Hear these prayer concerns:
"Please pray for peace and lack of anxiety in the midst of changing financial conditions."

"I am struggling personally and financially. Please pray for me."

"Please pray for those who will lose their job at my workplace this week."

"Please pray for me as I look for a job."

"Please pray for my kids as I have lost my job and don't know where to turn."

These have all come through our various pathways for prayer in the last two weeks. Our Habitat family has been laid off and can't move in to the house until they have employment.

So many are struggling to keep above water during these days. And to listen to the news, there is little reason to hope for a turn around anytime soon. I get frustrated with our government and their convoluted response and part of me questions the extent of their intervention at all. But I do know there are hungry, sick and naked ones out there that have never been in this position before.

I shared with the Companions in Christ group, that when we sit in silence, I have the image of holding the group. Just simply holding us - together, holding us - up, holding us - accountable...that as we pray we are somehow offering strength to one another. I shared that image before the prayer time on Sunday...there just is so little to do except hold you up, hold you close, hold you in peace in these very difficult times. We continue to ask ourselves - how can we help? I was in the midst of seminary when I first found these verses. They were sent to me at just the right moment when I was sure I was drowning. I hope they are words that will bring comfort and hope to those who are hurting and treading water.

"He says, "Don't be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God...Because you are precious to me"...Isaiah 43:1b-2.

May you walk and not be afraid, may you wade through deep waters and not falter, may you walk through fire and not be burned. Hold on, hold on, hold on.