Behind Albrecht Durer’s famous etching, “Praying Hands,” is the story of two friends—Albrecht Durer and Franz Knigstein. They were very poor and had to work to support themselves, training as artists in their spare time. However, their manual work was too demanding to allow them proper training. In desperation, they at last decided that they should cast lots to decide which of them should carry on working to support the other in art school. Albrecht won the toss, so he went off to spend time with famous artists in training, while Franz worked extra hard to support them both.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, help me be willing to sacrifice my goals in order to help my friend accomplish his. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.