Surrounded with Prayer

This past Monday night the elders (leaders) of our church, Reston Bible, came to pray with our family. We felt so blessed to have them surround our family with support and prayer. Some of the elders we have known for years, others we have just come to know recently.

After some small talk and discussing Brayden’s needs, they asked what we would like prayer for. Now, we knew that they were coming to our house for several days, you would think that I would know how to answer the question. But in that moment, my mind was swirling. Where do I start? I have big things, little things, mostly things that I cannot articulate… If I had to give my top five things to pray for, I just do not know. It changes moment to moment. I guess that is me praying without ceasing. Many of my thoughts and breaths are sighs of prayer but saying them out loud…I was stuck.

The elders gathered around us. They prayed. It was hard. My heart was beating faster and pretty sure my palms were sweaty but you would have to ask Jeremy since he was holding my hand. They prayed for our marriage; Carter and Luke as big brothers; and Brayden, his protection and healing in small or big ways. They prayed for the doctors, therapists, and helpers that have all become a part of our life. They prayed for our family, our circumstances, our strength,… The night was an encouragement. There is nothing like the support and prayers we have received.

Jeremy and I sat in bed talking about the evening. We both felt emotionally exhausted. We go through each day mostly optimistic and not always discouraged about Brayden's circumstances but it catches up with us. Jeremy shared that this past week, he was driving along, felt overwhelmed and just sobbed. I have those moments too. We obviously need prayer for strength.

As for Brayden that night, apparently someone asked (not really), “Show me whatcha workin’ with!?” In the short time the elders were in our home. Brayden was hooked up to his feeding pump, vomited blood all down the front of Jeremy and had a couple of seizures. Jeremy and Brayden required a wardrobe change. Brayden took it upon himself to show them his needs, in a nutshell. He was ready for prayer.

But what is prayer?
Prayer is a relationship, wherein we humbly communicate, worship, and sincerely seek God's face, knowing that He hears us, loves us and will respond, though not always in a manner we may expect or desire. Prayer can encompass confession, praise, adoration, supplication, intercession and more.
Focus on the Family - Robert Velarde
Please read the entire article Prayer and the Difference it Makes.

What are my prayers? I will have to save that for another today…it is too long.

Just one last thought. I was given a book shortly after Brayden was born, Praying through the Tough Times. I am not sure about our tough times because this is our life, not a moment in time we are trying to get through. One prayer in the book resonated with me and it often comes to mind: Almighty God, sovereign of all and personal Lord of my life…You love me, give me security and replenish my hope. My stress and strain are healed by your peace, my worries are resolved by trusting You, my burdens are lifted off my back, my soul is replenished by Your indwelling Spirit.

We cannot do this without prayer.