Pray Hope – March 24

Prayer Focus: Healing In Jesus Name

Reading: Mark 1:29-34

29 And immediately he[a] left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Mark 1:29-34 (ESV)

Comment:

These verses are sandwiched between the beginning of Jesus’ ministry under the power of the Spirit and the call of his first disciples on one end and the appointment of the Apostles and a warning about the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit on the other. Note how Mark’s gospel is full of action moving from one event to the next.

Did you notice Peter had a mother-in-law which assumes he was married? She is said to have a “fever” which qualifies the healing as what we might call some form of flu or virus. It is almost comical to note that she arose and immediately began to serve them. My mom is like that. we never even knew she was sick – she just kept on serving.

Throughout Jesus’ life note that Jesus healed people who came to him. If my recollection is correct, He initiates healing only when he takes responsibility for healing on the Sabbath in order to communicate a particular point regarding his identity.

Perhaps this leads to a point for us: let us raise up the name of Jesus so people will come to him. Take people to Jesus in prayer. He is the healer. He is where there is Hope.

Prayer Points:

(1) Jesus, touch those who are infected by Corona. We boldly ask you, in your mercy, heal them & raise them up for your glory.

(2) May whole towns, cities & regions come to you Jesus for healing, help, and salvation.