15 January, 2010

thoughts on prayer.

I used to think my prayers for others 
really didn't make any kind of noteworthy difference. 

I think I assumed, 
albeit subconsciously,
that it was the singular faith 
of the party involved that would 
determine wether or not God 
would grant or withhold the desired blessing.

and I was wrong.

Please believe me when I say that 
I can feel your prayers in a real, tangible way
that cannot be described in any language I know.

I feel like I could LITERALLY reach out
and touch your prayers of 
peace,
comfort,
courage,
faith,
and on,
and on,
and on.

They surround me,
 night and day,
and what I feel is oh so powerful.

Not only do I feel your prayers,
I also feel the love with which they are offered.
And it warms my broken soul.

I read something today in "Beyond the Veil"
that was SPOT ON to the feelings in my heart.

"I am convinced that it [is] by the mercy of God that I [am] allowed to experience the prayers people [are] offering for me.  I just hope they realize their prayers [are] meaningful and [make] a difference.  [From now on] when I pray for someone, I [will] do so with increased faith, knowing my prayers have power." (Beyond the Veil, Vol I, p47)

so thank you . . .
again.

and thank God. . .
again.

deeply.

xo.

N

18 comments:

algreig said...

that's beautiful natalie :) i want to do that as well, pray with increased faith in God. thank you again for blessing me with your openness and strength.

Beth S said...

Hang in there Natalie. We are with you in spirit even if we can't be standing beside you. Sending hugs and love. If we are little quieter it's because we are trying to give space and time to grieve. Take care.

Hil said...

so beautifully put. i am convinced the only thing that got me through the loss of our son was prayer. not just my personal prayers, but prayers from family, friends and even strangers. it really is something you can feel and it gives you strength that you never believed you would or could have through an experience like this. you will continue to be in my prayers through this time of grief.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing what it's like for you on your side of the prayers. It's is encouraging to know how the prayers of 1000's of people have impacted you.
God Bless you and yours. (((hugs)))

Amy said...

I think that's something important baby Gavin taught us. The power of prayer. I can only hope to accomplish in my lifetime what he accomplished in 2 months. Bringing souls to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to their knees. My faith is SO much stronger because of Gavin. My gratitude for his life, and for you is immense.

Dawn B said...

beautiful

Stephanie said...

so glad you can feel them because they are sent with love. we are with you wishing we could do more! we all love you guys so much!

Marti said...

You are amazing and so strong. I think of you often, though we have never met. Keep walking through it.

Unknown said...

From the deepest part of my being. Huggs.

Dolly said...

Pure poetry.

Katie said...

I have to thank you for continuing to inspire me in my faith. We have never met,yet, God has put such a warm spot in my heart for you and your family. I've never thought of prayer that way but it is so true. When my husband passed away I can remember my mother holding onto me and praying when I had just broken down. I could feel the love and peace and faith coming from her and it helped immensely. And to think I wasn't even a christian then.

Katie
http://iknowgodexists.blogspot.com

Shane Meredith Mason and Kendall said...

Im another one that you dont know, but I have really loved reading your blog. I wish I would of "known" you on other terms, but still you have been really uplifting through this all. Im sure you have your super low points, but you really see things clearly and it is a neat thing to read.
I just wanted to add that you have been in my prayers, and when I was at the temple yesterday (Im in Arizona) I put your family on the prayer roll. Im sure it was already there, but hey..whats one more time right??

meredith

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke said...

wow. that was beautiful.
-stranger lds photographer in texas

Whitney Elizabeth said...

i don't know what it is, but i tear up every time i read your blog lately or see a picture of baby Gavin. i don't think i would be much support to you if it weren't for prayer. much love.

Ashleigh said...

Oh Natalie, that's beautiful. We love you and are praying for your family's comfort. We love you.
Ashleigh & Suliasi

d d p h o t o g r a p h y said...

Thank you for sharing that.
continued thoughts and prayers from my neck of the woods...
I think about you alot...

christian said...

thanks for being such a good example. I thought about you and this post yesterday when I went to the temple.
love you.

Courteney Miller said...

I'm very thankful that you do feel the prayers because we pray with our whole heart and feel like we are right there beside you. I don't even know you personally but feel extremely close to you just in knowing you are a child of God. Your faith is so inspiring and so uplifting. Hang in there and continue your walk with the good Lord because without Him, well, how would you even get through this without Him...you wouldn't. You are pretty darn amazing Natalie!