Show mercy to others – Prayer for November 18. In today’s self-centered society, it is scarce to be asked by friends or loved ones this question; “what do you want me to do for you?”. As a result, it’s not very often that we give sacrificially or demonstrate acts of mercy to one another as Christ did.
Bible Verse for Today
Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (Luke 18:40-42)
Jesus demonstrated practical and personal support to Bartimaeus in the Bible (a blind man), who, through encountering Jesus, received His sight (Luke 18:35-43). Jesus was deliberately being personal when He said, ‘what do you want ‘Me‘ to do for you? This also shows Jesus’ humility and agape love toward all humanity.
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As we reflect upon Bartimaeus, we see that there was nothing he could do about his challenging situation. He had a particular need, which personally He could not do anything to meet it. Equally, many of us face physical and spiritual needs in our lives that we, too, cannot meet.
Therefore, Jesus asks, what do you want me to do for you? This not only gives us confidence that Jesus can meet us at the point of our needs, but we have the assurance that “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
In our challenges and difficulties, Jesus wants us to cry out to Him, just like Bartimaeus; “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47-48).
Bartimaeus asked Jesus to have forgiveness, compassion, pity, and sympathy for him. However, it was the cry of blind Bartimaeus that got Jesus’ attention!
As Jesus heard the cry, He stood still and commanded him to be called (v49). When Jesus calls us and asks, ‘what do you want me to do for you” (v51), we must demonstrate faith in action.
Not only did Bartimaeus arise and go to Jesus, but he threw aside his garment. So you see, Bartimaeus expected that his needs would be met; “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight” (v51). It was, therefore, his faith that made him well (v52).
Show Mercy to Others Prayer for Today
Father, we thank You for Your love toward us. We thank You that in the midst of life’s challenges and difficulties, we have a loving Father that demonstrates total humility by asking, “what do you want me to do for you?“ Lord, you show mercy on me, so we must show mercy to others. We ask that despite our circumstances, challenges, and situations, like Bartimaeus, we declare and believe by the power of the Holy Spirit that our and others’ needs will be met according to Your will and purpose. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Also read: Prayer for November 17
