Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer

As a second career pastor, my Dad has been in the ministry full time for only 12 years. In that time, he has been a lead pastor of three different churches. When he began his ministry at each church, he was pounded by the congregation within the first few weeks. He (and Mom) were pounded with bags and bags (and pounds and pounds) of food, new household items, and even gift certificates. They were pounded with love.

Today, I am asking that you help me Pound a Pastor ... with Prayer! On September 20, 2008, my Dad was involved in a near fatal car accident. He was immediately taken to a high-level trauma unit, where he spent the next two weeks in critical condition. Some of the injuries include a displaced heart, both lungs punctured, 8 broken ribs, broken shoulder blade, pelvis and tailbone, severe head trauma and cranial fractures, and internal bleeding.

On October 3, 2008, he was transferred to an acute rehabilitation facility, where he remains in critical condition, fighting off various infections and pneumonia. This has truly been a riveting journey for the family, an enlightening experience for the church and friends, and a story of "hurt healed by faith, love, and prayer" for the World to hear. You can read about it at:

www.growingandgrowing.com

Our goal here is to reach all ends of the earth and fill this site with thousands of prayers, comments and words of encouragement. Let's start with a goal of 1,000 supporters. Please leave your prayers and words of encouragement below in the COMMENTS, and be ready to pass this site on to your family, friends, co-workers, enemies and even strangers. I will leave the first prayer for Dad. Will you leave one?

Update #1 (10/9/08): I have already received a few questions about how to post a pounding prayer ... Click on the "comments" link below, fill out the comment section, click "anonymously" so you don't have to create any type of account, then click "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT." Thanks.

Update #2 (10/10/08): I received word that many people are forwarding "the" email to entire church lists of members and congregants. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (...as of this morning, we are almost 5% of our initial goal ... keep 'em coming ...)

Update #3 (10/16/08): Counting all the cards, notes and comments below, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of 1,000 prayers for the Pastor ... About 20% now ... keeping spreading the word of this site to friends and family.

103 comments:

Matt D. said...

Dear Father in Heaven,
I pray that you continue to sustain Dad in the same way that you have brought these 3 weeks ... with your lovingkindness in the morning ... and your faithfulness by night ... Psalm 92:2 ... Continue to heal Dad's body, mind and spirit. I pray that you would rid his body of all infections and that you would bring him wholeness. I humbly ask that you would strengthen Dad's lungs, heart, and mind. Allow him to serve you in active ministry for another 12 years ... not for his sake, but for Your sake alone. I pray these thinks in name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

PrayerWarriorToo said...

Heavenly Father - You have heard every single one of the thousands of prayers that have been uttered in nations around the world and at home on behalf of our beloved Pastor Ray. You've already heard the thousands more prayers that will be prayed. And You have responded with your loving grace, comfort, strength and healing power! We will worship, praise, and thank you forever for what You've already done, and for completing the good work that You have begun. Yes, Lord - heal Ray inside and out. Touch him, O God, and bring total healing and restoration soon in that mightiest and most exalted of all names - the name of Jesus! Amen!

Wanda Louise said...

Father, Lover of my soul,
I ask Your complete for Pastor Ray. He is such a faithful follower and leader of You and Your people. I ask that You just show off! Remomve the lungjunk and the clot and the fever. Allow Your healing balm to just pour all over him and heal his bones, his body, his mind and his soul.
Father we need him. He has been such a blessing to my cousin and her daughter, going above and beyond what anyone could ask or even expect. Thank You for that.

Heal him and use him to futher Your kingdom.

In the blessed name of Jesus
Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,
You know all the hopes of our hearts withour=t us having to utter any word. Today I am yelling at the top of my lungs--HEAL PASTOR RAY!!! We aren't worthy to ask but I am asking anyway. Please heal Pastor Ray's lungs, eyes, remove the clot in his arm. Let those things that are keeping him from being 100% be gone from his body. Make him stron so he can continue his good works thru ma here on earth. He has done so much for our family, our church family and now it is time for me to give back. Please, dear Lord, healer of the sick and broken, put Pastor Rays body body back together and bring him home!!! In your nameI pray, AMEN!

love, outer circle chick

Anonymous said...

Father God, you are such an awesome God!!! I just want to thank you for bringing PR this far - you are so faithful. Please continue to heal Sheepdog's body, mind and soul in order to strengthen him daily so he can continue to do what he does best - spread the Word and love people. Lord, I ask that you get out the lunggunk, the eyegunk and just all of the gunk of infection. We are claiming 100% and we give you all the glory. Please continue to give Pat the strength that she needs as a caregiver - wrap your arms around her and keep her safe. I ask this in your precious Son's name - JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!!! Amen.

Anonymous said...

Holy Father,

I pray that you would be with Matt during this time of struggle. Please continue to heal his body, Lord. Be with his family during this uncertainty.

Amen,
B

Anonymous said...

Father, we love you! You are the wonderful healer and we praise you! Father, thank you so much for your faithfulness. Continue to heal Ray's body. Touch him with your healing power dear Lord.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear God,
You know the needs of Ray and Pat and the rest of their family. We know that you can heal Ray and provide strength and comfort to the family during this time. Help them to feel your constant presence. We give you praise for the blessing of this family.
In Jesus' most holy name. Amen.

Tanya Touchstone said...

May you be surrounded with our Creator's loving light and may you be completely healed. I pray for your complete recovery. May God bless you and heal you! Amen!

Anonymous said...

Father God,
We hold up to you Pastor Ray. Please heal his body and give him and his family a special awareness of your presence. Bless the nurses and doctors trusted with his care. Give his family the strength to encourage him and to support one and other. I pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,

I ask and pray for complete healing of Pastor Ray in mind, soul and body. Please bring him and his family abundant peace, comfort, strength and love, which only You can give. In Your most holy name I pray. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Gracious Father:

We pray You will continue to heal Ray and give strength to his entire family during this hard time. Our prayer is for You to pour out Your Love in a tremendous way upon all.

With thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Father, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I add my prayer for this, your son, to hold him close to you, heal him if it be thy will. I pray for the medical doctors, nurses, attendants that they may give him the right treatment and be ever mindful of him. I pray for his family that they may find comfort and strength during these times of trial. I pray that Thou will use him as an instrument of miracles...that many will see Your glory and work through him. I pray that those that surround him will be able to lift him up to Thee...that there may be continuous and everlasting prayer for his healing. We praise and glorify all actions You take on his behalf. May he feel Thy love and guiding influence. Amen.

Sidney Milton said...

Loving Heavenly Father,
Please surround Ray, Pat, and the rest of the family with Your Peace and Comfort. Grant wisdom and knowledge to the doctors, nurses, and all who minister to them during this time of trauma. Let this incident be an opportuntity for them to witness of Your Love. In everything, let Your Name be honored and glorified.
Amen.

Anonymous said...

Here is a poem that has meant so much to me and many others I have shared with - it reminds us of how God looks at our life and how we look at our life - helps to make sense of what we are going through -

The Plan of The Master Weaver

Our lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare.
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
but we must trust the Master’s hand
and follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide. . .
Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
and though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest . . .
Not till the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why - -
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
Author Unknown

Ginger Cox

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,

Please surround this minister, his family and his friends with your love during this difficult time. Grant them patience, comfort and peace in knowing that you are the Ultimate Healer and can make whole that which may seem impossible. May God's blessings be felt by all. Amen.

Unknown said...

Gracious Lord,
Hold Ray and Pat in your loving hands. Sustain them and give them the peace that only you can give.
In the name of your Son,
AMEN

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the life of Pastor Ray and for his loyal service to you. Thank you as well for the faith and courage shown by his family in these difficult days. Please hold him and all his dear ones in your loving arms and restore him to health. In Jesus name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Loving God,
Please heal and comfort your friend Pastor Ray and his family. Lift them up on wings of eagles so they will not grow weary. Protect them as a mother hen protect her young. Give them grace, hope, peace and comfort. I pray also for all of the doctors, nurses and techs who ministry to Pastor Ray and his family during this time. Help Pastor Ray and his family understand the joy of Sabbath taking: rest, re-creation, and recovery in you. Pat

Anonymous said...

Dear Father in Heaven, Hear my Prayer. Please send speedy healing and your grace to Pastor Ray and watch over him each day and keep him close to you as he is to his family who needs him dearly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Pastor DeVries,

I was a past opposing counsel of Matt's and was very sorry to hear about what you've been through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As a parent of two daughters, I also wanted to praise and complement you on the wonderful job you appear to have done raising Matt. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Grace and peace,

Fred Cook

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with all of you as you go through each long day. God is with all of you, and will give you the strength you need, when you need it.
May God bless your family.

Rokk Krinn said...

Lord, look upon Ray with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon Ray, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of Ray's body and into the depths of Ray's soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring Ray to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Get well soon Sheepdog. May God's love and blessings please be upon and with you and your family. Amen.

sojourner said...

Lord, my heart is silent. What more can I say or ask that has not already been asked on behalf of this beloved man of God! We know you are with him and his family. We know your Spirit is resting upon them now as these simple words are being typed and spoken within our minds and hearts. We know they must be able to feel your presence and your touch. Could you let them feel it even more? Could you turn the volume up as far as it will go so they will know your glory and your power like never before? Could you rain that kind of power down on Ray? We ask for total and complete healing so Ray can continue to serve you with whole heart, mind, body and spirit. We know about your healing power and your grace. We know about your compassion and love. We know that you answer prayer. May your answer be yes to all of these requests. In Christ name.....Amen.

Anonymous said...

Lord

Please care for Matt's Dad and his loving family in their time of need. Please do what is right and just for them. Please meet their needs.

Matt, take care. And thanks for the email.

Anonymous said...

May the good Lord be with you all in this crisis. Your family will also be a great source of strengh. May God's light shine upon each of you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for bringing Pastor Ray through this terrible accident. Please continue to heal him until he is 100% recovered. He is a wonderful "sheepdog" and the world still needs him to guide us. Continue to surround him with your angels as you guide and protect him. Give Pat and Matt the strength to continue being by his side. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

opsislife said...

God -- Take care of your servant, Pastor Ray. We're asking for a loaf of bread and we know that you won't give us a stone. Amen

Anonymous said...

Lord,
I pray for Pastor Ray. His leadership at Woodbine is continually uplifting to me spiritually. It was you who sent him to us and I am thankful that his health has continued to improve since the accident. I pray for more miracles as you heal him to return to the pulpit. I also pray for his wonderful family and the influences that they have on the lives of our church members. Ray always tells us, "God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good." I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our strength and our redeemer, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Our Heavenly Father,
We trust that Ray is in your faithful hands, surrounded by your almighty love. I pray for his healing, body, mind, and soul, and for peace for him and for his family. Through your Holy Spirit, lift him up and bring him through; give him courage and patience, trust and hope.
In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,
Please restore Ray to good health
so that he may continue to serve you. Be with his family and give them the strength they need through this journey. Comfort and
bring strength to the wonderful people at Woodbine CP Church and
Ray's many friends.
In the name of Jesus, Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Ray and family,

I live in Nashville and am sorry to hear about your accident and your many injuries. I thank God for sending you to Vanderbuilt to help you on the road to a complete healing. May God continue to surround you with love, may He give you the strength needed to fight this battle, may God give the medical personnel the knowledge and skills to aide in healing you, and may He bring you complete healing. I pray that God ease your pain and bring you comfort during this journey. May you and your loved ones feel the love of Jesus as He walks this walk with you.
God Bless,
Marty W.
a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Community (in Antioch)

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,
We lift up Pastor Ray and his family. We thank you for Your grace through this situation. We thank you for the comfort that you have bestowed upon the family. Please continue to heal Pastor Ray and please be with the family through the continued trials and supply their needs as only You can!
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I know that you hear all prayers. Please be with the deVries family. Give them the strength they need to get through this. Give the doctors the ability to heal him. Thank you for bringing him this far.
In Jesus' name, Amen

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your faithfulness in answering our prayers! You have heard so many on behalf of Ray and we can see your hand at work in him daily! Please continue to heal him head to toe, inside and out. It is evident that Your Spirit is alive in him and keeping him determined to get well.
Thank you for the many people - pink and blue wired - that have stepped up to bring comfort and support to Pat, Chris, Matt and their families. Please continue to send your Godthrupeople moments to Ray and the family during this time of healing. I lift this prayer to You, the Great Physician.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Father God,
You know our needs before we do. You know what Pastor Ray needs. I humbly ask that it be provided and that a miraculous healing take place in him. Lord, use Pastor Ray as a testimony to your power and your love. Give him the wisest and best doctors and nurses. Be with his family and give them comfort and hope. Most of all keep their faith strong during this long healing process. In Jesus name. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for PR. We pray for healing of his body, mind, and spirit. We pray for Ms Pat, for Matt, Courtney, and their kids. We pray for Christian, Deb, and their kids. We pray for their extended families and for the Woodbine Church family. We expect 100% recovery. We pray for the medical staff and know that You are working through their minds, and hands in our beloved Sheepdog's recovery. we are praying for miracles and we give you all the praise and glory. Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the love, faith, and health you have given this family. I pray you grant Pastor Ray's continued healing and full recovery, as well as comfort for his family. I pray for Matt's well being, as father, husband, and son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Anonymous said...

We pray that your father and family can get through this difficult time and that your father will heal and get well.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father,
I pray that Your Will Be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven....
There is nothing You can't do....
This family needs a miracle....
I pray that Your Will Be Done
IN JESUS NAME,I PRAY,AMEN.

Anonymous said...

O God of love and mercy, thank you for your healing power for Ray, for being his strength through this trauma, for guiding the doctors and healthcare professionals who are working with him. Thank you for enfolding Pat in your care, and for your tender support of the boys and all this family. Now, Lord Jesus, I ask for your miraculous grace and love to be made known in restoring your child Ray's full health, according to your purpose, that your Name may be glorified! Help him and all his loved ones to know that his friends are praying for him, thinking of him, sharing in this difficult time. Bless, O Lord, your faithful servant Ray, who is such a friend and example to so many of us! Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Father God,
I pray that you continue to lift up Pastor Ray. Bless him with a 100% recovery. I know that he has many more lives to touch and guide towards you. Thank you Lord for answering our Pastor Ray prayers. He has made tremendous progress and I know that is because of you Lord. I also pray that you continue to give his family the strength and courage to continue on this journey. Times will be good and times will be bad. I pray they always look to you for guidance.
I pray these things in your precious son's name.
Amen

Anonymous said...

May God Bless you and your family at this diffucult time. You are all in my prayers. May God hold you in the palm of his hands.

Tom said...

Father, You alone can bring the healing to Ray that he needs. Guide the minds and hearts and hands of those who give their expertise in this healing process. Each day may Ray experience your love and each day give his family the grace that is sufficent for each day. Thank you, Father, for what You have done and now thank you for what You will do. It is in Your name and the name of your Son and in the name of Your Spirit, I pray. Amen

Anonymous said...

May God bless you and your family. I pray that God hears our prayers and in his own time answers our prayers for healing.

Anonymous said...

Father God, We lift this faithful pastor and his family up to You,the Great Physician, who heals our bodies as well as our spirits. Please lay your hand on this child of yours and bring about your perfect healing according to your great love and will. Give this family comfort and peace and allow them to sense your presence as never before. I pray that everyone who is touched by this situation will be drawn close to You and that this time of suffering will bear great fruit for your kingdom.
I ask these things in the name of your Son, Jesus, who died that all might know your love and forgiveness and have an eternal relationship with You. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father we ask that you be with this family in their time of need and continue to heal Pastor Ray.
Give him the strength he needs to fight back. Amen

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father
I pray for this individual whose name came across my computer here in Dallas, Texas. We arr joined together by the common bond that we share in your Son, Jesus. I pray for Ray's healing so that he may coninue with his duties as pastor...Thank you,Father, for watching over him....We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus... AMEN!!!

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father,
I come to you dear God through the merit of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for Ray, Pat, and their family members. Give them strength day by day. Grant Ray complete healing in body. Grant them the peace that passes understanding during their time of testing. You are great, good, and all powerful, Heavenly Father. May all glory be to your name. Amen.

Don Winn,pastor of Mt Liberty Church

Anonymous said...

Merciful God, Jehova Ropheka, I join in agreement with the others, calling upon your mercy and healing for your servant and your child, Ray. May your Spirit comfort the family and give them your strength. Your are love, and we all rest in our faith that you will bring your goodness out of this tragedy. In the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Lord, we know that you are the Great Physician and that all healing comes from you. I pray that your hand will be on Pastor Ray, that you will heal his body, raise his spirit, and give him the strength to fight this battle. Lord, we know that through you all things are possible and we pray for your will be be done. Be with the family as they go through this difficult time. Surround them with your love and empower them to be the support Ray needs. Give the doctors the knowledge and understanding they need to make the right decisions regarding Pastor Ray's care. I pray these things in your Son, Jesus Christ's name. Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Father God,

Please look upon Pastor Ray and his family with your great eyes of love and bless with your providence. Please help Ray to continue to heal in each and every way. Especially help the family with the financial burdens that occur during any major illness. Help everyone to stay hopeful and in good spirits.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Anonymous said...

my thoughts and prayers are with you all -

Anonymous said...

Father, We lift up this pastor in the name of Jesus your son. Your word says to ask in faith believing and we shall receive. Also, that where two or three are gathered together, there you are in the midst. Through the prayers of love for this pastor, we speak healing, we speak life, through the name of Jesus. May this pastor return with a testimony of the miracle of your healing, and more so, with a renewed spiritual growth than every before. In the name of the son, Jesus, we ask this Amen!

Anonymous said...

Almighty God,
Thank you for your awesome love. Please shower your blessing on Sheepdog and watch over him. Cover him with comfort and strength and grant calmness to his family. Thank you for being our source of strength through the valleys. In the name of Jesus I do pray.

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please be with Matt and his family at this time and always and bring a calm and peace to each of them that only you can provide.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Anonymous said...

Father, I pray that you keep this family and Pastor DeVries in your all-mighty hands. Comfort them in their hour of need. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Father: We come to you to give you praise and glory for who you are, what you are doing, and what you are about to do. We thank you so much for your abundant grace. We do pray that you will bless Bro. Ray and bring about complete healing in his body. We pray that you would watch over and encourage his family and congregation at this very difficult time. We pray that through all things you would receive honor and glory and that our faith would be strengthened. May your divine will be done now and forevermore. Amen

Anonymous said...

Father, we come before you humbled by your magnificence. The miracles that you grant each and every one of us each day overwhelms me. Your grace, patience and love are so huge, so awesome, that I can't describe it. Your healings are beyond my ability to describe. You overwhelm me in your greatness and power.

I want to lift up to you this morning, Pastor Ray. This child that was formed by you in his mother's womb has become very ill. I know that all trials are for our own good and
edification.... His families heart is breaking, Father, and he has been ill from his accident for so long. Now, the trials are here. Now the attack has begun for his healing, for his spirit
and soul. Hear our prayers Father, and place a hedge of protection around him so that he can make it through this last 'little bit'. Help him so that he can be truly healed. In your word you say that 'when you save us we are saved, and when you heal us we are healed'. Oh, Father, we claim that word
for this wonderful man. We claim the healing and restoration of hisd life for him. We claim the blessings to be showered over his families faithful prayers all
these days. We claim a reunion and healing for the entire family. We claim your magnificent power to be applied and enforced in his life. And, as always, we come to you in the name above all names, in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Father In Heaven,

I ask that you heal Pastor Ray and that you fill him with the courage and strength needed to heal. I pray for strength for his family and friends as well. You are the mighty healer.

Anonymous said...

From Ron and Lynn St. Peters, Mo.
Our Dear Heavenly Father I am asking you to use every means of love and healing possible on Pastor Ray Devries; please restore him to the man he once was. let him be able to serve you once again; and to be a husband, father, and grandfather to his loved ones. Please help his family to have the strength and faith as they continue to be at his side. I ask this is in your name Lord. Amen

Anonymous said...

Father,
I ask that you heal your child, Jesus your brother and Spirit your vessel. Return Ray to whole so that he can continue your work. Jesus and Spirit, contiue to support and guide the family and all those in contact with Ray. Blessed be all those who reach for Heaven.
These things I pray. Amen.

Anonymous said...

I speak for our people who cannot speak for themselves. Each week, as a faith community, we reach beyond our own disabilities because all week long we are cared for in a host of ways. We want to do what we can to connect to the larger community and be compassionate and caring and loving because you (the church universal) have shown us the way by caring for us.

Our Offertory is not one in which we take up a collection, rather we have a procession and in this collection of human frailty we lift someone's name to our loving Parent. This Sunday, we will lift your name, Ray. Each person will mark a small poster with his/her thumbprint. All that is contained in that thumbprint is our hope for you. It is our prayer for you. It is the way we can give ourselves for you.

Will make sure that this poster gets to you Matt and you can give it to your Dad when he is able.

Please accept our wordless prayer.

Peace

Anonymous said...

Richard & Marcia Hughes
Waverly, TN

With humble and thankful hearts we come to Your Throne of Grace and ask your blessings on the entire DeVries family. We ask that you heal Ray and help him to know that you are near. Please give his family the courage and the strength that they need to endure these hard times. Giving you thanks and praise for all you have done.

Anonymous said...

Holy God, You are the ultimate Healer. We know that Pastor Ray has much work left to do for You. I ask that You heal his heart and bring it back to full capacity; that You give his lungs and all other organs power to resume their duties; that your Holy Spirit invade his body and fill it with Your strength; that You would uplift His spirits and emotions and give Him a positive attitude that will help aid in his recovery. I lift these things up in Jesus' holy name. Amen.
NT
Tusculum Church

The Dancy Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Dancy Family said...

Lord Jesus,
I thank you for the victories you have given Pastor Ray over the past month since his accident. Thank you for his family that love him deeply and are committed to serving him and caring for him. I ask that you would continue to show this family your faithfulness by bringing Pastor Ray to 100% recovery if it is in Your will. Help us to trust you during this time of uncertainity. And Lord I pray that through this tragedy others will come to know & trust You as their Lord & Savior. I love you Lord & praise Your Holy Name.

Anonymous said...

Praise God for your praise during tough times. May your recovery be quick and purposeful. May you reach many for His kingdom in your time of trial. Bless your children and your wife. May God's love and support surround them in all they do!!

Anonymous said...

Great and Gracious Father God,
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family at this time of crisis. You hold him in Your hands and by our faith You can heal him. Please comfort and care for this great family as the long journey to healing begins. We at First CP Church in Russellville, AR love this faithful servant of yours and entrust him to your care.
In Your precious Son's Name we pray. Peace and Amen.

Anonymous said...

Gracious God,
May God's love comfort you, Pastor Ray. May God's care strengthen you and may God's blessing speed your recovery. For God is too good to be unkind, He is too wise to be mistaken, and when you can't trace His hand, that's when you must learn to trust His heart.
Our personal prayers, prayers of the church and intercessory prayer group at First Cumberland, El Paso will be heard. We pray for
Sheepdog, for Pat, for the entire family, your church family and each caregiver.
In the blessed name of Jesus, we pray. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sheepdog,

We are so taken and sad to learn that you have been hurt and are suffering so. We ask ourselves why bad things happen to good people? Rain falls on the just and the unjust. But God knows of your hurt and your suffering. He also knows how much your are needed and how much you are loved by so many. He hears the prayers and your name being lifted up by so many, asking fo His graceto make you whole again. We pray that it is God's Will that you, Sheepdog, be made well so you can tend to His sheep. Your five wonderfull grandchildren need you; we all need you. Nothing is impossible with God. The Gillespie family, through prayers, join with all others that know you and love you, asking God's Blessing and His Healing be with you, that you may recover soon.

- Wallace, Penny & Family.

Anonymous said...

Father God, You called Ray to be your servant and to shepherd your flocks. Be with him now in his hour of need. Surround him with Your Love and give him the Peace that only You can provide. Be with his family as they worry and love him. Be with his congregation as they wait for their pastor. Place Your Healing Hands upon him and bring him healing according to Your Will. In Your Son's Precious Name. Amen

Anonymous said...

My prayer today is for continued hope for this family. May God bless each in his name.

Anonymous said...

Dear God,
Coming in prayer asking for you to bless and watch over this pastor and his family during this difficult time. Place your sheild of protection around him and heal all his injures and infections. Make him whole again. You are able to do above and beyond and I ask for you to work things out for this pastor and his family. I claim that it is done, and thank you ahead of time for your blessings upon this man and his family...........AMEN.

Anonymous said...

Dear GOD, Thank you for everything you have done so far for Pastor Ray and his family. Please continue your miraculous healing and giving the doctors and nurses the wisdom they need to help Pastor Ray's recovery. Please be with his wife, children, family and friends... Thank you GOD you are AWESOME!!!
In Your Son, Jesus' Name, Amen

Anonymous said...

You & your family are in my prayers....

Anonymous said...

I am fervently praying that Pastor Ray sustained no further injuries from his fall just now.
Thank you Lord for answering prayers.

Anonymous said...

Loving God, your gifts are many and your people live in the constant bath of your love. Bring healing and wholeness to Pastor Ray. Let your church gather to witness to your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father,
I approach Your throne in the Name of Jesus, the Name that is above all names, for Pastor Ray. I pray for total healing of his body, for his family as they stand by his side, and for the care givers You have ordained for him. Pastor Ray "shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD (Psalm 118:17)." I praise You Lord for the miracle of healing for this servant of Yours. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,

We ask you to heal uncle Ray soon. We also pray that you continue to give fortitude to aunt Patsy and the rest of the family in this difficult moment.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos. Amen

Helen Marie and family from Puerto Rico

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father, my heart broke today as I read that your son, Pastor Ray felt alone. Please wrap your gentle arms around his broken body and comfort him. Let him know that Self is doing a wonderful job keeping World updated with every new accomplishment he is making and that the World is praying for him each and every day. Pastor Ray - you are not alone. You have friends that you have never met that are praying for your 100% recovery. Father, please continue to give strength to the family. There must be times when they want to ask why, but because of their unfailing belief in you they know you have Sheepdog in your loving hands.
Pastor Ray and family - I pray for you daily. God is good all the time - All the time God is good.
G&G addict from Nashville

sylvia507 said...

Precious Father, we come to you this evening with prayerful hearts. We pray for a quiet, restful evening for PR, Ms. pat, and the rest of the family. Put your loving arms around PR and give him the rest and freedom from pain that he needs. We give you all the praise and glory. Amen

Anonymous said...

Merciful God,
Look with your favor on your servant, Ray, in his time of great need. Bless him with the assurance of your presence, heal his bruised and broken body, grant him courage to face the pain, and use him to continue your miraculous work in the world. Strengthen Ray's family, and all who care for him, as he has cared for so many, through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Our pastor says to always say this prayer.Lord Jesus, Son of God, Savior, Have Mercy.
It has comforted me thru many a long night

Ladybug in TN said...

Hi, God! I have talked to you many times about my brother, Pastor Ray. We are all members of Your family but Pastor Ray and I have not met. I come to you once again petitioning for the healing of his body.

Forgive me of my sins for I fall short of Your glory many times a day. I ask in the name of Jesus for comfort, peaceful rest, binding all infection, healing of PR's body and body parts, mind and spirit with each passing minute. I pray that You put in his path caregivers who know You and as he gets stronger, I pray that he can be an example and open the door to those who do not know You for him to lead them as the Sheepdog. I lift up his family on the wings of my love for you to receive strength and be sustained as they walk through this journey with their loved one. Give them rest and comfort, too.

Lord, thank you for the beauty of the earth and for the blessings that come from you.


God, thank you for listening and for answering the prayers of the many sincere believers who are praying for Pastor Ray. Thank you for Miss Pat who is ever so loving in her care for her beloved husband.

Thank you for Self and his reaching out to the World allowing us to be part of their family's lives during this traumatic yet joyful time. Joyful in that we are all witnessing Your work in healing PR and touching so many lives through his accident.

I love you God. Thanks for being there for all of us.

Jesus, I love you!

Bye for now!

Anonymous said...

Our Father and our God,
Please heal this man, dear Lord, so that He can continue to do Your work here on earth. We truly need him and lots of others just like him to help the rest of us, dear Lord.
In Your Precious Name we pray, amen.

Anonymous said...

Great and Glorious Lord, Master, Creator, Sustainer, I thank you that you allow us to come before you. Thank you for welcoming us into your Holy Presence. Lord, thank you for your constant presence, love and care. All praise to you, Lord, for the healing that has taken place these past weeks following Ray's near fatal accident. Thank you for saving him and bringing about change in so many lives. We know you will work all good through the fervent prayers. You have opened a whole new world to us, albeit, not the prettiest world. Help us to continue to be mindful of our need to pray for the many people that face the experience of trauma each day. Lord, may your name be glorified through each of the experiences as you bring Ray to health. In You alone, we place our faith, our trust, our hope. Richly bless Ray, Pat, Chris, Matt and all the dear children who make up this marvelous family. Thank you, Thank you, for their faith and witness. Give them rest and peace - and Joy. Ray has hidden your Word in his heart(and preached it) all these years and now you are miraculously bringing it once again to his mind. Let him continue to serve you, Jesus. Give him your wisdom and work your will. We know it is the desire of Ray's heart. Thank you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Ladybug in TN said...

Hi, God! It's me again..... It seems that there is a game plan now to be lifted up for you to be the quarter back for the game. We know You are up to it so go ahead. We're all on the team and will do our part which is praying the angels along to carry out your directions to the staff and Sheepdog. He has to maintain the faith, strength and determination and of course run the plays with Your help. I guess he is the receiver on our team but we will be there to back him up.

You know the plan because You are the Master/Coach. Now we shall put on the full armor and score some touch downs to get Pastor Ray well with our prayers!

Come on Jesus! You and the Holy Spirit ate major players, too.

Upward and Onward! Full Steam Ahead!!!!!!! Whatever they say in the huddle......... Amen

Unknown said...

Lord,
Here our prayer for pastor Ray and his family so that he may receive your gift and 100% recovery.
Here our prayer for Matt, Courtney and their children so that they can be guided through this difficult time.
Here our prayer from all his friends so that they can provide strength in these hours of need.
Alex Solis

Anonymous said...

Dear GOD,

Thank you so much for the amazing miracles YOU have done for Pastor Ray and his family... Thank you for the wisdom YOU have given the doctors and nurses... Please continue heal Pastor Ray and help and his wife get some much needed rest... Please be with all of them and wisdom for his caretakers (doctors, nurses, therapists, family and friends).. In YOUR son's JESUS' name, AMEN

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,

We lift Pastor Ray to You and ask that You bring complete healing to him and that You comfort to his family during this difficult time. Lord -surround all of them with Your warm embrace, and be with the doctors and nurses as they render the best possible treatment available. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen

Anonymous said...

Father God,

I just pray that you give Pastor Ray rest. Please relieve the pain he feels and give him the rest that his body so desperately needs to recover. You tell us that we can find rest if we only ask, and I'm asking for rest for Ray. I also pray that you give Pat rest as well. She is tired, Lord, and she needs to rest as well. As she sees Ray's pain relieved and his body resting and recovering, she will be strengthened and will allow herself the rest she desperately needs. I know they are both in your hands, and we trust them to you. In the name of your son, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Lord, I have trouble with the word "Hammering" and "Pounding" Ray with prayers. They are such harsh words and when I pray I don't think of any rough images. This morning I raise my hands and gently, lovingingly, peacefully lift my prayers to you,Lord, for your constant care and healing for Ray. Surround Ray this day with calmness and love. Thank you that our prayers for rest overnight were answered. Thank you that he is aware that He is in Your hands and that he need not be lonely and fearful-that your people far and wide are trusting in You and praying for him. Be with Pat, Matt, Chris and all the family. Help Courtney especially to have a really Good Day with a special blessing just for her. It has to be difficult to have this added challenge in her relationships as she raises and cares for the five bunnies. And too, I ask for your guidance for all the Drs., nurses, caregivers, and others that come in contact with Ray at The Select today. Give them your wisdom to know how and what to do as you work through them. Thank you,in Jesus Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear GOD,

Thank you for everything YOU are doing for Pastor Ray, his wife, family, friends, wisdom for the doctors, nurses, therapists.. everyone that is there for Pastor Ray... Thank you for your miracles we all get to witness!!! Please continue to heal Pastor Ray and helping him get sleep and those around him as well...

Thank you soooo much!!!

In Jesus' name, Amen

Anonymous said...

Father God,
I just want to thank you Lord for all the ways you continue to use this VIOLENTSILENCE to reach your children. Lord I lift up Pastor Ray and his daily struggles, to sit up...to stand...to eat...to understand...to explain. He is going through so much Lord and I just pray that you continue to hold him close to you at those moments when he feels alone. Only you can fill his cup Lord, only you can heal his wounds, only you can sustain him through these trials. I believe in your power to heal Lord and I ask that as you continue to heal Pastor Ray that the pain he experiences will be lessened. Lord help us all to continue to walk in your Light so that we are a source of comfort and strength for PR, Pat, and the entire family. I ask all these things in your Son's holy. Amen

Anonymous said...

Father, We come to you tonight with grateful hearts. We are grateful for the progress that PR is making. we are especially grateful today for the walker that PR used to walk down the hall. We praise your holy name for this miracle. We are praying tonight for rest for PR, Pat and their family. Give them the rest that is needed to heal body, mind, and spirit. Tomorrow is a new day of challenges and rest during the night will give the strength needed to meet these challenges. Thank you for your grace and mercies. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, Amen

Wanda Louise said...

Father, You have already done so much for PR and I thank You for that. However there is still a long way to go. I pray for paid relief and healing of PR's eyes. I also ask that You, God, will comfort Ray. Allow him to feel You near him, to not feel alone, to not feel scared, to not feel confused, and to not feel fearful. I also life up Pat that You will empower her. I know God how hard it is to care for one you love and how much it takes out of yourself. I ask that you fill Pat with Your peace and rest. I know Father, that PR needs rest to heal, so please allow him to rest and sleep in the evenings so to complete healing.
Father I love You, I know PR loves You, so I ask that You will continue to do Your work in him.
In the precious, healing name of Jesus, Amen

Anonymous said...

God in Heaven ~ please surround Pastor Ray with your healing angels and saints. We ask that you put them on overtime; surround his bedside and give him hope and confidence that all these prayers are working.
Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dear Father,

I pray for Ray, that you would touch him and heal him completely in order that he may continue to serve you with his life!!

Hello, this is Mike Montgomery, from way back at Heights Cumberland in Albuquerque. I hope and pray that you recover and continue to serve the Lord! Praying for you Ray! By the way, I am serving as an Assistant Pastor at Calvary Chapel South Denver and getting ready to start a new church on the North side of Denver!! God bless you guys!!!

Anonymous said...

Father, we come to you tonioht praising your holy name for the progress that PR has made. We ask that you continue to be with him, Ms Pat and their family as PR goes through the next phase of his recovery. We are expecting 100% recovery and we will give You all the praise and glory. Amen

Anonymous said...

Gracious God, Thank you for all of the Victories - great and small - that Pastor Ray and his family are experiencing. We pray for, and are confident of, your provision for "100%" healing. We thank you for your unending grace and love for your children. And finally, thank you for the witness of Pastor Ray to Your LOVE through his struggles. In the name of Christ whose love perfects our weaknesses, Amen.

...Still praying for you all. Ms. Infantry.

Anonymous said...

Matt:

Thanks so much for the car, it's truly a blessing for us. We will all keep your dad in prayer. Funny how God works things out sometimes. I lost my dad in 2001 to lung cancer, so I am acutely aware of how important and special a dad's presence is in your life. We will pray for complete healing, strength and encouragement for your father. God bless.