The Purple Shawl

I urge you ... to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30

While serving as my mom's live-in caregiver at a cancercenter hundreds of miles away from my home, I askedpeople to pray for us. As the months passed, isolation

and loneliness sapped my strength. How could I care for my mom if I gave in to my physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion?

One day, a friend sent me an unexpected care package. Jodihad crocheted a purple prayer shawl, a warm reminder that we had people praying for us daily. Whenever I wrapped the soft yarn around my shoulders, I felt God hugging me with the prayers of

His people. Years later, He still uses that purple shawl to comfort me and strengthen my resolve. The apostle Paul affirmed the importance and spirit-refreshing power of praying for others. Through his passionate request forprayerful support and encouragement during his travels, Paul demonstrated how those who pray for others become partners inministry (Romans 15:30). Offering specific requests, the apostle not only showed his dependence on the support of fellow believers

but his trust that God powerfully answers prayer (vv. 31-33).

We'll all experience days when we feel alone. But Paul shows us how to ask for prayer as we pray for others. When we're wrapped in the intercessory prayers of God's people, we can experience God's strength and comfort no matter where life takes us. Xochitl Dixon

Who has God used to encourage you through intercessory prayer?

Who can you pray for today?

Loving God, thank You for the gift of intercessory prayers and for

assuring me that You hear me and care for me wherever I go.