Encouragement

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United In Prayer
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Fourteen year old Alan Bruce’s father was deployed for a third time to Iraq requiring his family change their daily routines one more time. As the oldest child of three children, he came to recognize he had to do more to support his mother as well as his siblings if the situation was to remain somewhat normal. Alan and his mother didn’t talk much about the strain the loss of their husband and father left on them. In the brief discussions they had about the situation, she and Alan agreed upon working through their pain and to look on the bright side of life as best they could. Every night, he would comfort himself by saying a prayer that he made up after a month of adding more words and though to it.

“Lord take special care of the men and women who serve our country for our
liberties and freedom. Send your angels to soothe their injuries, mental pain
and separation from their families. Tend to the families of our service members
who nightly yearn and cry out for the safety and well-being of their family member
engaged in war/conflict. Almighty and Gentle Father, bless the sick; give employment
to the unemployed; bread to the hungry; joy to the depressed; peace to all who suffer
in any way. Shower all with your unconditional love and mercy. These things I pray.
Amen.”

While cleaning her son’s room, Lana Bruce found the prayer buried under his pillows. She sat momentarily reading his prayer then wondered how she would talk to her son about his prayer. She did not want to appear to be the snooping parent rummaging through her teenage son’s property but she desired to praise her son’s for his work which comforted her greatly. Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, Alan’s prayer caused her to also recognize the life was a challenge of illness, unemployment, hunger, mental illness and suffering. Lana Bruce came realize that mixed in with all of the ills of life that there were many more of God’s blessings and unconditional God for humankind. She had lungs to breathe; could walk without difficulty, suffering or pain; talk without effort plus many, many other things. After these considerations and a prayer, Lana gather enough confidence to discuss the prayer with Alan.

Arriving home from school, she sat down with him to discuss her revelation. She then praised him for the prayer as well as its value to her. She told Alan that his prayer brings him shoulder to shoulder with the suffering worldwide with those who seek comfort and relief from suffering. That though the words are different from his, others worldwide is/was praying his prayer.

Perhaps tonight you’ll add your voice to Alan’s prayer for comfort.

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