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?
Lv 7

Sincerely asking, how do the prayers of others improve one's life? And can you provide a personal example?

This question is asked with all sincerity. As one who is chronically ill, I pray and/or meditate frequently. I find it to be quite stress relieving, which in turn helps me to see things in their proper perspective. This reduces my discomfort, and improves my ability to keep a positive attitude.

What I'm wondering is, those of you who actively pray for others -- how do *your* prayers affect *their* lives? I'm not looking for "God stepped in," as an answer. I'm looking for a genuine example of how your prayers have directly benefited the life of another.

As always, thanks in advance for your answers, and no thumbs down from me.

Update:

.

I have another reason for asking this question.

My mother is scheduled for her second total knee replacement tomorrow morning. The first was a disaster, and she has been housebound, unable to walk, for nearly a year. On top of other illnesses, life's been hard for her lately. She's understandably frightened of what tomorrow's surgery will bring.

My mom believes in the power of prayer, and at her age -- 75 -- she should be allowed this indulgence. She also likes knowing that there are good people standing in her corner, especially with all she has been through.

After answering the title question, will you please take a moment to say a brief prayer that my mother will be able to walk again? That's what she really wants -- for her last years to be spent on her own two feet.

Thanks for your time, and much love to you all.

Update 2:

(((((((Gorgeous)))))))

(((((((Everyone)))))))

Update 3:

GTW, I also have felt that my own prayers have been answered in a way that I could not have brought about on my own. Sometimes, I really can believe that there just may be more to all of this than I've been willing to admit.

Update 4:

WLDROSES ... I'm so happy to see you! I'd thought you had left.

I believe your story. Years ago, I had my own miracle, one concerning my toddler son. In fact, my story was featured this morning at beliefnet. :)

Update 5:

WLDROSES ... you'll be in my prayers.

Update 6:

There are some truly thoughtful -- and thought provoking -- answers here. Thank you all for your time, warm thoughts, and prayers.

(((((((group hug)))))))

Update 7:

WLDROSES ... the beliefnet site is so huge, you'll never find my story.

A few months ago, I entered a contest concerning angelic encounters. I was one of 4 winners chosen to receive a copy of the book The Miracles of Archangel Michael. Today, my story, along with the stories of the 3 other winners, was featured. Here's a link.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Angels/2009/0...

Update 8:

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((((((BIG HUGS)))))) to all who have answered, and thank you so much for the prayers, kind words and amazing stories. You're the best.

In the event Yahoo! deletes this, your answers have been copied to a blog for safe-keeping, and will be given to my mother. I think they might help her along in the recovery process -- it's always nice to know that others care.

I'm leaving this question open for the next week. Hopefully, some more wonderful people will stop by and share stories. Also, I'll update you on mom's condition through this thread.

Mom's at the hospital now. I'm getting the boys off to school, and as soon as my sisters arrive (I don't drive) we'll be heading to the hospital, too.

Thanks again for being so wonderful.

((((((((((Everyone)))))))))))

Update 9:

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Thanks to everyone for the lovely answers. :)

Mom came home from the hospital last evening, and seems to be doing well. Her doctor feels this surgery went quite well, and she is expected to be on her feet in a few weeks.

Her doctor has fitted her with a brace for the (right) leg that was operated on previously. This should allow her some mobility.

When her left leg is completely healed, and she has regained her strength, they plan on doing another surgery to replace her own damaged tendons with those from a cadaver.

So, while she still has another surgery in her future, she's on her way to walking again. This was her biggest hurdle, and now, it's baby steps. She'll get there. :)

Thanks again for the lovely answers.

31 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Hello precious ((((((( RedQueen )))))))

    I have many stories on miracles that have happened in my life..

    But the one about my daughter Kira, is the one I have shared many times here:

    =================================================

    My daughter Kira was in a car accident that took the life of her husband in (2004)..she was in a coma, because she suffered a severe brain injury, had 8 broken ribs, a punctured lung and her liver was sliced in half.. :(

    The doctors wanted me to remove my precious daughter from life support, they explained to me, that she would be in a vegetative state if she did ever wake up.. :(

    But I told them, that with the Lord "All Things Are Possible".. :)

    When the doctor took a second cat scan of her liver, he told me he could not believe what he saw..her liver was completely healed..the only evidence of it being cut in two was a scar..that was only 3 days after her accident.. :)

    He said the only explanation I can give, is that it was a miracle..and that I should keep doing what I was doing, because it was working.. :)

    After my daughter came out of her coma, (eight days later) the first words she spoke were: Mom I saw Angels all around me singing..Then she said: Praise the Lord..

    To others this may not seem strange, but each and everyday I prayed that the Lord would keep His Heavenly Angels encompassed around her and minster and comfort her heart..

    You see my daughter was not a Christian..she was a drug addict.. she was the one who had caused the car accident.. :(

    If or when I am asked why I still have my daughter with me today..I will Always give my Lord the Glory, for healing her mind..body and soul.. :)

    ==================================================

    Dear Heavenly Father Lord God..I lift up my dear sweet "Friends" Mom unto Thee..I ask that You will be with the doctors and guide them during the surgery..

    Lord Jesus I pray that You will Comfort precious ((((((( RedQueen ))))))) and her Mom's heart with Your Peace that Passes all Understanding..

    Lord we ask for a mighty miracle..So that her Mom can spend the remaining days she has on earth walking on both legs..For I ask this in Your Son Jesus Most Precious Name..Amen!!

    ==================================================

    I read you story my dear one..It was such a heartfelt and touching testimony.. :)

    ((((((( WLDROSES ))))))) You are in my heart and prayers as well dear sweet sister In Christ.. :)

    ((((((( HUGS ))))))) To One and All..

    In Jesus Most Precious Name..

    With ~Love~ your "Friend" In Christ.. :)

    EDIT: I am so very happy to hear about your Mother..Please wish your Mom a "Very Happy Mother's Day for me".. :)

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    it exists in small pockets of every city and state. some states (namely the South) are chock full of racism both blatant and indiscreet. there's no doubt in my mind that the governments are racist. which is why you'll never have a minority president or anyone else in a high position of power. true, some senators are minorities but they amount to less than a percent of the overall majority. Senator byrd, longest serving senator was a former KKK member. yet still he gets elected into office everytime, why? america was built upon racism and will continue to be so. there will never be an end to racism here in america. my guess would be somewhere around 20% of the population are blatant racists, while a little more than half of them harbor some racial prejudices. many will not admit to it freely but it is there and can be quite obvious. look at those who ride subways. they will never sit near or next to the black guy fearing he might rob them or something. especially nowadays with middle eastern people. people are extremely on edge when they are around.

  • 1 decade ago

    Prayer is a wonderful thing, but it is often difficult to understand how it works because it often works in mysterious ways, there have been many things I have prayed for over long periods of time --- for things I never received but yet when I reflect upon this I realize that every day I have so much to be thankful for anyhow. I guess often God will answer His childrens prayers by giving them what is best for them, since He is all knowing - For example, if I prayed for a Ninja Motorcycle and got one, then a week later got in a bad accident going 80 MPH that wouldn't exactly be an answer to my prayers.

    As far as a specific example, I could cite a few, but this is one of my favorites - once I was driving down the highway minding my own business, and in all truthfulness doing nothing wrong, then I see this cops lights on behind me and I got pulled over. I was very polite and pulled over in a safe spot, concerned for the officers safety, looked like a young fat kid, new on the job and probably in a bad mood, he went literally bizerk like some type of rogue cop and threw the book at me, the only reason I can guess why is because it was the 31st of the month and maybe had a ticket "quota" to reach for the month or wehatever, so he gives me two major tickets for tailgating and illegal lane change, neither of which I was sure I did, so the court date was two months down the road and I got a lawyer and prayed and prayed that God would give me wisdom in my words, what to say when I was in court. Well, it didn't exactly work that way - as a matter of fact I didn't even have to open my mouth; the first question my lawyer asked the cop made him put his foot so far in his mouth, the charges were dropped. I've always viewed that as ironic since I was so worried and prayed about what I was going to say, yet in the end didn't have to say one word but watch the "enemy" speak all the wrong and confusing words.

    As far as your mother goes - that's a very honorable thing, I have a friend taking care of a parent who is in their 70's and another taking care of both parents 82 & 85 who have been married 64 years - what a way to honor ones parents as opposed to quickly dishing them off into a nursing home; many in the world today do not have that quality of goodness in their nature, and regardless of beliefs, I can say I generally have the utmost respect for people who honor their aging parents, that type of mercy says much about them as a person.

    Jesus, the master teacher in a parable concerning prayer gives the example of a poor widow who constantly begs a judge for legal protection, at first he is unwilling, but because she continually bothers him over and over, he affords her the service of legal protection - and the lesson in the parable is why one should keep praying and not lose hope

  • Joyful
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Like your mom, I also believe in the power of prayer. I don't pray as much as I should, but if someone asks me to pray for them or a loved one, I make it a point to do so asap. I never want to think that I told someone I'd do something that important, then forget.

    You are a truly awesome person. You are chronically ill; that means you'll have to suffer with your illness the rest of your life, yet you're worried about your mom. You love others in a way that I wish others could come close to.

    To answer your question, when I pray for someone, it's usually at their request. The fact that I told them I would pray for them, this gives them more comfort than the actual prayer. They know that someone really cares about them. God answers my prayers, I just tend to be a little careful what I pray for. Yes, I will pray for your mom.

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  • 1 decade ago

    I've got "bad eyes" that can't be helped a whole lot by glasses and doctors and all that. However, I had a friend praying for my eyes daily for over a year. He took on other projects, and I could tell you exactly when he quit praying for my eyes. I noticed a difference.

    I've also had inner healings and other types of prayer results.

    God always answers prayer. Don't forget that "no" is also an answer. He isn't at our beck and call to do exactly what we want Him to do. We serve Him, not vice versa. Don't forget that. I'll certainly pray for your mom. We do not know what God's will is here in this situation, but I will pray that He will do whatever His will is.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The RedQueen is often, and always fondly, in my thoughts. When I was a person of faith, I prayed often, and that perceived connection with the positive and caring powers of the universe gave me a tremendous sense of hope and relief. I can't say that I ever saw any proof that my prayers were actually answered, but it made me feel less alone and powerless, which was very helpful in itself.

    If there are benevolent spirits with the ability to guide the hands of the surgeons, may they be in attendance tomorrow morning. I hope your mother fares well and regains her mobility.

  • 1 decade ago

    Hi Red Queen, certainly i will say a prayer for your mom. I, also am chronically and terminally ill. I have had so many people pray for me , with me , and they continue to pray each day. That is inexplicably precious to me and i will tell you why- 2.5 years ago i had stage 5 ovarian cancer and was given no hope by my Oncologist, i lost 40 lbs in one month, could not walk or eat, my husband carried me into and out of church and dr. visits. I elected to have surgery to try and fix the problem, again with the oncologist counseling me to not get my hopes up. Almost 9 hours later i woke up and found out they had found NO evidence of cancer! My Oncologist was speechless and started going to church after this miracle! I'm sure some people will refuse to believe this but i do not care, i lived it. So even though i now have a kidney disease i have been told is terminal i know that God still hears the prayers of His faithful subjects and this brings me comfort and hope! Great question God bless.......

    Thank you dear friend! Much love to you in Christ, Rose

    PS- I 'm going to beleifnet to read your story!

  • Positive thoughts and prayers from others can give a person a sense of community and family.

    My mother has gone through the same things so I totally understand what your mother may be feeling and experiencing.

    I will absolutely take a moment to send positive healthy thought forms her way. She will be just fine and getting around much better in no time!

    (((Red Queen))) No personal examples I would like to share though I tend to believe positive thoughts beget positive actions.

    Indeed, (((Everybody,...and spirit alike!)))

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    To me a wish and a prayer are synonymous. And a sincere desire is shared the emotional support goes a long way. In AA we pass coins around and "rub some luck" on them. I sometimes pull out these coins who were around back in 88 when I first got sober. Now I am not saying god or a higher power kept me sober, but the warmth of good people did indeed help.

  • Dawn W
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I think that thought , esp intentional thought can have an effect on not only your own but others physiology. I remember a time when my mother was in bed and looked like she was dying, I called my sisters and nieces and we gathered around her surrounding her with love, good intentions and prayers. Within a couple of hours she was sat up talking with colour in her cheeks and laughing.

    I also think that positive words can help too. Notice sometimes you can feel down and you are surprised by a visit from an old friend in good spirits, in no time at all they can revitalize you, and you feel energized and happy. It is all linked prayer, focused thought. Try it.

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