From time to time, I ask for prayer. I need it. I know you do, too. As part of the extension of my comments earlier this year about changing the way the Godblogosphere operates, I want to periodically ask for prayer and also solicit prayer requests. The "21 Steps to a 21st Century Church" listed our lack of prayer high in the list of things to correct. I'll be trying to correct that this year—in my own life and in this blog.

Request #1: A friend who was instrumental in getting my wife and me together recently found out she has cancer, a rare form that was supposed to be the 1% or less possibility for a type of tumor that is usually benign. Julie is a dear person who is always looking out for others. Since her diagnosis, she has gone through a rough time of trying to make sense of the best course of treatment while balancing caring for increasingly fragile parents. She also has her own business and needs to keep it going while she goes through treatment.

Please pray that God would restore Julie's health, bring help her way for her parents, and keep her work load sufficient for her needs while gets medical help.

Thank you.

Request #2: I'm now on my third illness in the last month and would appreciate prayers not only for me, but for my family. Please also pray that the Lord's favor would rest on our household.

Thank you.

A happy note: Chris & Kathy Edelen (my middle brother and his wife) ushered their first child into the world on Sunday the 22nd. Welcome Conor Edward Edelen! (At least I think that's how they chose to spell "Conor"! Bad uncle!)

Obligatory "They Grow Up So Fast" note: My son lost his first tooth just an hour after hearing that he had a new cousin.

If you have any prayer requests, please leave them in the comments. All I ask is that if you do leave a comment that you take time to pray for everyone else who asked for prayer.

Blessings.

Tags: Prayer, Church, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, God