Pray Without Ceasing

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.…" 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Even though I have surgery tomorrow morning, I was thinking about you this evening. My spine surgery is scheduled for 9:30 am so I'll get up at 4:30 a.m. in order to arrive at the hospital in time. Let us spend this moment together this evening.

Always know that God heals those who are broken: broken in body, in heart and in soul. My body is rapidly disintegrating in the lower, thoracic area. But, I know that the Lord has plans for me far greater than anything I could ever imagine. And, I know he loves you and the person he intended you to be. Be willing to be shaped and molded into the Love of his heart, for there is no greater role in life than to be His. Let us pray:

"Father God Almighty, holy are you and your son Jesus Christ. May your kingdom come to my life that I may dwell in the light of your smile. For this day, I ask that you bring healing to me in every way. Guide the surgeon's hands tomorrow and may the Great physician guide his every move. Heal all those read these words around the world, for we all need your masterful touch. In the name of your son, Jesus, our Lord, I pray. Amen"

Doris

Copyright 2015 Doris Gaines Rapp

Sing Deeply, Sing Long

“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 104:33 (NIV)

“Everyone, practice breathing deeply,” the nurse instructor of my pre-surgery class encouraged last week.

I have tried to follow her directions but don’t always remember. Singing the wonderful choruses in church on Sunday morning, it came to me, singing is breathing deeply! And, as a major in vocal music, I learned that deep, diaphragmatic breathing is what singers do.

While I prepare for surgery, I can sing praises to the Lord my God, over and over every day. What more reassuring and comforting way to prepare my heart and mind and body. You can develop your lungs every day of your life, too, by simply singing praises to God, with deep tones and deeper meaning, long praises and longer commitment. Sing praises to God for as long as you live and you just may live longer. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, to you I sing. I breathe in your love and life-giving health-laced air.  I exhale all the staleness of my life. Your breath fills me with your presence and I know that you live within me. For this day, I ask for your mighty wind to blow through my life and touch me with healing and health, love and the ability to love in return. Forgive me when I forget to breathe in life and sing your praises with gusto. May today be the day when songs of love pour forth from my heart and fill the world around me. In the name of Jesus, your son and the author of Love, I pray. Amen”

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

Copyright 2015 Doris Gaines Rapp

Novels:  (Available online at Amazon and Cokesbury)

News at Eleven – A Novel now available on Amazon or purchased at the Bookmark on Anthony Blvd. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Length of Days – Beyond the Valley of the Keepers (2^nd in the trilogy)

Length of Days – The Age of Silence (1^st in the trilogy)

Escape from the Belfry

Smoke from Distant Fires

Hiawassee – Child of the Meadow