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, 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.
This is absolutely true for me too, Bridget. I now seem to have a prayer ministry, which I love! Praying for others, seeing their needs & then seeing the Lord’s answers to the prayers is such a blessing. God bless you in your prayer ministry Bridget. Praise God for the time that we have to pray!! Lotsoluv Kerryn
Bridget,I love this and it’s so true. Prayer ministry has absolutely been the “treasure out of the darkness” that has come out of chronic illness in my life. This is a ministry that has been birthed in my life BECAUSE of the physical challenges. At times there is no other choice but to “be still” with chronic illness…but even in those times of “stillness” imposed on us, our spirits can be very active and ministering in prayer for others. It’s a very precious thing that has come from all this for me, and it really does help me to stay connected to others in very deep ways. I love that about our Heavenly Father. He can get around anything and use us all in His Kingdom to pray and to love others to Him. He makes a way where there seems to be no way – He doesn’t let illness stop us from being used in the lives of others to bring about His greater purposes. And in the midst of it, it’s like you said, He really DOES lift us up when we lift others up. I love love love it. Makes me happy-dance inside!
He is so amazing! Hugs and prayers…BeBe <3
Kerryn…a hearty AMEN to your every word there, sister! <3
Kerryn and BeBe – you both are soooooo right!! It truly is amazing how God uses our lives in spite of whatever we are going through!!
Bridget
Since I love pretty stationery, I love sending cards or notes to people to let them know I’m thinking about them. Every week at church, my name is on the prayer list. But I look at the other names and send the notes. I share my experiences in a way to help lift other people. Sometimes I share other aspects of my life that have nothing to do with my illness. And if I don’t have staionery, I will send an e-card or e-note. Many people appreciate that I remember them, despite my situation. It feels good to know I am helping someone else.
And then I can say a prayer for their situation.
Tonyia,
Thanks for sharing how you minister to others. Great idea!!
Blessings,
Bridget