The Prayer’s of Black Women

February 2

Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.

Proverbs 3:27

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend about another friend’s unfortunate situation. Our discussion was about everyone in my friend’s household having COVID. The friend that I was discussing made a hard decision to nurse one of her children that caught COVID. She’d hope her child could have remained in the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, according to my friend, the doctors weren’t treating her daughter’s illness to standards that had a favorable outcome. So my friend checked her daughter out of the hospital and took her home to nurse back to health.

I gotta give it to my friend! She’s badass! But her choice came with a cost of not knowing the end price that will be paid. She, her elderly husband and a daughter each tested positive with COVID, with her having worse symptoms than her husband and daughter. I better wrap this thought up!

Well, my friend was concerned for everyone’s health. She found a place for her younger children to stay but no one wanted to take her elderly husband. I told my friend, “Girl, if I was there I would take him.” She responded with “strangers are always nicer than family.” I have thoughts on who’s family; however, that’s a topic for a later date.

Any-who-how, my friend listened to my friend’s story until I said, I told her I would help. That’s when my friend said, “No, you can’t afford to help anyone at the moment. You’re always taking on other people’s problems and forgoing your own. God wants us to help others but not to our detriment. Something you always end up doing.” The funny thing about what my friend was saying came across as harsh, unkind and definitely unloving. Yet, her stern words were my truth and the truth of countless others. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father of the Universe, thank you for this wonderful day filled with your endless mercies. Your word asks that we help others when it’s within our power. Yet, for many of us we tend to over do things when it comes to helping others; and, sadly, our overzealousness unintentionally removes you from the equation. Temper our spirits of “Good Will” so that our efforts are pleasing to you and spiritually rewarding to the doer and the receiver. Amen

Protection for Medical Professionals

takeittothelord2
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Prayer:  Good morning, Lord.  Today I pray you will pour out your guidance and wisdom within each medical professional community.  Show them how to combat COVID-19.  Protect each person as they become your legs, arms and body in an effort to heal your people.  Amen

The Prayer’s of Black Women: Lord Help Those That are Grieving

Artist:  Henry Lee Battle
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

You are still alive, so live. Don’t just exist. Don’t just breathe in and out. Don’t just go through the motions. LIVE! And just because you make that choice to live, it doesn’t mean your not still grieving. There is no “getting over it”. I like to think of it as moving through it. The pain is still there. It still hurts as bad as the first days sometimes. The void in your life is always there. The loss is there whether there are tears in your eyes or a smile on your face.  ~Leslie Wachter McDonald

Lord this morning I’m praying for the grieving hearts.  Why?  Because the saddest acts of unkindness among those that have lost or that are losing a loved one is always heart wrenching.  Sadly the sorrowful bring their grieving strife to others to sort.  And in the midst of seeking comfort of their loss or losses they are usually exploited.  So this morning Lord I lift the grieving hearts to you.

First, Lord, I’m requesting with a sincere and humble heart that you put them under your protection.  I’m asking Lord that you will put a salve of comfort over their wounded minds.  I’m asking Lord that you will bring compassion in their midst for those that are grieving the same loss.  I’m asking Lord that you bring an understanding to each of their acts of judgment.  But most of all, Lord, let your presence be known so that finalization of their dead earthly possessions can be carried out with private dignity.  Amen  

The Prayers of Black Women: Prayer For Those That Talk Too Much

The Man With Leprosy
(Luke 5:12-14)

Artist:  Henry Lee Battle
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

¹²While Jesus was in one of the town, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.  When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  ¹³Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  “I am willing.” he said.  “Be Clean!”  And immediately the leprosy left him.  14Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.

Lord, some people talk too much because they want other’s to hear their “know it all” speeches;  then again some people talk too much because of nerves chatter; and, then, Lord, some people talk too much because of self-absorption.  But this prayer is for those that talk to much because of emotional and mental pain that overflows into their daily conversations.

Lord, help the person that is in emotional or mental pain to see that you enter into their lives everyday.  Lord help them to understand you know their spirits are filled with worries.  Let them know Lord they are no different from the man with leprosy when it comes to your unyielding love for your creation.  Lord, allow them to feel your presence; and gently convey to their spirits that you stand waiting to heal their brokenness.  Lord, give them the words to ask in prayer for guidance and healing as they create a dialogue between you and them.

I am asking for you to do these things Lord because:  I have found those that unwittingly share life experiences have been greatly wounded.  And because of their sorrows I come humbly before your Throne of Grace.  So, once again, Lord, I am asking for divine healing for those that talk too much as they try to ease their emotional and mental pains.  Lord, I ask that they find a true friend in you.  Lord, I pray that you begin to peel the layers of untold anguish from their unconscious minds.  Exposing their raw emotions for what they are as you help them to deal with each heartache privately.  For in lessening their spiritual suffering they can find hope.  And in finding hope they will find wisdom in who to share your blessings among and their tribulations with.

Your Loving Daughter,
Annette