As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Let’s remember to approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

I will lead this week’s charge. Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight  as I take the pulpit tomorrow at Howland (ME) United Methodist Church.

Frank is back in the hospital. He was having trouble breathing, has gained a lot of water weight, his a fib is acting up, and he started bleeding. He’s currently getting blood to bring his hemoglobin levels up and they’re giving him medication to try and get his heart under control. He is considered in congestive heart failure.

Russ is recuperating from hip surgery and undergoing physical therapy.

Lee is still housed at an intensive care unit out-of-state with serious injuries to his spine following a Labor Day weekend crash while visiting family. His wife Mary suffered a broken leg and is in rehabilitation.

Lois’ left eye is done and right eye is next week. She reported all kinds of floaters, some that look like webs and black spiders.

Jeannie also had eye surgery last week to correct double vision so that’s slowed her a bit but she’s recovering well.

Andrew continues to fight the fight. Latest development is a tumor in his neck making things like breathing and swallowing a bit of a chore.

Tara’s sinuses/allergies kicked in last week. She adds it’s been a yucky week in other ways too. Prayers needed. God knows.

Jean hasn’t been feeling well and requesting prayer and positive thoughts.

Cindy is experiencing vertigo and low blood sugar.

Keith is going through a tough personal situation.

Please pray for Alexander, 14, who has no control of his impulsivity. He is a smart, talented athlete who is cutting himself and is extremely self-destructive. Include his parents who are heartbroken.

Dave has a fast growing tumor behind his eye causing excruciating pain and will likely blind him in this eye. He needs radiation treatment.

Tim has experienced a major health crisis and needs prayer and support.

Jessieca is battling three muscle degenerative diseases, sarcoidisis, polymystis, and lumbar degenerative disease, requiring her to undergo monthly four hour IV treatments.

Please keep Brenda in your prayers. She has kidney stones.

Stacey will be having a big surgery Aug. 30 and could definitely use prayers!

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week — some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We also know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Joe, Frank, Russ, Lee, Mary, Lois, Jeannie, Andrew, Tara, Jean, Cindy, Keith, Alexander, Dave, Tim, Jessieca, Brenda, Stacey and all those needing Your healing touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Prayer is the voice of faith trusting God knows and cares.