OUR DAILY BREAD             Monday, March 6, 1995
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READ:  Job 42


               PRAYING LIKE CHRIST

   "I do not pray for these alone, but for those
     who will believe in Me through their word."
                                -- John 17:20



With friends like his, Job didn't need enemies.  His
three would-be comforters failed miserably in their
efforts to ease his pain.  Instead of bringing
sympathy, they recited a creed of iron and ice that
only compounded his anguish.

Yet Job was able to emerge from his cave of pain
and confusion in triumph.  A significant step toward
that victory was his willingness to pray for the
very friends who had criticized and accused him. God
honored his prayers, and Job had the delight of
witnessing his friends' forgiveness and restoration.

Jesus also prayed for His friends (Jn. 17:9-19),
despite their constant failings.  With the shadow of
the cross falling darkly on Him, Jesus prayed for
Peter even though He knew Peter would deny Him
within hours (Lk. 22:32-34).

Jesus prayed for you and me also (Jn. 17:20-24).
His work of prayer, which began before his death
and resurrection, continues to this day.  Although
we sometimes act more like His enemies than His
friends, Jesus died for us, reigns in power for us,
and still prays for us (Rom. 8:34).

Following Christ's example, we are to pray for our
friends and acquaintances -- even when they hurt us.
Is there someone you can pray for today?

                                -- Haddon W. Robinson

        As we attempt to live like Christ
          In actions, words, and deeds,
        We'll follow His design for prayer,
           And pray for others' needs.

                                -- J. David Branon

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          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------------------------
     Nothing makes us love a person
      so much as praying for him.

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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Joshua 22-24

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Our Daily Bread,  Copyright 1995,  used by  permission  of Radio Bible
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