Prayer Requests

[TicklingDuo]

I'll be keeping all these requests in my prayers. Another person we should keep in prayer is Tracy (venraya). She hurt her knee a few weeks back and it's giving her fits. She'll be seeing another doctor this week to see if they can figure out what's going on and do something about it. Please join me in praying that the Lord guide the physician and grant a quick recovery.

Ann

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

I'll be keeping all these requests in my prayers. Another person we should keep in prayer is Tracy (venraya). She hurt her knee a few weeks back and it's giving her fits. She'll be seeing another doctor this week to see if they can figure out what's going on and do something about it. Please join me in praying that the Lord guide the physician and grant a quick recovery.

Ann

Thanks Ann, I have said a prayer for Tracy and the doctors. I hope and pray that she has a quick recovery! I am sorry to hear that she hurt her knee. Thanks for letting us know Ann! 🙂 Love and Peace

 

[TicklingDuo]

I'd also like to ask others to join me in praying for a family friend who fell and cut his head open when leaving my folks house the other night....B]

Just to update folks... John's wound is healing well and they checked his eye for any effect, finding that it's fine. He's back up and around and hanging in there. Thanks for the prayers, gang. God is good! May He be praised!

Ann

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Just to update folks... John's wound is healing well and they checked his eye for any effect, finding that it's fine. He's back up and around and hanging in there. Thanks for the prayers, gang. God is good! May He be praised!

Ann

Ann, I just wanted to let you know that sent John a Get Well card. I couldn't get your address from your profile.....so I sent it to the one that is on your home page. I sure hope that he gets it, and I am so glad that he is doing better! Please give him my best and tell him to hurry and Get well soon! Bless you both! Love and prayers. Tracy

 

[ForgottenTcklr]

I am pleased to see this thread grow even in my absense.

Thanks for it all fellas, and you are in my prayers!!!

 

[TicklingDuo]

I couldn't get your address from your profile.....so I sent it to the one that is on your home page.
Bless you both! Love and prayers. Tracy

Thanks, Tracy...He does!

Unfortunately, the addy on the home page is an old one. It's just one of the many things that I need to update. Our current e-mail is [email protected]

Ann

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

I am pleased to see this thread grow even in my absense.

Thanks for it all fellas, and you are in my prayers!!!

FT, welcome back! I knew I had not anything from you lately. You were missed, hope all is well with you and yours. Love and peace. Tracy

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Thanks, Tracy...He does!

Unfortunately, the addy on the home page is an old one. It's just one of the many things that I need to update. Our current e-mail is [email protected]

Ann

Ann, I am so glad to hear that. I got the address and will send another one. Thank you for giving me the new one. 🙂 Love and peace. Tracy

 

[qjakal]

Different Viewpoint

"He even raised the dead!!! He was calling upon the powers of God. He said that we could too. Why doubt? We cannot fathom the works and abilities of God, but He's there. He loves us so much and does not want to see us in pain. Have faith, it can truly move mountains!!!"

None have ever been budged for our troubles...the answer has always been "No". I won't hijack your thread of joy and well wishing, but for all that you believe a God may have done, I believe he/she/it is either indifferent or nonexistent. The agony my mother in particular has suffered had no purpose and reflected no lesson. Events have devasted her good heart for the past 20+ years. She is as good a woman as there ever was, and has done no harm nor wished ill upon any in her life, yet she has suffered tremendous losses. Believe as you will and may your hopes be lifted and your troubles alleviated, but if there is indeed any God, he has been no friend to me and mine. Time will tell....but I shan't forgive. Q

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Q, I understand how you feel and how you can feel bitter. I don't understand why good people have to suffer, I don't think even the best religous person in the world can explain that one. I have lost my Father to Cancer and he was a good man, never harmed anyone and would have given you the shirt off his back. Helped people that we in need and never once asked how else is helping you? He just did it and never took credit for it. He was the best Daddy any one could ask for, a wonderful and faithful husband. Yet, he was taken from us so soon. My Mama once told me when I was angry at God, crying saying it isn't fair "why Daddy"? Mama, told me that we were least of the least compared to Jesus, and Jesus suffered. And that God gave his only begotten son, so that who so ever believth in Him you shall not perish but have everlasting life. She told me, so God never promises us that we will never suffer or never be sick, or that would would never be poor or that we would be wealthy. She taught me that we have to trust in Him and obey, never lose our faith. Satan is the one that causes the problems, and he is the one that causes us to doubt. She reminded me of the time that Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, satan came to Jesus and tried to tempt him. satan knows our weakness and he will hit those every time! Jesus had not ate or drunk anything for 40 days and nights. The first thing that satan tempted Jesus with was with food! Jesus fought off old satan by the word of God! And satan flied. I'm told that every time we pray, we bring satan to his knees!

I am not trying to preach here and change this thread. Or even sway anyone or force them to believe in how I believe. I was just trying to express my opinion and my views on the point that you brought up Q. Thats all.
Please let me add, I am so sorry for your Mama's suffering and pain. My Mama is going through pain and suffering right now herself. Her heart and she recently fell and broke her hip. I don't understand or know why this is, but I have to believe that there is a reason.

Ok, I spoke my heart. I hope that I did not offend anyone in doing so. Again, I am not trying to force my beliefs on anyone.

Love and peace. 🙂

 

[qjakal]

Losses....

I'm sorry for your losses, Ms Tracy, but those types of events are indeed part of the natural order of things, and can be expected and accepted eventually. The incidents I'm speaking of have to do with things that violate that long standing historical way of life...things such as children dying, and others falling into despair and the slow death of drugs and abuse, and on and on....trials and tribulations that aren't of her making and inflicted nonetheless. They have compounded each other, with no ray of hope left unshattered for her in many cases. Are there blessings to be counted in her life? Assuredly, but so few and so many fewer than any sense of fairness or justice would distribute. I've recounted much of this on that huge Religion thread from last year, so I won't tred this ground again...it just leaves me angry for a few days. If your system of beliefs are correct, I'll have a reckoning eventually...if not, it's a moot point and wasted emotion. Q

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Re: Losses....

I'm sorry for your losses, Ms Tracy, but those types of events are indeed part of the natural order of things, and can be expected and accepted eventually. The incidents I'm speaking of have to do with things that violate that long standing historical way of life...things such as children dying, and others falling into despair and the slow death of drugs and abuse, and on and on....trials and tribulations that aren't of her making and inflicted nonetheless. They have compounded each other, with no ray of hope left unshattered for her in many cases. Are there blessings to be counted in her life? Assuredly, but so few and so many fewer than any sense of fairness or justice would distribute. I've recounted much of this on that huge Religion thread from last year, so I won't tred this ground again...it just leaves me angry for a few days. If your system of beliefs are correct, I'll have a reckoning eventually...if not, it's a moot point and wasted emotion. Q

Thank you Q, yeah the innocent children dying 🙁 You brought up some good points as well as issues. I didn't have the pleasure of reading your views last year about these issues. I only became a memeber I think in Sept. of this year. So, like you I will just leave it here. I do appreciate your opinion and thank you for the kind words, and I am so sorry for your Mama's illness and the pain she is suffering. You seem like a great man Q. Take care. 🙂 Love and Peace. Tracy

 

[TicklingDuo]

Healings vs miracles....

Since Q raised the question of whether or not God responds to our prayers...and if so how...I thought I'd throw this in for consideration. This is a bit long and just my own personal experience. So, take it as you wish. But, perhaps it will be an added encouragement to other prayer warriors who've entered into this thread to be more confident in their prayer and trust that they will be heard.

Many times people see something happen to someone (an accident or whatever) and come out with the comment that it's a miracle that they didn't get hurt or die. While the expression isn't exactly a theological statement, it does express a sense that there is someone or something who/that prevented disasterous results. Many times, people consider it to be an act of God. There are also many times when people suffer immeasurable pain and ask "Where the hell was God in all this?!" I've done so many times myself.

The first thing to point out is the difference between a healing and a miracle. A healing is something that takes place through the natural course of time and treatment. Many choose to believe that God's hand played into it. But, there isn't necessarily anything to prove that to be the case. A miracle is when something occurs that is immediate and cannot be explained on any natural level...such as being raised from the dead, as in Q's quote.

That having been clarified...I don't intend to convert/convince anyone of anything. But, for those who might benefit, I thought I'd share a couple of personal experiences where God's presence was very evident to me. (If you don't wish to hear it, feel free to move on to the next post. 😉 )

I'll share the less obvious healing first. Many of you know that I was abused (in all the ways possible) as a child. As I got into my teen and adult years, I was very angry and messed up. As I began to face the reasons for that, I became very angry with God for allowing what had taken place. While I'd always believed in Him, I DID question His goodness and even screamed at Him in anger on many occassions. In speaking with a priest friend about this, he advised me to read the book of Lamentations in the Bible. I did so with little effect. He then told me to read it again while thinking of what I'd gone through. What a difference! It gave voice to all the hurt and anger and fear that was begging to be heard. I started writing things down and ended up later re-writing it somewhat as a prayer book for abuse survivors. Many have benefitted from that. So, I can now see that it was His grace leading that entire time of searching and questioning. Am I glad to have been abused? No. Did it change what I'd had to suffer? No. But, I could clearly see the good that He was bringing out of it...both in myself and in others.

The second incident, a miracle, was a few years ago. I was helping Maryann, a handicapped friend, get her home cleaned up when they had unexpected company show up. It was a young couple with a 4 year old daughter named Hanna. They obviously wanted to talk with Maryann and her husband. So, I took a break from cleaning and played quietly with Hanna in the living room. We laughed and joked as we played with the cats for about half an hour. As they prepared to leave, Hanna gave me a prolonged bearhug. When she did so, I had a very strong sense that there was something wrong with her heart. So, as I hugged back and said good-bye, I said a silent prayer that the Lord heal her in whatever way He saw fit. Her parents thanked me for keeping her occupied and commented on how unusual it was for her to take to a stranger. They left a few moments later. I told Maryann about what had happened and asked if she knew whether there might be something wrong with Hanna. She was amazed and told me that Hanna had a hole in her heart that required surgery. That was what her parents had been talking about. There'd been repeated tests and medications to try to put it off and correct the problem. But, nothing had worked. They were to go the next day for a final scan to determine exactly how they would do things. We continued to pray for her and her parents that night and ask that the Lord help them and aid the surgeons in whatever may be needed. The next night, Maryann called and told me I needed to come right over. I did, only to find Hanna and her parents there. Her parents were in tears. My heart began to sink until her father gave me a big hug and started thanking me repeatedly for that little prayer. Then, he shared that when they'd seen the doctor and done the scan there was no evidence of there ever having been anything wrong with Hanna's heart. Even after repeating the scan and running other tests, she was a perfectly healthy 4 year old girl. (That's where I started crying...in joy and gratitude...and do to this day as I recall that simple prayer.) Hanna is a healthy 9 year old girl now and never had another problem with her heart.

So, as you can see, I have reason to believe that God is present and answers prayers. He also inspires us to pray...as He did with me in Hanna's case. (Remember, I'd never met these people or heard of them until that night.) I've experienced many similar cases over the years. The fact that He doesn't answer every prayer as we would have Him do is a mystery that we won't understand in this life. But, I personally believe that we can use even our suffering for good. Will I still have questions for Him? Until the day I die...yes. Once I die and see Him face to face, I suspect that I'll be too much in awe to care and will understand all that I need to.

May His Name be praised!
Ann

 

[TicklingDuo]

For those who may have missed this in Dan's other thread...

Hiya Gang! I have a small request...
...One of our little family has been diagnosed with cancer and is going into surgery tomorrow, and I was hoping I could ask The Regular Gang, most of whom will remember Michelle from the chatroom before AOL censored us. Remember Michelly63, also known as Snagglepuss1? IF you could, think positive thoughts for her tomorrow, or pray, or whatever you do when someone you care about is in dire straights. There is power in faith, no matter what spin you put on it, spiritual or whatever. Everyone, let's all hope she pulls through this with flying colors, m'kay? Same as any of us would do for each other. Good luck 'Chelle ... we're rooting for you. ~~~

Danimal ~~~



Let's join Dan in praying for Michelle!

Ann

 

[JoBelle]

I thought I wouldn't post anything of substance to this thread. Then...😛 Q got me thinking. (I hate it when he does that!) I've expereinced some pretty amazing things in my life whose success I can't attribute to anything other than the power of prayer. Sure, some call it coincidence. Some might say it was going to happen anyway. Some might say it was positive thinking that willed something to happen that might not otherwise. I disagree.

Having been on the receiving end of some strong positive vibes by even this community earlier in the year, I can say that prayer does indeed help. I quietly beat cancer when the docs said I wouldn't. (Let's hope that holds!) My son lived when they said he wouldn't. What changed the situation? Love. Pure and simple. It's an energy of the human mind that molds itself through prayer. You might even call it magic. *shrug* Someone, somewhere, took what was offered and redirected that same energy back into my life with astounding successes!

As far as what that same energy can do when nothing is wrong? I'm gainfully employed, I have a beautiful child, and a good friends. Call it whatever you like, but I call much of my joy the result of a good deal of prayer. (To a 'god' that is ill defined, but the prayer works nonetheless.) I might not pray to your Christian god. I might not believe in the salvation from Jesus....but I I believe in a god...and I believe in the power of prayer.

Joby

 

[BettyBoop2002]

I have already prayed for Michelle, I saw Dans post first. Hope she is ok.

 

[qjakal]

Uh oh...

Damn, now Joby has sucked ME back into the thread. This could become an endless loop if we aren't careful.

I'm happy you beat cancer Jojo, and that the other good things have happened, just as I am pleased that Ann has found a way through her pain into a more productive spot. I'm also happy that the little girl was either healed or misdiagnosed...regardless, that she is alive and healthy and enjoying herself and completing her parents lives. But, many of these events have several interpretations, and some can even come under the heading of self fulfilling prophecy, most especially when dealing with ones attitude during an illness. A huge difference has been demonstrated in healing rates by those who fulfill certain criteria...having a plan, having confidence, having faith, having things to live for,etc. etc.

When Ann tells me she "planned" to turn her pain into productivity, in my mind she has already gone half the distance. Those of us who have worked in the medical fields or hospitals see the difference daily in patients with "good" attitudes vs those who either sulk or deny or plain give up on themselves and their futures. Where you may see the hand of God, I see the mind of Man. Car accidents and survival rates are variable, and for every "X" fatalities there will be "Y" survivals. The emphasis placed on the survivals is what makes them special. By extension of this reasoning, if every time someone died, in what has been demonstrated at other times to be a survivable crash, must we conclude that satanic, evil forces were at work in the world? And that perhaps these people that died were in some way tarnished? Obviously this is NOT what you are saying, and I know that...but, it serves to point out that many of the daily miracles that people see around them have their grounding in the statistical pain of percentages that abound in the world.

You have no idea how much I'd like your system of beliefs to be correct, in some form at least. I wish I could embrace it...life would be so much easier. I'm not even halfway there...lol..even if I believed, I doubt I'd ever worship in awe or bend the knee before any God. Given for a moment that the JudeoChristian beliefs are correct, I'd still prefer the company of the Fallen Angels. They serve the glory and purpose of the belief system and endure nothing but hatred in return....despite the vital nature of their existence and the dependence of the system upon their actions.

What paradise is Heaven if there is no Hell?

Dammit, I hate when Jujubee makes me talk and think....

Q

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Ann this is for Michelle

Please give my best to Michelle, I have remembered her in prayer. I wish that you would update us on her progress. BTW, how is John? Did he receive the Get Well wishes that I sent him? Hope it helped to cheer him up. Well wishes to you all!

 

[JoBelle]

Cutie Pie..look, I made you talk more! 😉

As I'm a firm believer in the power of the human spirit, I think most things can be done independently of a diety. When it comes time to pray, I guess you could sum up my philosphy here in just a few words. I feel pretty certain that it is shared by many who use prayer in their lives.

All other things being equal, I pray. When I do all I can, and still face adversity, then I turn to my higher power. Have I always been answered in the way I want? Far from it. The tragedy I've witnessed is by far greater than the success that I've seen. BUT....I can't live bitter and angry. I'm not pointing a finger at you....I'm just saying that if I held onto MY pain that's where it would put me. Someplace that wouldn't allow me to be open to things I once never believed in. That's ME. That's how I work.

Hey Q....I'll pray for ya! 😛
Joby

 

[TicklingDuo]

Re: Ann this is for Michelle

Please give my best to Michelle, I have remembered her in prayer. I wish that you would update us on her progress.

Actually, it was affectionate Dan who posted about Michelle. I'm sure he'll let us knwo what's going on.

BTW, how is John? Did he receive the Get Well wishes that I sent him? Hope it helped to cheer him up. Well wishes to you all!

John is doing well. I printed your greeting and mailed it to him. (He's not online.) Thanks again! I'll forward any reply to you. 😉

Ann

 

[ForgottenTcklr]

Jo,

In prayer, God never said all our troubles would be answred. For instance, when Paul asked to have a thorn removed from his side, the answer was... "My grace is sufficent." BUT God has promised to be their when we cry out that we cannot fix the problem. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven!!!"

God loves you. Remember Jesus said that the faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains!!! Have Faith!

 

[josie]

re: getting well

Thank you so much for thinking of me 🙂 I'm glad to say I am well again, just finishing up my second round of antibiotics 🙂 My prayers go out to anyone who is ill or dealing with illness in their family. We are all here for you and care about you !

ticklishly yours,
Josie

 

[josie]

prayer request

I'd like you all to keep my brother-in-law's mom, Diane, in your prayers. Diane went to her doctor for a routine physical a few months ago and he suggested she have a colonoscopy, since there was a history of cancer in her family. Before she could have it, she started experiencing extreme abdominal pain. They did an emergency procedure and discovered a mass growing on the outside of her intestinal wall. Yes, she has colon cancer. She is starting her treatments now and is in the hospital. Please say a prayer that she will make it through all this; I am sure she is very scared as this is what her mom passed away from.

I would also like us all to say a prayer for everyone suffering from illness this holiday season, and for the servicemen/women who are separated from their families, overseas.

Josie

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Re: re: getting well

Thank you so much for thinking of me 🙂 I'm glad to say I am well again, just finishing up my second round of antibiotics 🙂 My prayers go out to anyone who is ill or dealing with illness in their family. We are all here for you and care about you !

ticklishly yours,
Josie

Hi Josie, I am so glad to hear that you are doing better! You are still in my prayers! 🙂

 

[luv2bt&tickled]

Re: prayer request

I'd like you all to keep my brother-in-law's mom, Diane, in your prayers. Diane went to her doctor for a routine physical a few months ago and he suggested she have a colonoscopy, since there was a history of cancer in her family. Before she could have it, she started experiencing extreme abdominal pain. They did an emergency procedure and discovered a mass growing on the outside of her intestinal wall. Yes, she has colon cancer. She is starting her treatments now and is in the hospital. Please say a prayer that she will make it through all this; I am sure she is very scared as this is what her mom passed away from.

I would also like us all to say a prayer for everyone suffering from illness this holiday season, and for the servicemen/women who are separated from their families, overseas.

Josie

Josie consider the prayer request done! I wish her all the best. My sister Deborah was just told that she has colon cancer. Prayers to her and her family too!

I think that is a wonderful idea to pray for our Servicemen and ServiceWomen and their families. They are fighting for our country, and away from their loved ones! They need our prayers and our support! Support our Troops!!!!!!

🙂