As I stepped outside into the early morning darkness, took a moment to tie my shoelaces and set out on a walk of the neighborhood, I embraced the quiet time and the peacefulness surrounding me. I thanked God for the cool morning breeze, for the stars in the sky, for the birds waking and beginning their morning song. And after I had listed my usual prayers for all my children and friends, co-workers and family, a thought hit me…”I should pray for each house as I pass by.” (You need to know, I live in a small town where everybody pretty much knows everybody.)
Then it began.
“Lord, I pray for those in this home. I know that there are hidden secrets with alcohol in this home. Broken hearts, hurting souls. Lord, I pray for their healing.”
“Lord, I thank you for the long life you have given this elderly woman. I pray that her needs are taken care of, that others are there to help her. I pray that you bring people to her to take away her loneliness.”
“Lord I pray for this family, for healing broken hearts. I pray for their young daughter who is pregnant, for answers and good health. I pray for her parents who are feeling shattered and disappointed, for communication and forgiving hearts.”
“Lord, I pray that this father would find a job. I pray that he will not lose hope, but always trust in you. I pray that you ease the tension and fear in this home. That you help this family meet their financial needs.”
“Lord, I pray for healing in this home. Physical healing. That you would give them courage and strength as they fight this cancer.”
It surprised me, as each house I passed by I realized the people inside were facing problems. Each house had pain. Each house had struggle. I was not the only one with a list of prayers. Everyone around me, everyone in my neighborhood had problems.
At times we think we are all alone, but we are not. Everyone has struggles, everyone has pain, everyone has disappointment and fear. This I know…God is there to love and protect and answer prayer for each one of us. Ask Him.
Blessings.
49andcounting 
beautiful.