“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus.”  John 11:1-3

On this day a long time ago, someone went to Jesus on behalf of a friend. We don’t know his name, it’s not important.  He is important not because of who he was, but because of what he did.  His friend was sick and Jesus could help.  Someone needed to go to Jesus, so someone went.  Others were caring for the sick man, others comforted the family, perhaps others brought food – each role crucial.  But no one was more vital that the one who went to Jesus, the one whose feet walked the road, the one who brought the request.

One day, not such a long time ago, someone went to Jesus on behalf of you.  Someone knew of your need.   Someone brought your need to the throne of Jesus.  Usually we don’t even know who prayed for us. Just picture those prayers rising up to heaven.  Be assured Jesus was listening.

What a comfort 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. 

Marty Parks has written a poignant song, “Somebody Prayed For Me.”

     “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.”

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 friends or family are praying for us.   Receiving a card, a quick visit, a hot meal – all are vital and appreciated.  But knowing that our needs have been brought to the Almighty God, the God of unconditional love, now that’s a profound reassurance.

Judy