Daily Devotional for April 26, 2023

A welder, saddle maker, and mechanic are all members of our church who have recently opened their own businesses, which is always a risky endeavor.  I have all three of them on my prayer list which means every morning I ask God to bless them as they step out in faith.

Jeff is the mechanic.  He’s also a friend, which calls into question his judgement.  Jeff’s the one who sent me a picture a few weeks ago of him repairing a skid steer parked next to a long line of porta potties.  I got a great deal of enjoyment out of that picture.

Yesterday, Jeff sent me another picture of a jobsite.  Again, he was having to repair equipment next to three porta potties.  This is the text conversation we had.

Jeff wrote, “Go ahead…get your laugh in for today…”
I texted back, “There are no words.”
Jeff responded, “I know you are praying for me…the questions I have is “What” you are asking God to do for me, or…to me…?? Just saying…”
I texted back, “Only asking God to bless your business because your tithe will go up.  Never asked God to curse you with the porta potty thing.  I consider it a bonus.”

The point to this meandering devotional has nothing to do with porta potties.  It’s about prayer.

I truly believe one of the most important things we can do for others is lift them up to the Holy.  It is a sacred act of love.  But I have also discovered something that is a true benefit for me when I pray for others.

By praying for others, I am pulled out of my self-consuming attitude, where everything is about me.  When I am praying for others, it is one of the few times in my life when my primary concern is someone other than myself.  It gives me a better perspective.    

 James said, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”  (James 5:16)

Intercessory prayers are one of the most misunderstood, yet powerful actions we can take on behalf of others.  It matters.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I lift to you, the lonely, afraid, stressed, depressed, ill, and hopeless.  Please work in each of their lives to make your love and power known.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Praying for another person is one of the greatest gifts of all.

Also, just for the record, I have never prayed Jeff has to spend his days repairing equipment next to porta potties – but it is entertaining.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins