Letters to Friends in Trouble

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are with me.” — from Psalm 23

As Brother Lawrence grew older, many people wrote to him, and he wrote letters back. Some of his friends were having a very hard time.

One friend told him about a young soldier who was in danger. Brother Lawrence wrote back that the soldier didn’t need long prayers. Even while marching, with his sword in his hand, he could lift up his heart to God for a moment. He said a little remembering of God is enough, and those short prayers would make the soldier braver, not weaker.

Another friend was very ill, for a long time, and the medicine wasn’t working. Brother Lawrence felt sorry for this friend. He told the friend that God is often even nearer to us when we are sick than when we are well. He told the friend to keep talking with God, to trust him, and to offer him the pain.

Brother Lawrence also wrote something brave. He said he wasn’t only praying for the pain to stop, but for God to give his friend strength and patience to bear it. He knew God is our loving Father, and he can be trusted even when things hurt.

His friends were sad and in pain, but his letters pointed them to the God who was right there with them.

When you are sick, sad or scared, God hasn’t gone away. He is close. You can say a short prayer, even just “Help me, God,” and trust him to be with you.

Dear God, when I am sick or scared, thank you that you are near me. Please give me strength and help me to trust you. Amen.