Helping Together
(From Gospel Guide, September 1999, page 4)

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came
to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so
that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in our-
selves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the
dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom
we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in
prayer for us ..." (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

When Paul was in grave danger in Asia, widely separated from the brethren in
Corinth, he believed that they could help deliver him. How could that be? By
their prayers on his behalf - by their "helping together in prayer." Prayers
of faithful saints can bring help to faithful saints wherever they may be on
earth because they are offered to God, who is omnipresent and who is able and
ready to help his own.

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to
show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him ..."
(2 Chronicles 16:9)