September 30

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. — 1 Sam 12:23 BSB

We sin against our friends when we fail to pray for them. Of all the ways we can show love and do good for others, prayer is the best. Sometimes we say, “I’m sorry I can’t do anything to help you; I can only pray.” But in reality, if we pray for them, we are doing the greatest thing possible. God knows far better than we do how to help them.

Often, the help we would offer might actually do harm. We might lift burdens that would be better left for them to carry, or we might smooth a path that would be better left rough. We are always at risk of hindering God’s work in someone’s life when we offer help. The best thing we can do is pray for them, trusting that God will provide the right help at the right time.