Prayer Requests

A reader writes:

I have two prayer requests I would like to share with you and your readers. First, I have received word that one of my dearest friends in the parish is gravely ill with cancer–apparently the final stages where she has declined any further treatment. Lauren stood with me and supported me as I watched my parents die of cancer several years ago, and it grieves me that I cannot do the same for her because I am having some medical problems of my own right now.

Second, I am having some medical problems that make me extremely feel extremely ill and uncomfortable and have made me into a virtual shut-in for several weeks. The problems are embarrassing even to talk about. I am being treated for these issues, but I’m not sure how much progress I’m making, and I’m beginning to wonder if something more serious might be wrong. I pray for a happy death for Lauren and recovery for me. Thank you.

Father, hear our prayer through your Son Jesus Christ. Mother Mary and St. Luke, pray for this reader and for Lauren.

Another reader writes:

I’ve sent you several requests over the past few years and I truly feel the prayers of your readers make a huge difference, so I am asking them this time for prayers for my father. He is frighteningly depressed but won’t acknowledge it and won’t seek help. He and my mother barely speak, and his business has taken a hit in the past few years so money is a major issue. He lashes out and gets verbally abusive with me and my siblings. I’m in my mid-twenties and out of the house, but my siblings are still there, and I know my teenaged sister – who tries the hardest to spend time with him – gets the brunt of it; she often winds up in tears over the terrible things he says to her. The entire situation is profoundly dysfunctional and incredibly sad. I ask for prayers for my father, for my parents’ marriage, for my siblings It feels like our family is irreparably damaged, but I know all things are possible with God.

Thank you and God bless you and your readers.

Father, hear our prayer for this man and his family, that he will seek and find the help he needs, that his economic fortunes improve, and that the sin this trial has brought to light will be addressed, forgiven and overcome just as the victims here will be healed and empowered to forgive. Let this be to your glory and the good and redemption of all concerned here. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for everyone involved. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.