“And behold, some men were bringing a man on a bed who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus” Luke 5:18
Merciful Jesus, I awoke restless with concern. I’m aware of hearts and stories, close and far, in need of the rescue and rest you alone can give. Like the friends in the passage above, we bring our friends to you in prayer, and lay them before you. (Praying Friends, here are some scenarios I’m familiar with, while veiling the particulars. Add to my list, as you pray for friends in these and other situations.)
Jesus, one friend can no longer fight the crossfire of living in a marriage that has become a warzone of blame and contempt. Have mercy, Lord. Melt the madness and meanness. Another acquaintance lives in the cruel grip of shame, unable to believe you could possibly love anybody with a pornography addiction. Bring your grace to bare, Jesus.
My heart breaks for the couple whose 8-year-old son begins chemotherapy this week… only 8. Jesus, you love and welcome little children. Thank you. I pray for a family many time zones away, but not out of your reach, Jesus. The domino impact of the “prowling, roaring, devouring lion” (1 Pet.5:8), bad choices, and life in a broken world has them reeling and teetering on the edge of hopelessness. Jesus, please intervene.
Missionary and pastor friends… Jesus, where do I begin? Many are more in crisis and despair than in encouragement and hope. Evil hates beauty. Evil hates the Gospel. Evil hates your Bride. Evil hates you, Jesus and targets those who serve you. I bring many by name to your occupied throne of grace, Jesus.
Lastly today, Jesus, I pray for those who are paralyzed and don’t realize it. Life actually seems okay… there’s money in the bank, kids aren’t on drugs, there’s no cancer in the body. But they’ve been lulled into spiritual mediocrity and lethargy. They admire you but no longer adore you. The Gospel is still true, but not vital on a daily basis. Grace has freed them from a guilty conscience and legalism, but hasn’t freed them for a life of surrender to your Word, glory, and Kingdom. Jesus, to some extent, this is all of us, including me. Renew, revive, and release us, Jesus. Hallelujah… only you are worthy of everything we have and are. Only you love us as you do, Jesus. So Very Amen.