Soliciting Prayers

I know all my blog-readers aren't necessarily Christian and I even confess that as a Christian I usually see prayer requests like this and think "Lord be with them," and promptly forget about other people's problems. But I've been cut to the quick by some news tonight and I'm trusting that just a few more of those quick "Lord, help them," prayers might "avail much".

After months of debilitating headaches, nausea and fatigue, my 17 year old cousin - only a year younger than me - has just been diagnosed with a severe brain tumor. Apparently it's the size of a small mandarin orange. The surgery will be Friday morning.

It's easy for me to be philosophical in my Christian faith when I hear about others' experiences, but when it happens to the "baby" among the cousins, not yet out of high-school, it's frightening and horrifying and reminds me why this earth is not our home.

If my Christian readers could take a moment to pray for God's presence, strength and courage to be with the family right now, I'd really appreciate it.

(Isa 43:1-7) But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

P.S. I originally posted this a couple days ago, and then felt shy asking for prayers from people I don't know "in real life", so removed it. However, Adriana @ Classical Quest had already seen the title and assured me of her prayers. Thanks so much, Adriana!