In every human endeavor we can draw encouragement from those who have gone before us. Thus, as we individually and as a congregation embark on the adventure of prayer, it is refreshing to know that others have gone before us and to try as best we can to follow in their footsteps. Ole Hallesby, the leading Norwegian theologian and preacher, in his classic work 'Prayer', recalls an incident in the life of Luther, the great reformer.
“In 1540, Luther's dear friend, Frederick Myconius, fell seriously ill. He and others expected him to die shortly. One evening, with trembling hands, he wrote a 
affectionate farewell to Luther, whom he loved dearly. When Luther received the letter, he immediately sent the following reply, 'I command you in the name of God to live, for I still have need of you in the work of reforming the Church… God will not let me hear while I am still alive that you are dead, but will allow you to live longer than I do. This is what I pray for, this is my will, and may my will be done, for I seek only to glorify the name of God.' Myconius had already lost the power of speech when Luther's letter reached him. But in a short time, he recovered, and, indeed, lived longer than Luther, by two months!
This brings to mind the apostle Paul and his beloved Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus was once on the verge of death but was healed, much to Paul's joy, who felt that God had thus spared him great sorrow.
Let us pray then!
