Prayer

Recently I received three beautiful handmade cards from Mr. Redding's 7th and 8th grade Bible classes at Gilbert Christian School, hand delivered with a big smile by my granddaughter, Sarah.
The cards reminded me to stay strong, to trust God, to feel better, to keep the faith. And I can do those very things knowing that I have the prayers of these young people going heavenward on my behalf. These kids don't know me personally but they pray for me. That's pretty special! And what's even more special is that they are learning that there is great power in prayer.
I was very, very encouraged by these short messages and will pray for each name on the cards, confident of the fact that even if I don't know the individual needs of these young folks and their teacher, God does.
Thank you, students and Mr. Redding! Because of your example I will look for ways to encourage others today.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He Who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."-Romans 8:26, 27 (NIV).

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well..."-James 5:15a (NIV).

".....The prayer of a righteous man [student] is powerful and effective."-James 5:16b (NIV).

On the health front:
Three and a half days of freedom from chemo left. Not quite sure how I feel about that.