Onesiphorus

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. (2 Timothy 1:16) 

Thoughts: Onesiphorus was a convert of Paul's from Ephesus.  Paul was writing 2 Timothy (his last book) from prison expecting to die in Rome.  2 Tim. 1:15 speaks of "everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me." 
    There is something to be said about someone who refreshes others who are in tough situations when they can get nothing in return.  Paul could do not more for Onesiphorus that to pray for him and his family. 
    So he prayed for god to show mercy to him who showed mercy.  This is perhaps modeled on Jesus prayer of Matthew 5:7- "Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy."  Or the verse in Proverbs that says, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."  

Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to show mercy to others and to refresh those who are in tough spots.