The Daily (okay, monthly) Prayer

So, my online "Daily Prayers" have become more like monthly prayers. It doesn't mean I'm not praying, it just means that I don't have the internet access I used to, and when I do have access, I haven't had a lot of spare time to write, between continuing my studies, working on a business plan for a very ambitious ministry concept, beginning the groundwork for my next sermon, and putting together a bible study. I'm still praying several times a day, trying to get everyone in and cover all of the global issues I see. It feels good to pray - like having a chat with a good friend who never judges (I have one or two of those, so I have some of idea of how that really does feel). It feels even better when I pray for someone, and then hear that my prayer was answered.

Anyway... Here's today's prayer.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this beautiful day. Thank You for the gifts You give us: the opportunities to serve You and glorify Your name, the loved ones that remind us, each day, just how much You love us, the roofs over our heads, the food on our tables... everything.
Father, without You we have nothing... are nothing, but with You, we are princes and princesses of the Kingdom of Heaven. Help us to remember that, when things are dark, and we feel, wrongly, that we cannot see Your light.
Lord, it's a rough time in my circle. The prayer list at church is huge. We have so many people suffering from serious medical problems, or dealing with the pain of losing a loved one, or struggling financially. It's a daunting list... for me, but not for You.
Abba, You know the needs of all of us, and we have faith that You can and will handle all of them as You see fit. I would, however, like to raise up a few specific needs.
Please watch over Dan and Karen. Dan continues to suffer medical troubles, and Lord, it's starting to wear them both down. Lend them Your strength, I beg You, and grant healing to Dan so that they can get on with living, and serving You.
My friend, Mary, has taken a bad turn, Lord. When I laid hands on her, we both felt the Spirit move through her, but Father, she's so far away, and I can't touch Her. Please grant Her the benefit of this healing gift. Please, let it be as if I am laying hands on her, let the spirit move through us, and wash away her illness.
Father, wrap the Gracy and Stevenson families in the warmth of Your love during this time of loss. Your healing does not just touch the body, Lord, it can also ease the pain of loss. Remind them that their loved ones are with You now, as will we all be, one day.
Please watch over my mother, Lord. She's gotten herself in trouble again, and the penalty is likely more than she can bear. Help her to find her way out of the wilderness, Lord, and keep her from harm - even that of her own making.
There are so many more, Lord... the list never seems to get smaller. Please, help them, heal them, comfort them, protect them.
Thank You, Abba. Thank You for always being there. Thank You for taking care of us - for all that You do.
In the name of Christ Jesus, who died that we might be clean of sin, and who rose again to stand at Your side as our intercessor.
Amen.