Prayer

January 12, 2011 By Angie 70 Comments

There are just those moments in life where you realize you need to stop what you’re doing and pray. My inbox is always filled with stories that bring me to this place, and sometimes I feel the Lord has prompted me to share those prayer requests with you all. This is one of those stories…

If you follow me on Twitter you have probably seen this already, but for those who haven’t…

Joanne is a stranger to me, but a sister in Christ. I have been to her blog before and have loved her heart as a mother, homeschooler, and just an all-around neat lady. She is the kind of woman you would want to hang with in the kitchen and enjoy coffee with. Yesterday I had a rush of tweets come in and spend a good part of the day in prayer for her and today I am doing the same.

This woman needs our prayer, Sundays. She had a stroke yesterday and her daughter found her unresponsive on the treadmill, suffering from a seizure. She has just had surgery to remove a part of her skull to help with the swelling but there is significant trauma to her brain and her husband and daughters (one named Audrey:)) are waiting and praying that she will wake up.

I would really like to pass along the link to her blog where her husband is giving updates, and you can also follow him on twitter for updates as well.

If I didn’t believe in the power of prayer, i wouldn’t ask it of you. Between the floods in Queensland, the shootings in Arizona, and every other heart-breaking story I am processing with a heavy heart, I am reminded that we serve a great God Who we can’t always understand but we can ALWAYS trust.

I am speechless with hope in Him, on my knees in prayer for the brokenness we face.

Will you join me, please?

Feel free to leave prayer requests in the comments, and include links if you would like. Let’s take some time today to close our computers and bow low in prayer together. I have always loved Psalm 27 for times of confusion…

Psalm 27

Of David.

1The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

2When evil men advance against me

to devour my flesh,a

when my enemies and my foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

3Though an army besiege me,

my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

even then will I be confident.

4One thing I ask of the LORD,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to seek him in his temple.

5For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle

and set me high upon a rock.

6Then my head will be exalted

above the enemies who surround me;

at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;

be merciful to me and answer me.

8My heart says of you, “Seek hisb face!”

Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9Do not hide your face from me,

do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,

O God my Savior.

10Though my father and mother forsake me,

the LORD will receive me.

11Teach me your way, O LORD;

lead me in a straight path

because of my oppressors.

12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing out violence.

13I am still confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

14Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

Filed Under: prayer request

Anonymous

I will be praying.
stepsforbrady.blogspot.com

Please join me in lifting up this family
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1937969189/Neuroblastoma-moms-help-family-cope-with-little-girls-cancer-fight

It is a beautiful example of God’s love shining through even the darkest times.
Transparentmama

Praying, praying for this sweet mama. So tough.
http://itwasbroughtonbylove.blogspot.com Southern Gal

Read of this a few minutes ago on Sophie’s blog. Thank you for letting us know. Praying.
michelle

(i know this is long, but please read it – i PROMISE there’s a point! )
i’m 24, and in the past 24 months i’ve had 3 brain surgeries. the last one was less than 4 weeks ago, and it is a MIRACLE i’m sitting here typing. the first surgery brought brain damage, the second i found out part of my brain had such damage that they normally find it during AUTOPSIES, my neurosurgeon had NEVER seen it in a LIVING person, and this last one…

…this last one, i couldn’t breathe. no matter what they did, for reasons unknown, i was incapable of breathing on my own. this was brain surgery, nothing to do with breathing, yet there i was, depending on machines to keep me alive.

i know fear. i know the physical pain that comes with brain surgery. i’ve lived it and just within the past hour i’ve had blood coming from my wounds, it’s that recent. yet i KNOW that what i’ve faced is NOTHING compared to this.

but it is real to me in a way that, perhaps, it isn’t to others. i can understand – NOT completely, of course – but i can understand more than the average person.

i’m praying for this woman & her family. i know how much it comforted my Mom to know people were praying for me, as i’m sure you, Angie, were comforted when people prayed for your precious Audrey and then for Charlotte’s safe & healthy arrival. and when i woke up, when i was FINALLY coherent, i too was comforted, humbled, and grateful for the prayers of friends, family, and strangers.

i’ve had some of the best doctors around tell my family there was nothing more to be done… i’ve been asked to sign waivers saying my family won’t sue if my brain surgery leaves me dead or a vegetable… i’ve been 22 having a brain surgery, then 23, now 24 just last month having one, and each time i’ve laid on that operating table praying that i could stay with my family just a little while longer.

BUT ONE THING WAS CERTAIN: I WOULD WAKE UP. No matter what, I WOULD wake up. it was simply a question of WHERE I’d wake up, on earth or in Heaven. JOANNE WILL WAKE UP. She WILL wake up. But what we don’t know is WHERE that will be. laying on that operating table, head turned to the side while they saved my hair to get past my skull & into the center of my brain, i KNEW that my life was NOT over, NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!! in fact, if my earthly life was over, that meant my REAL life was just beginning! this brought ENORMOUS comfort to me, and to my family as well.

i pray that Joanne’s family will know this, TRULY know it, and that it will bring them comfort the way it did when i was laying there completely dependent on machines, medications, surgeons, and God to determine whether my earthly life was over or not.

NO MATTER WHAT, SHE WILL LIVE.

of course we pray it’s here… and that not only will she continue living in the sense of breathing & heart beating, but that she will TRULY LIVE and be the person she was before this.

PLEASE keep us posted so we can pray specifics. THANK you SO MUCH for bringing this to our attention!

- michelle
Jill

Absolutely JOINING you in prayer!
http://marlataviano.com Marla Taviano

Thank you, Angie. I do know Joanne in real life. We got to spend time with her and her family in their home in 2009 after being online friends for 2 years. I love her so much, and this day has been so hard. You’re right–you WOULD love her. And Emma and Audrey too. Praying you get to meet her this side of heaven. Sweet Jesus, please heal my beautiful friend!
Anonymous

Oh Angie, thank you for sharing that Word today. I am 23 years old, a full-time grad student, and just found out my music ministry job is being cut back and I am in need of a new job ASAP. As you know, that is not easy to find. I just found out Monday and am going through the motions, but today is especially difficult. I feel like I am barely making it today and am just trying to hang on. I know I am in a better situation than most, but it is still difficult. I keep reminding myself God’s plans are not my plans- His plans are better than mine. Praying for Joanne, Christina http://www.becomingmeallthistime.blogspot.com
Kristy

I will post my prayer request. My hubby and I have been trying to start a family for 5 years. We are currently doing IVF and had 2 embryos implanted yesterday! We are in the waiting period to see if they take. We will find out on the 20th! We are so excited, but know this will only happen if it is in God’s plan for us.

Imamann

My husband and I have walked through the journey of infertiltiy, and I will definately pray that God would bring you a sweet little joy.

Andrea

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Cobb-Stramecki/532414231 Jennifer Cobb-Stramecki

Prayers being said for her and the family. I am only an hour or so south of her and I can bring anything they may need. I am too a homeschooling Mom so I have a flexible schedule. I don’t use Twitter but will check for updates when I can.
Sharonj78

Praying for Joanne and requesting prayer for my family as well. My husband lost his job yesterday. Thank you.
Judy

Please pray for my sister-in-law!! She left my brother-in-law on Friday night and our family is just distraught. They have two precious children in the middle of all of this. Nothing is impossible with God!! And we are believing that He will restore what Satan seeks to destroy.
Rebecca

Praying! Didn’t realize at first that Joanne was the same Joanne who with her husband Toben wrote the “Happily Ever After” book – which was awesome and really helped my husband and I when we first got married 6 years ago! Dear God please hear our prayers for Joanne to wake up – shes got a lot more living and sharing of your love and grace to do here on Earth.
http://www.lovinmuch.blogspot.com alison

Praying for Joanne and her entire family!
http://lisette-samisblog.blogspot.com/ Lisette

Oh goodness how tragic. I will be praying for her and her family.
http://lisette-samisblog.blogspot.com/ Lisette

Praying for her and her family. This is so sad to read.
Patti

Praying!!
http://www.beancircus.blogspot.com/ Beana619

I have seen that story and am praying for her. Thank you also for sharing that scripture. Such a familiar one, but reading it just now on your blog, it spoke to many corners of my soul, currently experiencing pain and brokenness.
Gshintz

I am praying for JoAnne right now… Praying for strength for her family and healing for her body…

I would so appreciate prayer for my family as I am 28 weeks along with our little one Levi, as a result of embryo adoption. I am on bed rest due to high blood pressure. This after losing our 5th child Samuel, who was stillborn fullterm in 08. We then lost a baby , Joel, we were going to adopt who was stillborn at 28 weeks. We did have a miscarriage months later and were later blessed witha daughter through adoption this past summer. It has been a long journey…

We are praying for Levi to get a lot more time to grow inside of me and Lord willing be born strong and healthy in a couple of months. We so appreciate your prayers…

Sara

Carrie

i am praying for you right now Sara!!!
Brown eyed girl

Sara, my prayers are with you.

Katherine

… praying for Joanne and her family.

I need prayer for healing. I’ve had chronic fatigue syndrome, lyme disease and many other issues for over 9 years. I feel so sick all of the time. I need direction in what to do and continued faith to trust Jesus in this.
I have 2 young girls and my husband and I strongly desire more children. That cannot happen when I am this ill. I believe Jesus will heal me, but pray that relief will come soon.

thank you so much for praying.

Lyndsey

Hi Katherine. I have Lyme disease, too. It’s been about 12 years for me. I have not yet started a family, but we want to. Check out this blog and her book: http://lymebytes.blogspot.com/ and it would be awesome if you’d “attend” the prayer group she does via conference call. I’ve only called in a few times but it’s pretty awesome! The blog has a LOT of info and can sometimes be overwhelming. But if you’re ready to attack the lyme, she has some good ideas and methods. She also knows and trusts in the Lord and leads the prayer group. If you can’t find the prayer group info on her blog, email her or leave a comment and I’m sure she’ll get the info to you. GOD BLESS!

Carrie

thank you! God directed me to this scripture a couple of months ago & as we face another court date for our foster baby, i’m so glad He directed you to it as well. He is in control of our lives & has a plan for our baby (His baby!) & i know it’s with us & even though our enemies attack, they will not prevail! thank you for also reminding me that i’m not the only one going through i will be in prayer for this sweet mama & her family. God is still in the healing business!!!
Ginnie

I’m joining you in prayer and have posted the request on my Facebook page.
http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com gitzengirl

amen, friend. praying with you.
Connie L Amato-Mahle

Lifting one up to the One who heals…

A prayer of strength, courage and healing for Joanne and her dear family…

Lord, please be near.
Erin

Praying for Joanne, her husband and her children.

Angie, you are just such a sincerely honest, genuine woman of God and I am so grateful for your heart towards others that are hurting.
Kimcaskiern

Angie, My coworker’s daughter was pregnant and about 7 weeks from her due date. on a routine Dr’s appt, they found out the baby had died. Her name is Jennifer. She wants to pretend the pregnancy never happened. Her mom, Kami, is griving more than she is. Please pray for this family!!
Mandy

I do believe that prayer works and will pray with you for Joanne.

My prayer request is about the shootings. I live in Tucson and we are hurting. The shooting took place 1/2 mile from my son’s school. He is only 6 and lost his innocence this week. I’m thankful that he doesn’t seem to be scared but I just pray for protection and the feeling of security for our children especially the kids that lost a friend. I was at work when I heard the news. I work at the hospital where most of the patients were taken after the shooting. I’m still in a bit of a state of shock that it all happened. We frequent the shopping area of the shooting and stores nearby. Our community needs prayers for healing. Thank you for your prayers.

Coby

As a former Wildcat and Tucson resident for 9 years (until 2004), I hurt with you. My husband used to work at that Safeway, and it’s a couple of miles from my mother in-law’s house. My heart just breaks for Tucson. I will certainly pray for your son. It would seem that Tucson has lost its innocence as well.

Coby

Praying, praying, praying for Joanne
http://liz-ourblessedfamily.blogspot.com/ Liz Reeves

Angie,
Speaking of your inbox being full….check it again. I’m about to email you. I have another friend with a bad prenatal diagnosis. She’s chosen to carry to term & could, I’m sure, use a word of encouragement from a sister in Christ who’s been there, done that.
http://aliciamarysworld.blogspot.com Alicia

I’m from Australia – although I’m from Sydney, which is in the state below Queensland, I have family in Brisbane that are seeing the devastation firsthand (although thankfully not sufferring directly from it at the moment).

It is really scary. So much horrible coverage on tv – pictures of people’s homes completely covered by water, and stories of older siblings sacrificing their lives to save those of their younger brothers and sisters.

What’s crazy is that 75% of the state is affected- a state the size of Texas, bigger than France and Germany combined. Some of the flooding has even started to affect towns in northern New South Wales, which is my state. It seems the death toll just keeps going up and up. Australia has never seen floods this bad since the 1970s- and now it threatens to be even worse than those.

Thankyou for praying for us Aussies- even though us Sydney-siders are not directly affected, we still hurt for other Aussie families who are being left devastated. Prayer is the one thing I know to do that can help.
Nawinter

Love the reminder that “we serve a great God Who we can’t always understand but we can ALWAYS trust.”

God in His greatness is beyond our understanding. God in His compassion intercedes to work and will things for His good purposes. What a great God we serve.
Anonymous

I was so saddened to hear the news about Joanne. I follow her blog but am behind in reading these days. But I know that through Christ, we can be hopeful in a full recovery. I will be taking her to the Lord in prayer!
Michelle

I’m from Brisbane in Queensland. Thank you for your prayers Angie. That means so much to me as I sit in a City on the other side of the planet that has been decimated in the last few days.

And I’ll say some prayers for Joanne too.

God Bless and thank you!

Brown eyed girl

Michelle, I am from Victoria (Australia) and we are praying for all the people who lost family, friends, homes and so much more in the devastating floods. As Angie said, we may not always understand Him but we can always trust Him.

God bless you!

Jd

13I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

That has been on “repeat” in my heart over the past year as I have continued to pray for my father, with abundant hope to see those prayers answered in my lifetime.

Please pray for him, and for the book writing process — he needs the words in this book.
Brown eyed girl

There are so many who need our prayers right now. Praying fervently for Joanne, people from Queensland and those affected by the shooting in Arizona.
Kim

Standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer.
Keri

I read your whole book yesterday! I pray that I never have to go through an expirence of looing a child, I felt your pain so much I cried. Thank you so muh for sharing Audrey with me!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MD4ZFAONF6RTK7REBU3POTQNCU Donna

Standing with you! We WILL take heart and wait for the Lord!
http://www.sarabethandrob.blogspot.com/ SaraBeth

Please pray for us as we are carrying our daughter with a fatal diagnosis (not compatible with life) . Our children, ages 7 & 3, are having a hard time as well. We know that God’s plan is perfect, and we are leaning on Him in this difficult time. I read your book the day after we received her diagnosis, and it was such a blessing! Thank you for sharing your story.
http://www.sarabethandrob.blogspot.com
Imamann

Definately praying.

I am the mother of a wonderful two year old named Abigail. She has a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis (NF), asthma, and some other medical needs. She is truly a joyful spirit and I wouldn’t change our lives with her for a moment.

We are waiting on results from an EEG, to find out if we can have a tumor removed from her leg (part of the NF).

You can read more of our story at http://munciemenn.blogstpo.com

Thanks,
Andrea
kate

Please pray for my friend Jill and her husband Sean and their incredible family. Jill went into labor on Monday with their sweet Jocelyn. When they went to find the heartbeat, they were faced with sad news that Jocelyn’s heart had stopped and she had died. They are an amazing, amazing family. Please lift them in prayer. Their blog is Martinpalooza.com if you would like to see their story.
Care

Dear Angie…We’re praying for Joanne and her family. I would like to ask for prayer for the Gomez family. Two days after Christmas they were in a fatal car accident (Texas). The mother who was 7 months pregnant passed away. Her baby boy Curran was delivered by C-section and is fighting for his life in the ICU. His journey can be followed on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/currangomez . Brie leaves behind a God fearing husband, Eric and two beautiful daughters. All of them are healing from injuries and grieving over the loss of their mother/wife. Baby Curran is doing well today and his dad is amazing.
Melody

My goodness, what a scary thing for a little girl! I will certainly pray for their whole family.

I know there are so many who need prayers more than I do but here are mine. My son is struggling in school with ADHD and I am afraid he is starting to have a low self esteem but he also seems to have given up on himself. The other one is far more happy. After your post about not being afraid to try the cartwheel again I was really touched and decided to try to have another baby after a loss the previous year. It worked and though I am always higher risk due to my own issues, the baby seems to be fine so far! As I am sure you know all too well, I am just a little afraid to let myself think that I am having a baby or to tell people because I don’t want to think about it at all really. To most people, being pregnant means having a baby soon, to me it just means there is one in there right now. Not dwelling on it sure does make it go fast but pretty soon people are going to notice! It’s a happy thing right now though since things are going well. I just need a little strength and support. It would surely be a lot easier to have some support if people knew but then I would have to think about it a lot more. This probably makes no sense but oh well. Please pray for the baby and for me. The first two times the babies were totally fine, all the complications were with me. This time I am worried about both of us so I am just freaking myself out.
Beth

I’ve been called to be an intercessor. I went to the site and left a note. I will gladly lift this family up. Thank you for sharing.
http://creatingessence.blogspot.com Meg

Prayers going out for this family.
http://palepearl.wordpress.com Jennifer Manske Fenske

Angie, thanks for lifting Joanne up on your blog. I, too, don’t know her personally but have been moved to pray through the wonder of Twitter (and the urging of the Spirit, of course!).

In Christ,
Jennifer
http://palepearl.wordpress.com
Artistic Images

I’ll pray! It seems I have been getting more and more prayer requests lately. I guess this only demonstrated how badly the world needs God right now.

And – I have a prayer request of my own, so while you’re praying if you don’t mind adding little Madelyn to your list I’d greatly appreciate it. Details are on my blog: http://artisticimagesphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/please-pray-for-madelyn.html
http://www.flutterbyechronicles.com/ Flutterbyechronicles

Saying prayers for her and her family.
http://www.nofse.com Nickie

Oh how my heart is breaking for this family, this amazing woman. I will pray for her, for them, for the doctors, for the nurses, for anyone and everyone involved in her care. I too believe in prayer, and I know that no matter what the situation, God is ALWAYS in control.
Kelly

I have never left a comment on a blog, but my heart cries right now – not knowing where to share, I share here. Please pray for my friend’s family. My friend’s name is Julie – an amazing child of Christ, husband, mother and friend. She passed away on Christmas at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with liver cancer. She leaves a grienving husband Dan and 4 small children. Audrey (5), Owen (3), Kalyla (2) and Miles (1). Please pray for this precious family as they follow God in his infinite wisdom and plan.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/A5XIR55QKJ7HKNKWYOEODSBUPE Farrah

Please pray for my mom as they found a lump in her breast and will have biopsy soon. We are staying positive and thank all those prayer warriors in advance.
Farrah Thoreson
Agregor1

babynames.com lists your name as meaning “messenger of god.” i believe that. you and your daughter have changed my life.
Araefox

Please pray for my nephew, Matthew. He is 27, married with 3 children. He is a Christian. Last Tuesday he went into the hospital for a routine stomach surgery, during which the doctor perforated his esophagus. He is now suffering from septic shock and has had two surgeries in the last 24 hours to repair his esophagus and try to drain fluid from his lungs. He is in critical condition, on a ventilator and in a medically-induced coma. My heart is heavy with worry for him. Prayer for his healing would be so appreciated. Thank you.
Jean

Praying for Joanne. Please pray for my baby niece Paislyn who was born in August with a congenital heart defect and already has had one open heart surgery. Pray that God continues to strengthen her body as she prepares for her 2nd heart surgery in a month or so. Pray against fear in her sweet mommy Aubrey and ddddaddy Jakedaddy Jake. Thank you!!
Tammy

Joining you in prayer for Joanne and all those other requests listed today. My heart aches for them all. I have a daughter healing from a minor case of pnemonia at home, and my heart aches for her….but after reading all of these tragedies, I find myself praising God that the worst thing happening in my own personal life right now is a minor issue, curable, and on the mend. Sometimes I wonder how I am so blessed, when I am so unworthy. God bless all of you that are ailing, hearts aching, loves…………. m
Kbeggs

Praying for the requests posted by Angie and others. Please also pray for my daughter, Alyssa, who is fighting a brain tumor. We have just gotten home after leaving AR for FL for 30 treatments of proton radiation. Pray that the tumor disappears and that Alyssa has no side effects from radiaiton. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alyssabeggs
God Bless
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
~ Psalm 17:6
http://first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life.blogspot.com/ sarah

Praying right along with you Angie. Her husband is being so strong. May the Holy Spririt wrap them all in comfort.
http://www.cookingupfaith.com Bigfatmama

I will be praying as well.
I wanted to let you and your readers know that I have a ministry called A Meal in the Mail. For a full month a family who is enduring a difficult trial in their life will be featured on the right side bar of my blog. Readers are then encouraged to send that family A Meal in the Mail through a restaurant gift card or Visa/American express card. If you or anyone else knows of a family that would want to be featured they can visit me at my site, or contact me at bigfatmama@satx.rr.com. Thanks.
http://twitter.com/OKtobeWEIRD Sweet Mummy

I’ve been praying for Joanne as well. I just saw her story yesterday for the first time, but added her to the prayer list right away.

I just compiled my Top 20 Sites Referring Traffic to My Blog and you made that list. Thanks so much!!
http://www.itsoktobeweird.com/2011/01/top-20-sites-referring-traffic-to-my.html
JenD

During the week of Christmas our friends 14 month old passed away from SIDS, it has been quite the shock for this wonderful family. They strongly believe in the power of prayer and feel that it is the prayers of others that is carrying them through this very difficult time. Their journey with grief is just beginning and I know they would appreciate any and all prayers at this time. If you would like to learn more about their family you can go to http://www.nygardfamily.blogspot.com
http://babypickel.wordpress.com/ Camille with Baby Pickel

Many prayers for her healing. <3
Judyoshinski

Prayers for her and her entire family from here in Georgia.ey

Prayers do work, and I am honored to pray for her and sweet Jacob.
For those that have not heard about Jacob, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/jacobhelvey
Thank you Angie for facilitating all these prayer request.
God Bless,
Judy
Judyoshinski

Prayers for her and her entire family.
Prayers work, and I am honored to pray for her and sweet Jacob.
For those of you that have not heard Jacob’s story, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobhelvey
Thank you Angie for facilitating these prayer requests.
Judy
Prayersnangels

Thanks for your caring heart – you have touched so many lives. I believe prayer is the greatest gift we can offer and that God’s hand moves when His people pray. I have seen God do so many amazing things through prayer in y life and the lives of my family and friends.
Please pray for my daughter who is going through some tough times and is in a bad relationship -please pray that God would give her guidance and keep her and her 2 year old little girl safe
God’s Blessings
Nikki