Good morning…
Yesterday’s student Sunday at Northside Church was quite special. Kids I have seen grow up over the years played major roles in all three services. Audrey DeShelter shared the pastoral prayer, which felt beautifully reciprocal. Ongoing prayer support is one of the best gifts, given and received, when we are deeply connected to our church family.
Before leading us in prayer, Audrey shared a little bit about her cancer journey. She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age five when her mom was in our Bible study. Having survived four relapses and umpteen rounds of various treatments, Audrey is now a high school senior. Many, many Sundays for over thirteen years, Audrey’s name has been read aloud during our pastoral prayer time. Yesterday, it felt really right and heartwarming to hear Audrey lift in prayer the names of those experiencing joys and sorrows this week, leaving off her own name.
Now I follow up behind her, asking that we pray for Audrey as she heads to Children’s Healthcare of Philadelphia for very important scans on Wednesday and Thursday. Tonight I have the privilege of making and taking her homemade Stromboli. Along with our deep-seated prayers, may Audrey’s belly be filled with God’s warm love, as she and her parents travel to Philly again tomorrow.
…pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power] (James 5:16b, AMP).
Healing, restoring, accomplishing much, may God put our prayers into powerful action.
…Sue…
P.S. I also ask for prayers for my parents this week as they meet with my mom’s surgeon on Tuesday and her family doctor on Wednesday. We are praying that her colon has healed well and that her final reversal surgery will be scheduled as soon as possible. Please pray that she will no longer need this cumbersome colostomy bag. Thank you for your heartfelt and persistent prayers.
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