Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 – Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

My friend and I trekked off to our prayer group, eager to get back after a two-week interval. I was rather light-hearted, as things in my life were going quite well, and I was anxious to give that "extra" bit of thanks. The last time we had attended, the scripture read had seemed to speak specifically to me. A special prayer had been offered for a member of my family and a friend, and it had helped a lot. Besides, I missed the "presence", the people, the lovely little church, the prayer, the music, the ambience. I missed everything about it and I needed the continuity.

My friend missed it too, but she had a heavy heart. Things weren't going so well in her life; she had some heavy decisions to make, and the next couple of days would be full of conflict. She too, missed the "presence", the people, the lovely little church, the prayer, the music and the ambience. She too missed everything about it and needed the continuity, very much.

As the scripture was being read, I was trying to understand how it pertained to me, but the more I listened, the more I realized it was speaking to and for my friend. Then I understood that the way it pertained to me was to make sure I knew how troubled she was and to reassure her that I understood and was there for her in whatever capacity was required.

God's words are written explicitly. He speaks to us even when it seems He doesn't. If what we hear doesn't seem to have any bearing on what's going on in our life, listen to see if it has any bearing on what's going on in the life of someone we know.

Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for letting us know when someone needs our help. May we open our ears to hear and our hearts to help. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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