"'Give us this day our daily bread', is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language. " ~P.J. Wingate

Too Busy Not To Pray

Dear Friends,

How often do we repeat the words of the Lord's Prayer without thinking about what we are saying?   I actually heard someone say that if he thought about the meaning of the words he couldn't say the prayer.  Yet, this prayer is given to us to be a model for prayer.  If we don't think about their meaning we miss the lesson Jesus was teaching everyone who chooses to be a disciple.   Following is an exercise that you might want to try in order to get "behind" the words of the prayer to penetrate it's meaning.  Sit quietly repeating a phrase or sentence from the prayer, such as the quote above.   Continue to repeat it until God gives you a name or face or reminds you of some place where the people need God's help.  Now pray concerning the person or place you were given.  In this way you will be praying as the Holy Spirit leads.    You may be surprised at the names, faces, or places you offer prayer for.  You can continue on this way, taking a sentence from the Lord's prayer each day .  It is a wonderful, as well as fun, way to practice intercession for others.  It also helps one understand the prayer more deeply.  May God's Holy Spirit lead you in all of your prayers.  Thank you for remembering our friends across the Presbytery in prayer. 

1.)  Doug Steven's father, Doug Sr., was suddenly taken ill.  The nature of the problem is poorly understood.  It seems to be some kind of infection but , so far, they don't know what.  Please pray for Doug Sr., and his family. 

2.) Janet Reid's brother, Bob, had emergency surgery over the weekend to have a bowel problem repaired.  It was particularly hazardous because of Bob's heart problems.  He may have to have a second surgery.  Please pray for Bob to continue to recover well and that the physicians are given wisdom concerning the second surgery. 

3.) Ted Corey, Carole Isley Corey's spouse, had total knee replacement surgery on Monday, March 1st.  He is doing well overall but pain management is a problem.  Please pray for the pain to abate and for Ted to progress in being able to use his knee. 

4.)  Jack Kinkead, "Muff's" husband, fell on the ice and broke his hip.  Jack, who is eighty-one, had a successful surgery and is in rehab.  He is scheduled to come home on Saturday.  He will then begin in-home therapy.  Muff is doing well, feeling good, and recovering nicely.

5.) Audrey, Ken Chorle's wife,  was diagnosed with cancer and had a successful surgery in December.  She has resumed chemotherapy and is doing remarkably well.  She has continued to teach and go about her life.  Please pray that Audrey will  continue to regain her energy as she takes the chemotherapy and that she will be healed of the cancer. 

6.) John Michael, who has been a missionary in the Czech Republic, has been on unpaid sick leave with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The doctor has started IV treatments two times a week which, so far, do seem to give John more energy.  Pain during the night and difficulty sleeping have been better in recent days.  John is hoping that this is the beginning of a new trend.   He was able to find new living accommodations near the clinic where he gets treatment. John was able to get moved successfully and is happy with the family who have made room for him.  Please pray for continued success with the treatments in reducing pain and allowing John to sleep at night and for keeping John's energy up.  Most importantly, pray for a rapid healing of the chronic fatigue syndrome.  

7.) Phyllis Melker, the clerk of session at Westmont Presbyterian Church, was being treated for stomach cancer.   She has taken a month off from treatment to have some dental surgery which is needed because of a bad fall shortly after she started the therapy.  The first phase of the surgery went well. She is now hoping to get an appointment soon that will enable her to have the second phase of surgery.  She is scheduled to start chemo again soon so time is short.  She reports that she has been eating well and has a good appetite.  Please pray for her to get an appointment soon and that she doesn't lose any more weight.  Also continue to pray that the cancer is halted and doesn't resume growing while she is off treatment. 

8.) Please pray for the search committee who are seeking a new Executive Presbyter. 

9.) Please pray for our troops and service people.  Pray especially for those newly deployed and for their families. 

May God, who knows our every need, touch your life in some special way this week.

Blessings,

Carole Isley Corey