Weekly Devotion - #32
Read: John 15:9-17
THE STORY OF THE PRAYING HANDS
It seems that almost everyone has seen the artist
print of "The Praying Hands." For many years I wore them as a tie-tac,
then used them for a logo in the deaf ministry. They have been a blessing to me
as they reminded me of prayer to God. Only recently, I learned the story behind
the "Praying Hands." In 1490 two young friends, Albrecht Durer and Franz
Knigstein, were struggling young artists. Since they were both poor, they worked
to support themselves while they studied art. They just could not make enough
money to eat and pay for their rent plus pay for art school. They finally agreed
that one would have to work all the time to help the other to finish school.
Then when that one finished school he would work and pay for the other to finish
school. They drew lots. Albrecht won and began to study, while Franz worked hard
to support them. Albrecht became famous as an artist and was very successful. He
remembered his promise to his friend and returned to send him to art school.
When he returned to help his friend, he soon
learned the large price that his friend had paid for him to attend school. He
had worked so hard that his fingers had become stiff and twisted. His slender,
sensitive hands had been ruined for life. He could never become an artist. He
was not bitter but rejoiced in the success of his friend. He was glad that he
was able to help him become a successful artist. One day the artist came upon
his friend unexpectedly and found him kneeling with his twisted hands in prayer.
Albrecht Durer, the great artist, hurriedly sketched what he saw and painted the
masterpiece, "The Praying Hands."
So every time you see "The Praying Hands"
they will remind you of the great sacrifice that one friend was willing to pay
for another. But there is a greater friendship than
this. Did you know that you have a Friend
that loves you and cares for you very much? He has dedicated not only his hands
but his life that you might live eternally. "Greater love hath no man than
this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends"
(John 15:13-14). Jesus is your best friend.
[TGC]
THOT: "Only one life soon will be past; Only what
is done for Christ will last."
TODAY: Help someone today. Expect nothing back.
This lesson is from 30 Heart Touching Devotions
available from SWM.
You have permission to copy for personal and church use.
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