By Sandy Kirby Quandt

How many times have we asked someone, “What do you want?”

How many times has someone asked us the same question?

When Jesus and his disciples left Jericho one time, a blind beggar cried out to him. The people around Bartimeus told him to be quiet. At that, Bartimeus yelled all the louder.

He knew who Jesus was. He knew what Jesus could do. He believed Jesus could heal his blindness, and he intended to ask for that miracle.

Bartimeus’ shouts caught Jesus’ attention. He turned to the blind man and asked, “What do you want?”

Jesus, being God’s son, knew perfectly well Bartimeus was blind. He knew what the man needed, yet Jesus still asked his question.

In reply, Bartimeus was very specific. He told Jesus exactly what he wanted. He wanted to see.

How many times do we come to Jesus with vague requests?

Lord bless me, bless them, help them, help me…

Not very specific. Wouldn’t you agree? But we need to be specific in our prayers.

I believe when we are specific with our requests we have a much better opportunity to see God’s hand at work in his answers. When that happens, we are able to pray prayers that Anne Lamott calls, Help, Thanks, Wow, prayers.

How have you experienced a specific answer to a specific prayer request?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Leave a comment below. If you think others would appreciate reading this please share it through the social media buttons.

 Then they came to Jericho, and as he was leaving it accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting in his usual place by the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth he began to call out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”

Many of the people told him sharply to keep quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

Jesus stood quite still and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying, “It’s all right now, get up, he’s calling you!”

At this he threw off his coat, jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked him.

“Oh, Master, let me see again!”

 “Go on your way then,” returned Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And he recovered his sight at once and followed Jesus along the road.

Mark 10:46-52 (Phillips)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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