Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

 May 16, 2012

"Heavenly Father, thank you"

Gary prayed last night.  This is the first time in MONTHS that he has prayed out loud.  It was at dinner with some friends over.  His prayer was short.  It ended abruptly.  He got "stuck" as if he was going to say more but couldn't.  I finished for him and then our friend, Steve, commented that he had often heard Gary begin his prayers this way.

Can you even imagine how encouraging these 4 words were to my heart?   He is still giving praise and honor to his Heavenly Father, because he has been rescued from his heart of stone and been given a heart of flesh.  In his simple, random, rare moments, he continues to give thanks to God.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

To the suffering Believers who were scattered about because of persecution, Peter wrote:

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect (fix what is broken), confirm (strengthen with resolve, under-gird), strengthen (strengthen wherever needed), and establish (give a firm foundation) you."  1 Peter 5:10

Though the circumstances were different, God is ALWAYS using this fallen world to do "a thousand things" in the lives of those who entrust their souls to Him.  May we ALL give thanks (to God) in EVERYTHING!

  

Gary's Prayer's - since being diagnosed with Alzheimers in '07

November 26, 2010

"Father God we thank You - of our own merits which we will try and shore up - You're unbelievably safe."

(When Gary started to loose his ability to speak, I began jotting down some of his prayers.  Now that he doesn't say more than a word or two each day, I enjoy them.  I can still follow his lead.)

Knowing Gary, I believe he was thanking God that as we try to obey and live lives pleasing to God, bringing our own merits to the table, is frightening because our own righteousness is like filthy rags to the one true God, who is complete perfection.  How thankful we must be that because of His great sacrifice on our behalf, God becomes SAFE to us.  A Father, not a judge.  Jesus took the judgement, and we get to relax in His loving arms.

I hope you all will have a wonderful Saturday, enjoying the grace and mercy of God.
Laurie

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

November 19, 2009

"Help me understand what's going on and help me be content even if it's in a mess.  Help me turn it around and so others can see a changed life."

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

August 2009

"Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead on our behalf.  Let us glorify You in the line of duty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives."

(After listening to a Dr. Jack MacArthur sermon on Revelation 20)

"Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years." Revelation 20:6

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

February 2008

"Help us be responsible, and draw favorable attention to what You're doing here."

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

June 18, 2009

"Thank You for giving us Your Word, and delivering it so precisely to us.  Thank You for Your Son and forgive us for trying to kill Him."

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

April 26, 2008

"You are to be feared. You are to be loved."

Gary's Prayers - since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

November 1, 2009

"Thank you God for giving me something to make me trust you so I don't need to worry.  You are all I need and use me to glorify You."