“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” – Colossians 1:3
In his book “Stories for the Journey”, author William R. White wrote: “There was a European seminary professor named Hans and his wife, Enid. World War II forced them to flee to America where he found a job teaching. He was warm, gentle, beloved by his students, and he brought Scripture to life for them. Hans and Enid were very much
in love. Nearly every day they took long walks together, holding hands, and they always sat close in church, until Enid died, overwhelming Hans with sorrow.
Worried because he wouldn’t eat nor take walks, the seminary president, along with three other friends, visited him regularly, but he remained lonely and depressed.
Experiencing the dark night of the soul, Hans told his friends, “I am no longer able to pray to God. In fact, I am not certain I believe in God anymore.” After a moment of silence, the seminary president said, “Then we will believe for you. We will make your confession for you. We will pray for you.”
So the four men met daily for prayer, asking God to restore the gift of faith to their dear friend. Many months later, as the four gathered with Hans, he smiled and said, “It is no longer necessary for you to pray for me. Today, I would like you to pray with me.” The dark night of the soul had passed. Instead of carrying Hans to Jesus on a stretcher, his friends carried him in their prayers.
One of the best gifts you can give others is prayer. Today in prayer, look to the Lord with expectancy and pray for some of the needs of others.
“I have benefited by my praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself.” – Samuel Rutherford
God’s Word: “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” – Romans 1:9-10
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