A Prayer Borne of Love

Daily Reading:  2 John & 3 John

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (3 John 2)

Devotional Thought: The book of John was written by the Apostle John to a dear friend and co-worker, Gaius.  John wrote that he loved Gaius “in the truth.”  What a great way to describe Christian fellowship and love – in the truth!  That means that we truly love one another - not just sentimental love, but real, practical, expressed love.

When you love someone “in the truth” you wish good things for them.  That’s what John did for Gaius, praying three things for him:

• That he would enjoy good health.  Good health consists of healthy bodies, minds, and relationships.  Enjoying good health means being unencumbered by fears, by sorrows, by stress.  Not that fears, sorrows, and stress are eliminated, but that you are not encumbered by them.

• That life’s circumstances would go well for him.  This prayer is focused on things like jobs, marriage, family life, community, economy, schooling, etc.  John prays that all things would go well for his friend.  Not just a few things, but everything.  Isn’t that a great sentiment to have toward someone you love?  And remember this, in all things, God is working for your good!

• That he would continue to grow in his soul.  Health and happiness are not the ultimate goals of life.  Beneath good health and favorable circumstances, we find a healthy soul, bolstering them and giving them a foundation that will last.  John’s words indicate that Gaius already was enjoying soul health, but he prayed it would continue.

What great prayers!  Pray them for your family and friends, for those whom you “love in the truth.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those I love in the truth - that they would enjoy good health... that you would work in all circumstances for their good... and that their souls would grow in your grace.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 130.5-8

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.