---

For readers who missed our most recent post, we’ve decided to take a slightly different direction. The purpose of this blog remains unchanged, but since faith in God has sustained our family through one of life’s most difficult experiences, it’s important to begin sharing more from this perspective. We believe this change to be a “next phase” in God’s bigger plan, not only for our own healing but hopefully for others in need. Posts will always be as honest and transparent as possible and some will certainly be difficult to share. As always, our prayer is that someone who is feeling no hope might find some here.

Over the past few years, some have asked what we’ve learned about healing. Certainly, there are many ways to cope with trials but most of them are unproductive at best and at worst, unhealthy. Having tried several of these methods, I can promise they don’t heal anything. They only do more harm and dull the pain for awhile. I did find one sure solution though. I can’t think of one practice more helpful in the last few years that has better served towards peace, comfort, and personal growth than through daily conversations with God. After all, how can any relationship exist much less thrive without communication?

Some people roll out of bed onto their knees to pray. I can’t quite manage that but I do head straight for a quiet place with a cup of coffee and a devotional of some kind. Bible apps are a great way to get the process started and early morning is best before the day gets busy. When we lost our son, I was off work for several months and my company was gracious enough to allow this time. It afforded the luxury of days without distractions or obligations. Some days I spent hours but over the years, life resumed and free time began to wane. Today, this quiet time can still be a couple of hours, but it’s usually around 15-45 minutes. It does require determination, but I’ve come to realize the intentional investment of this time first thing in the morning has yielded a huge return. So much that it makes keeping this daily routine much easier.

At 5-6AM, a daily reminder on my phone pops up as, “Time with God”. Some time ago after reading and praying, I began writing several “Foundational Prayers”. These do apply to my own life but they’re also universal. Each day, I read one or two of them silently or aloud. Speaking words may seem strange or feel awkward, but it helps to keep focused. These foundational prayers have yet to fail in helping me so I’ve decided to begin sharing them. Maybe a reader who needs some peace may find a little of it through these prayers. I sincerely hope so.

---

A Prayer When Life is Out of Control

In the healing process, it brings peace to remove myself from daily situations which are beyond my ability to manage. First, I ask God for the wisdom to realize when I’m taking back control because this tends to happen subtly over time. Secondly, I ask Him take my place in whatever the circumstance may be. He never has failed once to provide instant peace when I acknowledge that I’m finally ready and wanting to surrender by saying (and meaning it), “Father, not my will, but Your will be done”. I hope you’ll try these suggestions because they will help you, I’m certain.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today we pray against the Enemy’s lies. Pride is the most effective weapon used to steal and destroy what You made us to be. We willingly surrender control to You. Please direct our steps in life’s trials. Make our lives reflect less of us and more of You. Amen

---

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” – Mark 1:35

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭