Urgent Siesta Prayer Request

My Dear Ladies,

It has been *so* long since I have written on this blog. WOW. Things have been so busy at work and around the Fitzpatrick house but today I got some news that compelled me to get on the blog immediately. Joanne Heim, a dear siesta, suffered a stroke this morning. She is the thirty-eight year old wife of Toben and mother of Audrey (12) and Emma (9). Some of you around here may know her as the Simple Wife. Joanne has inspired me countless times with her witty and profound comments. She is a brilliant student of Scripture, an amazingly devoted wife, and a fun and creative Mom. The last time I heard from her she told me that she was teaching her girls Greek. My heart was pierced when I heard the news a few hours ago and I have not been able to get the Heims out of my mind. Please hear me when I say that I know nothing except that Joanne has been in surgery, they located a blood clot, and she is out of surgery. I have been stalking news about her on Twitter, and apparently she is still sleeping but has been responsive by squeezing her husband’s hand.  The family will not know anything substantial until she wakes up.  I am not an authority on what is going on as I have very few details (and the ones I do have are from Twitter!), but Mom, Amanda and I do want to invite you to pray for our dear sister Joanne. If you feel inclined, please use the comments on this post as prayers for Joanne and family.  We have been told that there is a call to prayer tonight at 6:00 CST. Check Twitter (@joanneheim/#prayingforjoanne) because the last we heard, they were going to try to Skype. No matter when, no matter where, let us all join together and pray for all things concerning the Heim family.

Love to you all,

Melissa

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403 Responses to “Urgent Siesta Prayer Request”

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  1. 151

    Dear Heavenly Father,
    I ask you Lord to wrap your precious arms around Joanne and her family with love and peace. Lord, your word says that,”by His stripes we WERE healed” I pray total healing on Mrs. Joanne. Thank you, Jesus, for healing. Lord, your word also says that ” I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Matt. 18:19 Father, we agree that you are going to touch Joanne’s body and make her whole and in better health than before! Lord, thank you for loving us and for hearing our prayers. You are Awesome and can do all things! We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  2. 152
    Cheryl says:

    I’ve only been participating on this blog since SSMT and I am amazed and feel such joy to see this outpouring of love, support and prayers for another sister in Christ of which some know her and some including me do not but through Christ feel the connection and compassion…God is good and these petitions to God are beautiful. I praise you God with such overwhelming joy and I pray you pour these prayers out upon her and her family and allow her even now to just feel all this warmth of love and to feel such a peace that you are in control. In Jesus mighty name Amen

  3. 153
    Paula says:

    Father, my voice cried out to you tonight for this sister of my faith, Johanne. Lord, I know you know every detal of what is happening, even right now in her ife, and believe that you are there with her throughout this. Lord, I ask that you bring super natural healing to her body. Let your healing power flow through her body, even right now. No weapon that is formed against her shall prosper and I reject the lie of sickness over her right now. I claim healing over this stroke and please that you, Lord, will cause her body to function the way you have created it to function. WIth confidance in you I say that Lord because you are the God of perfection and only you can make all things well. Be with her tonight lord to heal and comfort her. Bring a testimony of your healing power out through this and surround her family with your peace, the peace that does not disappoint. I love you Lord and I thank you for her precious life. In Jesus name pray. Thank you Lord!! Yes, I say Thank you again because you are faithful! Amen!

  4. 154
    Angie says:

    Dear Father, I join together with my sisters and brothers in Christ in praying for Joanne. I pray that You would touch her, heal her. I read a few days back that in 2011 she wants to see you do things that only You can do. Her healing and restoration is big….and we beg of you to do that for her – to heal her and restore her to full health. Give the doctors wisdom and insight, give her husband and girls strength and comfort like they have never felt before. Help them to see that even though this event will forever mark them, it will have your fingerprints all over it as You are in control. We trust You God. Thank you for what You are doing and will do in Joanne’s life. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen

  5. 155

    Lord God, I come to you and lift Joanne to You. In the name of Jesus I call healing down upon Joanne, every organ, every cell, be permeated by the blood of Jesus. Function according to the divine design and purpose of your creator, body come into alignment with the word of God. By His stripes Joanne, you are healed! I thank you Lord for her healing, I thank you Lord that you are faithful to Your word and Your word never fails. I thank You, merciful, kind, compassionate Lord that your people can come before the throne of grace and draw on Your healing power. I thank You Lord that with long life You will satisfy Joanne and show Your salvation!

  6. 156
    Charity says:

    Lord Jesus, be near and please heal our dear Siesta Joanne! Hold her husband and her girls in your very capable hands right now!

  7. 157
    Evie says:

    Just prayed for Joanne and her family…complete healing; trust; and peace in Jesus name. Amen.

  8. 158
    Cheryl says:

    God woke me before 5AM on a snow day and led me to this post. Father, We are joining our hearts together and believing that You are able and asking you to heal Joanne. Give her Dr.’s wisdom to know the best treatment for her. Give her family your peace that passes all understanding. Let them all feel your presence and know that you are in control of all things. Wrap your arms of love around them. We pray for your strength in the days ahead and we give you all the glory for what you will do.
    In the loving name of Jesus our Lord, AMEN.

  9. 159
    Sherry says:

    Father: YOU can and do heal in miraculous ways, thank you for that. Please bring healing and comfort to Joanne and her family today. Provide wisdom and strength to her physicians, nurses: all her professional caregivers. Give them excellent decision-making skills. LORD, we also ask you to provide protection, and comfort and strength to her family caregivers. Surround them with your presence, wrap your arms around them and carry them each and every minute of this journey. Love on them through your Body, and move the family of Christ to pray, serve and bear their burdens this day, for YOU are good. Amen and amen!

  10. 160
    Audra says:

    Dear Lord, I pray for Joanne. I pray Lord that you will heal her and give her family a peace and complete trust in You and Your plan for their lives. I pray for the doctors and nurses who are caring for Joanne. I ask for wisdom and guidance for them. I pray that through this situation people will see You in this family and that others will be saved through this situation. Amen

  11. 161
    GlowinGirl says:

    Heavenly Father, Our Healer, I pray you will restore Joanne to good health and that all may go well with her, even as her soul is getting along well. I pray that You will lend strength to her and to her family in the days ahead. May You be glorified through this and work all things together for her good and that of her family. It’s through Jesus we come to You, Father, thanking you for Your goodness and power. Amen.

  12. 162
    Kathryn Champion says:

    Sweet, precious Joanne – I don’t know you. Never heard of you until I started seeing all the prayer requests on Twitter but our Father knows you well. I know this from everything I’ve read. I began lifting up prayer for you as I started seeing the requests and I’m looking forward to the day that you are back posting things yourself so I can get to know you better through Twitter.

    Father, what a lovely lady Joanne must be. I ask You now, Father, to touch her with your healing hands. Again I ask that she would not panic because You are with her. Let her remember there is no need to fear for You are her God. Give her strength. Help her. Hold her steady and keep a firm grip on her as You have promised. (Isaiah 41:10 – The Message) Thank You for allowing me to learn of Joanne and thank You for the privilege of being allowed to send up pryaer to You on her behalf. Please give her family comfort and peace like they’ve never known before. Send the right doctors to give Joanne exactly what she needs at this time. Thank You for allowing her to know that there are so many here lifting her up in prayer and may that help her get through this difficult season. We know that You can bring her back to 100% in Your time, Father. I pray that at least one person comes to know You through seeing Your hand at work in this. From what I’ve read about Joanne, I believe she would say it was worth it all just for that one. Thank You Father for keeping Your loving arms around her and her family during this time. We love You and give You praise even through difficulties for it is through the difficulties that we can truly see Your handiwork. Be with every “siesta” that is lifting Joanne up in prayer. Give them the strength and the stamina to not let up. This is our time to “hold up Joanne’s” arms for her as they did for Moses. We put all our trust and hope in You. In Your most precious and holy Name – Amen

  13. 163
    Meghan Dawson says:

    I saw this on twitter last night and have been praying for Joanne and her family and will continue to do so.
    Father I lift up Joanne to you for Your healing touch. Let Your presence be tangible to Your daughter as You give her strength and restoration. Wrap Your wings around her family and give them the rest from weariness that is only found in You. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

  14. 164
    Beth says:

    Father God,

    We come to you, believing….You are the Great I AM….You are the Great Physician….You are Everything!

    Father, we ask now that you simply “breathe” on Joanne – like a wisp of air – over her Father….bring healing now to her brain and body as only You can do. Be with the family members who are anxious right now, not knowing…let them feel You strongly, Lord Jesus, during this time. And give them peace as only You can. And we give you Praise for all things, Father!

    We thank you for hearing our prayers and petitions.

    In Jesus Name I pray,

    Amen!

  15. 165
    Kim Feth says:

    Joanne had just e-mailed me the other day with an answer to a question, and now I hear this!
    I am on my way to my prayer closet to cry out to God!
    Peace,
    Kim Feth
    Apex, NC
    [email protected]

  16. 166
    Hope365 says:

    Just read that Joanne’s husband will be updating her condition via Twitter…@tobenheim

  17. 167
    Brooke says:

    Ah Sovereign LORD, Nothing is to hard for You. We come to You asking for divine healing of our dear friend Joanne. We ask you to pour out your power onto her body, bring her healing for none other than your glory. Also asking for peace to come over her family, let them deal with this in the way there mother and wife have taught them to deal with other things. Let them feel You spirit moving through them now. Dry there tears give them strength. Let nothing get in the way of your glory. Amen

  18. 168
    Jennifer says:

    Father God;
    The siesta’s are CONTENDING for Joanne and her family. Father, we fight, plead, stay in the fight, remain, and beg for healing. Lord, we will remain until there is breakthrough. I do not know Joanne but you do and you know her dedication to You and to giving her children a life where You are famous. Make Yourself famous in this day though this lady by Your mighty healing hand. Lord, we trust You, not the prayers we ask. We believe You know best and Your ways are higher so while we contend Lord, align our hearts with Yours. You are good and we love You

    Believing and contending

  19. 169
    Emily says:

    Dear Lord, Please be with this special family. I pray healing over Joanne. I pray you wrap you arms around this family especially her husband and children. I lift this family up to you right here, right now. In your precious name.

  20. 170
    Christy Cran says:

    here’s the thing Joanne and I met and in a whirlwind of God we became the most kindred of kindred spirits. We both know that what God gave us is a gift so we are very intentional about it. So as i read your post Melissa, know how Beth is her guru,:) I overwhelemed to say the least. So heres the thing, Joanne and I skype every friday morning. When we both lived in AZ we met every friday so now we still get to meeet( thank you Lord for technology) And last friday we were chatting and we were talking about believing God and we both did it years ago but we could remember the shield and what it stood for. ( she remembered all 5 I only remembered 4) Well today i see my sweet friend’s hand up before her and what is giving my heart comfort, when truly i want to through a fit, is that GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS. So girls thank you for rallying the troups on Joanne’s behalf.

  21. 171
    kimberly says:

    oh this is one of those times i wish i new ya’ll had posted at the exact time you did. it is always delayed and that can’t be helped.

    Lord Jesus you know we love you so! Joanne loves you dearly and is teaching those precious children to not only love you but love your word! praise you Jesus! we lift up Joanne right now in your precious name Jesus and we ask you to touch her and heal her! Just say the word and she will be healed! thank you Jesus!!! we love you Jesus and we know that she has work to do on this side of eternity, with your healing touch she will continue to do it! we thank you and we praise you! we love you Lord! In Jesus’ Name, Amen and Amen!!!

  22. 172
    Mary says:

    Lifting Joanne and her family up to our heavenly Father.

  23. 173
    Cathy McCoy says:

    I ask in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord to heal this young mother and comfort her family as they go through this journey.

  24. 174
    Tanya Hoffman says:

    Father, your Word tells us that the prayers of the righteous will make the sick man well,
    we claim that promise in your Holy name for our sister. We, as Joanne’s Sisters in Christ, are standing in the gap for our sister and are asking for a full and complete healing.
    We are praying that not only will you heal her completely but that you will use this experience for Your glory Lord!
    Use it to bring Joanne, her girls and many others into a deeper relationship with You, the healer of our bodies and souls.

    We love you Lord Jesus!

  25. 175
    Miquela says:

    God, You are so gracious to us and so faithful. You are the giver of life and all things good come from you. We don’t understand why things happen in this life. But we are not God and our ways are not your ways. In your graciousness and holiness, Father, I ask that you would heal my sister Joanne. Touch her body so that their are no physical scars from this stroke. Heal her Lord. I pray you receive all the honor and glory and praise that you so deserve during this time. We love you Father. And we ask it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  26. 176
    Lisa says:

    praying for healing…

  27. 177
    Jan says:

    Joanne – please know that YOU, your medical team, and your family are being lifted up in prayer! “God can do what He says He can do”… and he is a mighty healer!!

  28. 178
    Tammy says:

    Father, you are our creator, our healer. Lord I ask you to touch this precious women and heal her mind and body. Hold her family and friends so close to you that they feel the warmth of your embrace. Strenghthen them and give them clarity of mind to know how to handle every detail and decision that is placed before them. Guide her physicans and nurses give them refreshed, rested minds and show them exactly what she needs Lord.
    We ask in your name.

  29. 179
    Jennifer Tricarico says:

    Lord God, our sweet Father – how gentle You are and how much You love your beloved Joanne. You named her “God is gracious” and You cradle her and her family now during this amazing time. Heal her, Abba. Please do a full healing – open, restored pathways – healthy robust cells at the site of the injury – all healing that only you can perceive, Lord God. Your will, Lord, Your will be done. Father, thank You that we can exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perserverance and perserverance, proven character; and proven character, HOPE; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
    Praise You, Lord, for how we are sure You are proving Yourself gracious and merciful toward Joanne and her family today.

  30. 180
    Yanna says:

    Father I humbly ask that You cover Joanne with Your feathers and give her refuge under Your wings as she begins to heal from the hands of the surgeons You have given the knowledge to. I ask Lord that You be the shield and rampart of faithfulness to the Heims family that they will need in the days ahead as satan attempts to shoot darts of fear and worry. We know how to deflect them! Keep them focused on You Father as the One who is faithful to those that love Him. I thank You Lord for all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital, the loving family and friends who are caring for Joanne thank You for their compassion and tenderness and eyes that see Joanne’s needs. I thank You Holy Father for the complete healing You are doing in her in answer to our prayers. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

  31. 181
    Joyce Watson says:

    Lord,
    Help Joanne and her family. Be with them to comfort, heal and feel Your Presence during this time. Please keep her safe from any hemorrhaging or swelling to the brain and help her to get well soon. Be with the nurses and doctors to guide them for the best medical care.
    Thank you for Joanne’s love and dedication to You, Lord.
    You are the One we lean on in times that are hard and we know You are going through whatever this family has to face in road ahead. We ask your blessings for Your honor and glory. in Christ

  32. 182
    Laura says:

    Father,
    I am so thankful that the doctors where able to locate the clot and perform the surgery. I pray a prayer of healing over Joanne. I pray that you comfort her husband and daughters and give them the wonderful peace and assurance that only comes from you. We love you so much Lord. We pray in your son’s name. Amen

  33. 183
    Jamie says:

    Praying for the Lord’s hand upon Joanne for healing and her family for strength.

  34. 184
    Lori says:

    Oh Lord, maker of heaven and earth – I beg you to do as only You can and enable those who are attending to Joanne to do as You have empowered and gifted them to do. Flood her room with Your love and peace and guard well the hearts of her loved ones as they wait on You. In the precious and holy name of Jesus.

  35. 185
    TonjaG says:

    In Jesus’ name, I claim healing and a full recovery for Joanne. I pray your peace and comfort for her husband and daughters, Lord.

  36. 186
    Tami says:

    Holy Father, you alone are the true healer. Watch over Joanne, her husband, children, and other family and friends. Comfort them with your peace. We ask you to perform a miracle and heal Joanne thoroughly and completely. We pray you receive glory, honor, and praise for the work you are doing for and through this family.

    In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ I pray!!

    Amen

  37. 187
    Cindy says:

    Praying for this precious family! God’s promise: “you will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock!” Isaiah 26:3-4
    Thank you Lord that we can run to you and speak your word and immediately be filled with your peace! Trusting that God is lifting this family up and holding them in His hand!

  38. 188
    Donna Benjamin says:

    Dear Lord Jesus,
    Please continue to be with our dear sister Joanne and her family. Give them all rest from worry and comfort from the events revolving around the sudden stroke.
    Thank you for your presence in all things and at all times.

  39. 189
    Laura says:

    Father God, Please use your healing hands with this dear sister. Provide her family with comfort and strength as they process and deal with her sickness and recovery. Give them all peace Lord. In your holy and precious name, Amen

  40. 190
    Becky says:

    *snowed in today in Rhode Island, I’ll keep the family in my prayers.
    Lord, I lift up Joanne, I pray psalm 91 that you may keep your angels over her to guard her and also that you may keep her in your feathers underneath your wings, the best place to be!

  41. 191
    Kim H. says:

    Lord, please be with Joanne and her family at this time. Let them feel your presence and strength. Let them use this hard time as a way to glorify you and proclaim your love and salvation to everyone they come in contact with. Let the doctors marvel at their faith and saturate their lives with your Truth. Let them glorify you! Please heal Joanne and bring her back to her family so she can serve them and you!

    Amen

  42. 192
    Victoria says:

    Father God, Great healer, you know how very much this husband and children need this wife and mother. May your perfect will be done and may everyone that knows Joanne and loves her feel your presence and may we commit to pray continually as you have told us to in your word. Bring peace to this family, in Jesus precious name, Amen!

  43. 193
    Barbara says:

    I have a friend who recently went through the same thing at the same age. I am happy to report that she came through with flying colors, so I PRAY that Joanne is blessed with the same outcome. Please, Lord Jesus, please heal Joanne. In Jesus name, Amen.

  44. 194
    Susan says:

    Only God can knit the hearts of all these women together. Seeing thousands of women (and some men) come together in prayer for a Siesta friend in need, maybe one we don’t even know, is absolutely amazing. Yet because of our faith, our hearts have come together. Wherever two or more are gathered in His name…….Lord, please heal our sister Joanne and give her family peace that passes all understanding. They need your healing and peace right now.
    Praying with you,
    Susan in Oklahoma

  45. 195
    Sheryl Trumpet says:

    Heavenly Father, we lift this family up to you. May you bring healing to Joanne’s body and please help her to feel better so she can be with her husband and kids.
    May you be with the whole family. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

    My prayers are with the Heim family.
    Sheryl Trumpet

  46. 196
    Kirsten from Houston says:

    Help me to always remember that, as a believer, I have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Your beloved Son.

    Colossians 1:13

  47. 197

    Lord God, it is You who will Keep Joannes lamp burning. You will turn her darkness into light. You will train her hands for battle…You will make her footsteps firm. You will payback the enemy for all he has done to wreak havoc. You are her shield her very great reward. Surely she will see Your goodness and mercy in the land of the living. We know You can say the word to heal her and it has to happen. Lord give light to her eyes, sing over her, fellowship with her, hide her in the cleft of Your Rock. Be quick to save her. Guard her heart and mind as she trusts in You. We will not back down in prayer or belief Lord…because in all things we know that Joanne will extol You at all times. Your praise will continually be on her lips and ours. Let no weapon forged against her prosper Lord. We need You Lord. Please be Near because Your Name is Near. One thing You have spoken,two things I have heard that You O God are strong and You are loving. We love You. You are precious to us and we are nothing, void and empty apart from You.

  48. 198
    Laura says:

    Our Dearest Heavenly, Most Gracious Father, we lift Joanne up in prayer to you this day. Cover her with your unfailing love and mercy. Grant to her the healing that is needed so that she can once again be able to sing your praises and exalt your name. Wrap comforting arms around her family during this time. We know that you are the ULTIMATE HEALER and that you can do miraculous things. I have seen your mighty hand perform miraculous healings and we ask that you do the same for Joanne. Lord we pray as well for the doctors, nurses and hospital staff. May those that come in contact with this family be touched by your Holy Spirit. May they be compassionate and understanding. May their words be kind and may their hearts be open to you.

  49. 199
    Dayna Marcum says:

    Lord,
    Thank you for this beautiful family. Thank you for your peace, comfort and healing power is evident in their hearts this very moment. Satan, we come against you in the name of Jesus Christ, you have NO power over this family of God and we command you to flee from Joanne’s body THIS INSTANT! Father, we thank you for setting us free from the wits and schemes of Satan, and we honor your healing power in this family today, and every day.

    Thank you, Jesus. Amen

  50. 200
    Brittney says:

    Lord, wrap this family in your arms and hold them tight! Give them peace and comfort. I pray for the doctors, nurses and everyone else who is a part of her medical team that they would be full of knowledge and wisdom as they take care of Joanne. Be with Joanne, God, and let her feel your comfort and peace. Let her body rest and recover. Be with those precious children of hers and let them feel only the peace that you can provide.

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