From Suffering to Significance

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.

Save the afflicted among us, have mercy on the lowly;

Raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;

Restore the wanderers of thy people;

Feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;

Raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.

(Clement of Rome, 1^st Century)

I love this prayer, not only for the “meaty” content, but also because it dates back to the 1^st Century at a time when all of life was precarious.  The early Christians had to deal with plague, death, persecution, and daily uncertainty. Yet, in the midst of their pain and persecutions they emerged strong and were known for their great love for those who were suffering.  Not only were they talked about, “they came to pray for me when I was dying” so they were known for “how they love”.  Because of their great love and unending sacrifices for others, word spread about their authentic message of love for all people.  

While they suffered, Christianity grew deep deep roots and word of their love spread “to Samaria, Judea, and even to the ends of the earth” (see Acts 1:8).

Christianity flourished under these harsh conditions.  

Clement of Rome understood what they were faced with daily and his prayer covered the afflicted, the lowly, the needy, the wanderers, the hungry, the sick and faint-hearted and those who had been imprisoned.  Many were imprisoned because they preached the Gospel.  Many because they fed and cared for the dying. 

I noticed that Clement asked God (the Spirit) to APPEAR to the needy.  He was asking that God would go to them, much the same way he appeared to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus.  APPEAR to the needy, so their need would be fulfilled.  What an incredible gift his prayer gave them! (Have you asked God to APPEAR to the needy? to yourself? to your family members and friends?)

I am deeply also touched that Clement prayed for healing for “the ungodly”.  It was meaningful to me because he knew because they do not know God through Christ, they are not healed.  He prayed that they would be included.  

I love this prayer…it is significant to us today because it reminds us that those who came before suffered incredible hardships and they endured it gladly for Christ.  

With love they endured.

For love they suffered.

To Jesus they came, fully reliant on Him alone.