Fervently Praying
When I first learned that I had breast cancer, I seriously relied on the prayers of others, moreseo than my own prayers. It was not that I was angry with God and therefore couldn't or wouldn't pray. I was just overwhelmed. A little paralyzed.
One of things that has been most humbling and encouraging about the prayers of others is hearing about how seriously they are praying for us. One friend assured me, "I am praying, and I am praying hard." Another told us how our names were on her prayer board in her kitchen. Yet another told me how the prayer ministry group had prayed for us that day. Family members have voiced the same.
I was and continue to be so grateful for these people. And, in the last couple of days, I have also been feeling the need to join with them. Paul's words to the Galatians, about "each one should carry his own load" have been on my heart. Don't get me wrong...I have been praying. But I am more of a "pray-as-you-go-pray-continuously-pray without ceasing" type of gal. And it is not that I am sensing God's displeasure about that. My conversations with Him are from a sincere heart with belief that He hears and is answering. But this is really serious stuff. Others are treating it this way, and I need to as well. I guess I sense Him pulling me deeper and closer.
So, I have faced a question. How will I know that I have prayed fervantly, and seriously for myself? I needed a marker, so to speak, to know I have indeed faced this with the Lord for myself. My answer: I will know I have seriously and fervently prayed when my knees have hit the floor.
What have I found out? First, be careful, because in our house, praying on your knees apparrently is an invitation for piggy back rides! Second, it feels right. Third, it has already taught me how much I do want to live...to beat this disease and live for my children and my husband. It has been good; a source of focus and determination. Fourth, I think it reaffirms my sense of God's goodness. At first I was a little afraid of that. "Life and and death are in the hands of the Lord," and I know what answer I want. But bringing this to Him has not resulted in fear, but in hope.
To all those who have prayed and been such examples, THANK YOU.
One of things that has been most humbling and encouraging about the prayers of others is hearing about how seriously they are praying for us. One friend assured me, "I am praying, and I am praying hard." Another told us how our names were on her prayer board in her kitchen. Yet another told me how the prayer ministry group had prayed for us that day. Family members have voiced the same.
I was and continue to be so grateful for these people. And, in the last couple of days, I have also been feeling the need to join with them. Paul's words to the Galatians, about "each one should carry his own load" have been on my heart. Don't get me wrong...I have been praying. But I am more of a "pray-as-you-go-pray-continuously-pray without ceasing" type of gal. And it is not that I am sensing God's displeasure about that. My conversations with Him are from a sincere heart with belief that He hears and is answering. But this is really serious stuff. Others are treating it this way, and I need to as well. I guess I sense Him pulling me deeper and closer.
So, I have faced a question. How will I know that I have prayed fervantly, and seriously for myself? I needed a marker, so to speak, to know I have indeed faced this with the Lord for myself. My answer: I will know I have seriously and fervently prayed when my knees have hit the floor.
What have I found out? First, be careful, because in our house, praying on your knees apparrently is an invitation for piggy back rides! Second, it feels right. Third, it has already taught me how much I do want to live...to beat this disease and live for my children and my husband. It has been good; a source of focus and determination. Fourth, I think it reaffirms my sense of God's goodness. At first I was a little afraid of that. "Life and and death are in the hands of the Lord," and I know what answer I want. But bringing this to Him has not resulted in fear, but in hope.
To all those who have prayed and been such examples, THANK YOU.
posted by Beverly @ 9:26 AM
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