Matthew 20:29-34
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
You may recall a story in Mark’s Gospel that is similar to today’s passage, but where Mark tells of one blind beggar Matthew writes of two. These may have been two separate instances or just different recollections of the eyewitnesses, but the main theme and the applications we can draw are the same. Read Matthew 20:29-34 picturing the events as they unfold.
The blind beggars beside the road have no false notions about their own importance or power. Disabled and discarded by society, they are keenly aware of their need for Jesus, and without hesitation or shame they cry out to this one they fully believe is the Messiah, the Son of David, who has the power to make them whole.
The prayer of these beggars, “Lord, have mercy!” is a powerful one that can help us remember who we are and who Jesus is in contrast.
Stop to become aware of your physical body. Close your eyes and feel the weight of your body wherever you are sitting. Notice any tension you are carrying. Now breathe deeply as you inhale and exhale the beggar’s prayer: “Lord, have mercy!” Continue praying this prayer as long as you need.
Read Matthew 20:29-34 again imagining yourself as one of the beggars.
The question Jesus asks the beggars is one we can return to over and over to get a temperature reading on our inner world. Our first answer might not be the truest one, so it is good to carry the question around for a day or more to let it permeate into our deepest desires.
Take a moment or two to picture yourself before Jesus as you ask for his mercy. Then listen as he asks you the same question he asked the beggars:
“What do you want me to do for you?”
Go ahead and turn your answer into a prayer right now and be sure to listen to Jesus as much as you speak. Then consider taking the question with you into the rest of your day.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do today?
How will you carry that out?
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