Friends were anxious to bring their needy friend to Jesus. “So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. They lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Then he said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (Luke 5:17-26)
Lord Jesus, many of us are carrying “tile-lifting-urgency” in our hearts for people we love. So we come boldly to your throne of grace right now, assured of your welcome and grateful for your care. Only you have the authority, power, and kindness to meet our every need—spirit, mind, and body.
So, first of all, we bring you ourselves, Jesus. You know our present and pressing needs. Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness overtake us when our friends and loved ones are in crisis. Give us your non-anxious Spirit, Jesus. May your peace rule in our hearts.
Perhaps, as we bring our loved ones to you, Jesus, it is actually their need that is bringing us to you. So we all come. Hear the cry of our hearts. We are so grateful to affirm that we are more “in Christ” than we are in crisis, Jesus. Thank you, Lord, and here we come…
Beloved Friends… you get to finish this prayer today. Here are some obvious categories of loved ones for whom we should always be praying, but don’t stop with these:
Mighty and Merciful Jesus, I “lift roof tiles” on behalf of my children. Capture and enrapture them with yourself. Show me how to love them in their need. Meet me in my own need too, Jesus.
For my closest friends, by name and need, I bring them to you. Physically, emotionally, spiritually… show me how to be your hand and heart to them, Jesus.
For my marriage, my workplace, my extended family… Jesus, I cry out to you for Gospel manna, a work of your Spirit, and wisdom to love as you love me.
(All day long, pray as the Spirit stirs your hearts, dear friends.) SO VERY AMEN