Prayer is a good way to start the day

“If your day is hemmed in prayer, it is less likely to unravel.”

-- UNKNOWN

Support comes in many forms, especially during times of war. We

can support our troops while they are overseas by putting pen to

paper, e-mailing around the world and sending care packages allowed.

People have responded with eager enthusiasm.

Newspapers and televisions show unbelievable photos of fires,

fierce winds and faces of fear, as well as the resolve of the young

and old. Whenever I try to think what it must be like for those

facing so many dangers, I realize that I can’t possibly imagine their

realities, so instead I pray.

I don’t always know how to pray, so I ask for God’s guidance. When

friends and loved ones are half a world away, sometimes prayer offers

our only hope of helping or reaching them.

The enlisted and the innocent obviously need our physical and our

spiritual support, but they aren’t the only ones. There are battles

on the home front, as well.

I’m sure that the families and friends of those who are fighting

for freedom combat feelings and emotions they can’t always keep up

with or understand. They deserve our physical and prayerful support,

and thankfully, people have responded in wonderful ways.

One friend and neighbor who appreciates all the prayer and support

is Nancy O’Brien. Lt. Col. John W. O’Brien, Nancy’s husband, is a

Marine reservist and received notice of his activation on Feb. 23.

Within days, there were several organized gatherings to pray with

and for John and Nancy O’Brien and their three children, Parker, 15,

Paige, 14, and Paxton, 11. At one of those meetings, John expressed

his thanks and some thoughts:

“Our country has one ultimate goal, to give others the freedoms we

have,” he said. “I submit that it is out of love for the

freedom-loving people worldwide that we embark on this mission now.

The world must know we are serious about our commitment to freedom

and will assist wherever necessary. I covet your prayers, especially

for my family, and no matter where you stand on the issue, remember

that the service members don’t make the policy, they just answer

their nation’s call.”

John began his long trip to Kuwait City on March 16; arriving just

as President Bush gave his 48-hour ultimatum to Iraq. Since then,

friends and family have helped with driving, mailing, errands and

other practical needs of the O’Brien family.

“So many people are praying for and helping us.” Nancy said. “I

feel undeserving, but I’m certainly thankful. Dinners started

appearing on the days I work, and I explained to our children that

this is what people do for friends and neighbors. It’s been such a

blessing.”

Later, Nancy wrote, “Please let everyone know that I so appreciate

their prayers, phone calls and letters. The response to my family has

been overwhelming! It makes me want to be a better person.”

We all have a part to play, and prayers to pray. We are certainly

seeing that it takes love and support in many forms to keep families

afloat while their loved ones are sacrificially serving others.

We’re also realizing that prayer is the way to start and end the

day.

And you can quote me on that.