Oh, Heavenly Father,

Although I have been in many stormy seas, you have always been present with me. I have never been left alone or forsaken.

Now I am struggling once again in the midst of an onslaught of health issues. Many have prayed for my healing, but symptoms persist. I am afraid I will become incapacitated and unable to care for myself or serve the immigrants I dearly love. Who will care for me since I am a widow and childless?

Some of my pain issues are a result of bad choices I have made. Others have come as a result of harm done to me.

Lord, have mercy upon me. Please take care of me and allay all of my fears.

You are faithful and trustworthy, an ever present help in times of trouble. It brings you great honor when your children put the full weight of their trust in you, for in this you are greatly glorified. 

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O LORD, my heart is heavy within me

Where are your people?

We push ahead like nothing is wrong, toward a prize that looks nothing like you

We’ve fallen victim to the snare of the enemy – divided, cold, unmovable

Our kingdom looks like the world

We ignore pain for the sake of seeing our plans through

We ignore suffering of others because we refuse to face our own shame

Why have you let it happen?

Have you turned your face from us?

Hear the cry of your servant

I long for the Kingdom you promise, the Eden we were designed for

Come quickly, O LORD

You separate the sheep from the goats

You hold all authority, you have no equal.

No scheme can prevail against your decree

Your Faithfulness will stand forever!

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Lord, oh Lord. Holy God you are a mighty fortress-we are running to you.

We have heard of your fame and your good deeds, in our day make them known. You have rescued and grown your church in Afghanistan. You have made a way for them.

How long will wait before you rescue them again? It is too much. Why is this evil happening? It is hard to understand what you are doing. The Taliban terrorize and control people in your name Father God! They are abusing innocents. Believers are scattered, frightened, hungry.

We confess it is hard to trust you in times like these. We know we are sinners, and we confess to being aloof, and second guessing you and not understanding why you haven’t done something that we consider worthy of doing. We confess that we are making plans ahead of you. Forgive us for not remember the plight of the oppressed, and living our lives with blinders on, for not praying ardently for your people.

Pour out your grace and mercy upon your people. Help us to be closer to you. Rescue those in immediate danger. Pour out your justice. Change the hearts of those who seek to do evil. Rescue and release the Afghan people from their bondage. Make captures favorable toward Christians. Shield believers. Give great courage to the women and girls who are being abused and brutalized.

We believe you are doing mighty things. We know good can come out of this. We believe you are blessing the people in Afghanistan. We trust that the suffering will not be in vain. We praise you for the work you are doing.