Saturday, May 9, 2009

Repost: Prayer

I originally posted this on March 14, 2008. I thought it might be a good idea to repost it since it is still relevant...

As I have mentioned before, one of the greatest comforts for me these past few months has been the opportunity to pray for other people. Over the past 9 weeks, I have literally received hundreds (maybe thousands) of comments and emails asking me to pray for others who are going through difficult times of their own.

It has been an honor and a blessing to pray for each one, and I have tried to personally respond to every email that has been sent and view every blog/website link that I've been pointed to.

Many of those same comments and emails have also asked that I post a link to these other people who need prayer. And, back when I wasn't getting an average of 250 comments and 50 emails a day, I was happy and able to so.

Unfortunately, because of the huge number of these requests, I had to make the decision several (months) ago to not post any of the links because I do not have the time and energy to post them all, and I can't post just a few because that would cause serious problems. The few third-party prayers that I do post now are almost exclusively from and/or about people that I know personally.

I do want you to know that I read every single comment and every single email, and try to respond to every email as best I can. If you send me an email asking for prayer, and I do not respond, it is almost definitely because I do not receive it (and yes, I check my junk folder every day). And, I take the time to pray for every request.

My heart sincerely breaks and grieves with compassion and empathy for every story that I read, whether about an older adult or a young child, and it is very difficult for me to not feel guilty that I cannot post every single link.

I hope and pray that you can understand my situation and decisions about this topic. I have never once deleted a comment that has asked for prayer for another person because I know that many in my family, and many of my readers take a look at most, if not all, of the comments. And, in fact, I continue to encourage all of my readers to post their prayer requests here on my blog so that others can read and join me in prayer.

I believe that prayer is more than just a good vibe or a few kind words that might somehow mystically make a difference in somebody's life. I believe that prayer is the opportunity to talk with the God of the universe as if He were (and I believe that He is) sitting right beside me as a close friend. And, because of that, I believe that God hears and answers each and every prayer of those who know Him.

Sometimes He answers in a way that we want Him to, and other times He does not. But, even when His answer is not what I want or expect, He does answer every time, and it is always the best answer.

So, again, thank you, not only for giving me even more reason to forget about my own difficult situation, but for also giving me even more reason to spend time talking with the One who has made me and sustains me.

Thanks.

Nate

(Please, know that I am not posting this because of any one person's request for prayer.)

13 comments:

Unknown said...

No worries about the links, personal prayer is more than enough! I am sure you are busy enough with your beautiful girls.

I pray for you, Gwyneth, and Tricia on a daily basis regardless of posting links!!!

Sheryl said...

I can't imagine how many requests you get for prayer! Thankfully, God knows our needs whether they get posted on the www or linked to etc.

Praying for you all today. Still cannot believe how much pain Tricia is in from her fall. How frustrating.

Mother's Day tomorrow!! How exciting for your family.

Jenn said...

Nate,

I was one of the many who requested prayer at a moment when my sister was about to have her bone marrow transplant. While I was momentarily disappointed, I think all of us who have gotten to know you through your blog know that you would have good and valid reasons for your decisions. Thanks for explaining, but just know that we understand!

*Happy Mother's Day to Tricia tomorrow!! :)

~Jenn

Laura said...

No matter who sees the requests our GOD knows them. To know that someone is praying is something that sometimes I can't get my mind around sometimes.
I am praying for you and your sweet family. To just think that Tricia is home and gets to spend Mother's Day with her family is so precious. GOD is so good.

teacheroftwos said...

I came across your blog through McMama! I have a friend whose daughter has CF! Does your daughter have it too or just your wife? I will be praying for your family!

Staci said...

Happy Mother's Day to Tricia tomorrow and I pray that she is feeling better after her fall.

Kairol Rosenthal said...

I am glued to your blog and your story is remarkable. I am the author of Everything Changes: The Insider's Guide to Cancer in Your 20s and 30s. I have a lot of connections/resources in the lymphoma world. Don't ever hesitate to contact me if I can be of help to you in anyway. All my best to your family! Kairol

Elaine said...

I agree with Christina when she says personal prayer is more than enough and that links aren't always needed.
Will be praying that Tricia recovers quickly from her fall and wish her the HAPPIEST MOTHERS DAY EVER!
Elaine from MT

Mallory said...

Hi, MckMama led me to your blog a few weeks ago, but I've never commented before. I am praying for your gorgeous family.

I felt like this would be an okay place to post this. I am in desperate need of prayers, both for medical reasons and emotional ones. I'm not yet 17 and have ten surgeries while staying close to the top of my class. I graduate next month, and just getting to that point is getting harder and harder. I'm also dealing with my family pretty much falling apart. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Jenny said...

As always a beautiful post Nate, so eloquently said. I truly hope and PRAY that you are free from any quilt about links you don't post, you have already done so much just by sharing your story, it's all any of us can possibly ask. Thanks for sharing by the way, you guys are incredible.

Laura said...

Hello Nate, Trica and Baby G ;)

I can understand where you are coming from. We get many prayer requests as well, we let our friends know we are praying for them, but unable to post in fear of missing someone and hurting others.

Praying Trica is feeling much better after her fall.

I know this may seem like a silly prayer request. But no prayer is to small. My daughter is in desperate need of shoes! Not just any shoes, she needs shoes to fit afo's. We do not have the funds. Please pray we are able to provide some how.

Thank you.

Laura (mom to a cf'er)

Kate, Alek, Hank, and Cash (RIP RED) said...

Do not worry about it, we understand. Posting is a big enough challenge at times and then we have our spouses and little ones that need us.....Thanks for reaching out Nate on my recent post about Hazel and Edgar. I have referred their parents to your blog as a resource as I know they use to read it with me while they were in NC with us...
As always
SMILE
Kate

Jodi said...

You are an amazing person with an amazing story to tell. I'm sure that everyone who asks for prayers feels that your personal prayer is more than enough. You help more people than you know. . including me. . .who are going through difficult times. And you do so by simply sharing your own story, revelations and thoughts. Thanks!