A Yarn With God

After the loss of a son and brother

2011-02-22T20:29:00.004+11:00

Father God,
It was only a couple of days ago that Suzanne asked me to pray for her and her family. She wanted healing and peace after Gary's death and it seems that before I even got to asking, you have answered.
Father, I thank you for the new peace Suzanne feels and I ask that you will continue your healing work. Heal her pain over the loss of a brother, heal the rift with Ginny and Roy, soothe the hurts of the whole family.
Thank you for giving Suzy a Mom who is full of wisdom and love, thank you for her sisters who found a positive outlet for grief, thank you for beautiful memories of a good man.
Lord, through this whole process you have been watching, you have a plan for this family, you have a reason for taking Gary and we don't really know what it is but we know it will be revealed.
Bless them now, God, give them wholeness individually and as a loving family.
We trust you to do this work in your perfect way
Amen

for suzy on gary's anniversary

2011-02-20T12:45:00.003+11:00

Lord God,

You are as mighty as the ocean

As mysterious as the sea

In the storm I called upon you

But I did not see you

I cried out above the waves

But no relief, no help came

I sought for comfort in distress

My faith wavered at each blast

The rocks felt close and dangerous

I asked for healing of my pain

Are you there, Lord?

Are you aware, Lord?

Come walk the waves

Still my storm

David Adam

Psalm 150

2009-08-09T20:14:00.002+10:00

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with crashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

2009-07-19T11:46:00.002+10:00

Let nothing disturb thee,

Nothing affright thee

All things are passing;

God never changes;

Patient endurance

Attaineth to all things;

Whom God possesseth

In nothing is wanting.

Alone God sufficeth.

Saint Theresa

RIP Scott

2009-05-24T21:28:00.003+10:00

Loving God,
I'm coming to you thinking of Suzanne in the loss of her dear friend Scott. Thank you, so much, for the man that Scott was, for his loving spirit and his generosity. Thank you for the friendship that he gave freely and without hesitation.
God, we don't know what happened to Scott and that is difficult but we hope that you were with him as he faced death. We hope that you gave comfort and peace.
Lord, be with Suzanne as she grieves, give her the right words to use with Scott's family.
Father, heal the raw shock and pain felt by those Scott left behind. Give them strength to face the long days of sorrow. Support them with your love and care. Put loving angels on their paths to comfort them.
Help us all to be worthy of remembering in the way that Suze remembers Scott, with respect, with love and with admiration.

In Jesus name
Amen

As Em goes to Afghanistan.......

2009-04-01T19:44:00.002+11:00

Father God, Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things,

Em is so dear to her friends, her partner and her family, she can only be farewelled with trepidation. Nobody wants to see her in a war zone but we know that this is her choice, her vocation maybe. We know that she goes with a heart to do good and we thank you for that honourable intention, for the love that she will bring to the task. We thank you that Em and people like her are prepared to make this choice to risk all in the service of others.

God, we wish this war was not happening and we pray that your will soon be done in restoring peace to Afghanistan.

Take care of Em and of those she leaves at home. Give each of them your peace, let them feel your love and rest in your strength. Make this time of concern and sacrifice into a positive force and bring Em home safe and well.

We ask in Your name

Amen

Cancer is so limited......

2009-03-08T15:17:00.008+11:00

It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the Spirit.
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

Our greatest enemy is not disease but Despair.

Love

2009-02-21T21:02:00.006+11:00

Spirit of love,

Melt our hearts I pray,

We are all
fragmented
wounded
scarred

Each one
a little lost
a little found

Living
somewhere
between the darkness
and light

Help us
to see
that
if
God
is love

Then
there are no
closets in His house

Help us to celebrate
each other
not just
tolerate each other

To reach our
tired hands again
and again
across the void
to embrace
another human heart
as our own

Grant us the humility
to know
that we are
equal

That there is never
a reason
to feel
superior

Flood our eyes with light
so that we see

Black
White
Gay
Straight
Rich
Poor
Young
Old
African
Asian
American

The entire soft body of humanity
As
One
Variegated Angel

As gifts
of the rainbow God

Sent to us
not to judge
or condemn

But so that we might
learn that"our way" is
just
one way

and grow
our hearts
in ever widening circles of
humility

and
love

Amen.

Maithri Goonetilleke

2009-02-10T19:33:00.001+11:00

Bless them now,

Loving Saviour, bless them now.

For Gig & Ed....

2009-01-12T21:23:00.008+11:00

Could use some of your special words...lost a very special friend of mine and Ed's on Friday. We were hoping for a new heart for him, but it wasn't meant to be...Glen and Ed had worked and "played together", he was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. I can't describe the pain I am feeling at the loss of this friend.

Gig

Loving God,

Bring comfort and peace to Gig and to Ed after the loss of their dear friend, Glen. Fill the emptiness that comes from loss, soothe the pain, soften the anger.....

Father, you have promised the best for us and though we can't imagine how Glen's passing is good for anybody we trust in your promise and leave Glen in your care.

Thank you for his life. In Gig's few words it sounds like a rich life, blessed and a blessing to others and that is all that any of us can hope for, thank you for a good friend with a warm and generous heart.

God, give Glen's loved ones, Gig & Ed especially, a deep and abiding sense of your love, of serenity and of hope.

We trust you to heal all pains as you have promised.

Amen

to end 2008.....

2008-12-31T17:32:00.007+11:00

Em, Peter's sister, asked me to post this one and Em, we wish you safety and rich blessings for the year ahead.

As we are nearing the end of 2008,
let us spare a thought for those who have passed on this year.
Divine Spirit,
We ask that you, & your spirit guides,
help those who have passed,
to ease into their new existence.
We ask that you help release them of their illness or disability,
help them find inner peace,
& understand their new life.
We ask you, Divine Spirit,
that you help the families & loved ones of those who have passed,
& help them to find validation that they are OK.
We ask this in your name,
which is Love,
Amen.

I wish to send my own thoughts to the following who have passed away this year;

Joe Stark
Tommy Robertson
Laurent Marchesseault
Ishbel Johnston
Catherine Dobie
Alex Riley
Jan McLeish
Graham Gilmore
Boyd MacKenzie
May they find peace & happiness forever more.
xXx

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

2008-12-25T18:52:00.002+11:00

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

To our Furry Friends

2008-12-21T15:58:00.005+11:00

HIS APOLOGIES

Master, this is Thy Servant. He is rising eight weeks old.
He is mainly Head and Tummy. His legs are uncontrolled.
But Thou hast forgiven his ugliness, and settled him on Thy knee...
Art Thou content with Thy Servant? He is *very* comfy with Thee.

Master, behold a Sinner! He hath committed a wrong.
He hath defiled Thy Premises through being kept in too long.
Wherefore his nose has been rubbed in the dirt and his self- respect has been bruised.
Master, pardon Thy Sinner, and see he is properly loosed.

Master, again Thy Sinner! This that was once Thy Shoe,
He has found and taken and carried aside, as fitting matter to chew.
Now there is neither blacking nor tongue, and the Housemaid has us in tow,
Master, remember Thy Servant is young, and tell her to let him go!

Master, extol Thy Servant, he has met a most Worthy Foe!
There has been fighting all over the Shop -- and into the Shop also!
Till cruel umbrellas parted the strife (or I might have been choking him yet),
But Thy Servant has had the Time of his Life -- and now shall we call on the vet?

Master, behold Thy Servant! Strange children came to play,
And because they fought to caress him, Thy Servant wentedst away.
But now that the Little Beasts have gone, he has returned to see(Brushed -- with his Sunday collar on) what they left over from tea.

Master, pity Thy Servant! He is deaf and three parts blind.
He cannot catch Thy Commandments. He cannot read Thy Mind.
Oh, leave him not to his loneliness; nor make him that kitten's scorn.
He hath had no other God than Thee since the year that he was born.

Lord, look down on Thy Servant! Bad things have come to pass.
There is no heat in the midday sun, nor health in the wayside grass.
His bones are full of an old disease -- his torments run and increase.
Lord, make haste with Thy Lightnings and grant him a quick release!

Rudyard Kipling

"The Ferals"

2008-11-21T20:08:00.003+11:00

Suzanne's concern for her beloved ferals is obvious in this comment:

"My cats are all gone. I have one left. I don't know what's happening. Maybe you could pray that any who are still alive find their way back to me. I'm almost physically sick with grief........"

Father in Heaven,

Suzanne cares so deeply for all of our animal friends and their suffering or loss grieves her........

God, I ask that you would strengthen her for the difficult task of caring for these forgotten ones, assure her of their safety.

Giver of all good things, we know that you care for all your creatures and we trust that you will treat these special lives with dignity and mercy.

Give Suze the gift of your great peace and the sense of your loving presence.

We ask this in Your name,

Amen

Jeremiah 29:11

2008-10-09T23:44:00.005+11:00

He knows the plans He has for me:

To help and not hold back,

Bring life to the hopes He's placed in my heart

and bless me for all of time.

My Father has good plans for me,

To strengthen and beautify,

My Jesus might be reflected in me

and heaven on earth be mine.

For Robyn.....

2008-09-13T10:53:00.003+10:00

Blogdom was shocked and concerned when Robyn wrote her post "Cancer Sucks"

Father God, Giver of life,
Thank you for Robyn.
Thank you for her contribution to our lives and to her family, her community.
Thank you for her spirit of gratitude and joy and of love, for all that she is and all that she means to so many.

We thank you for your healing in her life before, for the strength and courage she surely developed.
God, we wonder why she must suffer again but we believe that it must have a purpose, that Robyn's courage and grace in the face of uncertainty will inspire, that it will uplift others, that it will encourage us all to be more careful to appreciate the great blessings in our lives.

Father, be with Robyn. Protect and uplift her when times are tough. Give her energy to enjoy good times, to find joy in life despite the shadow of illness.

Heal Robyn, bring her to wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

We ask this in the knowledge that you are a good and faithful God, that your providence is unfailing and we thank you for it.

Amen

Alive

2008-08-18T22:16:00.003+10:00

Your life is a miracle.

From the smallest molecule to the most complex systems in the human body, every facet of who you are has been created with miraculous details.

And running throughout each of the trillions of cells in your body is a code that speaks an incredible truth:

That you are fearfully and wonderfully made, formed and ordained by the very hand of God.

A Prayer for the Weary in Spirit

2008-08-04T14:19:00.002+10:00

O God, giver of life and health,
whose Son Jesus Christ has called us
to hunger and thirst for his justice:
refresh us with your grace,
that we may not be weary in well-doing,
for the sake of him who meets all our needs,
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen

For Aude & Yanick.....

2008-07-11T18:42:00.009+10:00

Peter said:

Could you post a prayer for me?
I've just found out that my cousin in Canada has just lost one of her new born twins. Aude, my cousin, gave birth prematurely to Laurent and Meliane in February. Unfortunately, Laurent passed away on July 3rd after a long and hard fought battle, aged 4 months and 20 days. Aude and her husband, Yanick, are completely devastated at their loss, but need to be strong for little Meliane.

Father God,

I can barely imagine the grief caused by the loss of a child

and no words of mine can bring comfort

but you, the Great Comforter,

can give courage, strength, healing and joy.

God, I ask that you will give all of these things to Aude & Yanick.

Lord, I know that premmie babies are often burdened with health problems so I ask that you will ensure Meliane's quality of life, I ask too, that she will bring joy to soothe the pain of losing Laurent.

Thank you for the precious gift of children to Aude & Yanick, thank you for their lives, for the wonder of birth.

When a wee one dies, God we are devastated by the loss of promise, by the lost milestones, by the inability to see potential realised but we know that Laurent is with you, in a place free of pain, free of angst, free of illness and we thank you because life there is unlimited, life there holds promise, joy and love.

God, care for all involved with this great loss, show them your love and care.

Give them strength and hope.

Let them feel uplifted by the prayers and goodwill that are offered to them and for them.

Amen.

PJ,
I also asked Debbie from "Wisteria & Roses" to contribute here. What she has written explains why I called on her and her sentiments are beautiful.

My Dear Peter,
You and your family are in my prayers. Whether a child lives with you for nearly 16 years or merely 4+ months makes no difference ... we grieve deeply. I know this loss, as one of my precious twins died four years ago. Words fail me now, but the comfort of prayer welcomes me with open arms and healing touch. For Aude and Yanick, I extend prayers; for you I extend different prayers, for one who stands by in pain feeling helpless. I praise God for Meliane. A sweet, sweet consolation. Funny, I am so new to the blog world, and yet I feel as if this prayer call across all borders is the most natural of callings. Rest peacefully in His arms tonight. You are bathed in prayer, the balm of Gilead. XO ...

For the Animals

2008-07-08T19:49:00.002+10:00

In her latest post Suzanne expresses her concern for her beloved feral kitties following wildfire in Discovery Park.
Suze, we all wish the best for your ferals and for you and I thought this prayer by Albert Schweitzer expresses our hopes for the ferals but also your sentiments for all God's creatures.
Thanks for your practical care and concern for the cats at Discovery Park, we're all grateful for you and for people like you.
xx

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
Albert Schweitzer

Big Sur, California

2008-07-06T21:30:00.004+10:00

"The fire, which began June 21, had consumed 68,712 acres and 20 structures as of Friday night. Costing $16.8 million and still only 5 percent contained, it continues to burn down the Post Creek drainage canyon, near Ventana Inn, Post Ranch Inn and Nepenthe. To preserve downtown businesses, firefighters Friday night launched a "backfire" along many miles of the eastern flank of Highway 1"."Nearly 1,200 firefighters struggled to surround the blaze while a DC-10 air tanker and other aircraft dumped water and fire retardant along ridges and in steep canyons". "The firefighters are stretched thin, they are exhausted, and some have gone days without sleep', said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who visited a command post in the coastal region of Santa Barbara County, where nearly 2,700 homes were threatened by a four-day-old fire in the Los Padres National Forest that has consumed about 13 square miles".

Oh LORD here I am in the comfort and security of my home;
While half a world away wildfires are destroying people's livelihoods;
Razing homes to the ground;
Causing untold misery and hardship;

Firefighters have reached the limits of their endurance;
They are tired and exhausted from protecting people and animals and property from the all consuming flames;
Zack and Cheese and the children and Denim are tired from helping to fight the fires too,

LORD their homes are at risk of being consumed by the fires;
LORD I pray that they have not lost their homes;
I beseech you LORD for with You all things are possible;
Protect the firefighters....
Protect Zack, Cheese and the children....
Protect Denim and his family....

Bless you LORD and thank You for your infinite mercy.
AMEN

Desiderata

2008-07-05T13:19:00.002+10:00

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly & clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull & ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing future of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees & the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours & aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

2008-06-26T22:22:00.000+10:00

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light,

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,

not so much to be understood as to understand,

not so much to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
- St. Francis of Assisi

Only the Good Die Young

2008-06-19T19:46:00.003+10:00

Could you say a prayer for me? My roomie just found out that one of his former roomies from Italy was found dead in his sleep the other day - he was only 24. He had moved back to New York to start a new life with his girlfriend - they were so in love and so happy, but this disaster has torn them apart.

Father God,
We can't believe that this has happened, that a young man has been taken from this world, from friends and family.
We can't understand why a young couple full of hope and potential have been separated.
We can't understand why you allowed this tragedy.

Help us all to hold fast to you, the God of love, the force of good.
Bring comfort to all who have been touched by this loss of a precious young life.

Help us all to remember that we are here for such a short time, help us to enjoy the blessings of each day, to live lives to be proud of, to give to the people we come into contact with.

Most of all, give peace and hope to all those who have been hurt by the death of this young man.
Take care of Peter as he supports his roomie, take care of the friends who are facing their own mortality perhaps for the first time. Take care of this man's girlfriend and family, comfort them at a time of extreme loss and shock. Give them people to lean on and angels to protect them.

Amen

Albert Namatjira's Prayer

2008-06-15T21:07:00.004+10:00

The artist Albert Namatjira was compatible with both the black and white man's worlds in Australia.
His work was painted with the white man's techniques but its depth resulted from his understanding of his aboriginal heritage.
He worked and prayed for understanding between two cultures.

See from my brush what is beauty
Know what I feel for this land
Dwell not on me as an artist
Grasp what in Dreamtime was planned.

Life-giving spirits are present
Their colours a glory to show
Life in the rocks and the ranges
Love in the deserts below.

Gaze at the gifts in the ghost gums
Purity, white in their bark
Destiny, mine to present it
The dreaming allowing life's spark.

I paint not for tribesmen who know it
I paint so the new understand
The force living here, all around us
Now guiding this brush in my hand.

Honour God's work here before us
Learn of the depth of His dreams
We are a small part of Nature
Life is far more than it seems.

Drinking the earth to my bosom
Drinking its warmth to my heart
Praying the new will preserve it
Praying you see through my art.

- Alan G. Simmons

The Fox family......

2008-06-11T19:15:00.007+10:00

Please post a prayer for the family of a classmate of Nathan's. His name is Harley Fox. He perished in a house fire last night. His sister was badly burned too, but she survived and is in a local children's hospital. This poor family and their friends need all of the blessings they can get right now. Harley was a precious little boy and my heart is just broken thinking about the pain and fear that he must have suffered. I would appreciate anything you can muster.

Bless those who mourn, eternal God,

with the comfort of your love

that they may face each new day with hope

and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given.

May their memories become joyful,

their days enriched with friendship,

and their lives encircled by your love.

Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Father God,

This is another time that I come to you almost speechless.

Take care of this family now and in the days to come.

Comfort the parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, schoolfriends, teachers....

all of the people associated with little Harley.

Let their care for Harley and for each other bind them closer.

Soothe this family after the trauma of the fire

after the loss of a home,

the loss of precious keepsakes.

The loss of a child

and the terrible pain of another.

Father take care of Harley's sister,

ease her pain,

give her strength and courage to face a difficult recovery.

Prevent infection and complication.

Thank you that Harley is with you now,

his pain and his fear are gone

and he is surrounded by your goodness and love,

which is undiluted by the cares of the world.

Bless this family and their community.

Amen

For Maddy....

2008-06-08T17:07:00.002+10:00

There's another little girl you could write a prayer for. Her name is Madeleine McCann, and she went missing from her parents' rental holiday home a year ago in Portugal. It's been very high profile news in and around Europe. The parents were at a bar within walking distance of the apartment, and Madeleine and her twin siblings were sleeping in the apartment. When the parents went back to check (they checked a lot of the time), they found the window open and Madeleine was gone - there has been no trace of her yet.

Father God,
I don't know how to start in talking to you about little Madeleine. It seems such a hopeless case. You, God, know everything. You know where she is, you know what happened to her and I don't know where to start.
If there is still hope for Maddy I ask you that you will bring about her return to her loved ones, that her suffering will end, that her scars will be bearable. I ask that the trials she has undoubtedly endured will be put to some positive use. You are a God of miracles, will you do a miracle for the Mc Canns?

If there is no more hope for her in this life I know that she is safe and happy with you, help her parents to feel some of that confidence.

God, you know the enormous pain involved in this case and ones like it. You know the frustrations of the investigators, you know the intrusions of the media, you know the difficulties that I can't even imagine. Put your hands on all of this.

Give your peace and love to everyone close to this case. Bring some resolution so that people can heal and move forward. Lord, it seems a little callous to say that but if there is no more hope allow the case to be finished, allow the Mc Cann family to grasp whatever joy they still can.

Again I ask that your love and light will triumph.
Amen

Amber Alert

2008-06-06T20:23:00.003+10:00

Father God,
Right now there is an alert out in California for an abducted child. We can only begin to imagine the agony being suffered by this child, her parents, family, friends......
We ask you, Father, to take care of this little one of yours. Calm her fears, protect her body and spirit and return her safe to her family.
Wrap your love and protection around her loved ones, quiet their distress and give them peace.

Lord, be with the people involved with this case: law enforcement personnel, maybe medical personnel, volunteers......
God you know the toll these cases take on the people surrounding them. We thank you for these people who witness atrocity and ask that you would care for them not just now but in every case.

Might you show your love and power through this case and may you, the essence of light and hope be glorified.

Amen

Saint Stephen's Anglican Church, Highett

2008-06-01T12:56:00.013+10:00

I would like to share with visitors to "A Yarn with God" a picture of my family church. This Church has been placed on a Heritage Listing due to its unusual architecture. The building is five-sided, rather like a pentagon. The significance of this design is the reference to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
Jo and I have been regular worshipers here since 1982. Our daughter, Helen was Christened here on Anzac Day, April 25, 1993.

2008-05-30T22:22:00.004+10:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

2008-05-24T22:24:00.002+10:00

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray And to concentrate my thoughts on you: I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live nowThat I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,Your name be praised.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prayer

2008-05-19T23:04:00.002+10:00

Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven,
From earth's confusion to Jesus' breast;
My sin and weakness,my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost forever in sweetest rest.

From :-
The Salvation Army's Song (hymn) book
and at the back in the chorus section.
They could be described perhaps as one
verse hymns.
John.

Suzanne at My Rose Cottage Studio

2008-05-15T22:42:00.004+10:00

Last Friday Suzanne was feeling unwell. She was nauseous, had a headache and had difficulty talking. However Suze continued with her daily routine. During Saturday the symptoms became worse and on Sunday(Mothers' Day) Suze experienced numbness and tingling down her left side. Suze put off seeking medical attention but is finally seeing doctors tomorrow (Thursday).

Dear LORD,
Suzanne is unwell and will be going to hospital....
Be with her LORD.... comfort her...
Let your love surround her in her time of need...
We place our faith in you LORD to look after her...
Be with Rob too ...
Give him the strength to cope with whatever may be...
Father, we ask these things through Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen

For the People of Myanmar

2008-05-12T21:04:00.005+10:00

In the aftermath of the cyclone and tsunami the situation in Myanmar has become desperate indeed . . .
International aid agencies are being hindered by a regime that seems intent on only looking after its own interests
Aid and succour is being hampered by a junta that refuses help from the United States
The junta's generals proceed with a referendum to further entrench themselves despite the overwhelming devastation caused by a cyclone and subsequent tsunami
The generals want to be seen being as in control of the situation
China and Indonesia have forestalled relief efforts
The United Nations urges Myanmar's regime to relax its control and allow foreign aid workers into the country to help the people of Myanmar

Oh God,

We pray that Myanmar's regime lets aid get through quickly and efficiently to those people that most desperately need it and that the military junta relaxes visa requirements so that foreign aid workers can freely go where they are most needed.
We ask that China and Indonesia co-operate with the leaders of Western Governments to help ease the suffering of the people of Myanmar.
We pray that the people of Myanmar are not left to suffer needlessly when help is close at hand.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

For Big Sur.....

2008-05-10T12:03:00.003+10:00

In this post Zack of Inner voices describes the events surrounding the suicide of a friend......

Oh God....
No imaginings of mine can do justice to this catastrophe
No words are good enough to heal

Thank you for Zack's presence on the scene of this tragedy
Thank you for his ability to see a path through the events
and his ability to carve that path for the people around him.

In the aftermath of suicide Mike's friends and family will suffer....
numbness
survivor guilt
rage......

LOSS

Father, help the people of Big Sur
help them to feel their way through this
to support each other
to draw on their best qualities
to feel your love

Give healing and peace

amen

For Bindi...

2008-05-10T11:49:00.003+10:00

Bindi's Pappa has had an injury to his hand.....
Bindi is frustrated by being unable to offer practical support....

Father God,
Thank you for the strong and loving family that Bindi comes from.
I know that Bindi is feeling bad about being away from home and unable to offer practical support to her family so I ask that you would comfort her with the knowledge that her sister and brothers are there to help. Encourage her that her parents would want her to be happy and not weighed down by pain over their difficulties.
Father, Bindi's frustration comes from a genuine love and care, a love and care that comes from you so I know that when the time is right you will honour her good intentions. You will allow her to be the daughter she so much wants to be. While she waits for the right time give her peace of mind and help her to understand the value of her emails and phone calls to her family.
Bless Bindi, Brian and Serene.
Take care of Bindi's family in India, give them peace and courage and allow Pappas hand to heal fully.
Amen

For Lavinia

2008-05-08T21:00:00.020+10:00

Lavinia Ladyslipper of the Bird Bath Chronicles has had her bird bath vandalised a few times and is finding it disheartening. She has posted this prayer:

Dear Lord,
someone out there, whom you alone know...has raised their hand in destruction of the birdbath...placed in a very special garden...Dear Lord, please guide the hand that seeks to destroy...and turn it instead to goodness and kindness. Please turn the feet of the destructor away from the garden..... We do what we can, Lord, for the beautiful creatures you have placed in the trees and the sky.....who's sweet birdsong is an early morning lullaby, and an evening serenade to the world.
Please watch over the birdbath, Dear Lord.
Thank you. Amen.

She has also asked for prayer:

Father God,

We see your hand in the natural world and it's beauty is one of your gifts to us so we would add our voices to Lavinia's prayer. We thank you for the blessings that come from the garden and the birds and ask that you would continue to show your love in this way.

Give the vandals new eyes to see what it is that they are doing, give them eyes for beauty and hearts of compassion, provide for them a better outlet for the emotion that motivates their actions.

Thank you for Lavinia and for her contribution to her world.

Amen

MYANMAR

2008-05-07T17:04:00.001+10:00

Almighty God,
Those of us who communicate with one another via Kylie's Blog ask that you have mercy on the people of Myanmar (or the old Burma) and that as the Dictator Generals open Burma to aid giving agencies and countries from around the globe it will lead to the liberation of the Burmese people.
In the meantime we pray that the immediate suffering of these people will be minimised in the aftermath of the horrendous cyclonic events.
May it it also heighten in all of us a deep appreciation of our favourable cicumstances.
Amen and Amen.

The above entreaty posted by John
On behalf of the Eclectica people!

For "Rastus"

2008-05-04T22:01:00.000+10:00

This is a quote from Suzanne, referring to her newly adopted dog who I have temporarily named Rastus.....It's the name of my cousin's dog and it just popped into my head:

"I need a bit of help with his medical procedure and hope he doesn't have bad memories or much pain (his appointment is Monday). I also need a bit of help with his adjustment to a more gentle life. I want him to know how much he's loved and to not be afraid. I want him to love and appreciate Mom as much as she will love and appreciate him. I want him to enjoy his new life and forget all his hardships."

Father God,

There is so much to praise you for in the story of wee Rastus:

a couple who probably have overwhelming problems saw fit to take him in
when they realised that they couldn't give him the home he deserved they were prepared to commit time and effort to finding him somewhere else
Suzanne was in the right place at the right time and with the right heart to offer help
"Mom" had room in her home and heart to become his permanent guardian.

Thank you that all of these circumstances combined in the right way to care for this little dog and now we ask that you would care for him in his transition to a new life. Take care of him through the vet procedures, steady his mind and assure him that he can trust these people. Heal him from past traumas and help him to understand the love that is being offered him, to accept it, enjoy it and return it.

We thank you for all that you have done in the lives of Suzanne & "Mom" & "Rastus" and know that you will continue to bless them all.

Amen

A Set of Prayerful Words

2008-05-03T11:35:00.000+10:00

For Bindi, Brian and Serene, Cecile and all their loved ones.

Almighty God, we approach you in the name of Jesus The Nazarene and we ask that you protect, guide and direct the folk mentioned above from the the physical and mental dangers caused by the power of Mother nature. When things go awry, be they trivial, important, physical and spiritual we know you will supply them the courage, wisdom and faith to prevail over circumstances that are beyond or within their control.

Now we leave them in your care. Amen and Amen.

A Mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he amid the flood,
Of mortral ills prevailing.

From John.

Tornado Alert

2008-05-03T08:08:00.000+10:00

This is to alert you that CNN just reported tornados are all over Arkansas and Little Rock is being pounded with them. I believe the alert extends to well after midnight. As you know both Bindi and Cecile are in/near Little Rock. I'm very worried.

Let us press on then, never despair,

Live above feeling, victory's there,

Jesus can keep us so near to Him

That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.

God,
We think of Bindi, Brian & Serene also Cecile & her husband, Nathan & Forrest. We can only imagine the worry they must feel in the middle of a tornado alert, the powerlessness and the agony of waiting.
Calm their spirits, allow them a peace and a sense of unity to help them through this difficult time.
Keep your hand on all of the people of Arkansas / Little Rock, keep them safe and let them feel the power of your love.
Amen

For Mr Big

2008-04-30T21:23:00.000+10:00

"Mr. Big is having a Heart Catheter, and probably Angioplasty on this Friday, would you kindly add him to your prayers?"

Father God,
Thank you for Mr Big and for Debbie, their love for their family is obvious to us and strong loving families are the foundation for good societies and fulfilling lives. In their role as parents and grandparents Deb and Mr B are so important to their children and grandchildren and to our world.
Take care of Mr Big on Friday, give him and Debbie peace of mind, watch over the procedure to ensure it's safety and make Mr Big's recovery fast and uneventful. We pray that the procedure will enhance Mr Big's health, his quality and length of life.
We acknowledge you as the great physician and have faith that you will honour your promises to answer prayer.
Bless Deb and Mr B each day.
Amen

For Peter and Em

2008-04-30T14:16:00.000+10:00

Father in Heaven,
When Em goes to Afghanistan
watch over and protect her in this dangerous environment. May those who come in contact be comforted through her practical care. May she herself grow spiritually, intellectually and in growing mauturity.
Be with and make yourself known to her Peter and the extended family.
From John
Kylie's Dad.

For Peter & Em

2008-04-29T19:39:00.001+10:00

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

Father God,

We thank you for the life of Em, for her willingness to serve her country and for the caring spirit which must have led her to become a medic.

Thank you for the place that she holds in her family, too.

Em's posting to Afghanistan has maybe been a bit shocking for herself and her loved ones so we would ask first, God, that you will give them all peace.

We thank you for giving Em the opportunity to support her countrymen & women in times of great need, while they are sick or injured, maybe homesick and scared. Give her the energy and strenth she will need, the compassion and the skills and the wisdom.

Make her work fruitful and bring her home safely.

Let Em and her friends and family relax in the knowledge of your providence.

Amen

For Ohno....

2008-04-28T20:15:00.000+10:00

Suzanne's young cat Ohno has a lump on his hip.........

I recently read The Lord's Prayer translated directly from Aramaic and it begins "O Breathing Life...."

Oh Breathing life,
Thank you for the joy and companionship that Ohno brings to Suzanne and Rob. Thank you, too for the gifts of compassion , fun and loyalty that Suzanne shares with all who cross her path.
We know the fear that can come from the discovery of a lump and we ask firstly that you will allow Suzanne to feel calm and confident, that she will be able to take care of herself until she is able to get a diagnosis for Ohno.
God, you are the great physician and we would ask you that you will meet Ohno's needs right now, maybe pain relief or maybe calm in the unfamiliar sounds and smells of the surgery, whatever he needs, you know and we trust you to give generously to him.
Finally we pray that Ohno will soon be well and happy, blessing everyone around him with his unique spirit.
Amen.

"not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent" Matthew 10:29

2008-04-25T22:38:00.000+10:00

There seem to be plenty of times when someone in my life would appreciate a bit of support in the form of "A yarn with God".
I'm not sure what direction this blog will head in but for now let's just say that if you'd like me to pray for you, let me know.