August 6, 2010
How Do I Pray?
12:00 AM | 
Posted by
Maggie
Have you ever had trouble knowing how to pray for a difficult situation? I have two very close friends of mine that need prayer. I find myself struggling to know exactly how to pray for them.
One friend is in a very dire medical situation. A few weeks ago she was a vibrant, healthy active lady and now she lays in a hospital bed struggling for her life....not even breathing on her own. There is no question in my mind that God can preform miracles, but looking at the facts it is hard to pray for her to continue living. It is not likely that she will make a full recovery to live the life that she was living. She will have to have equipment to help her breathe and regulate her heart. As I pray I find myself wondering if she wouldn't be better off in Heaven, where there is no pain and no earthly body to encumber her.
The other friend is adopting a baby. This sweet baby is weeks from entering this world. She has already been diagnosed with a heart condition that will require surgery very soon after birth. Her birth mother has admittedly used drugs and alcohol during the pregnancy and the odds are high that the effects of the drug use will permanently damage this tiny baby's brain even before she enters this world. Each time her heart rate drops I rush to my knees, but here again I question my prayers. How glorious to miss the troubles of this world entirely and not have to suffer through a lifetime of difficulties. I have raised children changed by a couple's abuse of alcohol and I see their struggles every..single..day.
I make the selfish choice. I pray for a miracle on both of their behalf. I want to see her beautiful smile again. I want to hear her sweet voice and the way she can make everyone in the room stop and take notice at what she has to say. I desperately want to hold that new little one in my arms and I cannot bear the thought of my friend having to send her baby to Heaven.
Part of me (a big part) is scared to write this....wondering what you will think of me. Another part is wondering if you've felt the same way.
Tell me....have you?
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8 comments:
My goodness. Both really are difficult sitiuations, aren't they? In cases like these, I usually pray that God will ease the pain and suffering the person is experiencing, that He'll comfort them, and that His will be done. He has a plan for each of these ladies, and I think the best thing you can do is pray for peace for them.
I have recently been in a situation somewhat similar to yours. First, our senior pastor suffered a broken neck after meeting a serious motorcycle accident while vacationing in the US. You can, by the way, view the blog kept by his wife and friends at http://steveruetschle.com. Then, a terminally sick family friend of ours was granted permission by her doctor to fly back here to the Philippines so she could at least see and be with her family - they weren't expecting her to live for much longer.
I, too, made the selfish choice and prayed for miracles for them both. But, our Father, in His infinite goodness, called our family friend to His home - and we are just thankful that there is no more pain and no more sorrow for her there. Our pastor is still recovering, but God is giving us little miracles for which we are grateful. Also, through the tragic accident, God is being glorified, as He should be.
Wow! Maggie - this brought tears to my eyes! Everything that happens is ALWAYS to bring God glory! I recently learned in a Bible study that sometimes He delivers us through the fire (we still have to endure the pain), He delivers us from the fire (the miracles of which you speak), or He delivers us by the fire (brings us home to heaven) - any of these situations can bring God glory.
You are an amazing friend to pray with and for them both! Yes, we've all been exactly where you are! You are normal for thinking these thoughts! Continue to stand beside them both and God will honor both your prayers and your friendship!
I, for one, appreciate your honest and vulnerability here!
Thank you Penny!!
It's so tough....glad to know I'm not the only one. Thank you for sharing!
God's peace is an indescribable blessing in times like these....
Oh Maggie, I will pray for YOU as well as for your friends. I understand the conflict that you're facing - I have absolutely been there too!
My answer is the same as Chrissy's though, "Thy will be done". Though to be honest, I usually give my list of petitions and THEN say "Thy will be done".
An update on my friends little baby! My selfish prayers were answered!
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