“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:48-52 NLT
Father God,
Yesterday I considered that the best prayer I have prayed in the past has been “Help Lord”. I have known You heard and responded countless times. Patiently, faithfully, amazingly even powerfully.
As I read again Bartimaeus’s story, I love how You treated Him. You stopped, quietly changed the crowds negativity, passed a non threatening message on to him to come forward and then asked what he wanted. He did not treat him like a beggar, a nuisance or a person of less worth. And Bartimaeus could have asked for food, help, money. Perhaps You wanted to know if he wanted his life changing or just had the hope of a free lunch.
Growing up I was taught that there is no such thing as a free lunch. This story has taught me that with Jesus is never about a free lunch. You give us sight and life in all its fulness (John 10:10) but Jesus paid the price. We can never pay You back. We have to accept the gift. Accept. We may spend our life giving thanks and worshipping and thanking You. But like Bartimaeus had to accept the gift of sight we too must just accept the gift of eternal life in Jesus. And like Bartimaeus follow.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family, extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church Ministers, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, fellow worshippers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal family. Continued healing.
New Prime Minister and government, commons and Lords.
For Gaza, Middle East, solutions for peace for all. Break down hatred.
For Ukraine. Send a miracle, an end to war.
For Myanmar freedom from military control. Your people.
For Paris, the athletes, coaches and Olympian teams. Opening ceremony, safety..
For beggars in countries with no social services. For homeless people and in temporary housing,
For grandparents, guardians, carers, play schemes caring for children in school holidays.
For our day strength to do what we must, moments to make us smile and a straight road to follow.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 26th July 2024
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!