Many of us have had such seasons. Times when we can't be with loved ones, or a close friend has died, or we've suffered a miscarriage, or we're sick, or we've lost our job, or there is illness in the family. Even the time of year can make us feel blue. Here in the northern hemisphere, night falls early in these months of bleak midwinter. We may be struggling to adjust to the long, long, long dark.
For anyone reading this who is sad, in pain, or maybe just wishing the holidays would be over and gone - know that you're not alone. In fact, you are so 'not alone' that I'm going to ask a favor of everyone reading this.
Could we each take just a minute and offer a little prayer for anyone coming across these words who might be hurting? If this gets to a number of people, that could amount to quite a few prayers.
May God lift burdens, heal pains, comfort loneliness, and soothe hearts.
'We beseech You, Lord and Master, be our help and succor, save those among us who are in tribulations, have mercy on the lowly, lift up the fallen, show Yourself to the needy, heal the ungodly; convert the wanderers of Your people, feed the hungry, release our prisoners, raise up the weak, comfort the fainthearted, let all nations know You are God.' (St. Clement of Rome)
'Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for You.' (1 Peter 5:7)
Praying . . .
ReplyDeleteWe thank you.
DeleteToday, someone said she had decided to go in to work on Christmas Day. Her kids were not coming down, and she decided she wouldn't even buy and wrap gifts or cook dinner. She said she was better off caring for others at work. I feel she's hurting. It's not the Christmas she envisioned. All the little things that make Christmas Christmas isn't there for her this year.
ReplyDeleteThis song is a sad ditto in many hearts.
So, I'm with you, Nancy. We will press these aching hearts into Jesus'.
Yes, Caitlynne Grace, it certainly is a sad ditto in so many hearts. I love what you said about pressing the aching hearts into Jesus.' That will be my prayer for our hurting friends; it is the perfect Place of refuge.
DeleteI will pray. I am one of those who suffered loss and am having a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I am asking our Lord to hold you close and to let you know He is very much with you. I pray that He will touch you with comfort, day by day and minute by minute.
DeleteSaying prayers for those in pain and suffering this Christmas. Thank you for the reminder that this time of year isn't easy on everyone...
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for joining in prayer. I thank God that we can help one another in this way!
DeleteThank you, Nancy. You see, I'm one of those you wrote about. Have been for the last several years. Frankly, I'm at my wit's end and appreciate any and all prayers. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote below, I have been there. Even though our circumstances may have been different, I can identify with pain. I am praying for you, starting right this minute.
DeleteMy friends, I too have been there. The worst sadness of my life happened (some years ago now) with the death of a loved one not long before Christmas. The "most wonderful time of the year" was anything but, and every stab of yuletide cheer was such a sharp contrast to what I felt inside. So yes, this time of year certainly is not easy for everyone. Thank you all for joining together in prayer!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust lost my Mama few weeks ago I'm really down she's not here. I could go on an on but I'm not. Praying for everyone.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry. I'll be praying for you, my friend.
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