The Rest of Your Story 24: How can we pray for you?

There's something about face-to-face, neck-hugging, shoulder-crying, loud-laughing times that make all seem right in the world again.

I've spent the last few days at the Blissdom conference in Nashville. That's where Dawn Camp snapped this fun photo of Stephanie and I.

I saw many of the (in)courage writers, connected with people from twitter, and made new friends too.

And I thought of you.

Because I connected with most of these women online first. And I can tell you, the bonds we're forming on these pages are real, strong, life-changing and true.

Yesterday morning Robin hosted a prayer party. We circled up, bowed heads, talked to Jesus together, prayed for each other. And it made me want to do the same here. After all, we may not have met face-to-face yet but we've shared heart-to-heart. 

I had another post ready for today and it's late at night as I'm typing. In five hours I'll get up to catch a plane. But I'm here instead because this matters.

And I've realized all over again...

Our stories are incomplete without each other.  

So how can we pray for you today? Let us know by leaving a comment. Before you post your words, take a moment to pray for the last person on the comment list.

Let's circle up, bow heads, talk to the One who brought us to each other.

And whether here or in heaven, I look forward to a face-to-face, neck-hugging, shoulder-crying, loud-laughing time with you.

To let us know how we can pray for you, click here.

p.s. The comment link on yesterday's post is fixed & you can leave yours now.  

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Comments

[Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms]

Since it looks like I'm the first one up to bat, I am praying for you, Holley!

I would love prayers for my health. Nothing series...just a nasty virus that won't go away. Specifically, I would love prayers that I can rest and take care of myself (harder to do with hubby away) so it does not turn into pneumonia. A little while ago, I had the same type of virus and it did turn into pneumonia (and it took me 3 months to kick it.) I have an insanely busy few weeks ahead of me and I really need to stay healthy and strong.

Thanks so much, sweet friends!

[Becky]

Yes, it indeed is an honor and privilege to pray for each other.

My husband passed away a little over a year ago and there are things I haven't done, that need to be done, because I don't know what to do or where to start. My husband took care of the business around here and, unfortunately, I let him and didn't get involved. It was nice to not have to worry about those things. He worked out of two desks here in the house and two file cabinets. I haven't a clue about what is really in any of them. He also didn't throw things away so there is a LOT of decluttering that needs to be done. I keep putting it off, though. I was going to do it yesterday but shoveled snow and then read instead. I would appreciate prayers for the energy, will, strength, and determination needed to begin tackling this job.

Thank you, Holley, and everyone! and Blessings!

[Brenda]

I am really struggling with not being near family, all my family have moved to Vancouver or Kelowna now - one at a time they have left in the last five years, we used to have big family suppers on Sundays, and see them lots - I am feeling very isolated and trapped here now bymyelf without them - I became a grandma and couldn't get to Vancouver for the birth because of the weather - planes were not landing it was the snowstorm last December they had - I see my grandson about 3 - 4 times a year - and its always very fulfilling but wears off quickly once Im home. This emptyness inside me feels horrible, I am in a relationship here that I am happy in and moving would not be an option with him.
Just please pray I would be peacful and content to have family far away and not beside me
Thank you

[Blessings]

I am in the midst of severe depression. I have been off work for two months due to surgery and about to have knee surgery now and take another three months. I am living on disability, need to prepare my house to sell to get my family out of a bad neighborhood AND just learned I am upside down on my house. I am going to have to pay 3,000 or more at closing to pay off the mortgage due to the recession and the neighborhood I am in and it's decline. I am a single Mom and have two daughters who need me to be there for them and I feel like a failure in that too. I have worked hard but it has not been enough, My kids are great -but need to get out of this neighborhood. Please pray for strength, wisdom, and courage as my family undergoes major transition over the next few months. Thanks.

[Gael]

What a perfect offer of intercession for me today.I am having major spine surgery tomorrow morning (Monday). I always say there can never be too many prayers! Please pray for wisdom for the neuro-surgeon and complete healing in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for Gael. I thank you for this blessing. ♥

[J.L. Marshall]

Please pray for complications of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. We would love to begin a family, but the symptoms and medications make it seem impossible. My husband and I are both 45, this has been a part of our lives for 17 years. Thank you and God bless...

[Fran]

Please pray that I will be refreshed tomorrow with not much sleep so I can drive safely [40 miles] to take my daughter for surgery, and that she heals quickly. I do need prayer for my health problems,, regarding right decisions for very expensive medications, [$1500.00]monthly and having also to be monitered monthly.Please pray that I will let Jesus shine through me, that I will consider others more important than myself and be encoraging and kind.
Your picture is adorable, thankyou.
Fran

[Linda]

As a grandmother to two lovely granddaughters 8 hours away, I can pray my heart out for Brenda! Grateful God puts us in family, but I too struggle with the reality that they are so far away, and I also rejoice in modern technology like skype that can help us be face to face, but hand in hand, arm in arm touches the heart and fills the soul best!
Please pray for the next step in my life as my husband plans for retirement and together we seek God's purpose for the next season of life in serving Him. There may be a short term move to Bangkok in the fall as a final part of his job. The year is full of change on every front with children moving, an aging and ailing father... discovering and pressing into my own calling and gifting in the midst of supporting others. Peace and blessing to all who listen to, wait for, and trust in Him.

[J.L. Marshall]

Please pray for complications with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome - my husband and I would love to start a family but haven't had the opportunity due to symptoms and medications. We are 45, and this has been going on 17 years. Thank you and God bless.,

[Leonore]

Please pray for my late husband's family members who are going through various health issues.I,too, have health issues-including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Thank you and May God Bless all of you. You will all be in my prayers.

[nancy]

What a privilege to read through the above requests and lift each one up to our loving and powerful Father! I can relate to many of you... Decluttering my house and my life is a need for me, my husband died when my girls were young, and now they are also far away. I miss them, but God has blessed me with a peace about the circumstances and I know that each one of them is exactly where God has put them... but that's still my request today. One of my daughters is going through a time of major crisis in her life. She is depending on God to see her through and I'm praying often daily for her family. My mind is not stressed about this, but my body seems to be... which indicates that I'm more concerned than I want to admit to myself. So please pray for my daughter as well as for me... Blessings!

[Tammy]

Please pray for wisdom for me. I've just started a new job with SO MUCH to learn. Everything is VERY detailed and precise. Pray that I can remember all the policies, procedures, and forms that go along with this job. It's a bit overwhelming and I get mad at myself (perfectionist in me) when I don't do things right. Pray that things will fall into place and for my working relationship with my boss.

[Gloria]

Please pray for healing from anxiety. I had PTS when they put a hole in my husbands artery. Praise God He lived. I've seen a Physchologist for years and the medication helps, but I know God's healing is more thorough and complete. God Bless you.

[shanthi]

Great we are in a prayer cycle. Kindly pray fpr my migration to canada to be processed in GOD s time and Tony n Susan to write their board exams well in March. Thanks. Be Blessed in the LORD

[The Shepherd's Daughter]

Thank you to all who are praying. Gloria, I will continue to pray. To all of you , I recommend that you read "Wrestling Prayer" , by Eric Ludy. You will find strength and courage in your prayer life, and see victory in Jesus.

As for my prayer needs, please pray for my fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety caused by a situation with my daughter. My heart is broken. She left the LORD for the world and does not speak to her father or me for now. Our heart breaks that she has left God's ways, and is a stray lamb. My son did too for a season, and it crushed us , but Praise God, He brought our son back to the fold on Dec. 23rd. Our prodigal son is home and growing in the LORD! And God is blessing his life!
Our daughter is out there and we pray for THE SHEPHERD to rescue her today.
This mother and father are believing in the Saviour, but must admit the waiting is hard. We love and miss our daughter and especially her heart and the woman after God's own heart that she once was.
So there it is, and I love you all for praying for me. Let us Believe and Stand up against the enemy in the Power and Strength of God together! Mighty Women of Valor!

[Adrienne]

Please pray for various concerns in my life. I have chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and recently more so than ever dry eye. I have difficulty keeping my eyes open and especially working at the computer where I do most of my work. I have a greeting card ministry for cancer patients, shut in's etc and I myself become discouraged because I can't do all that I need to do. I am also very alone because of my illness and no one seems to care. Friends have walked away because I can't dc for them. I am no longer any fun to be with because I am not able to do what I once did. I find it hard to understand that these are Christians that I have know for many years that no longer care. When people can take care of themselves they don't concern themselves how people that have chronic pain and vasrious hurts feel emotionally. Walk a while in my shoes and you would understand. My heart is broken. Thank you for taking the time to read and pray for me today.

[Birdie Parry]

Thank you for your offer for what you can pray for me. #1. Pray that God will give us a miracle in Ryan's heart and mind and bring him back to our family.
#2. Pray that God will open up a job for my husband that he loves. #3. Pray for my 3 daughters, Shelly - that God will answer her prayers for grace and mercy. Tricia, emotional and mental and spiritual healing breakthrough in her heart and mind. Jessica, for God to show her, his purpose and direction for her life. #4. A door of ministry opportunity would open up for me to counsel the hurting hearts of people. Also, for my Book, Birdie, Give me your Heart, that it would touch the lives of thousands of people who are hurting. Thank you for your prayers.

[pam]

this is where i feel selfish, asking for my own prayers. but here goes, my dad is having kidney failure issues, and is very sick. my own health is bad, and am living with a terminal illnes, please pray i can be happy, and find peace with this.

[Michelle]

Shanthi may your prayers be answered . Yes it is so hard to wait for God's timeing. The waiting is so hard. Right now I am under much stress and pain.My father in law is at the end of life. His children are not getting along. I am supporting my inlaws and my estranged husband separately and my two special needs adolescents. My husband left me 10 months ago in a mid life crisis. Running from our intense life with failing elder parents, our childrens problesm and finacial concerns. He filled for divorce.
I struggle with it all. Married 33 years/ 36 years togetherI pray for the ability to surrrender in trust and confidence because with His grace , I believe is the only way to do this thing called life right now. My husband needs prayers also, a mentor , insight he is in a depression that needs treatment . Blessings and the peace of Christ

[Diane Mendonca]

I believe in the power of prayer. I humbly ask for prayer for me and my family, I am about to start a job in another state leaving my family behind. I am feeling anxious about being alone in a big city, leaving my family, my beloved dog, yet I know that it will be OK. I have never lived on my own and have never been without my kids or my partner, we have been together for 10 years. He is an understanding man, and support my decision but I am worried of what the distance may mean for us. I welcome prayer in my decision making.

Diane

[Paula]

Michelle, I just said a prayer for you, your husband and your family. I will continue to pray that He bolster up your strength and courage as you move through your days.

I pray also that God watch over all of you today. There are so many hurts and burdens that weigh upon us.

Today, my prayer request is simply for the continued support of my faith. That I maintain the ability to hand over the daily trials that are beyond my means to manage to God.

Blessings to everyone here.

Paula

[Mary Diaz]

I just prayed for Michelle & Pam... God HAS a way, and He's working it through right now.
I lost my husband on Sept. 21. I feel very disoriented and not interested in doing much although I do work and have support from dear friends and family. It's as though the wind has been taken out of my sails. I know God has a purpose for me, but I don't know what it is anymore, and I miss my husband so much. God bless all of you for your "heart." In His perfect Love, Mary

[Patty]

I feel humbled reading the concerns and struggles in others lives.Mine seem so unimportant in light of the physical and emotional moutains many of you climb daily. I prayed for each of you as I read your request. Thankyou Holly for bring us together, to support and pray for each other.
I ask for prayers to grant me discernment of the direction for the rest of my life and the grace to accept whatever that may be. And I ask for help to dig out of a finacial hole that is taxing my daily life and my spirit.
Abundant blessing to all of you.

[Sandy Majeski]

Dear Diane...I will Keep You & Your Loved Ones & New Adventure in My Heart of Prayer. After High School 30+ Years Ago I Ventured Away & Have Made a Home for 22 Years Here. Sometimes We Just have to Trust The Voice that Guides Us.

As for Me, I Am Recovering from a Back Injury about a Week Ago & Feeling Optimistic About Life after the January Blues. I Cannot Tell You How Inspired I Am by God Guiding Me to this Stimulation of My Life Story. This Outreach is Prayed for in My Heart more than You Know.

“Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”- Psalm 97:10

Blessings....Sandy.

[Carol]

Holley, Thanks for staying up late last night, listening to your heart about sharing prayers. I have been sitting on the fence for years, not wanting someone else (God) to control my life completely. So I gave Him what I wanted to give up, the rest I stayde with it and the old habits have almost brought me to destruction, thinking myself wise, and becoming what I didn't want to become.
Whew! Well, at church today the pastor talked about we have to be pure in heart and mind and body. It was a tough message, but what I needed to hear.
Thanks to all of you who are close to Jesus, and can pray with sincerty the very needs shared with hundreds of others. Brenda and others who are separated from their children, I too suffer physically and emotionally, but we do have Skype, a FREE computer site where you can see and talk with family. It has saved the day for us, me. Also I am unable to work and get depressed, but I was reminded by my Dr. to make my cards and keep reading and praying/encouraging people. That is a lot to do and so it helps the depression when it comes. SOOOOOO, please pray for our sons to contact us more often, and for me to be a good Christian mom for them and wife for my husband. Please pray for Jesus to intercede in my life and take over the things that I hung on to. Oh, I pray for His mercy and forgiveness, and for my obedience. It's not hard to live for the Lord, it's much harder to try to live without Him. Thanks for listening and praying.