in need of prayer

St Jerome tells us in A Year with the Church Fathers today that we should ask for the prayers of saints who have gone on ahead of us, because they have more power in their prayers now than they did when they were on earth. And he tells us of several stories when people prayed for things and many lives were saved because of it, including Moses, Stephen, and Paul.

But it brought to mind the simple act of asking for prayer. How often have you found yourself struggling with something, and didn't think to pray about it? Are you struggling with something now? Is there something in your life that you're having a hard time dealing with? Of course, you should pray about it. (And it's not always easy to remember to do so.) But you can also ask people you trust to pray for you. There is a certain vulnerability that comes with that request. And it brings a certain closeness to a relationship when you share your needs with a friend, for them to pray for you.

So when you find yourself struggling, as you might be at this moment, remember to open yourself up and ask friends to pray. Besides the prayer itself bringing an answer to your problem, the sharing of your struggle will bring you closer to your friend... and remind them to ask for your prayers in return.

God, thanks for the privilege of praying for one another.