Every Wed. we are to pray and fast for one another. Every Weds we can check in and let everyone know we have prayed for the group. Prayer does mighty things and group prayer is even better.

I think it will be great to see how God works in our lives and heals our marriages and us. If you want to pray with us I will be more than happy to add your name to the list below.

Prayer Warriors who are praying and being prayed for: cajunky,Ezra, Willgetthruthis, Godisincontrol, Natasha79, JohnC, c++_guy, Wallace, relady, steadfast and committed, morriggs,lupolady, stillwaiting, Broken Hearted, PasDeDeux, hopeful_person,GinnyF, Not peachy in Ga, cry2much,SNL,LostAgain(Dave&April), Dodger, gloriachu, LoveNcare,JMF,WEN, NiteHawk, Absurd, LetSTry,AgainsttheWind,cemmerson, getting better,kellidiane,Terrified, BeeLee,idostylin, Resilient, thiscantbehappening, day by day, Jloves, broken x3, Sue with Hope, sunrise1, shepette, Malc, Faithfulwife, timbo-e, Angelia, FeelingAllAlone, broken_joe, dopey, awake, truly a friend, Is it to late, stilltryingtosaveit, landslide, GODBLESSU, vega, LoyalWarrior, janna-m-r, ferbie, epiphOny, simmy, cajeanie, d_rose, lost_lonely, briank4775, mayflower, Caged_Bird, LunaDove, goldielocks109, darwud, Mrs. darwud, adamv, Army Hubby, Gail (mojodiva)& Shane, bonnie five & H, TryingToKeepHope, sorto98, lghoping, SoTired (Mike & Trish), evega, Douglas and Kirsi Nielson, Jessicafl27, kimmy2, auntielala, weezy8550, miserynmissouri, STBXWife, sealfan, Jen Brown, LunaDove, SMIAJ, cinderella, day by day, GreggC, trying_to_accept,

Prayers Answered: Lupolady(air conditioner), Steadfastandcommitted (first string again), cry2much(sucessful surgery), Movingonwithlife(Wife coming home), WGTT(accepted into mentor program), betrayed and desparate (sucessful cancer surgery), Againstthewind (Got job), Free (Marriage Restoration begun ), cajunky (wife not engaged & did something with family, told me she loved me), Stillwaiting (neice is o.k.), Stillwaiting(Got to see her husband for 2 hours and his heart seems to have softened), Steadfastandcommitted (wife gave up other man), janna-m-r (Husband came home and wants to try to restore marriage even though he is the BS), tsc (marriage being restored), Faithfulwife (GOT A JOB, Found a house, D is final and got a puppy that “just LOVES me”), d_rose (got a ways to go but we are going there together.), WGTT (WH coming home),

Thank you everyone that prayed with us and also all of you that gave a praise report. Like many of you all, I like to see the praises to answered prayer. It is a blessing to hear how God is working and helping people get through tough times.

<small>[ June 27, 2003, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: steadfast and committed ]</small>

Hello,

Thanks S&C and those who post here every week with such inspiring words.

Praise God for the great news about d_rose.

I do appreciate all of those who prayed for me and my WH, Dan. Please continue to include us in your prayers and the restoration of our M; the end of our separation and the removal of all things that are preventing our M being reconciled. Also, please pray that I will make it through the next 2 months without so much anger towards my WH - it is destroying any love I had left and I just want to finish the next 2 months of Plan A, so I can get to a Plan B.

I read here almost every day and I am praying for all who post here.
God Bless you. cajeanie

From a FWH:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">While I was living in sin in the far country, I cannot describe for you the confused feeling between "I could care less what happens to her (BW)" and "I kinda miss her-a lot!" Satan had my mind numb to the truth.

Numb might describe what happens to prodigal spouses. Can you recall having dental work done under local anesthetic? Most of us have sat
in the chair, waiting for the shot to take effect, and have bitten our lip, at first ever so easily, and then have really clamped down on our jaw, just to make sure that we will feel nothing when the dentist did his work. Satan injected a full syringe of sin into your Prodigal's life. The one you love bit down, just a bit at first, and then more and more, into a life of sin. They are now numb and feeling no pain, as the enemy does his evil work. Rest assured that the numbing medication always wears off . When it does, your spouse will be in pain and torment. I pray the Lord will have you ready to help lead your mate back to the Great Physician.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Lord,

We pray for all WS's. We pray they will stop running and listen - REALLY listen to hear Your Small, Still Voice calling to them. Father God, put up roadblocks, detours, obstacles, hardships and anything else imaginable to stop them in their tracks!

We ask you, Lord, to strengthen and encourage us. Father, help the BS's to remain steadfast and strong in their stand and their walk of Faith. We ask for Your confidence that we are walking in YOUR WILL, not our own. Lord, deafen our ears to the lies of our enemy. Help us, father, KNOW that You DO want to restore every marriage here! Help us, Lord Jesus, see our stand as a testimony for what it means to a lost and dying world....that the power of God to Restore our oneness means that He is able to restore every lost child of God that walks on this earth today.

Father, help us see the big picture, not to get discouraged by our everyday sameness. We know You are at work behind the scenes! Help us hold each other up in prayer today. Lord, we pray that those who are suffering losses due to the sins of their Prodigal mate will lean on You even harder through this trial.

Above all, Father God, we ask you to give us Thankful hearts through all of it. Remind us of Your perfect Love.....which casts out fear. Show us how to Love as YOU love us! Teach us to Love You as we were intended to do. And from there to show love to our WS's, and anyone who tries to give us incorrect, although well-meaning advice. Hear our Praise to You, Lord. Give ear to our Voices, our open and broken hearts, prayers and petitions for restoration of our marriages to your chosen mates for us.

Lord, we know this is Your perfect Will for us....and we will gladly follow your leading in order to stay in Your Perfect Will in our lives, no matter where that leads us.

In His Precious Name,
Amen

If you all haven't checked out the book review (of sorts) I'm doing on my other thread - "Breakthrough...." I highly recommend you do!!

I loved the book, Prodigals DO Come Home! by Robert Steinkamp, and got such GREAT insights into the mind, heart and thoughts of WS from reading it.

Although the thread took on a life of its own a little, I am still trying to write about the book throughout it, so please go and check out what I wrote about.

Thanks, all
God Bless,

Well, thanks to everyone for your prayers for me and my H last week. He got the letter, he also had tried to reach out to me and actually start trying to spend some time together with me before the letter got to him. As things stand, I've put all legal proceedings on hold, and I'm trying to give my H some time to get over the immense pain and anger that has resulted from getting that letter. I've since realized that I don't want to be divorced, I want to be married to my H and I still love him with all my heart. I've also realized that the only way I will have any shot at remaining married to him is not to put pressure on him or make ultimatums or play hard to get, but to give him the time he's asked for, to have patience, and Plan A my butt off when given the chance.

So this week my prayer request is for patience for me, and for God to soften my H's heart and help him to find forgiveness in his heart for me, for my original betrayal, and this new betrayal in the form of a letter from my lawyer threatening legal proceedings. Above all else, please pray for restoration of our marriage.

Thank-you,

Jen

I see my husband tomorrow. The first time in over a month. I request for prayer that all goes well. I can hear his heart softening and God is working on him. I pray that the fog will finally break and that our family can be joined again.

I will pray for everybody on Wed.

Jen,

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I want to be married to my H and I still love him with all my heart.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is a very important thing to realize. This isn't something a person can fake for any period of time. It is something your H will see.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I've also realized that the only way I will have any shot at remaining married to him is not to put pressure on him or make ultimatums or play hard to get, but to give him the time he's asked for, to have patience, and Plan A my butt off when given the chance.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I will ask you to add something to this list. While giving him time I think it is important to sek God and become better aquainted with Him. Do you mind if I ask you some questions? Obviously you don't have to answer them if you don't want to.

How would you characterize your relationship with God? A stranger, an aquaintance, a friend or an intimate friend?

I like to tell you that God wants you as an intimate friend. But you see He already knows everything there is to know about you. The problem is how much do you know about Him? I dare say that He may not be what you think or what you've heard.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">So this week my prayer request is for patience for me, and for God to soften my H's heart and help him to find forgiveness in his heart for me, for my original betrayal, and this new betrayal in the form of a letter from my lawyer threatening legal proceedings. Above all else, please pray for restoration of our marriage.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I will pray these things you ask, but I will also pray for you discernment. You are getting lots of advice from both Christian and non christian people. I pray that God gives you the ability to determine what advice is sound, from Him and what will work for you.

Bless you.

S&C

Jen,

I'm not sure exactly why, but last week I felt called to really pray for you and your husband, in addition to everyone else here, but mostly for your situation. I prayed that you'd find the strength to do what was right in your heart, no matter how difficult it would be.

While it seems the waters are still incredibly "rough", I believe in some ways you have taken a step "out of the boat". Trust God with all your heart - Trust that if you both have love for each other, that He will use that love to heal your marriage. Ask Him to do just that. I'm sure there will be tough times ahead, but keep faith in love, it can endure and conquer.

---------------------------------
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

These three I leave with you; faith, hope and love, with the greatest of these being love.
--------------------------------

God bless and keep,
Mike

Hi everyone,

Here is Chapter 5 from "Power of a praying Husband". This chapter was one that has been significant to me and my situation in that there were times I felt I had to walk on eggshells. I felt that anything I did would make her think I was refering to the A and/or OM. Praying this prayer or using it as a guide for me was one of the best things I ever did. I encourage all of you men, and women, to continue to pray for our S's mood. I still pray for my W's moods, but I don't feel like the eggshells are there any more. Bless you all.

HER MOODS

First of all, you must keep in mind that there is a process always going on in a woman's mind and soul, unbeknownest to her unsuspecting husband. What is happening is that all her thoughts, fears, hormones, responsibilities, memories of past offenses, the amount of sleep she got last nite, the devils plans for her life, her entire past, and how her hair is behaving that day, are simultaneously competing for her attention. When all these things converge at one moment in time, it can be unbearable.

Try to understand that as a man you have simple, clearly defined needs, such as food, sex,success, appreciation, and recreation. Your wife is a complex being. Her needs are so intricate that even she is at a loss for words to explain them to you. Only GOD, her Creator, can fathom it all.

It is best to first pray " LORD, reveal to me what is happening in my wife and show me what I can do about it"

Then say to your wife, " Tell me what is going on in that pretty head of yours."

She may not be able to articulate an answer that is remotely understandable to you, but the important thing is that she sees you are listening.

Here are a few lines to say that can help you navigate these waters successfully. Say them to your wife in any order, and then pray for her.

1. " I LOVE YOU"
2. "You are the greatest woman in the world to me."
3. "your beautiful when you are upset."
4. "Tell me what is on your mind, and I promise not to get upset."
5. "How have I let you down."
6. "How can I make it up to you."
7. "Have you been getting enough sleep."
8. "What would make you happy right now?"
9. "I don't have all the answers. But God does."
10. "Do you want to pray about this together."

PRAYER

LORD, I pray for (wifes name) and ask that You would calm her spirit, soothe her soul, and give her peace today. Drown out the voice of the enemy, who seeks to entrap her with lies. Help her to take every thought captive so she is not led astray (2 Corinthians 10:5). Where there is error in her thinking, I pray You would reveal it to her and set her back on course. Help her to hear Your voice only. Fill her afresh with Your Holy Spirit and wash away anything in her that is not of You.

Balance her body perfectly so that she is not carried up and down like a roller coaster. Give her inner tranquility that prevails no matter what is going on around her. Enable her to see things from Your perspective so that she can fully appreciate all the good that is in her life. Keep her from being blinded by fears and doubts. Show her the bigger picture, and teach her to distinguish the valuable from the unimportant. Help her to recognize the answers to her own prayers. Show me how to convince her that I love her, and help me to demonstrate it in ways she can perceive.

LORD, I know that You have "called us to peace"(1 corinthians 7:15). Help us both to hear that call and live in the peace that passes all understanding. I say to my wife, "Let the peace of GOD rule" in your heart, and "be thankful"(colossian 3:15)

SteadfastandCommitted wrote:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> How would you characterize your relationship with God? A stranger, an aquaintance, a friend or an intimate friend? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Stranger, no, acquaintance or friend probably, an intimate friend no. I pray daily, I don't read the bible very often, and I can't attend "my" church anymore being that I'm the heathen wife that's been cast out of my H's family. I can't just pick up and attend a new church without attending the same one as some of my current or former students (who would wonder where my H is). I just can't attend church unless my H and I reconcile and he allows me to return to "our" church, or I divorce him and attend a new chuch without him, as a divorced woman.

Please do pray for me to be closer to and know God better, I'd appreciate that. If you can pray for the same thing for my H, that would be even better.

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts SoTired2000. I really appreciate it.

Jen

It's not about marriage but - my mom has pnumonia, a respiratory virus is running through my house so we all feel bad, and my 10yo son is struggling. He's an ADHD/ODD child and just can't control his impulsivity. Even his meds aren't helping much. <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" />

Please pray for my H. and I. I have a horrible sit. Maybe no worse than anyone else but I am at the end of my rope. The OW is pregnant and he is living with her. I had thought things were going a lot better but now I can't quit LB'ing. I don't think he will ever leave her now as she is pg and is having financial problems also. He is also still laid off and we are having money problems too. his obligations to us as a family seem to be over and now he is going to have a new family with her. It is killing me. I know God doesn't want us divorced but I can't continue seeing him forever while I know he is going to her every night and sharing a baby together. My imagination works overtime as it is and I just can't take anymore. I don't understand why God has allowed this. I'm so discouraged I don't know what to do anymore. please pray, there is nothing else.

Yes please add my name to the list.
Tell me what kind of fast this is, and exactly how to fast on Wednesday and pray. Also, I feel naive, but what is the reason for fasting?

My wife has given up after 5 1/2 years of marriage, now that I finally am committed to giving her what it takes to restore our marriage and best friend relationship.

Please pray that God would soften her heart, give her hope, and give us a final (and first "real") chance.

Gregg

Welcome, GreggC:

I have read your thread, and am truly sorry for your situation. It is good, tho, that you are willing to do whatever it takes to restore the love in your M. As the "head of your household" I believe God will honor your committment to your wedding vows. Please do not give up! Continue to visit here, read all you can, and ask for prayer if you feel yourself weakening. We are here to lift each other up!

As for the fasting......in the original group I was involved in, on Prayer Requests board, we used to fast on Wednesdays, in any way we could! In other words, some people can fast (do without something, usually food) for a full 24 hours. Some people can only tolerate missing one or two meals. Some people have chosen to fast - or give up willingly some other "important" item (such as computer time) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

The purpose for fasting is if you don't feed your body, it becomes "weakened".....you must rely on God for strength. Some believe this draws us closer to God, allows us to open heart, mind, spirit in a deeper way to "hear from God."

Denying your body, in a sense, so that you show you are serious about feeding the spirit first and foremost. Whenever you feel hunger pains, pray instead.

We will join you in praying for your M. GOD ALONE can fix this. Remember to rely on Him for that. In the meantime, let me say this: What I ended up doing (while I was trying to pray for WH to "change") was to end up praying for myself! Yes, God dealt WITH ME!! I was not an innocent bystander in this mess (I'm not implying that you think you are), but God made it crystal clear to me that *I* needed to repent and change ME, and leave H's actions/sins to HIM.

God Bless,

I pray for all the marriages here. Don't give up. God does move mountains.

cajeanie,

I was mad at my husband when he left. I would get mad at him when he did things that hurt me after he left. I had to learn to forgive him. I had to learn to forgive as Christ does. I had to forgive him for the things he did to me, the things he was doing to me and the things he will do to me.

We cannnot forgive on our own. True forgiveness comes from God. I had to ask God to help me forgive my husband. I STILL have to ask God to help me forgive my husband. When I get hurt by something he says or does, I ask God to help me forgive him. It get easier to forgive all the
time. If I hadn't have done this, then my love for him may have died. Also, ask God to show you how He sees your husband.

Jen,

I really hurt my husband with a letter also. My letter was in the form of a motion to contest the divorce. I thought I was doing what was right to save my marriage. I now know that I shamed him and was still trying to control something that only God can control. I hurt him so bad that he rarely came around me for six months.

It took pray and fasting to get him coming around me again. Since then our realtionship has grown. Leave it to God. God can bring him home no matter how far away he may be.Work on your relationship with the Lord. This is very important. Steadfast is right about your realtionship with God. Please pray for God to led you to a church. There is one out there. Many people going thru divorce have found there way to my church because there is a lot of healing taking place. That is where my healing began.

My church has a web site and you can listen to sermons there. Maybe listening to the sermons would help you begin to heal. I believe you would enjoy them. If you don't want to go there, that is o.k. But it is a great way to "go" to church.
THe web site is www.hillvue.com Click on audio sermons and you will find a list by months.The most current is listed on the home page but, I suggest listening to one by Pastor Ayers.

You are not a heathen wife. You are a child of God and he loves you just as you are. Hang in there. GOd has really changed my situation and He will change yours. It takes time.

gentle

Please pray for us - WH is comming home next week - he's bringing his stuff and has gotten rid of his apartment. He has lived away from home for over 4 years, 1200 miles from us. Hopefully he will choose to stay by choosing recovery (substances)

God is moving in his life - Amen

Blessings,

D.

<small>[ June 24, 2003, 11:34 PM: Message edited by: WillGetThruThis ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by GreggC:
<strong>Yes please add my name to the list.
Tell me what kind of fast this is, and exactly how to fast on Wednesday and pray. Also, I feel naive, but what is the reason for fasting?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Gregg,

I can't speak for everyone here, but as a person who practices Judaism, we fast all the time! haha <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Usually, when fasting is talked about, people mean "not eating and drinking", but as I always do, I tend to try to ask myself: "What is the spirit behind this law or rule, and how can I meet the spirit of that law today?"

I think the very early Jewish people would fast and pray, not as a way of denying themselves or purposely weaken themselves, but as a sign of showing control over even the basic instincts and needs of the flesh. For example, Jewish people fast from food AND water on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) as a symbol that our minds are on SPIRITUAL things that day, and not fleshly things. We are the masters of our own bodies and desires, and by fasting we exercise our ability to control ourselves.

Also, fasting is a symbol of reverence. There are some days or times that are too holy for the more fleshly needs, so when we are in the presence of the very, VERY holy we do not worry about our bodies. Our minds are on holiness and righteousness and godliness and relationship with God! And we are so focused on God and speaking with Him and praying, that we don't even have ROOM to think about the boring, daily chores like eating and drinking!

So, if that was the "spirit" of fasting, how can we apply that today? I don't think God really wants us to get ill from fasting (even on Yom Kippur, older people and diabetics and young children and sick people are commanded NOT to fast), so I don't think its the eating or not eating that is the goal. The goal is to be in such a holy, connected place with God that the earthly stuff of the flesh is just forgotten. Another goal is to discipline ourselves to focus on the SPIRITUAL things and not the physical.

Sooooo...think about how you could apply that to yourself today. What way could you put yourself in such a place that you are closeley connected with God? How could you show reverence and honor? What things could you do to discipline yourself to focus on SPIRITUAL THINGS?

For me, I start the day with extra prayer and bible reading, pulling out the list of people on this thread and praying for each by name and, as much as I can, for their specific circumstance...I pray at lunchtime rather than going out...I spend the evening quietly...and I go to bed early so I can pull out the list of people on this thread and pray for each by name and specific circumstance again. I prepare an intense bible study. I read a book by Joyce Meyer. I do drink, but I don't eat. That kind of thing.

So, Gregg, you think about it and decide for yourself how you will fast.

CJ

Jen,

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Stranger, no, acquaintance or friend probably, an intimate friend no.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Is it ok if I tell you that your Creator desires to have an intimate relationship with you? He has held back nothing to tell you, Jen Brown, how important you are to Him; how much he desires for you to understand Him and know his heart.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I pray daily, I don't read the bible very often</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">A relationship developes as two people communicate with each other. Both talking and listening. In our relationship with God we can equate praying as talking to Him and reading His word as listening to Him. When the two of you (you and God) are together how well do you think the relationship would develope if you were the only one to talk and you didn't listen to God. In essence, that's what you are doing if you "pray daily" and "don't read the bible very often".

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I can't attend "my" church anymore being that I'm the heathen wife that's been cast out of my H's family. I can't just pick up and attend a new church without attending the same one as some of my current or former students (who would wonder where my H is). I just can't attend church unless my H and I reconcile and he allows me to return to "our" church, or I divorce him and attend a new chuch without him, as a divorced woman.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Sweet Jen, I don't use this phrase very often, but hear my heart when I tell you that this is a pack of lies from the pit of hell. Who has convinced you that you "can't" attend a church? Do you really believe God doesn't want you to be surrounded by the body of Christ? Satan, is a devourer of God's sheep. He wants to separate us from the flock so he can destroy us. Don't allow yourself to be separated to face this stuff alone. Find a body of believers that will surround you. If it happens to be your students or former students, then so be it. Please don't let pride or shame keep you from seeking the protection of a flock.

The important thing is to find a safe place to heal, grow and become intimate with God. I quarantee you will see God move as you get closer to Him.

Peace to you.

S&C

<small>[ June 25, 2003, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: steadfast and committed ]</small>

Jen,

Here is something that helped me (no I am not the WS here, but I have done some things that I am not proud of in my past)- Churches are hospitals for sinners not mosleums for saints . Keep searching, you will find the right church and how refreshing that will be.

Blesings,

D.

<small>[ June 25, 2003, 07:20 AM: Message edited by: WillGetThruThis ]</small>

PLease pray for a friend of mine "CT". She has started an A with a single man. We had a really good conversation yesterday, but she thinks she is out of control and doesn't know how to stop it. She keeps saying that she will stop it but then goes back and sees him. She can't go to church right now, then said that must be a sign it's wrong. Then added but I am so happy. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

Blessings,

D.