Prayers for my dad.

I wanted to ask you if you would be praying for my dad. He’s been in the ICU for seven weeks bc of COVID. He’s 76, normally really healthy, a runner, and such a strong person. He had to go on a ventilator about a week ago and they’re starting to wean him off of it over the next few days. My big prayer is that he responds really well, that the peace of Jesus covers his heart and mind so he is calm, that he can breathe well on his own, and for the Lord Jesus to fully heal him. Thank you so much for praying- it means the world.

“To you, Lord, I call; You are my Rock…Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him and he helps me.” Psalm 28

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This seems so simple – to pray for our kids when they’re struggling. But, it can be easy to get lost in their worries and ride the wings of anxiety instead of bringing it to the Lord. 

Last year about this time, my daughter had been feeling anxious. It happens several times a year – the morning, full of stomach aches and clinging to me. She pushes through, goes to school, and usually shares that she had a great day. 

But, the next morning it happens again. It goes in phases. She’s such a joyful, happy kid, but then the anxiousness will hit her.

When I found myself absorbing it, I made sure to get up early the next morning – I made a cup of (strong) coffee and prayed. 

So simple, yet so easy to become too busy to do. To pine after solutions when we need to bring it to the Lord. 

There are definitely practical things we can do to help our kids when they struggle, but let’s not forget to talk to the Lord about it. 

I sat in our sunroom, praying for our sweet girl. At 6:15, I heard little footsteps. She said, “Mommy, can I sit with you.” I told her I was in the middle of praying for her – what perfect timing. 

So, we snuggled close in my tiny chair and prayed together.

Afterward, she told me instead of having 20 butterflies in her stomach, she only had three now. 

I shared three verses I had read that morning that I felt were for her.

In her struggles, I’m glad she knows I’m praying for her and that the Lord is with her. 

When we are filled with anxiety about our children, remember that Jesus tells us to ALWAYS pray and NEVER give up. There is ALWAYS hope. When we are overwhelmed, take rest in the Lord. 

Jesus, please be with our children right now. I lift up those who have minds filled with anxious thoughts. Would you please fill their hearts and minds with you instead. Help them release worry and replace it with your peace, your joy, your hope. Please give our kids great and strong friendships. We ask for wisdom with how to lead our kids and how to encourage them to be strong, while still comforting them. I pray each of our children would look to you. Jesus, please help them look to you. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Here are the three verses I mentioned earlier:

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

“God will go before me.” Psalm 59:10

“O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” Psalm 59:17

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