old friend of a friend and my parents to find God
1. my mom's career transition and the churches' leadership in light of that and in general
ReplyDelete2. healing between and in each of my two best friends
3. my close friend to encounter true friendship and fellowship in other people than me
praying for you all. it is overwhelmingly good to see the church, here, at work.
A group of teens from our church in the Dominican Republic for a missions trip!
ReplyDelete1. my parents salvation
ReplyDelete2. infertility
3. to hear God's plan for my life if he doesn't heal my infertility
To Anonymous @ 6:29 AM
ReplyDelete"Emotional healing. I was raped. Sometimes I think its impacts will never go away."
I got chills reading this. All I can say is "me too."
I will be praying for us both.
I am praying for my finances.
ReplyDeleteBut moreover for the overwhelming depression I have been dealing with for the last ten months. It has consumed my life completely.
The new Bible Study class I'm helping to start tomorrow morning & the kick-off party at my place tonight - for us to be faithful in what God has called us to do & I'm definitely praying for God to bring in the peeps!
ReplyDeleteHealing, peace, comfort & joy for my friend Tammy who has a rare cancer that does not seem to be responding as desired to chemo & radiation.
Restoration & healing for my friends' marriage.
A date, a relationship, a mate...and the wisdom to enjoy, celebrate and appreciate my singleness in the meantime.
My brother, sister-in-law,niece & nephew's move to Charleston in 2 weeks.
Constantly thanking God for the blessings that I have with family & friends.
I am praying for a husband. I know that God has given me a heart for children and for a family. Every year that goes by where that is unfulfilled is more painful. Soon, I fear I will just give up.
ReplyDeleteCurrently in discussion with a close friend regarding being a surrogate for her and her husband. As much as I ache for my own marriage and family, I know they ache just as much for a child of their own and the pain of fertility issues.
That I would be the leader that God wants me to be.
ReplyDeleteMatthew
-That God would give me the courage to continue to walk into and through past sexual abuse and the poison that permeated my life as a young child.
ReplyDelete-That God would give the same courage to a friend of mine who is walking through very similar things and for his wife as she struggles with her dysfunctional childhood and that God would give them mercy as they deal with new patterns of relating that are unfamiliar. Healing is a wonderful thing, but when you've related one way for 19 years...
I lost my daughter a few weeks ago, she was born at 20 weeks gestation. I'm praying that God help us get through this horrible time, but also thanking Him for being there, for grieving along with me, and for giving us hope for the future.
ReplyDelete-My health, it's slipping more and more every day. Lots of hospital time, lots of tears, lots of questioning, lots of anger.
ReplyDelete-my doctors, that they can figure out what is going on and reverse it before it gets much worse. as it is now, I spend (on average) 4 out of 7 days in the hospital
-my faith, with all that is going on, I'm losing it. I'm pretty sure its gone. Not just faith in God, but faith in humanity, and friendships. You never really understand how alone you are really are until everyone abandons you.
-my sanity, I'm at the point of just wanting to give up and end it now, and have seriously considered it several times here lately, last night was particularly bad. 15 sleeping pills later, I'm still here for some reason.
Praying for my daugher's surgery on 6-24.
ReplyDelete- for God's wisdom and guidance as I work at a christian camp this week
ReplyDelete- the safety of our troops, and for Him to bless them with courage. Especially my friend as she heads off to bootcamp soon. (i <3 u Amber!)
- help for my sister as her life is spiralling out of control
- to find a job so I can help support my mother
- my mother, who never gives up, backs down, or takes charity
- my uncle as he recovers from two major heart attacks
- Becca, who is fighting for guardianship of her son
- Steven, to get his act together and support his baby
- Sameach, to succesfully direct Camp ALOMA this summer
- President Obama
- help for my friends so that they will find their way to Christ (that means you Scott-Scott!)
- Jon, to continue making this blog awesome, and that the book goes well!
- thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus to save us all from eternal hell, so that we may live with Him in Heaven!
wv: domalon- the campfire song version of Gir's Doom Song (Invaders Zim)
Emily @ 2:02 I am praying for you ..
ReplyDelete1. That my (ex)husband and the woman he has chosen to be with will realize how satan has deceived them, and that they will both come back to the truth.
ReplyDelete2. For all the other struggling marriages, that satan will not win the battle for them.
3. That God will show me what He wants me to do as I move through this transition to my "new" life.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-2 daughters are in Texas w/their father this month. Pray for safety & peace.
ReplyDelete-Just found out I'm pregnant at 39. Filled with joy about child #3. Trying to battle the worries of being pregnant at 39.
Jon and Magic Brush, as a kindergarten teacher, I'm so happy to hear that you are before the Father on your kids' behalfs. Know that there are plenty of us who pray for your babies (who become our babies for a year) too.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying that I can be a faithful witness for Christ.
I'm praying you don't become an arrogant jerk too, Jon. What a coincidence!!:)
ReplyDeleteSeriously,
to anon @3:30AM my oh my, I think we need to ask God for the grace not to hate, don't you?
to anon@4:29AM I too want to say that my heart goes out to you and that you will not be forgotten!
to Jeff @2:29PM - don't give up my friend. When you are at your lowest point, in the deepest pit, God is there. God says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil!"
To everyone else - I am praying as I go through and read.
My own prayer requests?
Pray for the approx. 16 areas of physical healing that need to take place.
The prayer from Anonymous @4:29 cut quick to my heart.
ReplyDelete-I am also praying for my broke marriage. (Husband says he's not renewing our lease and wants a seperation possibly divorce).
-To the youth group going to DR from Nana2four @11:16...I hope you are there when my husband is there for the next 2weeks. I'm praying that he doesn't commit adultry and if he does that he doesn't get STD's.
-that my husband goes to therapy for his paranoia problem.
-a wise medical diagnostician to figure out and treat the mysterious medical mess that I'm in.
-for God's grace to get me through this mess.
-that I hear & obey The Wonderful Counselor
I know that I am in the "wilderness" right now. Funny thing happened on Tuesday; I purposely stood out in the pouring rain and for approx. 1 minute, I did not get wet.
--my friends' unborn baby after surviving two stillbirths
ReplyDelete--the right door to open when my current gig closes in November
A deeply sobering list.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for:
1. The imagination and creativity I need to get my next writing job.
2. My church and my senior pastor : wisdom and protection
3. My children as they transition to a new, highly demanding school.
4. Good friends who have been out of work for months and couldn't pay their mortgage this month.
For the family of my friend, Rev. Chad Miller and his brother Christopher Miller, who died in a kayak accident this week.
ReplyDeleteReading and praying through this list certainly brings my own circumstances into perspective...
ReplyDeleteI am praying for a good job for my husband, who has to find one in the next two weeks...we have six children.
I am clinging to the hem of His garment because He will provide one way or another.
1. My parents marriage.
ReplyDelete1. My friend, Scott, in Afghanistan
ReplyDelete2. The youth group I volunteer with - our new youth director and her manager seem to have no clue how to reach teenagers and not alienate adult volunteers.
3. A friend's daughter-in-law with severe health problems.
May God's loving arms surround each of you that are carrying heavy hearts.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for:
- our finances. Things are changing for the positive ever so slowly.
- our marriage. Its good, but there is always room for improvement.
- our youngest son. He is almost 2 and an absolute joy. He is having his hearing tested on Monday. I wonder what path lies ahead for us if an impairment is found.
My husband's salvation
ReplyDeleteYour dad's church--your mom and dad (they are so special)
Where God wants me to be in terms of church. Do I stay where I am or go to The Gathering Church?
I'm in high school, and now it's summer. pray that I don't waist it.
ReplyDeleteReally, pray that people see God in my life, and that, whether it seems to seems to succeed or fail, that I follow Gods will in my life.
:)from your friendly neighborhood Witness. lol
1. a job for myself
ReplyDelete2. my parent's marriage
3. a better relationship with my dad
For all the camp staff and campers that I'm about to spend the summer working with...I start staff training on Wednesday, and camp starts a week and a half later.
ReplyDeleteFor direction in my life, especially in figuring out what I should do when I graduate next May.
For my brothers because I'm worried about them.
For my parents because they are working themselves to exhaustion in camping ministry.
I'm praying for God's help in loving the unlovable.
ReplyDeleteFor Jeff@2:29, I am going through a similar situation and am slowly learning that God will never leave, although humans can and sometimes will.
ReplyDelete1. For my parents' marriage, sometimes I think they stay together "for the kids" (me and my teenage sister)
2. For my sister, to learn to fully trust and rely on Christ
3. For guidance on finding a church, currently my family isn't going anywhere
4. For healing within my extended family
5. A cure for cancer
To release the almost paralyzing anxiety and fear of future unknowns and past illness so I am able to fully be with my small daughters and enjoy and appreciate the 'right now' that God has blessed us with.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacy from Louisville for pointing out Is 41:10
I've been so depressed lately I can hardly formulate a breath prayer.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings toward my husband are anything but loving, and it scares me.
I'm pretty burnt out all around: emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually.
I'm praying that I get pregnant.
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please, God, let me get pregnant.
-intimacy with God
ReplyDelete-the girls in the youth group I volunteer in. There's a spirit of brat all over them right now, and its breaking my heart to see them at each others throats.
-my little brother
-my parents' finances
-safe travels for our trip tomorrow
And I am now praying for all of the people commenting on here.
Thanks for this, Jon.
-that my daughter is cured from an "incurable illness" or that a medical cure is found or that she stays in remission forever after being hospitalized most of last year
ReplyDelete-that i stop being secretly a little mad at God because my daughter has an incurable illness
-that I find a job, I have been laid off for 6 months now and I am bored and broke
Also, for a little boy in my youth group. He's a good kid following the wrong crowd. He's going to college in the fall, and I really feel like its going to be make or break time for him. I'm praying that he'll get shaken up and realize what's going on and get in with people who will build him up and not tear him down.
ReplyDeletewhat the heck i'm even supposed to be doing with my life right now.
ReplyDeleteTo the kind people that responded, and those that are praying. Thanks so much. It really means a lot to be sitting here, in this hospital room, doctors not sure what is going on, but knowing that complete strangers are praying. YOU, my friends are are embodiment of Christ.
ReplyDeleteThat my son (10 months) will learn to sleep instead of waking up 14x / night. I've been pleading for mercy here and wondering why God's not stepping in... I'm so exhausted ... And now I'm humbled by the simplicity and selfishness of my request after reading the last 102. I donLy know why God seems so silent or absent sometimes... But, anonymous friends, I do know he cares.
ReplyDeleteI also pray for my son's emotional health and that I won,t repeat my parents' abuses, for my husband at work, and my friends and family's requests.
Strength: to remain in the co-pilot's seat and not have the temptation to grab the controls.
ReplyDeleteTrust: that God is carrying out His plan even when us humans see it as craziness.
Clarity: I have to make a decision whether to pursue a career in the corporate world or pray that God expands my part time ministry into full time.
(I'm hoping for full-time ministry. I know I am called to do part time ministry but I'm not sure if God has called for all of my time to be devoted to that ministry (even though I hope it is))
I don't mean to minimize anyone's concerns here. However, I must tell you that this blog entry has been an answer to prayer for me. I had prayed and asked the Lord to help me with my prayer life as it was in desperate need of healing.
ReplyDeleteI am moved to tears reading through everyone's different circumstances - and my own problems seem so small now. Jeff - and anon@4.29 especially, and everyone who is feeling so hopeless, alone and despairing. I will pray for you.
ReplyDeletelast summer i had a severe bout of depression and was put on medication. ive slowly gotten myself off of it and have been medicine free since spring break. but i pray that God will help me be strong and not fall into depression again. it is the loneliest feeling i know...
ReplyDeleteI've been reading comments and crying for 45 minutes now. If I list my prayer requests now, they seem trite. But I know that to God they are not. Humanly speaking, there are 'big' needs and 'small' needs, but I think God looks at everything in our lives and asks, "Are you talking to me about this?"
ReplyDeleteFor all of you who left requests, you have been prayed for and probably cried for, too. Many others who have read this have also prayed. And although we don't know you personally, our God does.
Jon, thank you for giving us a fabulous opportunity to share our needs and to pray specifically for the needs of others. I look forward to your giving an opportunity for each of these people to share God's answers that we may rejoice together, as well.
James 5:16 ...the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Praise: Because this right here, these comments, are the church in action. I am crying with you and lifting you up to our Father.
ReplyDeleteMy own prayer requests:
*Healing for my kids, esp. my daughter who has PTSD. I want her to come home instead of hospital.
*Job direction. I got fired.
*My best friend's salvation because he thinks it can be found in booze and sex.
*My health, because I'm pretty sure I've got some kidney issues and I have no insurance.
*A husband, but I don't know if I'm allowed to have one since I'm divorced. I'm raising four kids alone and the word "alone" means so much more than I can say.
Hey I know I already posted a request here but I have a new one. An amazing man of God went to be with the Lord yesterday. His passing has left an immense hole in many lives. Pleae pray for his family and those he is close to. Also pray for the many ministries he is involved in and especially for the ministry center we were in the first steps of starting with him.
ReplyDeleteThis may seem strange to those who do not know my beliefs about doctrine, the Bible, and prophecy, but I pray that God will empower those who preach the true gospel to get a warning message out to our nations, which are prophecied to go through great punishment in a few years because of our national and individual sins.
ReplyDeleteFor my dad's salvation. For our family to find a new church as we have moved 1800 miles away from dear friends and a wonderful church which I still miss. That we would reflect God's light to our neighbors. That our children would find new friends.
ReplyDelete-For my children love and serve the Lord
ReplyDelete-For my precious grandbabies to stay safe and healthy
-For the church secretary to find peace in her job - at another location (can I say that?)
-For Jon Acuff to not be a jerk when his SCL book comes out
-For relationships and marriages everywhere
My dear friend Stephanie. Young wife and mother of 2 with stage 4 colon cancer.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.stephsgonnawin.blogspot.com
I'm praying for my brother. He's a good guy in a terrible spot, and my heart is just breaking for him.
ReplyDeleteMy fiance and I have been saving for our wedding for more than two years. The wedding is now seven months away, and God has continued to provide for us in amazing ways. We went from nothing to having just enough money to pay for the wedding (a cheap one!) We are still in need, though, of a place to live, and a full-time job for my husband-to-be, as we need insurance and money to keep the lights on. God will provide. Sometimes, though, it's hard to keep telling ourselves that.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this situation has been a major part of our prayer lives since we got engaged, in May of 2007. Time is running out!
I'm praying for new friends in Kenya and their work to help the abandoned, poor and hungry in their country.
ReplyDeleteThey're working in some pretty tough situations, and it's easy to give in to despair. I'm asking for peace, joy and strength in hard times.
To the lady whose baby isn't sleeping, I'm praying especially for you too. God, please intervene!
In fact, I feel like God's been reading over my shoulder down this whole list of comments. I hope that counts as a prayer too. *hug* to the hurting.
The salvation of some family and friends of mine.
ReplyDeleteThat God helps me get through my thesis... because I definitely can't do it on my own.
World stuff.
Praying for peace in Israel
ReplyDeletePraying that G-d will send the full redemption soon
Praying that my mother will have peace of mind that her daughter is not going to hell because she left christianity and became an orthodox Jew (I told her that I was fulfulling the prophets words like so many other nonjews have done -she was not too happy)
Zechariah 8:23
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
fruit. not just the sowing, but the reaping. three people in particular.
ReplyDeletewhen Jews pray we say the full name of the person and their mother's full name
ReplyDeletewhen we pray for nonjews we say the full name of the person and their father's full name
Pray is powerful as you well know and this is a wonderful post and I am glad I came across it. The only thing missing is names. So if you would like for me to daven/pray for you please send names taken into account if you are a Jew or nonJew
email me what your request is like you mentioned here and I will include you in my prayers and I will send you back the prayer that I prayed to G-d. G-D willing, I will pray every day until your prayer is answered one way or another. I will email you every once in awhile to get an update if you like are you email me.
tidbitsoftorah@gmail.com
My friend's dad, who is in Houston getting treatment for cancer. And for my friend, who is worried sick about her dad. And my brother, whose crumbling marriage and life in general keep me awake at night, often in tears.
ReplyDeleteTo Jeff:
ReplyDeleteI am praying fervently for you! Thank you for reminding all of us that when we stay away from the sick and hurting because it makes us uncomfortable, we are hurting them so much more than we know.
To Jon:
In all seriousness I am praying for you and this ministry God has called you into. The honesty that goes on here is a breath of fresh air!
To those dealing with infertility:
I am praying for God to bless you with peace and wisdom about how you should proceed. My parents were faced with this problem 20 years ago and due to their willingness to follow God, they ended up with me! They gained a daughter and I was no longer an orphan. God is the ultimate creator of families!
To those entering into marriage:
I am praying for God to put someone in your life to give you good and honest counsel before you walk down the aisle. I am praying for you to have clarity of mind as you make the decision to enter into the life-long commitment that marriage should be. I pray too that you remain focused on the important things about a wedding day and don't feel pressured to spend money to impress others (even your own parents!).
Thank you for giving my prayer life a much needed jolt! I would love for everyone to check in sometime in the coming weeks as I'm sure there will be many prayers answered! Amen and Amen!
My big sister died one month ago. I'm praying for peace and comfort for her kids. I'm praying for that my parents, her parents. I'm praying for that for my siblings. And I'm praying for that for me.
ReplyDelete1. My brother-in-law in rehab
ReplyDelete2. for peace in Iran
My post for today is a big long prayer request for Cecelia. If you could add her to your prayers and spread the word. She has gotten her life back but needs a bit more help! Thanks.
ReplyDelete@ DH, I will keep your daughter in my prayers for sure. As someone who has suffered from PTSD for many years, I know how hard it can be and how hard it can be for other people to understand just how difficult it is. All of the rest of you are in my prayers, too.
ReplyDeleteI've been drawn back to read over the prayers in this post several times since yesterday. What an amazing gift the Lord has bestowed on you, Jon & how awesome is the privilege we have to go before Him for each other. I have prayed over each of you and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeletePraise report, I am so thankful to know that the Lord goes before us (Deut 31:8) and He did so in a mighty way for the new singles Bible study class that kicked off this morning – He definitely brought the peeps! I was so excited to see the whole room full today.
Anon @ 3:18 PM – I live in Houston. If your friend’s dad or your friend needs anything, seriously have them contact me. I’m up at MD Anderson a bit with my friend who has cancer & know a couple of patient advocates there. He couldn’t be in a better place for treatment. Greggs75@yahoo
- Shannon
I pray for my brother and his freedom from addiction and demons.....
ReplyDeletePlease pray too.
Think of the movies 'A beautiful mind' meets 'Nightmare on Elm street'
he hears voices/sees things that
are not there and uses alcohol for relief.....
Aaron. (his name)
oh, and John; you ARE going to have a measure of pride when you are finally published....
Here is to hoping it's the kind of pride you had when, fresh from THE experience in the hospital, you witnessed/participated in your first child's birth.
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ReplyDelete1. How to respond to my mother's recent "secret" confession to me regarding suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
ReplyDelete2. Spearheading support raising for the Ugandan Water Project (State-side) working for a positive spiritual and physical change (Africa-side)
3.Full recovery from my 20+ year battle with an eating disorder (at least some major victory before I turn 30 in 3 months).
No matter what the answers, God is still good, still loving, still fair, and still has my best interests at heart.
Pray for my family. Husband left the ministry. Is now drinking again. My family is falling apart, and I can't stop it. Our marriage has never been that strong, but it is rapidly disintegrating now. Pray that God will be glorified. We need a miracle, for our children more than anything else.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for a job. Unemployment is getting very boring...
ReplyDeletefechrove - what I'd love to do. I love his interviews, but he's Australian, so I'm stuck watching snippets on YouTube instead!
Right now I'm praying that I won't cry at work.
ReplyDeletePraying for a future spouse. It's been very hard lately. Praying I'll trust God that He knows what He's doing.
ReplyDeletePraying for a friend's relationship with her boyfriend that God will be the center.
Praying that I'll hear the voice of God and obey Him.
For my youth leader husband's big final week in the interview process we've been undergoing.
ReplyDeleteIf he gets this job, our lives change. In every single way.
I'm praying for the requests that have been laid at the foot of the Cross here. Some of your requests have brought me to tears. It's my honor to intervene for you and with you...
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for the state of The Church. I work in ministry and I see "the dark side" of how churches can be when we make it about us and not about Jesus. Our time is running short and he is on the prowl. We can't afford the intra-fighting, disagreements and wasting our time on efforts that aren't Kingdom building and reaching the lost.
I am also praying for conviction for what I'm doing to be a part of the problem rather than the solution.
I'm praying for those who won't come to Christ because they reject what He offers.
I'm praying for those who aren't coming to Christ because they haven't been introduced to Him yet.
I'm praying for those who won't eat today.
I'm praying for those who feel helpless and unloved.
I'm praying for the persecuted church.
I'm praying for my daughter who will go off to school in the fall. Please let her keep listening to You Lord...
-As the father of the possessed child said to Jesus "I believe, but help me in my unbelief"
ReplyDelete-The direction that God is pointing me in and my reluctance to accept it and do anything to move closer to Him or the goal
-Our church leadership and the pressure they are going through being a growing church
-Take what I've learned from "Crazy Love" and apply and not just let it be another "neat Christian book"
i am anonymous @4:29. thank you for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteafter being in full time ministry in the mission field, my marriage has been subjected to more trials than i could have ever imagined. my family is suffering, and i feel like god has turned his back on me.
no one tells you this kind of stuff when you are preparing to enter ministry. if they did, i bet a lot less people would do it.
i wish i could go back and make a different choice.
I'm praying for our son to stay with us. We're adopting him thru foster care and some abusive family members are trying to get him back. It's like a knife in the heart and I'm waiting for the final blow. I'm trying to trust God with everything.
ReplyDeleteAlso praying for my Hubby's job. He's self-employed and his business is not a necessity, so in this economy they're struggling.
So many tears, so many prayers.
ReplyDeleteThe poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights... and the parched ground into springs. (Isaiah 41:17-19)
prayed as I read through this list, thank you for doing this.
ReplyDeleteSalvation of family members.
Wisdom in raising teenage boys.
Husband will have more work come in.
DH here, just saying that the Lord brought this particular comments section to mind again, and I'm lifting you guys up.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous who didn't know about the trials of ministry, I hear you. I won't give you some trite comment. I hear your struggle.
@Jeffery, thank you. She has the PTSD but it's not just her problem, it's our family's. Thanks for your prayers.
* Our two daughters in Kazakhstan waiting for us to complete their adoption and BRING THEM HOME!!!
ReplyDelete* God's help as I approach licensed lay ministry in discerning the true nature of my call.
* To quickly get over pneumonia
I was actually in tears as I read thru these. I am so thankful we have a personal God who cares for each and every one of us and has promised to "wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth" Isa 25:8.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for all of you.
Personally:
-please lift up my parents and their marriage
-for healing from the sexual abuse in my past
-for God's direction as I face a time of great decision in my life
and for me to submit to His will
-for strenght and perseverance as He and I battle thru my issues and He brings me out of my depression
Blessings,
*my "kids" relationship and the gbabe's wellbeing, tho I know Dad watches over them
ReplyDelete*my husband's job uncertainty, tho I know Dad provides
*all my brothers and sisters here, their concerns, their needs, tho I know Dad is here with us all...