Thursday Prayer: Purpose in Pain

Lord, I've suffered things I wouldn't wish on anyone, experienced pain I hope no one else has to face. But you promise that the comfort you give me in my suffering is preparation for comforting others who will face similar struggles. My pain has purpose beyond my own healing.

Show me who needs the comfort I've received from you. Open my eyes to people around me who are walking through what I survived, who need to know they're not alone, who need someone who understands their suffering. Give me courage to share my story when it would help someone else, wisdom to know when silence is better, and compassion to sit with their pain.

Thank you for wasting nothing in my life - not even the worst parts, not even the suffering I wouldn't have chosen. You're redeeming it all by using my scars to help heal others' wounds. Help me be faithful with the fellowship of suffering you've given me, offering comfort I received to those who desperately need it. Let my pain have purpose.