READING: John 11:38-57, Luke 17:11-18:8
Today, I’m hurting and praying over a friend who is not following Jesus. My heart so breaks for him that sleep sometimes evades me. More than any time in my life, I think I have a better grasp of Paul’s gut-wrenching prayer of Romans 9:3—”For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.”
Then, today I read Jesus’ prayer about the raising of Lazarus that reflects the Son’s trust in the Father’s faithfulness to hear Him. Jesus had apparently already prayed about Lazarus, and now He expresses confidence that challenges me as I pray: ““Father, I thank you that you heard me” (John 11:41). In fact, He continues to say, “I know that you always hear me” (John 11:42). His request for the raising of Lazarus was not for show, but so that others around would believe in Him, too. His power display would again confirm who He was—and, not surprisingly, dead Lazarus came forth when Jesus commanded him to do so.
Would you join me today in praying for my friend—and pray, too, that I could say in faith, “I thank You, Father, that you heard me”?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much do you believe God hears you when you pray?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I do indeed thank You that You hear me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Luke 18:9-14, Mark 10:1-12, Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:17-31, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30