Saturday 11th November
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
This time Paul is asking prayer for himself/me. Well possibly not! It’s a prayer focused on the recognition of God’s goodness and mercy that brings us comfort when times are tough. It reminds me that my prayer should always be surrounded by recognition of the goodness, love and mercy of Father/Son / Spirit, my God. There are many other ideas in these few verses but a little later in v11 Paul highlights that part of the work of God in bringing comfort and hope is linked to our prayer; it seems that our prayer is a part of God’s work for His people. It is wonderful to think that my prayer can be part of God’s purpose for someone who I am praying for. Makes you think persistent prayer for individuals might be a good idea.
Geoff Hinch
