Prayer for the church and all people around the world
God of all compassion
Move us into action as we pray for people around the world who are on their knees:
Because of debt
Because of drought
Because of disease
Because of war
God of all compassion
Move us into action as we pray for people around the world who are begging:
For a home
For food
For education
For peace
God of all compassion
Move us into action as we pray for people around the world who are rejected by others:
Because of belief
Because of ethnicity
Because of behaviour
God of compassion
If we are not willing – please take away our heart of stone
And give us a heart that will be moved
If we are willing but cannot see how to act
Move us to search until we find your way
So we may be able to reach out and touch each other
Until the whole world finds wholeness
Through Jesus Christ
Amen.
Mark 2:9-12
“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” -he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Reflection
Everyone listening to Jesus that day knew that only God had the authority to forgive sins. Suspicion and judgment filled the minds and hearts of those present. Who was this man standing before them? Jesus used the opportunity to heal the man and to show his power to forgive sins. The man, who had desired only physical healing from Jesus, went away with so much more. His faith and trust, and that of his friends, were the catalyst for his spiritual healing. His mat, once a place of confinement, became a reminder of his encounter with God in the person of Jesus. Like the man who was paralyzed, when we approach Jesus in faith, we give him the opportunity to surprise us with so much more.
Blessing
Eternal light shine in our hearts.
Eternal goodness deliver us from evil.
Eternal power be our support.
Eternal wisdom scatter the darkness of our ignorance.
Eternal pity have mercy on us
that with all our heart and mind
and soul and strength we may seek Your face
and be brought by Your infinite mercy into Your holy presence.
~ Alcuin of York, 8th century
Suggested listening Guide me, O My Great Redeemer – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os0bYiBv5UM I Lift My Eyes to the Quiet Hills – www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QSwakKNwA O Christ, The Healer – www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiFqe4deGGU
