Todays Scripture

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:4

WHEN asked, I find it easy to promise people that I will pray about special needs in their lives. However, keeping that promise is not so easy. Other concerns and activities often get in the way of this most sacred of promises -- the promise to lift a person into the channel of God's grace. When I persevere in keeping that promise, I become a link in the chain that includes others who join together as intercessors. But when I neglect to pray, I cheat myself of the privilege of connecting with faithful people who are keeping their sacred promise.

So, to help me remember my promise to pray for others or about particular situations, I carry in my pocket a small, broken link from a chain. Each time I put my hand into that pocket, I can feel the link and choose to be joined with others who are praying. Praying with and for others is a high privilege and holy intimacy that cannot be duplicated.

Prayer
Loving God, open our ears to the cries of those around us who need your help. Remind us that the call to pray for another is always a holy call. Amen.