Two of our readers and parts of the Jesus Creed blogfamily, Ben and Lisa Pennington, need our urgent prayers. I met Ben in Rochester last fall when I was speaking at Crossroads. He coordinated an event at his bookstore, and I found him to be a warm, caring heart with a love for the Lord that missionally expanded to help others. He now has cancer and is suffering; Lisa is serving him day and night. Please direct your prayers to our merciful God on Ben’s and Lisa’s behalf. You might want to personalize the following prayer for them as they learn anew what it means to fill the heart with hope.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.