To pray,

just gather

the sorrows of this world

into your heart

like roses

until they are too heavy

to carry alone,

then you can finally learn

to experience the joy

of surrender.

Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In this world of superficial distractions where we are often too busy for one another and sometimes downright indifferent to each others suffering and even cruelly dismissive, compassion is a priceless gift we can give to one another.

So often in our hardest times, we are left alone to grapple with the fallout of our broken hearts. But we know “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).

As followers of Christ, we can open our hearts to the reality of suffering in this world and reach out to those, who are going through hard times. When we can’t do anything to fix another’s trials and tribulations, we can walk beside them every step of the way through our loving presence and devotion to praying for them.

As we contemplate the suffering of those around us and persevere in empathy and deep heart-felt prayer, our spirits can grow heavy with grief for them, which causes us to rely more heavily on God on their behalf. As we contemplate the mystery of suffering in their lives, we can be lead into a deeper  contemplation of the mysteries of our faith including the cross of Christ, which can bring a shower of graces down to earth and cause us to grow closer to Him through this act of service.

Empathy isn’t easy! But with prayer, it is a wonderful path toward deeper union with God.

How have you grow spiritually through opening your heart to the pain of those around you? How have you grown closer to Christ through acknowledging the suffering of others? Comment below, and I’ll be delighted to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Lord give us the strength and courage to say yes to your call to serve others, even when it causes our hearts to break for their suffering we do not have the power to heal. Give us the strength to bring Your love into people’s lives during their times of brokenness, when they most need reminders of Your steadfast love and beautiful plans for their future. Give us the grace to contemplate the mysteries of our faith including Your suffering and the suffering of innocent people around us. Bless us with peace and strength to bring to those around us in their time of need.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Written by Nicky Gant for http://www.uniteinprayer.org 1/29/2020