Morning Prayer

It’s that time of the year when lists are abundant. Santa lists are at the top of the spectrum but not even the diatribe of Wii wishes and iPod dreams can hold a candle to the daily prayers we’ve been receiving from our Florida Catholic readers over the past few months.

We began praying as a staff during the workweek about five years ago. There has never been a day when requests for prayers have not been received at the Florida Catholic. But now, more than ever, the lists are long. If Santa were receiving the prayer requests at the North Pole, I picture him deep in prayer asking God to heal the broken hearts, the broken bodies — the broken spirits and bring joy, health and hope.

So along with Santa, we kneel before our God, asking — Lord, hear our prayer.

Our list of prayers for today:

Healing for Rob, 41, who has no chance of raising his daughter who is eight and son, two-months, without a heart transplant.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Jennifer, healing from breast cancer.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Prayers for Burt, recently diagnosed with ALS and prayers for his two teenage sons who are having a difficult time with the diagnosis.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Stephanie asks for prayers of relief from the depression she suffers following the death of her son, Blake.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Chad asks that he and his family finds faith for Christmas to help them through hard times. And if God sees it in his will, help them not to lose their home.
Lord, hear our prayer.

An anonymous reader asks for prayers that their immigration application be approved.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Another calls upon God to please have her husband find the love he has lost for his wife and come home to her and their three children by Christmas.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Diane asks for help in finding a way to feed her family, buy formula, pay her bills and save her home from foreclosure.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Mark has been out of work for six months and because of his age and the economy he is beginning to lose hope of ever finding a job to support his family. He asks for prayers to help him know God’s will.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Three families have asked for prayers to save their marriages.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Four families ask for prayers for loved ones who have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Lord, hear our prayer.

One family asks for prayers in making a tough decision to end any extra ordinary care to a loved one in a coma.
Lord, hear our prayer.

And another 11 families call upon us to pray with them for healing and help. And so this Dec. 15, 2008, we invite you to join with us in asking God to hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Join us in prayer, every work day at 9:45 a.m. If you have a prayer request, please visit our Web site at www.thefloridacatholic.org and click on prayer requests.