These poignant lyrics by Marty Parks linger in my mind. (I wish you could hear the melody at the same time.) The chorus goes like this:
    “Somebody went to the throne of heaven, somebody lifted my name,

     Bringing me into His holy presence, saying what I could not say.

     Somebody showed me the face of His mercy when darkness was all I could see;

     Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus, somebody prayed for me.”

What a comforting thought that is – somebody prayed for me. Not just thought about me, or wished me well, but pled my cause before the heavenly Father. Wow! That’s a powerful thought. Just knowing about those prayers is source of real encouragement.

Our Lord asks us to share our burdens, to pray for each other. In our darkest hour, when we find it so hard to pray, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our friends and family are praying for us. Receiving a card, a quick visit, a hot meal – all are appreciated. But knowing that our needs have been brought to the very throne of God, that’s a profound reassurance.

I am reminded of a devotion I recently read where the writer recalled receiving handwritten letters from his grandmother when he was away at college – letters that always began, “I am praying for you.” The letters were a loving support then, as is the memory of them now.

You have the privilege of lifting your burdens to God in prayer, and you also have the wonderful opportunity to ask others to join you. You’ll be heartened to know that the hearts and lips of many have brought you before the Lord in prayer. Best of all, you know God is listening. God loves you. He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

Today’s Reading is James 5:13-16: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205:13-16