Day 13 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: Hebrews 13:6

Meditation: I don’t recall the exact context of the Bible lesson that branded itself in my memory. The message, however, etched itself on my heart, and when my faith is flailing, it is this lesson I return to for strength.

God calls me to remember what He has done for me. I haves such a short memory, and often forget the many ways He walks beside me and even carries me through my day-to-day life.

Earlier this year, my mom developed some abdominal pain. Given her health history, this event concerned me. Over the next few days, the pain worsened, prompting an early morning emergency room visit. After testing, the doctor determined her intestines were likely twisted, and told me that they could untwist or worsen and block her intestine. He said it would likely take a few days to resolve itself – one way or the other. I was worried.

While watching my mom in such extreme pain, I asked God to heal her. I prayed, “God I believe you can heal her. Please help my unbelief.” I prayed without ceasing for the remainder of the time in the emergency room, and on our way home. Later that day, miraculously, the pain in my mom’s abdomen abated.

I believe God healed my mom to help her, but to also strengthen my faith that day. I know that not all my prayers will be resolved with such a positive outcome, but this event served as a powerful reminder that God has my mom and me in His care continually. And when my faith needs a little boost, I remember the events of that day.

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6

-Pam Haines

Prayer: God of Heaven & Earth, we pray, but sometimes we confess, we're just going through the motions. Please open our eyes to see when you answer our prayers. So we will know that prayer isn't just an exercise, but an expression of our dynamic relationship with you.

Day 12 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Meditation:

Every morning I walk through the “valley of the shadow of death” and yet “I fear no evil”. God is with me; his promise and love comfort me.

Family: Yes, family is involved in that.

I go to the nursing home every morning to feed Judy, my wife of nearly 50 years. She was diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s Disease in 1998 at age 57. She has been confined to a nursing home for almost 7 years now. Most of the residents of the home are so near to the end of their lives I feel the valley of the shadow of death applies.

During the process of Judy progressing from early onset to full blown Alzheimer’s the motivation to pray and the way I went about it changed considerably. We were so blessed that both Judy and I are totally confident in our relationship with God and that some day we will be with him that that was not something I would pray about or for; only thanksgiving for that blessing. As God took little pieces and parts of my Judy to be with him and she lost more and more of herself in this place, that confidence was and is such a comfort to me and our family.

The biggest change in the way I prayed came in the area of control. During the long process leading up to her leaving home it became more and more obvious and humbling that I had no control at all and my only option, my only option, was to turn it totally over to God. I don’t know that my prayers could ever be more basic than that. My prayer became, “Thank you, Lord, for your saving grace.”

It continues to be that and the things that at one time were so important to me have faded and my prayers center mostly on people, members of my family, including mostly, my church family. God has blessed me with praying daughters and sons in law and for that I am grateful.

-Jerry Selby

Prayer: God, we sometimes forget that life here won't always go the way we desire. It frustrates us, and too often fills us with fear. We are afraid of what might happen to us or those we love. Help us to learn to trust you when what we hate to imagine has happened. Remind us that nothing on this earth can defeat us when we walk with you.

Day 11 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: Malachi 4:5-6 & Luke 1:17

Meditation: The last words of scripture speak about the role of John the Baptist and his mission to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. It is interesting to note that his mission is described as turning the hearts of the father's toward their children, and the children's hearts to their fathers. It seems that a culture without Christ is marked by a breakdown in the family, and that when Christ is the center of our life, then family is restored to it's proper place in our lives. Where is your heart turned?

Prayer: Father, we are privileged beyond words that we can call you father. Help us to show you true honor by how we treat our children and parents that you have given us.

Day 10 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13

Meditation: There is nothing greater than love. It's what binds us together as families. It's what allows us to 'tolerate' or even better, 'forgive' each other. It's what gives us assurance of a future together.

Prayer: Father God, to be loved by you is is the greatest thing in the world. Thank you also for the loving people you have brought into my life. Help me to become a more loving person to those you have brought into my life.

Day 9 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: Proverbs 4

Meditation: Wisdom: we are all, each of of us, born with none. Sometimes it is thought that wisdom comes from experience, but actually wisdom comes from experience that is understood in the light of God's word. God expects us to honor our parents and to learn from their experience. But in time, while we should never stop honoring our parents, God expects us to learn wisdom from Him.

Prayer: Thank you God for my family, for what I have learned from my parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and others you have brought into my life. Help me to continue to learn your wisdom, so that I can lead others to know you as I have come to know you.

Day 8 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12

Meditation: Sometimes we get frustrated with people, and wonder why they can't be more like us. But aren't you glad that everyone ISN'T just like you. God has made each of us different, gifted each of us differently, but loves us all just the same.

Prayer: God of every good and perfect gift that comes from above. Help me to recognize the value in our differences as your family. Help me to understand the synergy that is at work in your Spirit's gifts to us; that together we can accomplish more than we each could working alone.

Day 7 of 40 Days of Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 73:21-26

Meditation: Several years ago, Susan and I were searching for a congregation where we could work and worship. We had looked at several other congregations before looking at University, but University felt like family after only a few visits. One young married couple took us into their lives. Several other families followed, giving us love and a sense of belonging. Some of the elders and their wives agonized with us over our son’s problem and gave us godly advice and prayers. Susan and I found useful roles in this family. We had been accepted into a real family that faithfully follows Romans 12:15-16. Our UCOC family shows Godly characteristics in that they really care as our Father cares. This came home to me when Susan went to be with the Father. You wept with me at my loss; you rejoiced with me that Susan was free from pain and suffering. The great number of church members who were at the memorial service impressed Susan’s family, who were used to small, just family funerals. I tried to make them understand that this was a family gathering. My UCC family still watches over me and checks up on me to be sure I am all right. The great number of prayers they have offered for me has helped tremendously.

-Ed Whitliff

Prayer: Father, we thank you that when you saved us, you added us to a family. We know that our faith wouldn't be nearly as strong if we were alone. Help us to grow in our appreciation and participation in your church. Help us to be someone others can count on for love and support.