⁴⁶They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. ⁴⁷When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” ⁵⁰So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. ⁵¹Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” ⁵²Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

“What do you want me to do for you?”  It is a straightforward question from Jesus, and one that Bartimaeus can answer. 

Can you?

Sometimes I find it easy and other times hard to ask specifically for something, especially during these confusing times.  Do we pray for the complete eradication of the virus?  Or do we pray for immunity?  If a loved on is suffering from a disease and they are approaching their death, do we pray for healing or for release? 

Often our prayers do get confusing, especially when things are not as simple.  Bartimaeus wanted his sight back.  What is it we want?

This Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent.  Perhaps during Lent this year we could spend more time in prayer asking for wisdom – asking God to reveal what we should be praying for.

And God will respond.

Peace,

Pastor Bill