Even though I am chronically ill, a simple prayer for a friend reminded me daily it was not all about me. This is how I began praying the scriptures. . .
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
That hardest thing for me, as a chronically ill person, is to realize “it’s not all about me.” Because most days I’m not feeling well, I expect others to be checking up on me. I expect others to text or call to see how I’m doing. I expect others to do things for me. And when they don’t I think they don’t care or aren’t interested in how I’m doing.
But, in all actuality–most of my friends and family do care. However, they have their own lives to take care of too. They can’t be there for me 100% plus their own families 100%. They can’t devote their entire life to me and still live their own life.
One of the best things that ever happened to me was becoming a prayer warrior for someone else. I admit my prayer life isn’t what it could be. I wanted to find a way to grow in this area so I decided to praying the scriptures for specific friends–daily if I could.
Amazingly, God would bring Scripture to mind that fit the situation perfectly. I would then start praying the scriptures by personalizing the passage. I would say my prayer for a friend, by putting in my friend’s name and what I was praying for. I did it for multiple people. Just finding the particular passage to pray was exciting and taught me tons about prayer and seeing God work through prayer!
What this taught me was that God lifts me up when I lift others up. Saying a prayer for a friend, loving and caring for other’s needs above my own actually made me feel better. When I wasn’t so focused on my own health and how I was feeling, my outlook on life improved.
Now, when I start to get selfish and feeling like no one cares, I stop and ask God how I can be praying for other people. I see if there is a note or email I could send to someone else to make their day. I see if there is something I can do to lift someone else up and say that prayer for a friend! And you know what? I usually feel better afterwards. Amazing!
Prayer: Dear God, it’s so easy to be selfish when I’m ill. Help me to focus on the needs of others too and not just on my own needs. I want to be a blessing to those around me but I need Your help! Remind me there is power in praying the scriptures. Amen.
About the Author
Bridget Gazlay resides in beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, kidney stones, and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric art on the side. Bridget’s prayer is that anyone who comes across her writing or artwork would see she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” Find out more about Bridget at, http://www.pfccreations.com.
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As a chronically ill person, what are some things you do to help others? Have you ever tried praying the scriptures? What motivates you to remember to say a prayer for a friend?
Below is a beautiful song by Casting Crowns, “Prayer for a Friend.” If you cannot see it in your email, click the title of the post to get to the web site.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 