Praises
- Gretchen's friend Sherry had successful female surgery today - we praise the Great Physician for His presence with Sherry and the medical staff.
- We have been praying for Linda's daughter's mother-in-law, Jan, with a brain tumor. Today we learned that Jan was not only up and around after surgery but she was able to join and enjoy her family and friends for Thanksgiving. PRAISE GOD for His gentle and healing touch!
- June's daughter, Michelle, just underwent knee surgery and the results so far are excellent. Again our Great Physician was at work!
- Our sister, Jan, has returned to us after a three week illness. Church on Sunday was her first outing and we were her second! Next she sees a new pulmonary specialist and is looking forward to learning about a new treatment.
- The wonderful dinners that were shared over the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, along with the answers to our Travel Mercies for those who traveled away from home.
Prayer Requests
- Barbara's friend, Rita's, husband, Mike, passed away suddenly on Friday. Prayers for Rita and Mike's family for acceptance during this difficult time.
- Barbara's friend, Joel's, son died suddenly of a heart attack. We can never understand the "why" - especially when a parent outlives a child. Please be in prayer for Joel and his family as they head down this difficult path.
- Maryann's cousin, Ruth, was just diagnosed with lung cancer. Sadly it has already spread to other areas of her body. Please be in prayer for medical treatment that will provide healing and comfort.
- Judi received a phone call from her cousin, Fran, that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A surgical biopsy confirmed this and surgery is scheduled for December 18th. Please ask for prayers of strength and comfort for both Fran and her husband, Sparky, as well as wisdom for treatment for the medical staff.
- Jan, who works in retail, shared with us what the past few days of "Black Friday" have been like. So many people that it was difficult to even walk within her store. People spending money in great quantities. Inventories at stores being wiped out within a few hours. Especially at this time of year we ask the Lord to lay on the hearts of all His children a remember of what this time of year truly represents . . . a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
- We pray that the excessive buying of presents (material possessions) is replaced with the joy of giving of ourselves, our time, our love, our kindness, our forgiveness and mercy, and our service in the name of the Lord.
- We all ask the Lord to place us in the path of unbelievers and those that need help finding Christ in their lives. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us with the words to soften their hearts, open their ears and minds. Let us be that beacon of light so that through us they will see Jesus.
- More than ever, we need prayers for our government officials - those who are in a position to represent us. We are witnessing very trying times where our Lord, who is needed most, is being removed little by little. The generation of our children and grandchildren are being raised at a time when some parents believe it is best to "let them decide when they are old enough who to follow." This is opening the door to other non-Christian faiths to gain a foothold in our youth. Prayers are needed to strongly combat this attack by Satan.
- Daily we see reports that terrorism is on the rise. We need daily prayers for the victims AND we need prayers for the terrorists - that the Lord can touch their minds and hearts and sway them from their destructive ways and thoughts.
- We are seeing so much homelessness in our own country which is heightened with talks of providing shelter and homes to refugees around the world. None of us wants to reject those in need, while at the same time we need to lift up prayers for our current homeless population in this country. Each person praying could pray for specific needs in their own community, just as our group has a special place in our hearts for the (approximately) 30,000 "forest people" - those who are living in the Ocala National Forest just up the road from us, many of which are children.
- So many of our Veterans are destitute and living on the streets. We ask for prayer for them - they have seen things we cannot imagine - visions that are seared into their minds. We also ask for prayer for those in power that have the ability to provide solutions for housing, medical care and income for those who put their country first - now it is time to put them first.
As you can see - our first week of Advent - the week of Hope - has had a profound impact on us and our prayer requests. If you are struggling with what to pray about - please print off this list and consider these needs. May God continue to bless you as you bless others.