Prayer List for Vivien

This is a long and detailed list, but feel free to pray only 

what is highlighted, or a small amount each day.

1. Praise Jesus that He has given us a perspective not just of grief, but one of LIFE. Vivien’s name means “alive” or “life”. Praise Him with us that we can celebrate Vivien’s life, no matter how long she lives.

2. We ask Jesus for complete and miraculous healing of Vivien,
We pray for her to be healthy, well and whole - body, soul and spirit. We submit to God’s will, whatever He has for her, but we do want to ask in faith for healing.

3. Pray for protection for Molly from pregnancy complications.
Preeclampsia, high blood pressure and excessive amniotic fluid are all fairly common in T 18 mothers. Pray that Molly will continue to have a healthy pregnancy.

4. We ask for a healthy delivery with no complications and for Vivien to be born alive and breathing well.
At this point we have decided to go into labor naturally, and proceed with a natural birth, while at the same time asking for the doctors not to hesitate to do a C-section if she shows any kind of distress. Please pray that if we need to do an elective C-section, God will show us. Sometimes contractions can be too much for babies with T-18 and we need wisdom in this decision. Pray also that she would not be born early to give her the best chance.  The perfect scenario would be a natural delivery but we are open to whatever Vivien needs.

5. Pray that any complications from T-18 in her body will be unusually minor. Pray that the current VSD (hole in her heart) will close on its own and her overriding aorta will be healed.
There are a multitude of complications common to babies with T-18. As of now we know she does have a hole in her heart along with an overriding aorta. It is possible for this to close on its own. Pray specifically that all of her organs – her lungs, liver, stomach heart etc. will all be in good working order. Pray for a good birth weight.

6. Pray that we will get doctors, nurses and health professionals who will be completely up front with us about all her physical issues, her treatment and that they will be supportive of our choices.
It is common for many in the medical profession to call babies with T-18 untreatable. The group of doctors we are going with at Swedish have told us that they believe in minimizing treatment for babies with T-18 but they are willing to work with us and treat her according to our wishes. They have been open to our requests for more aggressive care for Vivien (as opposed to comfort care) and have been very supportive. Pray that those who have Vivien under their care will be willing to treat her in the ways that we ask and that we will fully understand what needs to be done to support her life.

7. Pray that we would reach out and work well with all that we come into contact with in the medical profession.
We would love to be a witness to all that work with Vivien. Pray that we would be given many who share our desire to support Vivien’s life. Pray that we would have loving, patient hearts toward any who do not have the same philosophy of supporting her life and that we would be wise in how we get along with them, reaching out to them while standing strong in doing all we can to help fight for Vivien’s care.

8. Pray that we would not be led by fear when it comes to making life or death decisions with Vivien, but that we would be led by the Holy Spirit.
Pray that we would take responsibility, but at the same time, know that the result is up to Jesus and not feel a heavy burden that it is all on us. Pray that we would just be obedient and leave the results in His hands.

9. Pray for wisdom right after she is born, to know what tests to have her undergo, that any issues will come to light and be revealed and not be found out after the fact.
Pray that Vivien would be strong. Pray that we will have wisdom as we ask the Holy Spirit to show us and the doctors what she needs. Medicine is truly a “practice” not a sure thing and we want to fully understand Vivien’s needs. Pray against errors in diagnosis and treatment. If surgery is required, pray for wisdom to know if it is best for her little body, if she is strong enough to make it through surgery and how to go about this. Pray that the doctors would give wise counsel.

10. Pray for strength, stamina and joy in the days following her birth.
If there is an extended hospital stay, pray that we will be able to get the rest we need while caring for Vivien well. Praise Jesus for all of the loving family and friends who we know are ready to support us. Pray for their stamina and joy as well. Pray for the Grandparents who will be involved with caring for our kids as we care for Vivien. Pray for joy and strength for them.

11. Pray that Vivien would be able to nurse and eat well.
It is very unusual for a baby with T-18 to nurse. If she is not able to do that, pray that pumping would go well and that we would be able to give her the best nutrition possible, whether through breastfeeding, bottle or feeding tube.

12. Pray for our children. Pray for their emotional and spiritual health as they deal with what is to come.
Pray that they would have an unusual, supernatural peace from Jesus as their life may change drastically for a time. Pray for joy for them. Pray that they would feel loved by us and not neglected. Pray that we would have wisdom if we need to divide our time between home and the hospital and the details of how to go about this.

13. Pray against infection, colds, sicknesses etc. in us, in our children, in the Grandparents and all involved in Vivien’s care.
No one can go into the NICU with sickness. Pray this especially for our kids who often catch cold.

14. Pray that God would continue to bless us financially when it comes to medical bills.
So far we have had some big bills, but have very good insurance that covers most of the costs. Praise God with us for good insurance and pray that we would continue to have good coverage. We have spent some hours already on the phone with providers and the insurance company but so far have had fairly good results. Pray that there would continue to be no complications or problems with claims.

15. Pray that we would eventually be able to bring Vivien home and that she will live long.
If she dies prematurely, pray that we would see Jesus in her life and that we would even see some joy in her before she goes. This has been a specific prayer of Todd’s. He wants to see joy in Vivian. If she does live long, pray that she would not suffer greatly and that we would be alert and wise to understanding her needs.

16. Pray for unity for our marriage and unity as we make decisions about Vivien’s care.
Pray that if she lives long enough to make significant decisions about surgery and more aggressive treatment that we would hear from the Holy Spirit together and see eye-to-eye on the decisions that need to be made.

17. Pray that if Vivien does live a long time, that we will have strength and stamina to give her the care she needs, that we would not live in fear and that our house would be permeated by peace and joy.

Is 66:9-10 Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” says the Lord;“shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?” says your God. “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her;

Deut 30:19b-20a Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life…