Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

The farming community where we used to live was prone to drought. Throughout each growing season, our church prayed frequently for rain. During one particularly devastating drought, we anxiously awaited an answer to our prayers. One Sunday, however, we decided to rest from praying for our own needs and prayed instead for another community in our state that needed rain as well. We held a vigil, praying for God to send rain to a community over 100 miles away.

When God answered that prayer, our church rejoiced as if it had rained in our own town. Our hope was restored as we once again prayed for our own community. But even more, we learned the joy of pouring blessings on our neighbors even before ourselves.

Sandi Geis
St. Louis, MO

Jesus, fill me to the brim with compassion for my neighbor that I may not only consider my own needs but intercede for others. Amen.

Reflect: Challenge yourself to pray, not only for yourself, but for someone else’s needs.

Read: Philippians 2:3-8 and Matthew 22:34-40