The Chronicles of Biscuit - "They Said My Name!"

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Stories about our youngest son, Tyler, whose nickname is Biscuit.

Biscuit is so excited!  Today at worship, both morning and evening services, it was announced and told that he is having a tonsilectomy this week.  Yes, he's on the prayer list - and he's very excited. He kept saying, "They said my name!"

I thought about Biscuit being so excited about being on the prayer list.  He's excited because he's a child and heard his name mentioned, but I also think he realizes that his church family is praying for him.  For Him. And that is what a prayer list is all about. It's praying for someone who needs prayers - for healing, for strength, or for encouragement.

The sad part, to me, is that some people don't want their names on a prayer list.  I've never really understood why.  Some say they like to keep things private - and of course, some procedures may be better just announced to a men's group or a women's group - that's understandable.  Others may feel that they have been sick too often and that they've been prayed for too often.  But, I don't think God minds hearing about them again, do you?  We should be willing to pray for them over and over...as long as is needed. And still others, sadly, may not see the need.  But although God already knows what you and I may be going through, many times our Christian brothers and sisters do not.  That is why it is important.  Shouldn't we want the prayers of others?  Shouldn't we be willing to allow others to pray for us, as well as us be willing to pray for others? Are we letting pride get in the way of prayers?

I'm thankful that friends, our biological family, and our Christian family will be praying for Biscuit this week.  Yes, it's just a tonsilectomy, but it's surgery - it's something that will affect him in a painful way - even if just for a few days.  And, there's always a risk that something could go wrong.

Prayer is helpful. Prayer is needed.  Prayer is our lifeline to God.

By the way, Biscuit is most excited about getting to eat sherbet, some ice cream, and drink lots of Gatorade!  He's least excited about not getting to play sports for two weeks.  If you read "Shine Like Stars" often or know Biscuit personally, you know this is a BIG deal for him (he plays a "real-make-believe" game of some sort almost every day!).  Most likely, towards the end of recovery, I'm going to be the one needing the prayers!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:13-16