堅持信靠的Brian's Blog

Dear friends and families in Christ,
 
Please pray hard for Brian.   After the 3rd Chemotherapy ( today is 20th day), Brian's blood account is low and the immune system is (ANC)0.   It's expected and should be going up soon.
 
But today there is a number call Blast%M, it's 14%.   Normally it should be 1 or 2 ( the best is 0, it means 0 per 100WB).  Anyway, make it simple is..........
Doctor think this number shows 2 possiblity:
1. It might be the mother leukemia cell is producing the cancer cell.   If this, they will need to change the Chemo plan and use stronger medicine and maybe need bone marrow transplant.  ( They used to think Brian has AML M4 Inversion 16, and doctor said it's a better type of leukemia.  He doesn't need to have bone marrow transplant.)   
 
2. This what we need to pray to be this result........  Doctor said it might be Brian's bone marrow function is waking up and producing many good cell (not matual yet) and overflowing to the blood stream.  That's why the number is so high.  If the bone marrow test (tomorrw morning) is this result, then we don't need to worry about it.
 
The bone marrow test is scheduled tomorrow morning ( time not sure yet).  Please pray for the smooth procedure and good result after the test.
 
Thank you so much.
 
God bless us all,
 
Mark & Anita
 
 
親愛的主內家人和朋友,
 
Brian 急需各位迫切的 禱告.   
今天的驗血報告有一blast%M 癌細胞指數偏高.  醫生將安排明天早上做骨隨穿刺檢查 以確定是 1. 血癌細胞又增生 或是 2. Brian 的骨髓功能復甦因而製造過多不成熟的白血球 泛流到血管去. (若是2. 則不必擔心)   
請為明早的骨隨穿刺檢查 過程安全順利 尤其是 結果是良好的 禱告.
 
Thank you so much.
 
God bless us all,
 
Mark & Anita

Psalm 30 (The Message)

A David Psalm

 ¹ I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess,
      you didn't let my foes gloat.

 ^2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
      and you put me together.
   God, you pulled me out of the grave,
      gave me another chance at life
      when I was down-and-out.

 ^4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
      Thank him to his face!
   He gets angry once in a while, but across
      a lifetime there is only love.
   The nights of crying your eyes out
      give way to days of laughter.

 ^6-7 When things were going great
      I crowed, "I've got it made.
   I'm God's favorite.
      He made me king of the mountain."
   Then you looked the other way
      and I fell to pieces.

 ^8-10 I called out to you, God;
      I laid my case before you:
   "Can you sell me for a profit when I'm dead?
      auction me off at a cemetery yard sale?
   When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs
      and stories of you won't sell.
   So listen! and be kind!
      Help me out of this!"

 ^11-12 You did it: you changed wild lament
      into whirling dance;
   You ripped off my black mourning band
      and decked me with wildflowers.
   I'm about to burst with song;
      I can't keep quiet about you.
   God, my God,
      I can't thank you enough.

Oh, Lord, we revere you because you chose Brian. You hand-picked him, even when he did not know you, even when he was looked upon at school as a kid with problems, even when he felt inferior, even when he was hurt—you still attracted him to you through your love. You gave him a new body and forced Satan’s lies and boasts to depart from him.

Oh, Jehovah, Brian’s personal God, in the past years, you were the God that Brian cried out to. You healed his spirit and turned his possibilities with the world into an eternal hope in you. You saved Brian’s soul—blew air into its lungs, enabled him to walk on your paths, and kept him from falling into the enemy’s traps.

Oh, Lord, therefore we want to sing praises to you and worship you. You are Brian’s “Abba,” Father, you are the Abba Father he commemorates now. Oh, Lord, we thank you. Thank you for correcting and disciplining Brian in the past years and causing him to be more and more like you and your glory.

Thank you for not judging us in anger but instead, building your children up with a doctor’s grace. Therefore, Lord, we believe that even though we once worried and wept over Brian’s condition—when the morning of victory comes, we will cheer and praise and give thanks.

Oh, Lord, build our lives so that we no longer rely on easy circumstances but can stand strong. Oh, Lord, we thank you. We thank you for the robust body Brian had. Bring him again to the place of reliance on you.

Oh, Lord, apart from you, the greatest doctors and nurses can do nothing. Right now, we take Brian and plead before you—we beg you, Lord. Oh, Lord, quickly give Brian the ability to open his mouth to praise you—to get up and witness that you are real.

Oh, Lord, please respond to Brian. We believe in that you will heal and rescue Brian—but we implore that you will not forget Brian’s parents, who are suffering as well. Oh, Lord, cut down our waiting time! Quickly transform our wild laments to whirling joys.

Yes, Lord. Brian will not merely be able to open his mouth and speak, but you will heal all the limbs of his body—you will recover his physical self fully so that he can dance before you. We pray that you will quickly rip off Brian’s mourning band and deck him with joy.

Oh, Lord, we desire to see glory descend upon Brian’s face. We praise you, Lord, for you are the one who can manifest glory on Brian, the one we can sing to without ever stopping.

Oh, Jehovah, you are Brian’s personal God, and we thank you. We want to thank you forever, and ever, and ever. We can’t thank you enough.

 In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Therefore we pray in order to get close to our Abba Father, to have Him drown out us so that our hearts have nothing to say.

Our Heavenly Father’s love is not a solution for suffering—rather, it is our hope in times of trouble.

Therefore, we pray. We loudly proclaim:

Ephesians 6:10-20 (New International Version, ©2010)

The Armor of God

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Oh, Lord, we praise you, for you have already parted the Red Seas for Brian. You have personally guided him between the twin walls of leukemia, the twin walls of water who constantly circle him, but must submit under your almighty orders. Thank you, Lord, for escorting him across all the world proclaims “Impossible!”

Lord, we again entrust you with the Brian who has woken up. Oh, Lord, we proclaim that his every cell, every nerve, every bodily function will be classified as yours.

We pray that he will forever remember the great work you have done in his life today. Bestow upon him complete trust and let his life be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.

Lord, as Brian is recovering, we pray that you will build within him a firm, unyielding army.

Lord, you have already given him a spiritual uniform to set him apart from the world. Give him a glorious rank that no longer adheres to the value system of this world.

Oh, Lord, we praise you. The enemy’s tricks have already crumbled away. Brian’s bodily weakness cannot hold onto him. In this time of tribulation, you have already guided Brian and his family to the armory and dressed them in beautiful weaponry.

You gave Brian the power to overcome death’s threat, and you didn’t let Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita collapse from worry and pain.

You command your intercessors not to be discouraged, not to be idle; you remind us and call us to stand firm and watch your marvelous deeds.

Lord, we thank you. Today, we pray that you will continue to lead Brian so that, by leaning on you, he can stand steadily.

Please give Brian an ear full of desire to listen to your truth so that he can buckle the belt of truth around his waist.

Give him an alert spirit so that he can withstand the many wrong messages broadcasted by this world.

Give Brian righteous, upright conduct so that his heart is uncovered before your light and the enemy is unable to make any accusations against him.

Lord, we also proclaim that Brian will very soon get up and walk. From this day on, every step that he takes will leave the imprint of the gospel. Those footprints will attract people to follow the way you walked.

Oh, Lord, please continue to solidify his confidence. Starting from today, no matter what problems he meets, let him remember and trust in the God who took him from death’s door. The calls of slanderers will not be able to get near Brian’s heart.

Thank you for protecting Brian’s head. We praise you, because where there was once a wound, there is now the imprint of the helmet of your salvation that will continue to protect him.

Lord, we once again pray that you will open Brian’s understanding towards the truth so that he will not merely have access to comprehension but will be able to live out your Word.

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for nurturing Brian throughout this journey. Continue to open up Brian, attract him, and train him to become a powerful warrior of prayer.

Give him the passion to pray for others so that he can frequently stand in your presence, grasping the messages of your heart.

Lord, throughout these days, Brian has intimately experienced you. We pray that you will anoint his mouth and gift him with both clear articulation and the ability to express himself beautifully.

Give him also courage straight from the heavens, so that he can become your portal—so that he can help rescue the fallen and dying in spirit and introduce them to the hope of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thank you, Lord. Protect Brian, whom you have chosen, until the very end.

We praise you. May your Words be adored by those you love you and proclaimed day and night. May they rekindle the flames of the altar of our prayers.

Again, in the name of Jesus Christ, we thank you as your Words manifest powerfully before our very eyes.

Amen.

Prayer is a way to let God’s will and heart be planted in me until that tiny seeds grows into a small sprout, until it grows into a tree, until it blossoms, until it bears fruit.

Keep praying so that we may mature inside into God’s beautiful gardens, filled with all the different flowers of God’s will, the different facets of God’s heart.

The Lord’s Words are the best seeds; let us listen:

Philippians 1:3-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 ³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

 ⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Oh my Lord, we praise you. Whenever I remember Brian, I can’t help but continuously praise you—I can’t resist praising you. You are real and reliable, Lord!

Let us see your amazing grace clearly on Brian. Lord, your amazing grace is sweet, so sweet! Thank you for giving us this chance to pray for Brian.

Thank you for helping us to know your love more as we prayed in the past few months, and for helping us cling closer to your heart.

Lord, it is your Word that gives us clear promises. It is your Spirit that kindles our passion and gives us the ability to pray that you will fill Brian with joy and confidence.

Lord, we have confidence that Brian will become your Witness of the Gospel. All of his experiences of rescue and redemption will successfully save the fallen, dying souls around him.

Lord, we praise you. Your doctors and your great healing power are already in motion, and we believe that despite Brian’s sickness he will pick up his head from his bed.

We believe that this will not only impact Brian, but will simultaneously impact those who will hear his testimony in the future.

Thank you, Lord, for you have already done good work in Brian’s heart. You have already led him to a burning thirst for you.

Thank you, for in the time that they suffer and worry most, you prepare Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita with a strong determination and resolution to spread your gospel.

Oh, Lord, we also want to thank you. Let all of us intercessors pray not only for the healing of a sick child, but for your Gospel to thrive as a result of this trial.

We genuinely believe in the good work you have started and declare that you will finish it!

Lord, thank you for constantly talking to Brian’s spirit when he was conscious. Now that he has woken up and his ability to hear and speak is gradually returning, we implore you to nurture his powers of understanding so that his thoughts submit to you, trust in you, and constantly seek your principles.

Oh, Lord, we ask that your Word will nurture Brian’s spirit and permeate his powers of understanding. We pray that during his time on the sickbed, he will begin meditating on you 24/7, preparing to bear fruit.

We also intercede on behalf of Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita. Please, continue to lead them to pursue you, to learn about Jesus Christ in the deepest nights.

Mold them so that they become not only Brian and Vivian’s parents, but help them to be ready to shepherd many spiritual sons and daughters.

Lord, we don’t just want to be able to pray, but we want to become men and women of prayer, who, at any time, are filled with your mercy.

Furthermore, we want to become men and women who aren’t jealous of the rich.

We want to become men and women who are willing to grow in knowledge and many different fields of understanding because we are often in your presence, admiring your glory.

Lord, may you cause the right appetites to arise within us, may you help us to hunger and thirst for good food—the heavenly feasts of truth and goodness.

Help us to be filled with the fruits of righteousness by leaning on Jesus Christ—to the praise and the glory of God.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Philippians 1:12-20 (The Message)

 ^12-14I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they've learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah.

 ^15-17It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them.

 ^18-21So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

Lord, we thank you.

Lord, we believe that the trials Brian and his family face will spread the gospel and help others in similar circumstances.

Lord, we also believe that Brian’s temporary condition as a prisoner to leukemia is for Christ Jesus, and that he is suffering for his Lord.

Lord, don’t let him suffer in vain. I pray that because of his suffering, many spiritual lives will grow; that because of his healing, the confidence of our prayers will double—and that because of his testimony, many hearts will boldly preach the message of Christ’s cross as well as his resurrecting power.

Lord, no matter how difficult this situation is, no matter the imperfections of Brian’s parents and those of us surrounding him, we look to you. Lord, in everything we look to you.

Sometimes, we are weak. Sometimes, we get attacked. Sometimes, we stumble in our speech, make mistakes, and wrongly interpret your heart. We fail to follow your guidance—but in the end, what does that matter?

In the end, you are triumphant one. There is glory hidden in Brian’s illness, and in the end, your heart will be revealed and spread throughout the nations. Therefore, we are thankful to participate in Brian’s victory against leukemia. We are thankful that we are eye-witnesses to this battle.

Lord, thank you for calling us to pray for Brian. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for moving among us as we pray—helping us, opening our hearts, and instructing us as we intercede for Brian.

Lord, we believe that your same Holy Spirit is continuously upon Brian’s sickbed. You are leading Brian, commanding him to wake up, and calling him to become a powerful prayer warrior.

Lord, we praise you, and we desire to see you work a supernatural miracle upon Brian’s body. We hope for his quick recovery, and we hope that in this time of waiting, you will grow Uncle Mark, Auntie Anita, and Vivian. Mature them through this training so that they will become admirals and generals of your spiritual army—able to spread your gospel with Brian.

Lord, once again we pray that you will give us faith, and that you will give Brian courage so that he can boldly confront the daily challenge of testing his body’s limits. Let his nerves, limbs, consciousness, and any hurt places to have daily breakthroughs in healing.

Oh, Lord, we praise you. We don’t see a sick Brian, but a powerful Jesus Christ showing his holy might on Brian.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

How much prayer equals “enough?” I constantly ask this question, but there really isn’t an answer. However, when I pray to a certain point and I’m filled with God’s love for that person—it is then that my pleading is turned to praise, my begging is transformed to thanksgiving, and my bargaining spirit is changed to trust.

1 Kings 8:56-62 (New International Version)

 56 “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. 61 And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
 62 Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. 

Oh, Lord, we praise you. Truly, we praise you and give you the praise and reverence you deserve, for your faithfulness is great and you shine your light upon us. You promise peace to your sons and daughters who fix their eyes on you and continue to shine your light even more on your promises—watching over those who love you.

Oh, Lord, we thank you for the miracles you have performed on Brian’s body. Thank you for allowing Brian’s intercessors the chance to witness the manifestation of your great power.

Lord, truly none of your words are lacking. From Moses to the present, all of the promises of your Word—each and every phrase is made real in beautiful victory in our lives. We praise you, Lord, for allowing us the privilege of calling you, “Abba,” Father.

Brian, too, has the privilege of knowing you intimately in his youth—of being protected, held, and watched over by you. Thank you for being the God of all of us. Oh, Lord, you are the God praised by Brian, Uncle Mark, Auntie Anita, Vivian, and all of us intercessors. You are powerful.

Thank you for being with us on this path, walking before us, guiding us through hard times, teaching us to take long strides, and rebuking the enemy. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for remaining by our sides, for reminding us to lift up our heads to welcome our Lord as we walk into this tribulation. Thank you for becoming our focal point.

Oh, Lord, we thank you. We are all weak as we walk down this road—we are all worried, we all have little faith. But, Lord, you have not cast Brian aside. You have not forsaken Uncle Mark or Auntie Anita, and you have not disappointed your intercessors.

Lord, thank you for attracting our hearts to turn towards you as we walk this path. Thank you for continuously using your Word to provide light, and for leading Brian, as well as the rest of us, towards maturity and an increased reverence for your commands.

Oh, Lord, you are the God who studies Brian 24/7. We know the blessing of being able to follow you and realize the favor that comes from serving you. We pray that the huge events happening to Brian and his family will be spread out and that the nations will all revere you—that they would know that you alone are God and there is no other.

Oh, Lord, we plead that as you heal Brian’s body, bestow upon him a heart of honest submission. Teach him to obey your orders to adore him and to comply to your commandments. Oh, Lord, shape those you have chosen.

In the midst of suffering, Brian clearly experiences you. Give him the heart of a servant—a heart filled with love for the depressed spirit. Cause the grace you placed in Brian’s life to multiply as he shares it with those who need it.

Lord, we also place Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita before you. Anoint them to go comfort other hurting parents—may they bear fruit from their suffering today and become fragrant sacrifices upon the altar before your glorious throne.

 In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

I pray for others, for I desire the habit  of  loving God, and of loving others in God's loving way.

Hebrews 4:10-16 (New International Version)

¹⁰ for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
 ¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

 ¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Oh, Lord, we praise you, for your plans are already completed—your will is already successful. You see Brian from eternity, with no regard to yesterday, today, or tomorrow—you measure his life by his victories over tribulations.

Oh, Lord, we praise you. You are the God who has already finished his work, the God who can sit down in peace and rest because that is when your power manifests in greatest strength. When we learn to rest like you, our prayers are the deepest—and the most hope-filled.

Oh, Lord, give Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita enough faith to whether this time of uncertainty. Help them to enter your rest; in the middle of the night, help them to get to know you.

Oh, Lord, give Brian the gift of pure and simple submission. As he waits in this process of recovery, may he dwell often in your rest and enjoy the peace and joy that you bestow.

Lord, we pray that you will guide us as we intercede for Brian. As we look to you on behalf of Brian and let go of our own human efforts, encircle us with your rest. Lord, how we thirst for your Holy Word—how we need your Holy Word! We need your Word to explode in our lives every day.

Thank you, Lord, for every day you use your Word to kiss Brian’s wounded life. We praise your efficient Word, which heals Brian daily. Lord, today we revere your Word more, because your Word shines in the darkest night in Brian’s life—because your Word illuminates the beautiful truths that even the doctors cannot foresee.

It is your Word that guides Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita when they cannot see their paths—your Word that opens up the right path for them. Your Word attracts us and teaches us how to work with you as we pray for Brian.

Oh, Lord! Brian’s physical body in transparent before you; his spiritual body revealed when you look at him. The way to restore every section of his life is also clear in your eyes.  You are Brian’s God, and every part of his life is in your hands.

Precious and Glorious God, we praise you. You came onto earth and took on the characteristics of a human being. You have experienced weakness—you have experienced the cruelest persecutions. Thank you for being able to empathize with Brian’s weaknesses—you understand and care about Brian’s suffering.

Therefore, Lord, with all of our hearts we believe that abundant grace is already before your throne. Calm and undaunted, we take Brian before you and beg for your grace. Oh, Lord, Brian’s eyes need your grace, his right hand and foot need your mercy, and his emotions need your constant help.

Thank you, Lord. Calm and undaunted, we cry out to you with confidence in your love, with hope in your great might.

Thank you, Lord. May you receive us without hesitation into your presence.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Let’s desire God’s Words! Let His Words flow gently in our lives like water, day and night, till  it pours out with mighty power,  onto other people’s lives.

Therefore, let us pray God’s Word and verbally seek after him!

Ephesians 1:17-23

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Glorious Father, we thank you for bestowing the Holy Spirit upon us as we pray for Brian. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with your Spirit and the chance to know your wisdom as we pray; to accept your truth as we learn about you through your miraculous grace in Brian’s life.

Oh, Lord, we pray for the illumination of Brian’s eyes, that he may not focus on his temporary limitations but rather upon your calling—as well as the hope that comes with your calling.

Oh Lord, we can’t even imagine the glorious inheritance you give to us. Please, Lord, open up a corner of heaven for Brian. Give him a glance of the heavenly inheritance in that corner so that he will again be struck by your power and joyously welcome his trials.

Oh, Lord, we praise you, for you are the God who easily moves mountains and effortlessly shifts seas. You rose from the dead with your holy power and great might—and you are willing to substitute Brian’s weakness and frailties.

Turn this situation around! Turn around the condition of Brian’s sight, his hearing, his sense of touch, his speech, his ability to walk, and his mental powers. Oh, Lord, we want to see and continue to see you being praised and acclaimed.

We believe that you surpass any help, any medicine, any doctor or nurse or healer the world can offer. In fact, we proclaim that all of them will be continually amazed at the miracles you perform on Brian’s body. Oh Lord, let them know that you are God, and that all disease in being trampled under you feet.

Thank you, Lord. Help us to all become part of Christ’s body—to speak through Christ’s mouth, to exercise Christ’s power. We pray that your spirit will radically fill your church and transform your many sons and daughters. Help us to spread your rich blessings as we walk this earth.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Romans 5

  ¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Lord, we thank you for leading Brian to trust in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus he is forgiven, through Jesus he has peace with God, and through Jesus he can call you, “Abba,” Father.

Jesus, thank you for coming onto this earth for Brian; thank you for dying for Brian upon the cross. And Lord, we especially thank you because your powerful resurrection prevailed over all death and surmounted all sickness.

Thank you for letting Brian walk the bridge of faith with confidence; because of that he now stands in your grace. Because of that he is under your protection and covered by your love.

Oh, Lord, we pray that Brian’s heart will be able to see how he stands in battle. Oh, Lord, we plead that Brian will once again stand in the hope of your salvation, that he will joyfully and patiently await your glory.

Thank you, Lord, because your glory is set before Brian. We pray that he will be completely immersed in hope.

Holy Spirit, we pray that you will water Brian’s heart with God’s love, that you will irrigate his soul not just once, or twice, but daily, and that he will receive strength from your love.

Lord, give Brian strength so that he will be willing to wait during this tribulation. We pray that that out of his suffering, perseverance will come; out of perseverance, character will emerge; and out of character, hope will surface.

We pray that Brian will gain confidence in your actions and promises, and that he will not be discouraged or disturbed by his present circumstances.

Oh, Lord, we praise you because you came to earth for the weak. Jesus, you said that the strong have no need for doctors, and it is the weak that needs your care.

Thank you, Lord, because you come to the bedside of Brian, who is sick and weak. You, God of the Heavens, come to Brian’s side.

Oh, Lord, thank you for being willing to die for Brian. Your love is big enough, clear enough, and simply enough to cause the enemy to flee in terror from Brian.

Lord, we pray that you will open the eyes of Brian’s heart now. Help him to understand and experience the presence of your love. Melt the ice of fear, depression, and anxiety with your love.

We proclaim that Brian’s emotions will be supernaturally transformed with the gentleness of Christ and the joy of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Psalm 25 (The Message)

 ¹² My question: What are God-worshipers like?
   Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.

 ¹³ They settle down in a promising place;
   Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.

 ¹⁴ God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
   They are the ones he confides in.

 ¹⁵ If I keep my eyes on God,
   I won't trip over my own feet.

 ¹⁶ Look at me and help me!
   I'm all alone and in big trouble.

 ¹⁷ My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
   Call a truce to this civil war.

 ¹⁸ Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
   Then lift this ton of sin.

 ¹⁹ Do you see how many people
   Have it in for me?
   How viciously they hate me?

 ²⁰ Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
   Don't let me down when I run to you.

Oh Lord, once again we intercede before you on behalf of Brian. Once again we say, “We revere you as Brian’s Master and Savior.”

Oh Lord, we don’t know what lies on the path before us, nor do we know how to walk it. So we trust you, once again believing that you are sovereign over Brian’s life, once again submitting humbly to your instruction.

Oh Lord, we pray that Brian will be able to strike your heart everyday, and that he will accurately interpret your will. May your spirit grab hold of Brian immediately and intimately.

Oh, Holy Spirit, right now you’re the only one who can get close to Brian. Only you can dispel his fears and terrors—only your love can water his spirit and soothe his emotions.

Oh, Lord! We pray that you will speak to Brian’s heart about the covenant of love you established through the blood of Christ. We pray that you will once again touch his heart by reminding him of your sacrifice on the cross. Help him to recall your great favor.

Oh, Lord, open the eyes of Brian’s heart so that he can see you—and open the eyes of Brian’s body so that he can see his loving mother and father.

Lord, you see the trembling going on in Brian’s emotions. Only you can rescue him from anxiety, fear, and anger—only you can pull him out of those spiritual nets.

Lord, when we see Brian’s current state, we cry out for your mercy; we beseech you to shorten the time of his suffering and quickly restore his emotional stability. We pray that you will straighten the twists and turns on his road to recovery.

Thank you, Lord, for you touch his inner being, his inner condition—his emotions are understandable only to you. Only you can take care of his feelings of loneliness and pain.

We praise you, Lord, for you care about Brian’s emotional suffering. You know the experiences he is going through, their numbers and their difficulty.

Oh Lord, when Brian rushes to you with all his might, do not let him fall. Rather, let him feel the warmth of your embrace.

Oh Lord, we wait for you to finish your work on Brian, and we pray that you will heal him quickly. Lord, let your children sigh with relief; let Brian sigh with relief even in the midst of his suffering.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

Psalm 20 (The Message)

 ^1-4 God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach,
   Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
   Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
   Exclaim over your offerings,
   Celebrate your sacrifices,
   Give you what your heart desires,
   Accomplish your plans.

 ⁵ When you win, we plan to raise the roof
      and lead the parade with our banners.
   May all your wishes come true!

 ⁶ That clinches it—help's coming,
      an answer's on the way,
      everything's going to work out.

 ^7-8 See those people polishing their chariots,
      and those others grooming their horses?
      But we're making garlands for God our God.
   The chariots will rust,
      those horses pull up lame—
      and we'll be on our feet, standing tall.

 ⁹ Make the king a winner, God;
      the day we call, give us your answer.

Lord, we thank you. You heard everyone’s prayers on the day Brian’s health crashed. From heaven you answered our cries.

Lord, we praise you. In the past, you took Jacob out of his suffering and put him on higher ground. We believe that you will also pull Brian out of his sickness and lift him onto the higher ground of your miraculous grace.

Lord, we praise you. You sit in your sanctuary, surrounded by angels who are always worshipping and serving you, and yet you heard the cries of Brian’s spirit and rescued him.

From your church you sent brothers and sisters to help Brian and his family, to encourage them, to stay by them, and to strengthen their faith.

Thank you, Lord. You completely understand Brian’s desire to experience and testify about you. Thank you, Lord, because you miraculously turned this trial into a fulfillment of the wish in Brian’s heart.

We praise you, Lord. We praise you because of your amazing grace, which has already given us victory over our enemies. Because you are the Grace-Giving God, we can proclaim victory before seeing the end of the battle, the result of this tribulation.

In your name, we pray that Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita’s family will raise your triumphant banner. We proclaim this family is Jehovah’s sacred land, and that you have already snatched them out of Satan’s grasp.

You are accomplishing your plans in the midst of this family. We praise you, because you have heard the cries of your children. You are revealing your great power, rescuing and guarding your chosen people.

Hallelujah! We praise you, Lord. You will personally provide the weapons we need to win this battle. The sick who do not know you can only trust in technology and medicine, but Brian can trust in the healing power of Jehovah-Rapha.

We believe that you are the Ultimate Doctor, and that all of Brian’s doctors and nurses are under your authority. They all act according to your commands.

Lord, we praise you. We believe that all the cancer cells are already being destroyed, and will not rise up. Leukemia will never savage Brian’s body again.

The one who will rise is Brian. His neck will have strength; his torso will be able to straighten. He will be freed from the emotions of fear and despair, and joyfully lean on you; wholeheartedly enjoying your psalms and Word.

We believe that your healing power is covering Brian, and will give him the strength to stand, both physically and emotionally.

Oh Lord, Brian’s hope is in you. All our hopes are in you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes,

Amen.

 ^31-42 Is there any god like God?
      Are we not at bedrock?
   Is not this the God who armed me,
      then aimed me in the right direction?
   Now I run like a deer;
      I'm king of the mountain.
   He shows me how to fight;
      I can bend a bronze bow!
   You protect me with salvation-armor;
      you hold me up with a firm hand,
      caress me with your gentle ways.
   You cleared the ground under me
      so my footing was firm.
   When I chased my enemies I caught them;
      I didn't let go till they were dead men.
   I nailed them; they were down for good;
      then I walked all over them.
   You armed me well for this fight,
      you smashed the upstarts.
   You made my enemies turn tail,
      and I wiped out the haters.
   They cried "uncle"
      but Uncle didn't come;
   They yelled for God
      and got no for an answer.
   I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
      I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.

 ^43-45 You rescued me from a squabbling people;
      you made me a leader of nations.
   People I'd never heard of served me;
      the moment they got wind of me they listened.
   The foreign devils gave up; they came
      on their bellies, crawling from their hideouts.

 ^46-48 Live, God! Blessings from my Rock,
      my free and freeing God, towering!
   This God set things right for me
      and shut up the people who talked back.
   He rescued me from enemy anger,
      he pulled me from the grip of upstarts,
   He saved me from the bullies.

Lord, we praise you, we praise you because of your profound wisdom and great wonders. You take Brian from his road of suffering and place him upon the wide, open path. Lord, thank you for helping your sons and daughters as we pray together, and for growing your church in maturity and depth.

Lord, we thank you, and desire to know your mind. Even when we don’t feel like you’re working, we know that you’re fighting for our prosperity. Lord, you are the victorious Commander-in-Chief, and you’re fighting, not just for Brian’s body, but for your church. You’re training us to become great warriors, to become sons and daughters who can fight off the enemy, whether he comes armed with sickness or trials.

Lord, we follow you, obey your orders, and are willing to humbly accept your leadership. We know that it is from you that our true victory comes. It is because of you that we can wave the banner of victory and watch our enemies turn and flee.

Lord, we praise you, because you are the God who Hears. When we look to you, you see us and scatter our enemies like dust. You crush them like garbage and throw them away.

Lord, may your name, and your name only, be praised through this testimony.

Bless your church, which clings to Christ. Bless your sons and daughters, and fill them with abundant love. Bless your chosen leaders, and hold them close to your heart as they serve you.

Lord, dwell in your church  so that we can proclaim your salvation and your powerful, gracious, great, and glorious Gospel. Lord we praise you, because you are Jehovah-Rapha. You are the God Who Heals and we believe that you will not only heal Brian, but you will manifest your healing grace in all churches around the world. The nations will see your healing power, and through that they will come to know you personally.

Be real to us, and manifest yourself in our lives, so that we do not live a life of religion, but a life of dynamic and creative worship to you. Help us to pray like you did—infectious, genuine, living—prayers; prayers that inflamed a desire in those who heard, a longing to know the living God in whom we trust.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes,

Amen.

A David Song

 ^1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
   I say to God, "Be my Lord!"
      Without you, nothing makes sense.

 ³ And these God-chosen lives all around—
      what splendid friends they make!

 ⁴ Don't just go shopping for a god.
      Gods are not for sale.
   I swear I'll never treat god-names
      like brand-names.

 ^5-6 My choice is you, God, first and only.
      And now I find I'm your choice!
   You set me up with a house and yard.
      And then you made me your heir!

 ^7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake
      is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
   Day and night I'll stick with God;
      I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.

 ^9-10 I'm happy from the inside out,
      and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
   You canceled my ticket to hell—
      that's not my destination!

 ¹¹ Now you've got my feet on the life path,
      all radiant from the shining of your face.
   Ever since you took my hand,
      I'm on the right way.

Abba Father, we praise you, because you bless and protect Brian. Brian’s spirit runs to you with a spirit of dependency, seeking your refuge, and you hold him close.

Abba Father, we thank you, because you have already heard the cry of Brian’s heart. You are Brian’s Savior, you love him, and you want to bless him with all sorts of rewards. All the good things in Brian’s life come from you.

Thank you, because you see Brian as your Holy child, as a young man willing to seek your heart. You watch over and cherish Brian, for he is a good, beautiful child of God who brings you joy.

Lord, you know that in Brian’s heart, there is no other god, only his Abba Father. Brian’s spirit only cries out to you.

We praise you because you are Brian’s most precious inheritance, you are the reason for his wealth, and you are his portion. You gave yourself to Brian, you appointed yourself responsible for him.

Lord, thank you, because all the current improvements on Brian’s body are due to your protective care. Not only that, you want to add grace for his body’s sufferings, grace that will turn the nation’s eyes toward you.

Lord, we ask for you to set Brian up with a beautiful house and a yard, to give him health so that all around people may see, shout, and glorify you.

Lord, thank you for giving Brian a healthy spirit. Despite the weakness in his body, his spirit is still able to hear your voice, and he is still able to soak in your instruction. We pray for angels to guide his spirit in praise, in worship, and in intimate interaction with you.

Lord, you are Jehovah-Rohi—you are Brian’s Shepherd, and we pray that you will shepherd his spirit so he can rest peacefully, especially during the night.

Lord, we praise you, it is because of you that Brian’s spirit can enjoy your glorious presence. Through you he has a heart of joy. Heal Brian’s body mightily, give him more and more strength each day.

Thank you, Lord, because all throughout this time you carry Brian like a precious infant. You did not let him feel alone, you did not let him be afraid. Thank you Lord. The road of Brian’s life is in your hands.

Thank you, because you genuinely lead and love Brian. Please, soak his spirit in your glorious Presence daily and give him the optimistic, hope-filled, cheerful ability to face his situation. As he continues this process of rehabilitation, we pray that you will give him a positive attitude and a spirit of loving trust.

Lord, we praise you. You are feeding Brian daily, growing him, making him thrive. Thank you, because Brian’s eternal pleasure is in your hands.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

 ^23-24"Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me.

 ^25-27"I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

 ²⁸"You've heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, and I'm coming back.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I'm on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.

 ^29-31"I've told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I'll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don't worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father's instructions right down to the last detail.

   "Get up. Let's go. It's time to leave here."

Lord, we thank you for choosing Brian’s parents, because even in this time they are still willing to love you, to aspire after you, and to strive to follow your ways.

Lord, thank you for your love for Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita. We ask that you will change their lives, dwell in them, and build a kingdom in their hearts, a kingdom that can not be shaken.

Lord, we pray that you will give them a passionate desire for you. Let them love you more every day, listen to you more every day, and follow your commands more, every day.

Lord, we praise you, because your Words are a lamp unto their feet and a light for their path. Even when they cannot see the sun, we pray that your Words will light up their paths. We ask that your Word will open up a road of confidence for them, a road of hope, so that they will be able to know and follow your mind with everlasting joy.

Lord, thank you for being Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita’s comfort, give them strength when they are weak, and overflow their hearts with the love of Jesus Christ. Help them to become familiar with your voice, and may they experience your rich presence more and more.

Jesus, thank you for giving your peace to those who know you. We ask you to give Brian’s parents a peace that surprises them, a peace that goes beyond any expectation, a peace so strong that as they watch Brian’s healing process, they will neither grieve nor be afraid.

Yes, Lord, we praise you, because despite the forces sent by the temporary king of this world, despite the difficult situation we’re faced with—Lord, when we are in you the enemy can do nothing. Therefore, we ask that you protect Uncle Mark and Auntie Anita and help them to understand the wisdom of choosing to take refuge in you.

Because Lord, those who take refuge in you and receive your protection don’t fall under the arrows of negativity, doubt, fear, and attacks. Oh Lord, expand their love for you, grow their faith and trust. Help them to cling to your love and obey your commands. Give them strength and valor.

Help Brian’s parents to lean on you as they walk on the path of hope until Brian rises from his bed and they rejoice and worship you together.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

 ¹²Jesus once again addressed them: "I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in."

 ¹³The Pharisees objected, "All we have is your word on this. We need more than this to go on."

 ^14-18Jesus replied, "You're right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I've come from and where I go next. You don't know where I'm from or where I'm headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don't make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father. That fulfills the conditions set down in God's Law: that you can count on the testimony of two witnesses. And that is what you have: You have my word and you have the word of the Father who sent me."

 ¹⁹They said, "Where is this so-called Father of yours?"

   Jesus said, "You're looking right at me and you don't see me. How do you expect to see the Father? If you knew me, you would at the same time know the Father."

Lord, we praise you. You are the light of Brian’s world, and he closely follows your spirit—your always faithful, stable spirit. Thank you, because though Brian’s eyes were dark, you surrounded him with your glorious light. We believe that his body and emotions will be led from the darkness, and that you will draw him into the light of your embrace.

Lord, we praise you. In the past, you stepped onto the Earth and healed many people. We ask to witness that history again today, and we bring Brian before you pleading for the past to be made present, and the present to be repeated in the future. Your great power never changes, whether it is yesterday, today, or tomorrow. Let us witness your miracles, so that we of little faith will know your glory and our doubts will be shaken away.

Lord, we praise you. Give glory to Brian, your son whose loss is great and painful. We thank you because you dwell inside him, and because Brian is connected to your heart, what he does has eternal value and significance.

Father, may Brian’s soul grow closer to Jesus as he lies in his hospital bed. As he continues to dedicate his life to loving Jesus, transform him and grow him until he radiates his beautiful character.

Holy Spirit, we know that you will be revealed to Brian as he lies on his bed, striving to understand and get close to Jesus Christ. We pray that he will have revelation about the love of God the Father, revelation on a life following Jesus, and revelation on obedience to his Heavenly Father.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

 ^7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

   Our Father in heaven,
   Reveal who you are.
   Set the world right;
   Do what's best— as above, so below.
   Keep us alive with three square meals.
   Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
   Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
   You're in charge!
   You can do anything you want!
   You're ablaze in beauty!
      Yes. Yes. Yes.

Brian’s Father in Heaven, we praise you. Your child lies in his sickbed, revering, loving, and desiring your name. He wants your name to be heard in this world. Lord, we thank you. Your kingdom dwells securely in Brian’s heart—unmovable and unshakeable.

May your glorious will manifest on Earth as you have ordained it to be in heaven—may it occur powerfully in Brian’s life. May you heal Brian’s daily needs, his breath, blood, physical strength, speech—all in your good timing.

Lord, thank you for forgiving Brian’s past sins, both big and small. Please give him a generous heart to forgive anyone and everyone who has ever sinned against him. Lord, we praise you because you protect Brian. Though his flesh is weak, you banish temptation from him. You have already rescued him from the attacks of leukemia.

Lord, we praise you. May your kingdom in Brian rule his life and may he dwell in your grace-filled hands. The glorious testimony Brian has through this experience also belongs to you. Brian belongs to you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

A David Psalm

 ¹ Light, space, zest— that's God!
   So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
      afraid of no one and nothing.

 ² When vandal hordes ride down
      ready to eat me alive,
   Those bullies and toughs
      fall flat on their faces.

 ³ When besieged,
      I'm calm as a baby.
   When all hell breaks loose,
      I'm collected and cool.

 ⁴ I'm asking God for one thing,
      only one thing:
   To live with him in his house
      my whole life long.
   I'll contemplate his beauty;
      I'll study at his feet.

 ⁵ That's the only quiet, secure place
      in a noisy world,
   The perfect getaway,
      far from the buzz of traffic.

 ⁶ God holds me head and shoulders
      above all who try to pull me down.
   I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
      that will raise the roof!
   Already I'm singing God-songs;
      I'm making music to God.

 ^7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
      "Be good to me! Answer me!"
   When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
      my whole being replied,
   "I'm seeking him!"
      Don't hide from me now!

 ^9-10 You've always been right there for me;
      don't turn your back on me now.
   Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
      you've always kept the door open.
   My father and mother walked out and left me,
      but God took me in.

 ^11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
      direct me along a well-lighted street;
      show my enemies whose side you're on.
   Don't throw me to the dogs,
      those liars who are out to get me,
      filling the air with their threats.

 ^13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
      in the exuberant earth.
   Stay with God!
      Take heart. Don't quit.
   I'll say it again:
      Stay with God.

Lord, we praise you. You are Brian’s light, you are his salvation. He will not be afraid, because you are his security, his omnipotent Creator.

Brian, his parents, and all the intercessors looking towards you do not need to be afraid. The wicked, those that harm Brian, those that damage his condition—those attacking blood cells are his enemies. They seek to devour Brian, to cause him to stumble and fall.

Lord we praise you, because even in the midst of this attack, Brian can stand peacefully in your presence. Lord, Brian wants to walk wholeheartedly in your presence. He wants to seek after you.

May you help him follow you and serve you with all he is. May he desire your beauty, and intently meditate on your goodness. Lord, we pray that you will hide Brian in the hidden place, in the quiet place, in the place where the Enemy cannot touch him.

Lord, we praise you. You have already placed Brian upon the rock of his salvation. We believe that Brian will raise his head confidently above the Devil. We believe he will praise you name and give himself to you—body, soul, and spirit.

Brian will sing praises, play instruments, and praise and worship you. Lord, we thank you because when Brian cries out to you, you will listen. You will forgive Brian his sins and free him from the bondage of leukemia cells and brain damage.

Lord, Brian seeks your face. May your spirit touch him. May he know that your spirit is, even now, watching over him. Lord, we praise you, because you come down and help Brian. You will not forsake him.

When his parents are helpless, you take over. You watch over Brian’s health and care for him. Lord, we pray that you will guide Brian down his path. Even as he sleeps, speak to his spirit.

May he receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation from the heavenly realms. Lord, manifest your great strength. The Enemy wants Brian to walk the jagged, uneven roads—he wants Brian to stumble and fall.

However, we persistently believe that you are beyond all human medicine, and that you can open up a straight, smooth path—a successful road to recovery.

You continuously hold Brian in the palm of your hands, watching over every aspect, every facet of his growth.

In your name, we rebuke Satan’s lies and accusations. We believe that you are the God of the Living Peoples. We have seen your grace in Brian’s life and on his body.

As we face this trial taking place before our eyes, we will not falter. We will not lose courage, because we know that one day, Brian will personally testify about your grace.

Lord, we are willing to wait on you. Please refill us with faith and strength to be strong and take heart. Give us courage and patience.

Lord, we are willing to wait on you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

   You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
   Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
      I trust in you and I'm safe!"
   That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
      shields you from deadly hazards.
   His huge outstretched arms protect you—
      under them you're perfectly safe;
      his arms fend off all harm.
   Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
      not flying arrows in the day,
   Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
      not disaster that erupts at high noon.
   Even though others succumb all around,
      drop like flies right and left,
      no harm will even graze you.
   You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
      watch the wicked turn into corpses.
   Yes, because God's your refuge,
      the High God your very own home,
   Evil can't get close to you,
      harm can't get through the door.
   He ordered his angels
      to guard you wherever you go.
   If you stumble, they'll catch you;
      their job is to keep you from falling.
   You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
      and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

 ^14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
      "I'll get you out of any trouble.
   I'll give you the best of care
      if you'll only get to know and trust me.
   Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
      I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
   I'll give you a long life,
      give you a long drink of salvation!"  

Lord, we thank you, because you have chosen Brian to dwell in your shelter and rest in your shadow. In this time of sickness, we pray that you will protect his spirit.

Lord, thank you for covering him with your wings of love and protection. Lord, we praise you because you are Brian’s hiding place, refuge, and fortress. You aren’t just God, you’re his God.

Past, present, and forever, you are the God on which he can depend on. Lord, we praise you because through your great power you free Brian from the fowler’s snare and seize him from the plague of leukemia.

You cover him with your mighty wings, Lord, and we praise you with joy and confidence. We believe that even now you are a shield blocking the public threats and private attacks against Brian, and that he does not need to be afraid.

Lord, we thank you, because of your love and faithfulness. We believe that even as this trial occurs, it will not go near Brian. We believe that Brian will see the leukemia cells vanish right before his eyes, because he stands within your glorious will—because he acknowledges your name.

Lord, we declare that Brian’s hospital bed is your throne. Lord, we proclaim that it is Jehovah’s tent and that it is surrounded by your angels. As Brian goes through each treatment, and as the doctors make each decision, your presence is there.

It’s all in your hands, Lord, your hands are even now pointing at Brian, and your angels are already lifting Brian up in their hands.

Lord, because Brian loves you, you will rescue him. You will protect him, because he acknowledges your name. You will set him on higher ground. Lord, we pray that you will lead him to walk in your glory.

Lord, you want more than just health for Brian, you want to honor him with a life befitting a son of the King of Kings—a royal and dignified life.

Thank you for your promises of long life and salvation. May his testimony reach many and touch many with your saving grace, and may we all, together with him, experience the power of your salvation.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes,

Amen.

 ⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.                               ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

 ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 ¹⁵ (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)

¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Lord, we praise you because you are the true light that illuminates our world. You came to banish Death’s darkness and to bring the true light of eternal life.

May you shine upon Brian, because where light is no darkness can stay, no shadows of leukemia can threaten. Lord of Eternal Light, we pray that you will shine upon Brian.

Lord, we praise you. You are the Creator of the World. You created Brian and gave him the right to call you, “Abba, Father.” He is your loving and trusting son.

Lord, Brian’s body is your temple. It is your temple of worship, and we proclaim that you will not allow illness to rob, plunder, or violate it.

Lord, we pray that you will remember Brian’s willingness to welcome your heart. We believe that you adopted Brian as your own son and are equipping him with power to stand against the attacks of disease.

Lord, we praise you because through our Lord Jesus Christ you claim Brian as your true-born son. In the past, your word has rooted in Brian’s heart, and he longs to be your messenger to the world.

Lord, we praise you, because your Word dwells in Brian. We proclaim that you live among us and reveal your glory, grace, and truth to us today.

We believe that through Brian’s testimony people will come to know your glorious light. Through his life people will see your powers to heal and resurrect.

Lord, in the past you inspired John the Baptist to testify for you. We pray that you will heal Brian so that this young brother-in-Christ will be able to do the same.

May he experience your abundant grace and spread it to those around him through this powerful testimony.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.

A psalm of David.

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Lord, you are Brian’s Good Shepherd. Even in the midst of his illness, you lead him to green pastures and quiet waters. You know the needs of his soul, and because of you he lacks nothing.

Lord, we know you’re holding him safely in green pastures. You’re watching over him, healing him, and making his body whole again. Lord, we praise you.

Lord, may Brian intake your living water, and may you quiet his soul. Banish all fear from him. Brian’s soul cries out for your living water, more and more he needs you to refresh his soul. Fulfill his thirst until his inner being is renewed by your spirit.

Lord, we pray that you will instantly fill Brian with your peace. Holy Spirit, touch Brian. Let him know that even now you are before him, ready to guide him.

Lord, we praise you. Brian’s body might be weak, but we pray that his soul will wake up and grow strong, and that he will passionately desire your name.

You are Jehovah-Jireh, and you provide for Brian.

You are Jehovah Rapha, and you are healing Brian.

You are Jehovah Rohi, and you shepherd and watch over Brian.

You are Jehovah-Elohim, and Brian is your creation. Only you can completely restore his health.

You are Jehovah-Nissi, and you are the flag of victory that Brian proudly bears as he fights against the enemy.

Lord, we believe that you are Healer, Shepherd, Creator, Provider, and that you will and are fulfilling your promises to Heal, Shepherd, Recreate, and Provide.

Therefore, even though Brian walks through the Valley of Shadows with Death as his enemy, he will fear no evil, for you are with him. Satan flees before your commands and promises as you equip Brian and give him peace.

Lord, we praise you, because right now you have victory over all of Satan’s schemes and attacks. You have already set up a table before Brian’s enemies and declared your victory.

Lord, we accept your invitation to sit at your table of victory. We celebrate Brian’s road to recovery with you.

Thank you for anointing Brian with your oil. Thank you for choosing to sculpt and mold him into your precious cup, for filling him to overflowing with your grace and mercies. And Lord, thank you for your promise to follow Brian with goodness and love forever.

We proclaim that Brian will forever dwell in your house, serving, loving, and intimately glorifying you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, may God’s fulfill his Holy Word right before our eyes.

Amen.