Prayer and Prayer Request Thread

[PCP777]

Prayer request folks...

[quote author=Morbid Curiosity link=topic=12191.msg704133#msg704133 date=1200940714]
I posted this last week, but my friend's 13-year-old daughter ran away on Tuesday of last week with her cousin and hasn't come home. Her mother is beside herself and stayed awake all weekend passing out flyers.

There is some good news:

They were spotted at a party Saturday night.
I found her MySpace and she logged in today.

I'm pretty sure she is getting into tons of things that are dangerous. And as we have all seen here it's easy for kids to push it too far... and end up on here. Her mom is scared to email her through MySpace because she thinks it will push her further. She wants me to say something to her, but she wants me to do it through a fake teen MySpace.

I'm confused. I'd rather email her as an adult (myself) and tell her all the dangers she is facing and that her mother hasn't slept in a week. I have both of their MySpaces and also the password to a fake one her mom made up as a 13-year-old which they both friended and I can see their profiles.

Advice? Help? I want these girls to come home and they have logged on today to MySpace. They are obviously near a computer.
[/quote]

let's prey that this teenager gets home safely.

[PCP777]

So that you all know, I do pray on each and all of your posts, even if I don't comment on them.

[JustGretch]

Monter, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's dad. I hope they are able to work through their grief, hold on to their good memories, and with time, find peace. 

Favorite...I am not very close to my father, either. However, I completely understand your guilt. I pray that with time, you learn to forgive yourself, and know that in your heart, your father loved you, and you him, even if at times you didn't show it. 

MC, I cannot believe that your friend's daughter ran off. Especially without telling you, or keeping you updated. I know how close the two of you are. I hope that she comes to her senses quickly, safely, and soon. You are a great friend for caring, and for being such an active, involved part of her life. Take heart in the fact that, if they are checking their MySpaces, they are at least alive, somewhere with a roof over their heads. Crossing my fingers that she comes home soon. 

[PurpleLobos]

[quote author=TheFavoriteDaughter link=topic=12125.msg704091#msg704091 date=1200936470]
My sister and I just found out December 20 that our dad passed away July 11, one day before his 55th birthday. We were not close to him and neither of us had spoken to him for about 5 months. But he was still our daddy and we weren't given the time to mourn him properly.
If any of you can help me pray to forgive myself I would really appreciate it.
[/quote]
Please don't take on any guilt of this.  I think it's even called survivors guilt.  It is not your fault that you had not spoken or were not close, that's a two way street.  Guilt is a useless emotion, it only hurts the one that is carrying it.  Take your moments and mourn the way you want to.  There is a reason that it was this way, and maybe right now God only knows that reason.  But trust God.  He knows what he is doing.  My prayers are with you.

[sogs]

just bookmarking this thread. Carry on.

[PCP777]

This one really hit home for me today. I was all grumpy, worried about bills, legal issues and all sorts of other stuff. Then I read this and my day has changed.

Good morning MDSers!


Free Indeed!

Today's Scripture

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

Are you free today? Are you free indeed? So many people today hear that God wants to set them free, but yet, they still walk around feeling defeated and carrying unnecessary burdens. Don’t let that be you! Embrace the freedom that Jesus paid for. You are set free from the bondage of sin, fear, lack, sickness, worry, and cares. Think about that for a minute. How would you feel if you never had to worry about money? God wants to set you free. How would you feel if you never had to be concerned about sickness? God wants to set you free. How would you feel if you never had fear? God wants to set you free! God has a plan for you to be “free indeed” in every area of your life. He wants to direct your steps on the path of life and give you pleasures forevermore. Accept His freedom and follow His path for you. You can trust that He is moving you into a place of victory and peace all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan to set me free indeed. I release every burden and care to You today because I know You care for me. Help me to understand Your goodness and empower me to walk strong in You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

[JustGretch]

Character is a choice. The scripture says reputation is more powerful than money. Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Become known for integrity... What you are... will eventually be exposed and known.. This is one quality that will make you unforgettable!

[delta9]

:roll:

I don't mean to be a dick but... god didn't pay my outrageous credit card bill, god isn't working 50 hrs a week at my shitty job, and god didn't prevent me from catching a cold and strep throat this winter so technically he hasn't done shit.

I am the only one that can set myself free therefore I am god.

Amen.

[Chauncy]

[quote author=delta9 link=topic=12125.msg705071#msg705071 date=1201015787]
:roll:

I don't mean to be a dick but... god didn't pay my outrageous credit card bill, god isn't working 50 hrs a week at my shitty job, and god didn't prevent me from catching a cold and strep throat this winter so technically he hasn't done shit.

I am the only one that can set myself free therefore I am god.

Amen.
[/quote]

I'm praying that things get better for you.

[delta9]

[quote author=Wick link=topic=12125.msg705075#msg705075 date=1201015918]
I'm praying that things get better for you.
[/quote]

save your prayers and send me money then.

[PCP777]

[quote author=delta9 link=topic=12125.msg705071#msg705071 date=1201015787]
:roll:

I don't mean to be a dick but... god didn't pay my outrageous credit card bill, god isn't working 50 hrs a week at my shitty job, and god didn't prevent me from catching a cold and strep throat this winter so technically he hasn't done shit.

I am the only one that can set myself free therefore I am god.

Amen.
[/quote]
You're not being a dick, I used to think the same way and have the same type of problems, actually worse. So here's my advice...take it or leave it...
You should pray about  getting a better job which will enable you to work less hours and pay your credit card off. I mean, really, what will it hurt?
Good luck Delta.

[delta9]

[quote author=PCP777 link=topic=12125.msg705092#msg705092 date=1201016598]
You're not being a dick, I used to think the same way and have the same type of problems, actually worse. So here's my advice...take it or leave it...
You should pray about  getting a better job which will enable you to work less hours and pay your credit card off. I mean, really, what will it hurt?
Good luck Delta.
[/quote]

I used to work with a bunch of Brazilians on an orange packaging line in a factory when I was 18. Worst job in the world. But these Brazilians were the nicest, most hard working, people I've ever met. (well most of them) They were also extremely religious. I bet if I went back there today, 12 years later they'd still be there. I bet they'd still be happy and hard working. The difference between them and myself is that instead of praying I went to college and got a better job, more money, etc. I didn't wait for god to give me a better job I went out and did it myself. Now I'm not saying my life is perfect but it is a lot better than it would have been if I had spent the last 12 years there breaking my back working for peanuts. Are they happier than I am now? Maybe.

My point is is that if these people sat around for the last 12 years praying and not doing anything to change their situation then they have seriously wasted their time on earth. It almost reeks of brainwashing that you would have to get into such a care free emotional state that wasting 14 hrs a day in a dirty old factory for $9 an hour is acceptable. So yeah, they may still be happy but they seriously missed the boat if they thought someone would come down and rescue them from their hard luck. To each his own though I guess.

[PCP777]

I guess it depends on what you're after, success as defined by our society or happiness.

Personally I like both.

It's terrific that you had the opportunity to advance yourself and you did.

Nobody I know has a perfect life, including myself.

As far as the Brazilians, perhaps the orange packaging job was a huge step up compared to what they were doing before they got that job. So maybe their prayers were answered. Who knows. maybe they've reached success as defined by their society. If they're happy, that's allot better than allot of people on this planet.

[delta9]

[quote author=PCP777 link=topic=12125.msg705131#msg705131 date=1201019137]
I guess it depends on what you're after, success as defined by our society or happiness.

Personally I like both.

It's terrific that you had the opportunity to advance yourself and you did.

Nobody I know has a perfect life, including myself.

As far as the Brazilians, perhaps the orange packaging job was a huge step up compared to what they were doing before they got that job. So maybe their prayers were answered. Who knows. maybe they've reached success as defined by their society. If they're happy, that's allot better than allot of people on this planet.
[/quote]

Good point. They probably were a lot happier here. They loved Canadian women. I love Brazilian women. Go figure.

With me, as soon as I here Jesus, or Mohamed, etc it just goes in one ear and out the other. I'm not an atheist, in fact I'm fairly spiritual. I believe in ghosts, other dimensions and some days ufo's. My problem is that once you start following and believing in a specific god, you close yourself to the millions of other possibilities that are out there. I just think that life and the after life is so much bigger than one person ie: Jesus. I think he's just a figurehead that was created years ago for phenomenon we don't understand.

Again, just my opinion.

[PCP777]

[quote author=delta9 link=topic=12125.msg705160#msg705160 date=1201020927]
Good point. They probably were a lot happier here. They loved Canadian women. I love Brazilian women. Go figure.

With me, as soon as I here Jesus, or Mohamed, etc it just goes in one ear and out the other. I'm not an atheist, in fact I'm fairly spiritual. I believe in ghosts, other dimensions and some days ufo's. My problem is that once you start following and believing in a specific god, you close yourself to the millions of other possibilities that are out there. I just think that life and the after life is so much bigger than one person ie: Jesus. I think he's just a figurehead that was created years ago for phenomenon we don't understand.

Again, just my opinion.
[/quote]

I completely understand, I used to think the same way and argue with Christians on many of the same points you've mentioned. Each person's spiritual journey is certainly unique. The best thing about my faith now is that I'm never alone anymore and that feels good.

[delta9]

[quote author=PCP777 link=topic=12125.msg705177#msg705177 date=1201022051]
I completely understand, I used to think the same way and argue with Christians on many of the same points you've mentioned. Each person's spiritual journey is certainly unique. The best thing about my faith now is that I'm never alone anymore and that feels good.
[/quote]

May I ask how you decided to follow Christianity instead of maybe Buddhism for example.

[PCP777]

[quote author=delta9 link=topic=12125.msg705199#msg705199 date=1201023801]
May I ask how you decided to follow Christianity instead of maybe Buddhism for example.
[/quote]

Yeah, it's a long story which I can describe in more detail another time, but I met a former missionary who had done allot of work in Asia..him and a former boss kind of introduced me to the idea...it took a while to set in. I didn't go shopping for religion, I guess you could say that God found me.

[JustGretch]

Last I checked, this wasn't a religious debate thread. We've had plenty of those!

I don't care if you pray to God, Buddah, Allah, Harry Potter or Lindsay Lohan...Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the idea was to be a positive, uplifting, welcoming, non-judgmental thread where people could come for support? Not a place to defend, explain, or debate your beliefs.

[delta9]

[quote author=JustGretch link=topic=12125.msg705246#msg705246 date=1201027680]
Last I checked, this wasn't a religious debate thread. We've had plenty of those!

I don't care if you pray to God, Buddah, Allah, Harry Potter or Lindsay Lohan...Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the idea was to be a positive, uplifting, welcoming, non-judgmental thread where people could come for support? Not a place to defend, explain, or debate your beliefs.
[/quote]

right, thanks.

[PCP777]

All Things Are Possible
This addresses some of the things delta9 and I were discussing. It's not something I looked up, it's what came in my inbox for today. So now I'll share it with all of you...it's pretty cool how God works, isn't it?

Today's Scripture

“Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NIV).


Are you facing something today that seems impossible? With man it may be, but with God, ALL things are possible! If you seem to be in an impossible situation, get with God! Sometimes it’s so easy to focus on our problems and try to solve them in our own strength. But remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. He has a plan for your victory. He has a plan to give you a way out. He is making the things that seem impossible, possible. You can trust Him today. The Bible says that He has plans for your good, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Start believing and confessing today, “I am with God, and with God all things are possible!” Are your bills piling up? With God, all things are possible. Do your relationships need healing? With God, all things are possible. Is there sickness in you body? With God, all things are possible! As you meditate on God’s power, He will work in your life, and you will step forward into that place of victory He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way where there seems to be no way. I choose to trust You, and I believe that all things are possible! Show me Your power today. Work through me to encourage those around me to trust You more. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

[JustGretch]

[quote author=delta9 link=topic=12125.msg705250#msg705250 date=1201027994]
right, thanks.
[/quote]

I was seriously about to karma you and say thanks for lettin' the debate slide, but you smited me? Good grief!

[JustGretch]

I like this one.

Don't become a product of your environment, make your environment become a product of you.

[sogs]

  Gretch 

[JustGretch]

I need help. I need patience. I need hope. I need to know that things are all going to be okay.

I know it is bad to ask for things, or hope for things, but I need it.

[PurpleLobos]

[quote author=JustGretch link=topic=12125.msg707124#msg707124 date=1201132851]
I need help. I need patience. I need hope. I need to know that things are all going to be okay.

I know it is bad to ask for things, or hope for things, but I need it.
[/quote]
I'll pray for you.  Sending good thoughts also!!