Empathy

Heavenly Father,

There is much pain and suffering in my past.  I am tempted to minimize it because so many others throughout history have gone through so much more than I ever will.  But all suffering matters to you.  Heal me.  Make me whole again.  Let my emotional scars be reminders that you have walked with me through hard times.  I can endure and even thrive in the face of pain because you are with me.  Expand my heart that I might be able to reach out to the hurting and vulnerable.  Allow me to be both an encouragement that things can get better and a sympathetic ear.  Give me wisdom to know when to remain silent and when to speak.  Teach me the words that reach them where they are and most importantly point them to you.

In the name of him who suffered more than any man.  Amen.