A prayer from Reva for Rachel

Dear Lord,

We marvel at human grit, determination and steadfastness infused by You into Rachel, who is hanging on, still here with us. We are in awe as her family rally in shifts to be with her 24/7 (the 24/7 crew), administering meds, gently watching over her, standing guard to make sure all her needs are met. What love is this! We see Your Outstretched Right Arm as You Strengthen Rachel for yet another day, and strengthen her 24/7 crew for yet another shift. And in the dawn of each glorious new day, we rejoice anew that Rachel will experience it and for this we say “Thank You”.

We know You have assigned Your Angels special guard duty over the Arnold Home. They do not sit, but stand at attention, in the driveway, on the front porch, in the foyer, in the living rooms, kitchen, each bedroom and bath, laundry rooms, sitting areas, on the back deck, on each side of the house, they stand with eyes travelling back and forth over their assigned domain, breathing new energy into hands too tired to do anymore, new wakefulness into eyes heavy with long overdue sleep, and new hope into distressed minds.

This is what a family taken to the edge looks like and this is the help You provide in their hour of need. They are exhausted but Grace filled, sorrowing but Mercy renewed. The guardian angels look in the same direction at the same time. What are they gazing at? As they kneel as one in humble submission, we know. We humans may say “Look! I thought I knew how many were in the Arnold/Edgar home, but I see a Man walking in the fire with them, and He looks like the Son of God.” (paraphrased Dan 3:25).

And in all of this You have allowed us to be a witness and a participant in Your inclusive classroom of prayer and service. You are an awesome God!

We Thank You and We Praise You. The minor tremors from an earthquake we just experienced remind us of Your Mighty Power and Outstretched Arm. Thank You for keeping us safe. Thank You for blessing each of us and our families.

May we focus today on what really matters and rely on You for everything including the ground we walk upon and the air we breathe. We bless Rachel and the Edgar and Arnold Families anew. May they never forget we are praying, we rowers, soldiers and watchers for their sustenance and strength in You. We do this because we know the secret:

That the prayers of the righteous availeth much.

Amen and Amen!