Be Joyful and Pray!

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One of my wife’s last public postings as prefaced with I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In that posting she made mention that I was beginning phased retirement and that we would have some extra time together.  It was extra time, bit all too brief as she passed two weeks later.   But the message resonates for me.  Joy!  yes, I am sad at her leaving, but I have joy over her destination.   But returning to her post she wrote:

“Much as we appreciate your prayers for me, especially as my condition continues to change so fast, I have a lot of spare time at home, so would ask you also to share your prayer needs with me too, so I can pray for you.”

“Pray without ceasing,” give thanksgiving in all things.  I am thankful that she was in my life.  I am thankful that she did not suffer.  I am thankful she was and is at peace.  But even more so I am thankful for her example.  She wanted to use her time of unceasing prayer to lift up the needs of others.

Accordingly, I ask that just as she did, if anyone reading this has prayer needs – please let me know.  I, and Dianne before me, do not need details, only an indication that there is a need.  I don’t want to pry into anyone’s life, nor create a “talking point.”   God will know what the need is – I just need to know to lift it up.

Pray for me too my friends.   I am still getting used to this “new normal,” and I above all want to remain strong.  Your prayers will help me to be so.

Padre