The mystery of prayer….

I have been a believer for many years. I will say that prayer still is a bit of a mystery to me. I believe in the power of prayer and I am a woman who prays often throughout my day, but exactly why some prayers are answered and others are not is a mystery to me. I also am not sure if prayers are answered more if more people pray. I don’t really think so, but I do believe that the more people who pray allows for more people to be observant to God at work…

And so today I come with a very specific prayer request. Today I am very aware of a miracle and am praying for a miracle. I am asking you to join me in prayer for baby Shiloh and her parents John and Deb. Shiloh was born 11 weeks early and weighed in at 1 pound, 11 ounces. She is the size of the palm of your hand and her hands are the size of a quarter. And yet, Shiloh was born kicking and crying. Praying for God’s provision in these critical days ahead. Deb and John are dear to my heart as I went to Sunshine with them, completed their home study for the adoption of their daughter Hope from China and worked with Deb at Visiting Angels.

And here is an update from my dear friend, Shiloh’s Aunt Joni…..

Psalm 138: 13-14

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful ~ I know that full well.

I am claiming those verses for Shiloh today. While yesterday’s events may have surprised all of us, she entered this world exactly on the day God ordained for her from the beginning.

Many of you have asked how Deb and Shiloh are doing today… Last night the nurses said that in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it is one day at a time. Today I realized it is actually more like one hour at a time. The hospital staff are saying Shiloh is doing extremely well, but they are also quick to add, “For a 29 weeker”. Things to celebrate today: Shiloh is breathing room air with minimal assistance from a c-pap machine. Her blood sugar is higher now after several hours in the 20/30’s. She opens her eyes and responds to touch. The NICU team is fantastic and they hugely welcome/ encourage family participation! John and Deb have both been able to visit with Shiloh.

Deb has been through a huge ordeal. She is extremely tired, but in good spirits. Deb often fades in/out of wakefulness. The medicines she is taking causes nausea, and adds to the fatigue. Thankfully, Deb’s blood pressure has decreased to a safe level. However, her platelets have also continued to decline. Her last level was 50.

Thank you to all who have reached out to Deb and John with prayer support, offers to help and fb messages. They are both feeling very loved.

Prayer requests:

1. That Shiloh would be able to begin eating tomorrow, and that her digestive system would be mature enough to handle it.

2. That Shiloh would soon be strong enough to be held. This depends on when doctors are able to remove some of the tubes she is currently attached to.. perhaps this could happen later this week.

3. For wisdom for Shiloh’s Care Team.

4. For Deb as she recovers from the delivery and HELLP syndrome. Pray especially for an increase in platelet levels and that no additional complications would start.

5. For John as he balances hospital, home and work.

On behalf of Deb and John,

Auntie Joni