A Shower of Prayers for the Swenbys 11

A Shower of Prayers for the Swenby’s 11 -14 -2007

Down The Road Of Bittersweet We had some good news and some bad news on a cold November morn The test confirmed that we were parents, but there was something more Our little boy had complications, and we were frightened as could be But we decided to go walking down the road of bittersweet The next nine months we grew together, somehow closer than before And our faith began to blossom into something more We would hold each other close and pray, then cry ourselves to sleep We knew that God was walking with us down the road of bittersweet Jesus, take my hand walk beside me And make my footsteps firm beneath my feet I know You’ve gone this way before so guide me I’m not alone as I go walking down the road of bittersweet

The room was filled with apprehension on the day that he was born But when I took him in my arms I knew there was so much more There was a bond of love between us, and I was never more complete I never knew I’d find such blessing down the road of bittersweet The doctor said we may not have much time before we’d have to part So I treasure every moment deep within my heart Soon we’ll have a little angel, praying for our family I’m just glad I got to meet him down the road of bittersweet Jesus, take my hand walk beside me And make my footsteps firm beneath my feet I know You’ve gone this way before so guide me I’m not alone as I go walking down the road of bittersweet Words & Music by Karl Kohlhase © 2006 karl kohlhase Written for Prenatal Partners For Life

You are valuable because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are. ~ Max Lucado

Please Pray… …a silent prayer for the baby, Austin John Swenby, and for unborn babies everywhere

A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. ~ Author Unknown

Please Pray… …the Our Father… for Austin’s father, Aaron, and for all the fathers, grandfathers and godfathers in your life

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

“Never! Can a mother forget her little child and not have love for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget you. See, I have carved your name upon my palm…” ~The Bible, Isaiah 49: 14 -16

Please Pray… …the Hail Mary … for Austin’s mother, April, and for all the mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers in your life

Hail Mary Hail! Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen

Please Pray… …Ask St. Gerard, patron saint of pregnant women, to ask God for special protection for April, and for all pregnant women in your life

Prayer to St. Gerard Feast Day: October 16 Dear redemptorist Saint, model priest and religious, compassionate toward suffering mothers, Intercede for this expectant mother. Let her not be selfish like those who are willing to put an end to the life they bear within themselves. Instead let her remain ever conscious that she is privileged to be the instrument through whom God brings another life into the world. Encourage her for the good of her child and the glory of the Lord of life. Amen

Some children come into our lives and go quickly. Some children come into our lives and stay awhile. All our children come into our lives and leave footprints…And we will never, never be the same. ~Doreen Sexton

Please Pray… …to the Guardian Angel … for Austin’s sisters, Lexi, Aubree, and Ally, and for expectant brothers and sisters everywhere

Guardian Angel Prayer Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this night be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

Don’t measure the size of the mountain. Talk to the One who can move it. ~ Max Lucado

Please Pray… …for a miracle… for baby Austin John

“There is nothing to be afraid of if you believe and know that the cause for which you stand is right. You are ready to face anything and you face it with a humble smile…because you know that all of eternity stands with you and the angels stand beside you…”~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please Pray… …in thanksgiving… for the family, friends, clergy, and all who are walking this journey with the Swenby’s

In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. ~The Bible, Proverbs 3: 6

Please Pray… …the prayer for doctors and nurses… especially Dr. Erik Kanten, his nurses, and all others who will take part in Austin’s journey

Prayer for Doctors and Nurses O merciful Father, who have wonderfully fashioned man in your own image, and have made his body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, sanctify, we pray you, our doctors and nurses and all those whom you have called to study and practice the arts of healing the sick and the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them in body and soul, and bless their work, that they may give comfort to those for whose salvation your Son became Man, lived on this earth, healed the sick, and suffered and died on the Cross. Amen.

Please Pray… …a silent prayer for… …peace …clarity …and direction for the Swenby’s as they strive to do God’s will

FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY Thank you for sharing in Austin’s journey. April, Aaron, Lexi, Aubree, Ally, and baby Austin

Peace of the Lord Refrain: May the Peace of the Lord be with you, with your friends and your family, too. Let it be, let it grow and everywhere you go may the Peace of the Lord follow you. Verse 1: I leave you peace now, it’s my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. May the Lord follow you. Verse 2: Don’t be afraid, let your hearts be untroubled: have faith in God and have faith in me. May the Lord follow you.