Praying for others is an important way you can love others, and also show your love for Jesus Christ.
“What a glorious thing it would be if millions of us would avail ourselves of the greatest privilege and the greatest power this side of heaven—the privilege and power of prayer!”
-Billy Graham
Jesus said among other things in Luke 6:27-31 for us to pray for those who mistreat us.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 (NIV)
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Grandma, some eighty plus years, sat on her living room stool. Earlier she didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.When I sat down near her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if she was okay. Finally, not really wanting disturb her, but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was okay. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking, she said in a clear strong voice. I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands, and I wanted to make sure you were okay,
Have you ever looked at your hands, she asked. I mean really looked at your hands? I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story: Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote my letters to him, and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the mark of a rugged life.
More importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. With my hands, He will lift me to His side, and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandma's hands and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of Grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I too, want to touch the face of God, and feel His hands upon my face. When you receive this, say a prayer for someone, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another. Tell someone about this story or direct someone to this web page that you consider a friend so you both will be blessed.
Tell someone about this story or direct someone to this web page that is not yet considered a friend, because that is something Christ would do.
HARSH WORDS
Luke 6:37-42 (NRSV)Jesus said, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye."
My mother is 65 years old. Every day she bustles in and out of the house doing chores from washing to cleaning to mopping to cooking for the family. One day she accidentally dropped the blender while washing it, and the plastic container cracked. It could not be used anymore. I was angry with her because I use the blender every day. I would have to spend money to buy a new one. Without thinking, I scolded her for being careless; my words were harsh. That evening before bed, the Lord spoke to me during my quiet time. The message was, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31). Too often we find ourselves ready to pass judgment on someone. Why can't we instead choose to see them through eyes of compassion and kindness as Christ did? Christ always looked at people with compassion, and still does.
I was filled with remorse over how I had treated my mother earlier that day. I asked God to forgive me. Then I went to mother's bedroom, hugged her, and told her I was sorry for shouting at her. She forgave me, too.
Prayer Dear God, help us to see others with kindness and compassion, as you do. Teach us to be patient and forgiving toward others. In Jesus' name we pray.
