Remembering a Moment

Dear Lord; Sometimes Father, music can reach into our soul and touch our hearts in ways that words simply can’t.  Most people I know have one or more songs that just hit a raw nerve and evoke amazing emotional responses.  In my case, it has to do with one that I first heard shortly after Jonathan was born and we were living at A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children dealing with his Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.  As You know, I spent each evening driving back and forth to the hospital to spend as much time with him and Shannon as I could while still keeping the bill collectors off our backs.  The radio was my friend on those long lonely rides, and one night while coming home a new song came on that I hadn’t heard before.  It was a dedication on the Delilah show for a man whose son was fighting cancer.  It didn’t hit me at first, but as I listened to the haunting music and lyrics my heart caved, tears started pouring from my eyes and I had to pull the truck over.  The song was by a Christian Artist named Mark Schultz and it was called He’s My Son.

There were a lot of life-changing moments during those years Father, and that was one of them.  I of course ended up buying the CD with that song on it, and have listened to it many times since (as well as the rest of the music on it… He’s quite good).  Thank You for bringing me that emotional release that night, and for speaking to me in the darkness.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil

Prayers of Thanks for Your Healing

Dear Lord; It seems almost ironic as I’ve been good and sick for the past week, but this morning I’d like to Thank You for my family’s health.

As you’re no doubt aware, we’ve suffered some very serious health issues over the years; Shannon’s multiple back surgeries and gastric bypass complications, Jonathan’s Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis nearly taking him from us and my Mother’s and Grandfather’s early deaths from cancer.  And yet, through all of that we were Blessed in many ways that weren’t necessarily apparent at the time.  Thinking back on all of those hardships in our lives, I’m now able to see true Blessings and Signs of Your Presence that have helped shape who we’ve become, and made us an even tighter family.

On the health front this year, we’ve actually done very well.  Jonathan’s disease has stayed in remission and he’s been able to be a “normal kid” for the most part.  Shannon had a brief back strain issue early in the year, but no permanent damage was incurred and she’s been fine since.  Aidan, as always, is invulnerable.  And as for me, other than a bout of Lyme disease and a couple respiratory bugs (like the one I’ve had this last week) I’ve been pretty solid.  All in all, we’ve been extremely Blessed, and I very much Thank You for that.

Therefore Father, my Prayer of Thanksgiving today is focused on the mental and physical Health of Your Children.  Please let those in need feel Your Healing Touch, and the comfort that comes from knowing Your Presence.  Let us all have the vision to see past the hardships we go through, and experience Your Grace so we may know Peace.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil

Prayers of Thanks for My Wife

Dear Lord; I’d like to start this morning Father, by thanking You for giving my son Aidan a wonderful birthday weekend.  Your Presence and Guidance were very apparent throughout, and he had a fantastic time with family and friends.

As you’re aware Lord, this week we’re celebrating Thanksgiving so it seemed a logical thought to spend some time each day discussing something I’m thankful for.  Therefore, I’m going to start with one of the biggest Blessings in my life; my wonderful Wife Shannon.

Shannon is an integral piece of me Lord.  I revel in our time together, yearn for her when we’re apart and truly can’t imagine not having her in my life.  She’s my best friend, my lover and an amazing mother to my children.  She’s my conscience, and my balance.  She’s the brightest star in my sky, and my safe haven when the world seems too insane to continue.  She is my Angel, and I love her with every fiber of my being.  I am truly Thankful for You bringing us together, and for the Blessings You’ve bestowed on us throughout our time as Man and Wife.  Please continue to shine Your Light on her, Bless her and Keep her in Your Gaze so she may walk in Your Grace all her life.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil