Prayer for Jesse and Kieth

I have two friends that suffer from the incurable Crohn's disease. My one friend Kieth is a grown man in his early 50's. He is a kind and gentle person. He is often misunderstood, persecuted, and taken advantage of because of his kind, gentle, child like nature. He calls me every day, sometimes 5 or 6 times a day just to chat or to ask me a tennis question, or to let me know that he's having a flare up of his illness. He frequently volunteers to help with tennis events and group lessons. He loves tennis. And he has been a good and faithful friend for many years. Kieth has had a week or so of good health but he never knows when he will be struck down with a flare up of his illness. Even when he watches his diet religiously, he still sometimes has unexpected flare ups. It has made his life very difficult but he seems to take it all in stride.

He loves God and is a great source of inspiration to me as he deals with his difficult circumstances. But I do want to confess that sometimes Kieth calls me so much it annoys me. And I hate when I feel that way. Because I do feel that God has brought us together. And I pray for forgiveness for those sometimes selfish, negative thoughts. I love Kieth. Many times I feel he is closer to God than anyone I know. Some how when I spend time with Kieth I am always reminded of the bible passage that says: 'That which you do to the least of my brothers, you do also to me...' There's no way I would feel annoyed or bothered by Jesus, is there...?

Another friend of mine is a young boy named Jesse. Jesse is one of my tennis students at Columbia Lakes. He's only had a few lessons with me but he has made an impression on me as well for his kind gentle nature, too. His mom emailed me one afternoon not long ago and asked for prayer for Jesse. Now this is interesting because earlier that morning I was praying to God to send me someone to intercede for. How coincidental is that...? Jesse is currently away seeking care from a specialist in Richardson, Texas. I don't have an update on him but I'll be trying to contact his parents later today...

I feel led to pray for Kieth and Jesse today. And not only for them, but everyone who suffers from Colitis and Crohn's disease.

Dear Heavenly Father,

It's difficult to explain why innocent people sometime suffer greatly. Especially an innocent boy, or a kind gentle man. Who can say for sure? Perhaps only so your Glory can be revealed through their healing, or that perhaps through their pain and suffering, others lives might be touched and transformed... (like mine)

Father God, You can heal these afflicted persons. And I pray that You will. Send suffering to someone else who really deserves it. I want to stand in the gap for Kieth and Jesse today. I want to add my prayers of petition to those of Kieth's and Jesse's friends and family. Lift them up, Lord. Lift up the friends and family, too. It is a miserable situation to watch someone you care about suffer. I pray for the Doctors involved in Kieth and Jesse's care. And for researchers who are working on a cure for Crohn's.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for sending Kieth and Jesse into my life. Their bravery and courage in the face of incredible pain and suffering is inspiring and encouraging. I don't know Jesse's spiritual state, but I know his family Believes in You. And they are strong Christians. I know Kieth Loves You too, Lord. And Father I know You have promised to take care of the needs of the faithful. So I rest in that promise. I just want you to know how much I care about these people. And I care about what happens to them.

God, You are God. Blessed be Your Name. I praise You in good times and bad. I love You. I worship You. I give You Thanks.

I give this day to You, Lord. As I remember Kieth and Jesse throughout the day I pray that Your healing blessings will flow down upon them. Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your Name,

Amen.