My parents had been married for nearly 50 years when my mum passed away in 2020. Six months later, my dad went home to be with the Lord too. His existing liver cancer condition deteriorated rapidly weeks after my mum passed on.

In the last two weeks of his life, my brother and I spent our time by his side in hospital. My dad is not someone who expresses his emotions easily, so it took a pastor's prayer and God's goodness to reveal my dad's final wish. I remember that day clearly in April 2021, at the height of Covid-19.

After praying, my pastor told me in the foyer, "Your dad still has something in his heart that's not fulfilled and it's got to do with you." I was puzzled and thought about what it could be. Finally, he nodded vigorously when I asked if he was concerned I will not get married to my fiancé.

So with strict restrictions in place, we set the motion for the solemnisation to be done in the ward. We battled a whole lot of emotions as it was a joyous event set in very different circumstances.

During the solemnisation, my dad was extra alert during the exchange of vows. Tears constantly rolled from my eyes not just because of the happy moment, but on seeing my dad gasping for air with every breath.

More than 20 nurses and doctors from different faiths were our witnesses along with our pastor and close friends. The staff even decorated the ward room set aside for the ceremony and bought us flowers. The Lord made it happen; He blessed us and gave my dad his final wish. Praise be His Name forever and ever.” – Adeline

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been praying for my father who was an alcoholic. I would ask for a better father, a more loving father, and a better relationship between us children and him. I spent years praying, and prayed hard morning, night, and even in the middle of the day asking God to help him change, turn to Jesus and come to church with us. As a teenager, I longed for a good father figure and envied friends who had my “ideal” father.

However, God gave me more than I asked for. As I prayed, I experienced His love and God changed the way I saw my father. I learnt to love him the way God loves me, despite his flaws, because I know that he also wants to feel loved too. Years later, I began to see some changes. He has since overcome his drinking problem, now goes to church, prays for us, and even leads a family devotion. He is still far from my perfect and ideal father, but I know that he is trying his best to show his love.

From this experience, God taught me to trust Him even more. He gave me comfort, assurance and a change of heart, even before I saw the changes in my father. Don't stop praying because God never stops listening. – Clay

I recall a time in my life when my husband was critically ill. My children were convinced that God would heal their father and they had so much hope. Yet in my heart, I felt that God would take him home. Therefore, in those difficult times I constantly prayed that my children would not blame or reject God when things did not turn out the way they expected. God did take my husband home, and I prayed for His comfort and protection upon my children from the pain they were experiencing. 

Time did heal their hearts and it was with joy and gladness when I heard one of my children declaring that God is good. They have not turned their backs on God. I also found some notes in a Bible belonging to another child of mine. She said, ‘Mummy, I am writing letters to God.’ I was uplifted and gave thanks to Him for watching over them. The truth is that God listens to our prayers and it pleases Him when we express our deepest thoughts to Him. The Bible says that our prayers are like incense to God, a pleasing aroma to Him (Psalm 141:2). – Yen Hee

For over a year, I chose not to talk bring up an unpleasant family matter. I thought that if I didn’t talk about it, no one would know the truth (and no one needs to know!). I considered it case closed, yet I knew something was not right in my heart. In the stillness of my prayer time, God reminded me of this incident and to seek forgiveness from my sister. Deep down, I knew I had to obey the Lord. I had no valid reason to justify my actions, except for pride and resentment. I cried and repented, then asked for His courage to obey.

That evening after dinner, I approached my sister and sought her forgiveness with tears. I confessed to her that I was wrong. Though I expected my sister to be angry with me, I experienced the Lord’s favour as she lovingly held my hands and said, “Of course you are forgiven.” More tears streamed down my cheeks – but this time it was joy and relief. In that moment, my heart’s burden was lifted and I experienced God’s peace. Since then, my relationship with my sister has been genuine, loving and open. Prayer is always a humbling and learning experience, for just as we are to speak honestly with God, we must be still to listen to His voice and obey. – Marie

For the longest time, I lacked patience in dealing with my mother’s idiosyncrasies. My temper continued to flare most times I was dealing with her. I would feel bad for uttering hurtful words, yet struggled to tame my tongue. Just recently, I blew up at her again. Then I withdrew, feeling really bad and guilty. That was when I cried out to God and said, ‘Lord, this is enough. I cannot go on sinning this way. Please help me, Lord.’

Nothing mystical happened after that, but something within tells me that this time, my prayer was different, as I was determined to turn away from my old self. Since that prayer, I realised that I no longer feel irritated by my mother. Instead, I feel amused by her idiosyncrasies. More importantly, I gained a new sense of appreciation for her. It was like my perspective had somehow changed. Putting off our old self is hard, but I guess when we are sincere to surrender and go to God in prayer, He will do His work in us. – Mei