Read the Word:
Matthew 20:29-34
Meditate on the Word:
I once had a friend whose encouragement to me was to always pray specifically for what I want. His example was, “If you need God to provide a car, and you want a red one, ask Him to provide you a red car.” This kind of detailed request always seemed suspicious to me. It seemed to me as though this would make me a choosy beggar. This same friend also advised me to be very specific about my need. For example, my need was not “money to buy a car,” but a car itself. Recognizing and requesting the true need is essential to receiving it.
Our two blind men have shouted a simple request, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.” There are many ways to “have mercy” on a blind man. Simply giving them alms would have been an act of mercy. Leading them by the hand to take them home or to a meal would have been an act of mercy. But, this was not what these men really wanted. Jesus knew that, but he made them say it. Why? So that they would confess His ability to heal them. Vague prayers do not confess our Lord’s ability. Specific prayers do.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to open your eyes to His ability today.
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