Here’s a session from my bestselling book Daily Prayer 1. It concerns a simple but important gift that, because it seems to unremarkable, we can sometimes overlook; namely, that of being there for others. It may not seem much, on first reflection, but when we are truly there for someone in their time of need, when we genuinely care about them, and when they know that that to be the case, it can mean more than words can begin to say. As you reflect on these thoughts, then, consider who perhaps needs you to be there for them today, and whether you’re willing to give freely of yourself in response.
Read
Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves, encouraged and built up the fellowship in Antioch. After they had been there some time, the believers sent them back in peace to those who had sent them. However, it seemed right to Silas to remain there. Similarly, Paul and Barnabas, and many others, stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord. Acts 15:32-35
Ponder
If I said the names ‘Paul’ and ‘Silas’ in the same breath, which one would you immediately recognise? The answer, of course, is Paul, the celebrated Apostle who did so much to further the gospel during the early days of the Church. We can overlook the fact that for many of his missionary journeys he was accompanied by Silas, but though we might forget the contribution Silas made, Paul never did.
What was it, then, that made Paul value Silas so much? For one thing, Silas may have acted as his scribe, recording his letters as he dictated them. For another, he clearly had gifts in his own right, regarded as a leader of the Church among Christians back in Jerusalem. Perhaps, though, what stood out above all else was, quite simply, his willingness to be there when needed. Whatever Paul came up against, he knew that Silas would be ready to face it with him. Imprisoned, beaten, attacked, insulted, it made no difference – he remained a friend in need, someone to lean on in moments of crisis. Never under estimate that gift, for it is one of the most precious there is, and one that each of us can show in our turn. It may not seem much – simply being there – yet for someone going through the mill it can mean more than any words or action.
Ask yourself
Is there someone you know of who is in need of a friend to stand alongside them? Have you underestimated the importance simply of being there, imagining instead that there is something you need to do or say if you are to offer help?
Pray
Loving God, thank you for always being with me, whatever I may face, to strengthen, encourage, comfort and protect. Thank you for those around me who I can count on to be there when I need them. Teach me through their simple yet vital ministry – their willingness to share my troubles and bear my burdens – that there is nothing I need face alone. Teach me to share that ministry in turn, ready to draw alongside those in any kind of need and to offer support and companionship. Help me to understand that it is not so much the things I say or do that matter at such times, but simply being there. So may I give expression to your love and bring home your presence, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Remember
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. 1 Peter 5:12
Close
Lord Jesus Christ, as you have been there for me, help me to be there for others, for your name’s sake. Amen.