Prayer Requests and a Chance for a Work of Mercy

A reader writes:

I would like to make a prayer request. For years, I cared for my disabled parents by myself until their deaths (Mom in 2009 and Dad in 2011). In addition to the physical and mental toll, I lost my entire 401(k), over $100,000, caring for them. My brother decided he was an orphan and never bothered to see how his parents and I could survive during the 9 months or so that I had no income coming in. (He thought the parents were supporting themselves and me on their meager social security.) And my sister had her own money problems. I had to retire so I could start drawing on my 401(k) to pay back the debts I incurred, and later on to pay the medical bills that Medicare and private insurance didn’t cover. Since then, I’ve been living pension check to pension check, and I do admit making some bad decisions – it seems as if my brain has gone dead from the caregiving, so I’ve borrowed more money than I really should have. But now, I’m forced to sell the townhouse my parents and I bought 16 years ago to pay off the debts I still owe (including paying something on the parents’ old credit card bills). Since my tenant is gone, I’m praying that the townhouse sells quickly for the amount it’s listed (it will pay off everything I still owe), and that I can get a short term loan (private since the banks won’t lend me any money) to keep paying the mortgage on the townhouse, rent on the place I’m living in, and the other assorted bills. I refuse to file for bankruptcy when the sale of the townhouse will pay everything off. But the lenders really don’t care, so I can’t refinance or borrow from them. Even the payday lenders won’t give enough, not to mention they want to be paid next month, in full. I’ve been robbing Peter to pay Paul, and I’m finally out of options. So, for the first time, I’m asking for help from others. I’m praying for an immediate sale of the townhouse, or for some private lender to lend me the money I need to pay the bills until it does sell.

In a lighter vein, winning the lottery would be great.

BTW, I’m not voting for either candidate; since I live in CA, I can vote third party and know it doesn’t make any darn difference to how the state will go.

God bless, and keep up the great work.

Father, hear our prayer that this person would swiftly find provision for her financial needs through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for her!

Troops, if you can find a way to help her out, please let her know in the comboxes. I have her email address.

Another reader writes:

I have recently discerned out of the seminary for the Diocese of Spokane.  The last six months have resulted in an amazingly clear call from God toward the married life.  That being said, I have also essentially discerned out of my current employment.  I am in the painful process of finding a job with an Bachelor in English and 3/4 of both a philosophy and theology masters, while simultaneously looking for a place to live.  Prayers would be most appreciated for the success of both of these endeavors, as well as for my brothers still in the seminary.

I have also recently started a blog of various theological and cultural musings as well as poetry, and would love to get the word out.  My particular focus tends to be on personalism, vocation, discernment, and marriage.

Here it is: A Gentleman Theologian

Thank you for the time and prayers.

Father, hear our prayer that your servant will be able to do all that he puts his hand to, through Christ our Lord.  Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John Vianney, pray for him and for all our seminarians.

Another reader writes:

Please pray for my daughter who may be once again sliding into depression, and is also unemployed and becoming more boxed in – no outside socializing with people her own age (she’s 23), no friends, and few interests outside the house. I don’t know how to help her.

Father, hear our prayer for this girl that she would find her way out of depression and into your life and hope, and that all who love her would find joy in her recovery and give glory to your Name through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary and St. Dymphna, pray for all concerned.