The Giver of Mercy

          The Giver of Mercy                          

                             Matthew 6:9-13                                       Luke 18:35-43

Pray…

God, you are so merciful and kind. When I get caught up in what I’ve done wrong, remind me of your scandalous grace. When I’m focused on what I don’t have, remind me of what you’ve already done. You’ve shown me what living really looks like. You’ve given me the love and joy I’ve always wanted. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too. Luke 18:35-43 

Consider…

Imagine the scene. Jesus followed by a crowd of people, all clamoring for His attention. When, all of a sudden, a smelly, dirty, blind, beggar starts shouting above the crowds to get this famous teacher’s attention. The people around him try to silence him. But he yells all the louder. Through all that noise, Jesus notices him. He calls for the man to be brought to Him. And Jesus asks a question, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man answers. Jesus heals him. The once blind beggar and all the people who saw it began praising God in response.

Think about the last time you praised God for answering a prayer or showing up in a significant way. What happened? Why was it so meaningful? What about that made you want to praise God? Is that a common response or something that you only do occasionally?

Practice…

Pray to God with adoration. Start with the words that Jesus taught us to pray. As you do, reflect on what you think makes God praiseworthy. Whatever it is, praise God for those things. Let those things strengthen your love for Him and remind you of how great He is.

As you do, imagine you are talking to God face-to-face. Because, at its most basic level, that’s really what prayer is: talking to God.

When you’re ready, pray to your Father using Jesus’ words, “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9 NLT

Listen…

Create space to experience God’s presence by getting quiet, getting alone, and asking Him to speak. Start by setting a timer for five minutes.

Next, ask God to speak to you.

When you get distracted, because you will get distracted, bring your focus back to God by repeating the first words of this prayer: “Our Father…”

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and serve others.