Jimbo and Matt over at Blackfive are asking for prayers for DJ Emery, a Marine who was severely injured -
On February 7th, 2007, DJ was at a checkpoint near a crowded place when a terrorist walked up to the Marines. DJ's Battalion Sergeant Major, Joseph Ellis (a recon Marine of 23 years), suspected that a bomber was approaching and put himself between the bomber and his Marines.
The bomber quickly detonated himself, instantly killing Sergeant Major Ellis. The Sergeant Major's sacrifice absorbed enough of the blast to barely keep DJ from being killed. DJ was hit hard in his abdomen - an artery was cut causing kidney failure - both legs and one arm were shattered, and, in fact, his wounds were so severe that doctors didn't think that he'd make it.
DJ's Status: Both his legs have been amputated and are infected. DJ's stomach wound is infected and can't be closed until the infection is gone. And his kidneys are not working still...
DJ's Sergeant Major, Joseph Ellis, died trying to protect DJ...because DJ was worth it.
Get going, friends. Do what you do best.
Oh, Father in Heaven, Lord of all the universe, holy and righteous and glorious! Father, we lift up this young man to you and ask for Your help and comfort. Father, we beg You to lay Your hand upon him for healing and strength. Give wisdom and skill to the doctors, bless the nursing staff with love and compassion, and grant Your strength and endurance to DJ's family and friends.
You are the Lord of Hosts, the Lord our Provider, and we bring DJ before you in gratitude for his service and his courage. Father, this man is a warrior, yet this is not something he can fight along. You have blessed men of war since before Your servant David's time, You have lifted up those who do your will and fight for truth and justice. I call on You, Lord, and ask You to show yourself strong on this man's behalf: stop this infection, heal his kidneys and ease his pain. Give him healing rest, direct the medicines in his body to work properly, and nourish him for the healing of his mind and body.
Father, we ask You to place a hedge of protection around him, we ask that You cause Your face to shine upon him in all Your wondrous grace. Lift him up on eagles' wings and help him to stand in Your strength. You are a strong tower, a rock which will not be moved. Father, we - Your children - cry out to you from this low valley and ask Your blessing and help. Lift DJ up out of this mire and set his feet upon the Rock, that people everywhere may see his good works and praise You.
Sovereign God, there is nothing too hard for You. You do not grow weak or weary, You do not slumber or sleep. No one can withstand You, Lord. And so we pray in Your Son's powerful name that You heal DJ for his good and Your glory. Amen.
