Serving  God

Pray for Others...Even When It 's Hard
“When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.”
Luke 6:28 (MSG)

  
 The school was buzzing with the news. Students to perform in the special Christmas ensemble choir had been chosen. Beth's name was not to be found on the selected list.  Her heart sank. Not chosen...Why?

Beth hung her head. Didn’t she have a gift? Didn’t others say so—besides her parents?  She felt like a loser…hurt like one…acted like one.

Rehearsal was every day. Until the night of the Christmas program,  Beth would have to sit with others in the school wide choir and watch the special ensemble practice. She was crushed. Her friends in the ensemble  choir were rather prideful about their superior position and Beth could feel their snubs, their coolness toward her.

One day she shared her disappointment with her very wise grandmother. “Pray for the choir, Beth. Start praying for them and their performance. Love never fails. Love isn’t proud. Love is kind, and it never thinks evil of others.”

It was perfect advice. It came from the Bible…of course it was good!

And that’s what Beth did. As she watched the ensemble practice she prayed for them. As she prayed, God changed her heart. She genuinely cared for their success. The anger she once felt melted away and joy came on its heels.  On the night of the Christmas program Beth’s face beamed. Smiling, she told her grandmother, “Didn’t the ensemble do a wonderful job?”

Great people pray for the success of others.

They are not afraid to serve God with their prayers.

Two years later Beth was awarded the school’s music award. Only one student was selected for this prize. Beth had learned a secret. Serving by praying for those who fared better than herself brought joy—brought peace—brought reward!

Dear Lord, Who needs my prayer today? Show me...I will pray for them!