Categories: uncategorized
Date: 02 June 2005 09:23:42
This is one of the many petitions under the "Morning Prayers" section in my diary. Our church produces personal diaries for each year with the various feasts and Bible readings for each day, as well as quotes from the Fathers and Orthodox theologians and monastics. It is a great blessing to have all of this in an easy-to-carry form.
"May I help and encourage someone who is in need." is the petition that has stood out for me this past week. I find myself stopping at it and pondering. I find this petition entering my mind during the day and giving me a bit of an added push to try each day. People have told me previously I have the "gift" of encouragement, or, if they are not practising Christians and thus less likely to use the term "gift", they have said I am someone who provides support and encouragement. I do try and introduce a bit of happiness and joy wherever I find myself, especially when I see someone, usually at work, who seems a bit stressed. As well, I've found that my beloved brothers and sisters at church are always willing to share not only their joys, but also their struggles -- and to ask for my (unworthy) prayers. That is a blessing. It is a true blessing to enter into such a close relationship with somebody and to be asked to pray for them -- I find it a blessed privilege. There are the many friends I have been blessed with, who often need encouragement -- or simply someone to talk to. And then there are those I know through the Wibsite and other blog sites. Someone in need of encouragement is never very far away.
Lord, may I help and encourage someone who is in need.