Prayers Received Well

Have you ever had people pray for you? It's a humbling and moving experience. When I was pregnant with my third baby, I had to go on bed rest to make sure I wouldn't go into labor early. People showed up for me in a big way. They made me meals. They cleaned my house. They wrapped me in a handmade prayer shawl. They sent me cards with gift cards for take-out food. All of these acts of kindness were prayers lifted up to God on my behalf. I could have refused the help, downplayed the severity of my condition, and powered through on my own. But that would have been disrespectful to those willing to go out of their way for me. And it would have deprived them of the opportunity to send up their prayers with their thoughts, words, and actions. The best gift I could give in return was to let them.

Narrative Lectionary Text: Ephesians 1:15-19

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.