Who do we pray for?

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In a recent thread, Capnfun related a tragic accident to a friend's daughter. He asked for prayers. Many responded, including me. I have seen brain injured people and it's devasting. To think of that happening to a child is overwhelming. Prayers are so necessary.

But here's my rub. Who do we pray for? I was briefly in a prayer circle at church. I quit. Somehow it didn't seem right to pray for people I didn't know. So arbitrary, so perfunctory. We realize there are billions of people suffering at any given time. But we go to bed and sleep well because we don't know them, we don't see it. In fact, it would be unbearable to know everyone's suffering. So what should we do? We could offer up a generic prayer for all who suffer but would it mean anything?

Reluctantly, I pray only for friends and family that I personally know. I did pray for Sadie so I guess virtual family counts to me. But not as much.

How do you handle this?

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), April 27, 2000

Answers

Pray for GOLD LOSER.

-- (nemesis@awol.com), April 27, 2000.

Lars,

Like the thread and heartfelt honesty.

As being a non-practicing I being at work, bowed my head and asked God to please touch the family and heal this child, allow healing to begin lord, in Jesus name.

This is how I also was taught in a prayer group.

Although I also found it very difficult to 'pray' for those I dont know, I asked God to lay a burden on my heart for the person/persons so that I can pray effectively.

BTW, NEVER think your prayers dont count, ALL are needed and APPRECIATED by family in need, Capn, and God.

Hope that helps...nice post.

PS IMHO

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), April 27, 2000.


Lars, I agree with consumer. What is really important here is for Capnfun to feel our support and caring, so he in turn can give effective support to the family. That's how I believe God works in answering prayers.

-- A (friendly@poster.here), April 27, 2000.

consumer

"I asked God to lay a burden on my heart for the person/persons so that I can pray effectively."

I like that. Good way to handle it.

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), April 27, 2000.


There is a craftsman near here who was recently convicted of vehicular manslaughter {alcohol was involved, I believe}. I can see that has a very heavy burden on his soul, or at least his psyche. My thoughts this morning turned to the 'perpetrators', and if they were not in need of prayers as much as the innocent victims.

-- flora (***@__._), April 27, 2000.


I myself hope that the medical personal that are caring for Sadie are competent and successful in securing her full recovery. For me that is a more practical and real world request.

-- Sifting (through@the.rubble), April 27, 2000.

Sifting

"I myself hope that the medical personal that are caring for Sadie are competent and successful in securing her full recovery."

Another excellent area in need of prayer! Thanks Sifting

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), April 27, 2000.


Lars,

I have thought those same thoughts before myself and came to a conclusion much the same as Consumers'.Though I have never requested prayer for anyone before this seemed like a proper instance that a few prayers might mean all the difference.

I even hesitated posting such a request,as a multiple of such could overwhelm the board and in a way seemed selfish to ask for help for one little girl when there are millions in need of prayers and or assistance.

Sifting,

Your prayer has been answered,the attending doctor is one of the very best pediatric trauma specialists in the nation,his results are allready telling.

-- capnfun (capnfun1@excite.com), April 27, 2000.


Capn,

GREAT UPDATE....

BTW, I for one will say I am GLAD you asked..

---consumer who is staying on 'safe' ground for now....

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), April 27, 2000.


CapN:

Thanks for the update. My prayers are with you and your today, also.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), April 28, 2000.



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