Pray For Your Neighbor As Yourself
Thoughts and Prayers from Jerusalem
Shalom from Jerusalem!
Whoever prays for a friend is not required to mention their name.
Brachot 34
This wisdom is learned from Moses' prayer for his sister Miriam, "God, please heal her (Numbers 12, 13)." And it makes sense - if we believe that God is all-powerful enough to solve someone's problem, then He certainly knows who we are talking about!Even still, often we feel compelled to mention our friend's name. Why is this?
This is a recurring theme in our understanding of God and prayer. Our prayers are for our own good, not for God's. When we mention our friend's name in our prayer, we are strengthening our relationship with him (our friend), not Him (our God). And this perhaps is God's goal for us: Love your fellow as yourself (Lev. 19, 18).
Today, think of a friend to pray for, and trust that God will provide.
Today's Prayer: Gathering of Israel
Let Us Pray... For YOU! Join the Holy City Prayer Society today!
|