Today some of my dear friends in the blogging world stop to honor and encourage a beautiful and brave woman of God. Our sweet sister-in-Christ, Desiré from the blog When You Rise, will soon give birth to her third son, Caleb. This little boy is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father who has a long road ahead of him. He was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect and will almost immediately need to undergo the first of many surgeries to help his little heart work properly. As we anticipate his arrival, we want to take a moment to celebrate this new life as well as encourage our sister Desiré as she prepares for the days ahead. Would you join us in praying for Caleb? You can stay updated on his journey by “liking” his Facebook page Pray for Caleb.
I wrote this prayer for her and for all of us who have loved ones who weight heavy on our hearts.
Dear Father in Heaven,
I come before you today to lift up my friend to you. She is your child and you are her Abba. What a priviledge we have as your children to come right up to your lap, to ask for help, and to know that you hear us.
Going through the valley of darkness is frightening. I can only imagine the emotions and thoughts that swirl around in her mind each day. I ask today that you be her peace and comfort. Help her to sense your presence in the darkness. Guide her forward as a shepherd leads his sheep.
For you are our Great Shepherd, Jesus. You came to earth to suffer in our place, as a lamb before the slaughter house. Because of that, You know what it is like to grieve, to suffer, to have sorrow. You understand our thoughts, feelings, temptations, and wounds. Please comfort Desiré with Your love and peace today. Be strength for her and carry her today.
I pray especially for healing for baby Caleb. Please be at work in the secret place where his body is growing even now. Touch him with your miraculous hand. Make him to grow strong and healthy. Give the doctor’s wisdom at each and every appointment. I pray for a safe and healthy delivery.
May You be glorified in this situation. May each person involved be amazed and marvel at who You are. I pray that many people will come to saving faith through the testimony of Desiré and her family.
And I pray for her two sweet boys. Give them extra grace to be patient and obedient now and in the days and weeks following Caleb’s birth. I pray that through this experience that they would grow to love and trust You more.
The effects of the Fall are all around us, Lord. We feel it everyday. And it makes us long for the day when everything will be made right. We anxiously await the day where there is no more sickness and no more pain. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
And as we await that day, help us to remain faithful. Help us to love you. When worries overtake our heart because of our loved ones, refresh us with your Gospel. When we feel helpless and uncertain, give us grace to trust in Your love. When the valley of darkness seems to never end, guide us by Your light and truth.
It’s because of Jesus that we can pray these things, Amen.
To visit the other blogs honoring Desiré today:
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Christina,
Thanks for this, and I’m sorry about your friend. Lifting the family up in prayer!
A close friend who was like a brother to me just died a week ago, so this was really helpful to me. God is indeed Faithful, and the Only One in Whom we can Trust. He knows our steps and guides our days.
Thanks again, for all you do,
Love, the other one
I am so sorry! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Thanks for visiting, my kind friend:)
yes, Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Thank you for your prayer, Christina!
Thank you for sharing Christina. I will definately be praying for Caleb!
I echo your prayer…
I don’t know that I’ve “met” Desire before…but I do know the heartache of a little one struggling medically…and I will pray for their little Caleb.
Those last two paragraphs in your prayer could have flowed from my own heart many times…when worries overtake, “refresh us with your Gospel”.
Initially just stopped by to say…thanks for joining us over at The Better Mom…beautiful post…but I appreciation the introduction here to these friends of yours ( I love that you all planned this time of encouragement for Desire).
Kara, thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate it. It’s an honor and joy to share on The Better Mom. And we definitely appreciate your prayers for Caleb:)
Such a beautiful prayer, Christina! Praying for Caleb and his family, and, yes, praying that He would come, quickly. Thank you for sharing.