Answered Prayer
Nancy Fisher of Paola, KS, USA
Let contentions and quarrelings among you cease. Sustain each other in peace; and ye shall be blessed with my Spirit, in comforting and strengthening you for my work. -Doctrine and Covenants 117:13
I had been my husband’s caregiver for many years. As the end drew near, we had hospice care. They provided a hospital bed that was set up in our living room. From that time forward, he never left the bed.
For several weeks, I was unable to get more than a few minutes of rest here and there, and real sleep was not to be had. However, I constantly spoke to God in prayer asking for the strength and wisdom needed to handle my husband’s care.
One night, I had just gotten him settled, and in less than an hour he again needed care. By morning, I was overwhelmed and feeling utter despair. I knelt beside the bed and cried out, “Dear God, help me. I need you NOW!”
Knowing that God was always helping me I somehow pulled myself together and continued to do what was required. I have always trusted that God would continue helping me.
Shortly after I had reached my limit, my sister called and said she was coming to stay so I could get some rest. As soon as I hung up the phone, my pastor called saying that she and her husband would come stay with us through the day and night so I might rest. I gratefully responded that my sister was coming to stay, and that she was an answer to my prayers. God sent me the help I had prayed for.
Prayer Phrase
“… the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale, especially into places and situations in need of loving care. Give thanks to the Spirit, source of every breath, source of life.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
