If there's someone...

"Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous."~Albert Einstein  

If there is someone...

Have you ever known someone whom you can't get off your mind.  No matter how hard you've tried. :-)

There are reminders of them when you lease expect it.  You may see them from a distance or run into them in the most surprising places.  You may be somewhere where your worlds are overlapping, and even meet people that are far less then 6 degrees of separation.   The universe putting people and situations together making connections... that it's hard for me to believe they are coincidences.

"The universe is always sending us signs and messages through coincidences.  Look around and Believe."

Then if I found out through mutual connections or friends, that things weren't going well for them, I would wonder what it was that God wanted me to do.  I always feel I find out these things and keep being reminded of them, because I'm suppose to do something.  It used to drive me crazy knowing they weren't making decisions that are best for them or going the wrong direction.  

Many times people make major life decisions out of guilt or fear, instead of what their hearts are telling them.  Sometimes our heads rationalize our actions and ignore where are hearts are trying to lead them.

Often we ask God in prayer 'What is the plan?"  Forgetting that he gives us 'signs' or answers, all the time.  With 'not so chance' encounters, mutual friends, dreams, intuition and hearts that feel... even hurt.  Ignoring our intuition, hearts, and coincidences that are really signs or guidance, will never lead any of us to the path that God wants us to take or the eventual plan that he has for us.   

God does have a plan for each of us, however he gave us free will so it is up to us on whether we 'listen' to the 'signs' and fulfill that plan.   So if someone is on your mind and don't know what God wants you to do.  Pray for them... with all your heart.  That really is how God moves!

"The universe is always speaking to us... Sending us little messages, causing coincidences and sereudipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else, something more."~Nancy Thayer

Can you feel me Praying for You?

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Someone, Somewhere

Life has been such a struggle for me,
Nothing is going right.
I am so weak, lost and afraid,
My days are dark as night.
I cry out to God but just can't find the words,
 This pain just won't go away.
Then hope fills my soul and I start to believe,
That things will get better today.
I know that someone is praying for me,
I can feel it in my heart.
Tears filled my eyes and I almost gave up,
My heart felt so ripped apart.
But someone, somewhere said a prayer for me,
God knew just what to do.
For He knew my struggles and sent me someone,
To pray to get me through.
I know that someone is praying for me,
Cause I couldn't do it myself.
Then in an instant I felt so free,
He took care of me by Himself.
He asked someone loving to answer His call,
Someone who really does care.
To lift me up to our heavenly Lord,
A dear friend out there somewhere.
Life is still a struggle for me,
But I get on my knees and pray.
Although I am weak I'm much stronger now,
There's sunshine back in my day.
It makes all the difference knowing someone,
Really cares about me.
For God sent me someone, somewhere out there,
To pray on behalf of me.
If the Lord leads you to pray for someone,
A friend or someone unknown,
Don't look away for God needs your help,
And to you He has shown.
Your love and kindness could change someone's life,
Although they may not know you.
The life that you helped could have been mine,
And to you I say, THANK-YOU!
I know what it's like to have someone, somewhere,
Ask the Lord to guide me.
I felt so alone, but that prayer changed my life,
And set my heart so free.
I'll keep my heart open and listen for God,
Then I'll pray to Him for you.
For I want to be that someone, somewhere,
Who God can use for you.

Nancy Burr

A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog

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A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog  From the World Council of Churches:

God of life, God of love:

In the face of unbearable tragedy we turn to you;

hear our cry, listen to our prayers, to our words, to our silence …

God of healing, God of mercy:

Hear our prayers for the people of Norway;

for all in deep distress, for all who grieve, for the injured and the shocked, for those in despair.

May they be cared for and comforted.

For all in the emergency services working long hours to search, to listen, to care, to protect, to heal.

May they be given strength and also find support.

God of mercy, God of peace:

Hear our prayers for all around the world facing terror and unspeakable violence;

May violence be overcome and the path to peace be found.

All human life is fragile, each of us is precious in your eyes,

Teach us to value one another as you value us.

God of justice, God of courage:

We pray for all leaders in times of crisis,

That they may act for the common good, offering hope and not fear.

God of courage, God of transformation:

We pray for our churches,

That they may be places of openness and forgiveness, planting the values of peace and justice in society.

Transform all fundamentalism and vengeance into attitudes that make for reconciliation.

May we learn to be children of your kingdom of love.

God of all grace and all thankfulness:

In gratitude we pray, giving thanks for the prayers and encouragement which come from so many people and places at this time of suffering, pain and mourning. We learn global solidarity in a time of crisis; may we not forget one another in less stressful times ahead.

These prayers and the heavy silence of our hearts we offer in the name of your son Jesus Christ who trod the path of peace in the face of violence.

Amen

Thanks to Reverend Chuck Currie who passed this on via twitter.

Marty Troyer prayers for all kinds of people as pastor of Houston Mennonite Church. Join us Sunday to pray, grieve, and process a faithful Christian response to the prevalence of violence in our world, 10:45AM in Spring Branch or visit us online at houstonmennonite.org. Follow Marty by subscribing below or @thepeacepastor on Twitter.

Prayer for my Friends...

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”The true friend is the one who’s coming in the door while everyone else is going out. Friends are the ones who love you when you’re hard to love, stand by you when it’s not the popular thing to do and are there for you when you need it, even if it means they don’t get anything back.” ~ Author unknown

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Prayer for my Friends

I will pray for you, my friend.

I will name you in my heart before God and ask all His blessing be upon you.

I will be concerned for your safety and your daily mood.

I will be sympathetic to your personal needs and desires in each day of your life.

I will wish you well in your learning, or your work, in your domestic round and your happiness.

I will think of you at the close of each day and pray that God’s peace be with you.

If you have been especially kind or helpful to me then I will make my gratitude known to you.

If you are in trouble or difficulty of any kind, or simply tired and worn down, I will do all and anything I can to lift your spirits.

I will ache for you in your sorrows and disasters and rejoice with you in your joys and triumphs.

I will love and care for you as I love and care for myself.

~ Author unknown

Prayers for your Safe Travel and Protection

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Dear God, may your angels guard and protect you; keeping you safe all the way that you must travel.  In times of purest joy or pain and fear, God's Angels guard and keep you safe. Amen.

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God Grant you Protection

Grant, O Lord, Thy protection

And in protection, strength

And in strength, understanding

And in understanding, knowledge

And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice
And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it
And in the love of it, the love of all existences
And in that love, the love of spirit and all creation.
Amen.

Special Prayers in light of the Japan tragedy

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Wondrous God,

You created our beautiful earth, and called that creation good. You created our seas and rivers, our mountains and beaches. You tilted the earth to give us seasons of winter and spring, summer and autumn. You gave us the moon and created tides. You created this great planet that lives and breathes, and at times shudders and cracks.

Loving God, we mourn with all those who are grieving after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and across the great Pacific. We pray for those families who are still searching for loved ones. We lift up those who have been injured, those who are still lost, awaiting to be found and given aid. Help us to bring comfort and aide where we can, to extend not only our finances but our hearts. Guide us in Your wisdom in how we might best care for others, for we are Your hands and feet on this earth. We are the body of Christ. Help us to be moved with the whole body of Christ in solidarity with those who are hurting.

Gracious God, we pray for the repercussions in the aftermath of this natural tragedy; we are especially praying for all those that live near the nuclear facilities, that they might be kept out of harm’s way and that the safety measures in place will be enough to keep the people safe. We pray for those near factories and other potential sources of danger in the aftermath that they would be kept safe. We pray for all those workers and volunteers coming to aide the sick and the hurt and the bereaved that You would keep them safe, dear God.

Great Creator, You formed this beautiful earth. You blessed Your creation. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that You are at work in the restoring of the coastline; You are at work in the softening of he waves; You are at work in the hearts of those who are giving of themselves to save others. You continue to be at work in the hearts of those who are sharing what they have and doing what they can to be Your arms in this world. May we do our part to be a blessing to others in need when disaster comes. May we always be reminded that we are Your body here on earth. May we reach out and continue to be Your hands and feet in this world. In the name of Christ, the Great Comforter, the Great Healer, the Great Restorer, we pray all things. Amen.  Special prayer by Rev. Mindi from Rev-o-lution.org

dailywordofgodgroup.com

O loving Creator,

bring healing and hope to those who, at this time, grieve, suffer pain, or who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

We remember those who have died and we pray for those who mourn for them.

We pray for those who may be affected as the tsunami spreads across the Pacific.

May we all be aware of Your compassion, O God, which calms our troubled hearts and shelters our anxious souls.

May we pray with humility with our troubled and struggling brothers and sisters on earth.

May we dare to hope that through the generosity of the privileged, the destitute might glimpse hope, warmth and life again.

Through our Saviour Christ who lives with us, comforts us and soothes us.   Amen.
From the website www.churchofengland.org/prayer

For more prayers for Natural Disasters and Japan:
Japan Prayer Link
Natural Disaster/prayer
Prayers, Hymns, Sermons and Resources for Times of Natural Disaster
In Times of Catastrophe
Japan & Hawaii Prayer by Rev. Dr. John Tamilio III, Ph.D.

Prayer of Gratitude, Love and Compassion

What great fortune to have my basic needs and requirements met, to have clean water and food to nourish the body and to be in a place free from war and invasion.

What gratitude and love I have for Life and this precious birth, so I may enquire into the nature of existence.

May I have compassion for the suffering of others, always wishing them the best.

May all beings be free of all tendencies and restrictions of the mind, so that their suffering may end, and the peace and stillness of their true nature can shine unobstructed.

May all beings be peaceful.

May all beings be content.

May all beings be happy.
AMEN
Arunagiri.com

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"All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." ~Dalai Lama

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MOM’S EMPTY CHAIR

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MOM'S EMPTY CHAIR

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister

to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,

he found the woman lying in bed with her head

propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman

had been informed of his visit...

'I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?' said the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew

I was going to show up..'

'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman

'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,

not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never

known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,

but it went right over my head...'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'

the old woman continued, '

until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,

' Prayer is just a simple matter

of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest..

'Sit down in a chair;

place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'..

'Then just speak to him in the same way

you're doing with me right now...'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much

that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though.If my daughter saw me talking

to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown

or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and

encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil,

and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called

to tell the minister that her mama

had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?' he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

she called me over to her bedside,

told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found her .

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died,

she leaned over and rested her head on the chair

beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

'I wish we could all go like that.'

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.*

I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.*

I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

~ Author Unknown

Divine Intervention... Do you Believe?

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"I believe in Divine Intervention. This is something that occurs when we pray for help. I also believe that the Creator sees the workings of our hearts. In this way our good intentions are noticed. It is always the Intention that matters." ~ Alison Stormwolf

Divine Intervention is a term for a miracle caused by God and God's active involvement in the human world.

As described in Wikipedia:  A miracle is an unexpected event attributed to divine intervention. Sometimes an event is also attributed (in part) to a miracle worker, saint, or religious leader. A miracle is sometimes thought of as a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature.

Others suggest that God may work with the laws of nature to perform what people perceive as miracles.  In casual usage, "miracle" may also refer to any unlikely yet "beneficial" occurrence, such as surviving a natural disaster or simply a "wonderful" occurrence or event, regardless of likelihood. Such as the survival of a terminal illness, escaping a life threatening situation, meeting your soul mate or 'overcoming great odds'.  Some people feel these are just coincidences.  I think it's a shame when those people can't believe in something 'higher' than themselves.   Believing in 'miracles' and 'divine intervention' gives us all Hope!

In an article titled Miracles 101 the author has this description: A miracle is the impossible made possible. Experiencing or witnessing a miracle fills people with awe and awakens faith in a Higher Power and the possibility of divine intervention.

Most people believe that God, a Creator or Higher Power, can create these events, occurrences or Miracles without our help.  However sometimes I also believe that we can ask God to create divine intervention in the lives of people we care about.... with Prayer. That is if our intentions are for the well being of others and our motives are not self serving.  I love knowing that we can Help with prayer and by sending possitive thoughts and energies to the situations and the people we care about!

I've seen the Miracle of Prayers work in my own life and in the lives of my children and friends many times.  I believe with all my heart that if we pray out of Love, miracles can happen!  There have been times in my life that that belief and Prayer.. was all I had, but it made all the difference!

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles." ~ Willa Sibert

Below is an a paragraph from an article I found that I really liked and want to share.

Divine Intervention Helps When You Can Do Nothing ~ By Jocelyn Soriano

"God can help you when you can’t seem to help yourself.  Prayer in the form of expressing your request for help from God produces a different effect from prayer in the form of pure intention. When you make a request to God, you are literally evoking the freewill action of a being other than yourself. You give that being permission to intervene in your reality according to its will and wisdom. You can get results that you could never have obtained with your own reality creation techniques alone. This is Divine Intervention, the highest power in the universe."


Hear what your gut is tell you

 

Shoes in Church ~ Anonymous

from Google free

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Many have seen this already, however this is such a good reminder for everyone!  It brings tears every time for me, thinking of the some of the people I have met in my life who so appreciated the smallest amount of kindness.  Even eye contact and a smile can make someones day and give encouragement and hope!

Shoes in Church
I showered and shaved.............. I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes..

I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor..
Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering...... And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me............ To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man.... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............. And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said.......... Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance............'Is not like all the rest.
'But I really do try.................'To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.
'But by the time I get here..........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize........... For daring to sit so near.

He said, 'When I get here..............'I know I must look a sight.
'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said......'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man...............'Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,..................... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you. ~ Anonymous

Send this to your friends,
No matter how often you talk,
Or how close you are,
And send it to the person who sent it to you.
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will....
Remember, everyone needs a friend....
Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing that....
Someone out there cares about you.....
And always will.

Live each day as your last, it could be!!!!! Amen