Saturday call to prayer

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. " Romans 12:12

Hi everyone,
I'm finding this fall to be challenging for blog postings, not because I lack for things to say (indeed, my brain has much going around in it), but because of the physical challenges of these past weeks/months.  Was hit by a cold virus this week that quickly spread into sinus infection and bronchitis.  I appreciate your understanding and patience with this blog, (or more specifically the blog's writer!) as I know many of you understand the added challenges and frustrations of wrestling with a long-term condition and then having the ususal acute 'stuff that's going around' come up. We may be more susceptible to complications from 'simple colds, etc. ' than others; and then there's the frustration of feeling like things are just piling on top of each other.    I have more reflections about those days, but today, as promised, is prayer Saturday. 

St. Paul's words in Romans call us to patience, rejoicing and prayer. I would encourage you that particularly during those rough times in life, whether we are living with long-term illness, or are the care partner of a loved one with long term illness, because of Jesus, we do not rely on our own strength to rejoice, be patient or pray.

Chronic illness (with a dash of acute illness sometimes) has vividly reminded me of my need for a Savior.  That I cannot by my own strength do what faith calls me to do.  I fall down (or LAY down -- POTS joke!) again and again, because I do not have the strength...in any sense some days.  Friends, the great news, is that the call to pray, be patient and rejoice is not a demand...it is an invitation on behalf of  the Saving One who did rejoice, who was patient in suffering beyond all understanding, and who did pray...on our behalf, and on behalf of the whole world.  Because of Jesus, we are freed and forgiven.  Freed to act, and forgiven when we cannot or will not.

Today I invite us all to pray:

pray for all who are suffering, or suffering alongside another and finding patience very hard to come by;

pray for all doctors, and for the blessing of compassionate physicians and medical workers who are living out their calling with integrity and love;

pray in celebration for those who are rejoicing in hope-- the hope of healing, comfort or wholeness; and the hope to come of final healing, wholeness and comfort in the presence of God;

pray for those you are grateful for;

pray for those you cannot stand to be around;

pray for those needs of which you alone may be aware.

I am praying for you today, and lift my voice with yours as this blog community prays together.
peace to you today and each day,
Andrea