Thoughts for the Day

That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

One of the things I love about the church I attend each week is the patient and careful way the names are read out of those who are sick. The names only go onto the list when someone personally asks to be included, and they are also included in the weekly pew sheet with the following note:

• 'Please let the Vicar know if you would like to add someone to the prayer list. Data protection (GDPR) means we can only add someone to the prayer list if they have given their permission.'

The long list is read slowly and carefully every service during the Prayers of Intercession, with enough space to acknowledge each name, and names come and go as is the way of things.

Healing was a huge part of the three years that Jesus conducted his ministry, sometimes of individuals or perhaps as on one occasion with a group as with the ten lepers (Luke 17.11-19). The sickness could be physical or mental. Usually a sick person came to Jesus as with today's story above, but not every time as with the Centurion's servant (Luke 7.1-10). But always someone of faith was involved - someone who believed that Jesus could help.

Today may we ask in faith for healing for others or for ourselves, recognising that we don't see God's plan. That is not a cop-out, but the result of serious reflection over many years that often I ask for wrong things and God knows better, But if we don't ask we'll never know!

Lord Jesus Christ
we bring to You this day
all who need healing,
especially we pray for .........
Give us the faith to ask for healing
and to leave the result to You.
Give us the confidence to keep asking,
even when we cannot see Your answer.
Amen.