Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Life Is Fragile—Handle with Prayer

Today our son Lee had to stay home again from school because he is sick. We kept him home Friday when the cold began, with the hopes that we could catch it in time. He was pretty sick that night and most of the day on Saturday, but by Saturday evening, he seemed much better. He felt good enough to go to church yesterday but, by last night he had gotten worse again, his sinus area was throbbing and packed. The doctor told him today, that he needed to stay home from school for the next two days also, he heard some sounds in the lungs and doesn't want it to go into pneumonia, as Jeff and I's did, in August.
I found it hard  trying to reassuring him once again, that he would be alright and that his body would heal. It does seem like we just can't get better around here!  He is worried about his classes and homework, about missing weight training and about just getting better... period. Man, do I ever understand what he is feeling like. Yet, I want him to know that he needs to share his worries and concerns with his Heavenly Father too, in prayer. I want him to remember to keep praying, it's easy when things are going well, but it is vital to keep that communication open with God always, and receive peace and strength from Him. I struggle watching my kids be sick, I would rather be sick any time, they to watch them hurt and suffer...but that's not how it works some times. I too, am praying that he will not get pneumonia and that his body will be strong enough to fight this and heal soon.

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For Family Home Evening tonight we had lesson on prayer. I know that as a family we have gone over this topic before but like anything worth doing,  you have to learn it over and over many times. We talked about some of the PITFALLS of prayer!

... Not understanding our relationship with God our Heavenly Father, when we finally truly understand we are His children then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive. It is important to remember that relationship.

... We need to remember to listen and not do all the talking, otherwise our prayers sound like a message rather than a conversation.

... We need to be careful of vain repetitions ( as the Bible says ). Where we say the same thing over and over, as if we have it memorized. We wouldn't do that in a conversation with a friend would we? And if we did, wouldn't they find it hard to think we were really serious?

...We need to remember we are not trying to change the will of God through prayer, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part, before we can obtain them. (Bible Dictionary)

I love this poem on prayer...it says it all! :)

THE INFORMAL PRAYER

“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

“And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees.”

“Nay, I should say the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Dr. Wise,

“Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Snow;
“Such posture is too proud.

A man should pray with eyes fast closed
And head contritely bowed.”

“It seems to me his hands should be
Austerely clasped in front.

With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”
Said Reverend Dr. Hunt.

“Las’ year I fell in Hodgkin’s well
Head first,” said Cyrus Brown,

“With both my heels a-striken’ up,
My head a-p’inting down;
An’ I made a prayer right then an’ there;
Best prayer I ever said;
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed;
A-standin’ on my head.” (Sam Walter Foss, “The Prayer of Cyrus Brown,”)

 

"I believe in prayer.  It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven."  ~Josephine Baker

… Answers from the Lord come quietly—ever so quietly. In fact, few hear his answers audibly with their ears. We must be listening so carefully or we will never recognize them. Most answers from the Lord are felt in our heart as a warm comfortable expression, or they may come as thoughts to our mind. They come to those who are prepared and who are patient”  ~ H. Burke Peterson

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