PRAYER REQUESTS
Today's reading: Genesis 37-38, Matthew 11:25-30, Psalm 16

"Judah said to the others, What can we gain by killing our brother? That would just give us a guilty conscience. Let's sell Joseph to those Ishmaelite traders. Let's not be responsible for his death; after all, he is our brother!" Genesis 37:26-27 NLT

I can see Judah persuading his band of brothers.

I can see him raising his eyebrows as he spoke to add emphasis.

I can see him, as one of the eldest, gathering up his chicks and making plans that were 'best for them'.

I can also see him twisting his 'Snidely Whiplash' mustache as he leaned in and snarled the words, '...After all, he is our brother!'.

It made me think of prayer requests.

Oh, you know I'm right.

It's not the requests that are whispered among tears, or written on tear-stained cards or mentioned in class through sobs.

I'm talking about the prayer requests we sometimes get tangled up in that might start as...

-Well, she brought it on herself, but we should pray--she is, after all, a sister.

-You didn't hear this from me, but Sister So-And-So needs prayer in the area of ___.

-God love her she's gotta get her act together and I'm thinking I'm the one to share what she needs God to do in her.

-Ring. Ring. Hello. Oh, girl, have I got a prayer request for you! I just got back from the grocery store and you'll never believe what I heard...

Be very careful in sharing prayer requests--your own and those of others. Be wise. Be selective. Be godly. Be sensitive. Be in it for the purpose of seeing God do a work!

Prayer is a very sacred honor, not a weapon wielded to make us look better to others and share the latest gossip.