Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Mark 10:46-52

~~~~~

Knock and Knock Again
By Jennifer Kane

Knock—
and knock again.
Let your voice rise,
not as a whisper,
but as a storm,
as a mighty wind
that bends the trees of heaven.

Take the gates
and shake them—
not with timid hands,
not with cold prayers
that fade like mist
in the morning sun,
but with the full weight
of a desperate heart,
a soul that will not be denied.

Stand at Mercy’s door—
not as a stranger,
but as a child,
as one who knows
the Father’s voice,
who calls, who cries,
who refuses to leave
until Love answers.

The kingdom of heaven
is no quiet meadow
for the faint of heart.
It is taken by force—
by the bold, the fervent,
those who draw back
no longer,
but send their arrows
arching high
with the full pull
of their strength.

Knock—
and knock again.
Let your prayers rise
like fire,
like waves that break
upon the gates of eternity,
until heaven itself
swings wide
and the answer comes.

~~~~~

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

In Mark 10:46-52, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who hears that Jesus is passing by. In desperation, he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Even as others try to silence him, he cries out all the more. His persistence, humility, and boldness in prayer provide a powerful example of how we should approach God.

Bartimaeus refused to let obstacles keep him from Jesus. Though the crowd tried to hush him, he only cried louder. His persistence reminds us of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 18:1-8 about the persistent widow who would not stop seeking justice. Prayer is not a passive request—it is an earnest, continual pursuit of God’s presence.

Like Bartimaeus, we must persist in prayer, believing that Jesus hears us even when it seems others want to drown out our voices.

When Bartimaeus cried out, he did not demand healing as if he deserved it—he simply asked for mercy. True prayer recognizes our dependence on God’s grace, not our own worthiness. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” We must come to Jesus not with entitlement, but with a heart that acknowledges our need for His mercy.

When Jesus called Bartimaeus over, He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus knew Bartimaeus’ need, yet He invited him to ask specifically. Bartimaeus responded, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” His request was clear, direct, and full of faith.

How often do our prayers remain vague? Do we ask for “blessings” without saying what we truly need? God invites us to pray specifically. Philippians 4:6 tells us to present our requests before God. Bold, faith-filled prayers glorify Him because they reflect trust in His power to answer.

After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus did not go his own way—he followed Jesus. His healing was not just physical; it transformed his life’s direction. Jesus’ way became his way. Likewise, prayer should not just be about receiving from God but about drawing closer to Him. When God answers our prayers, do we use the blessing to follow Him more faithfully?

Challenge: Pray Like Bartimaeus

Be persistent—don’t give up when prayers seem unanswered.
Be humble—ask for mercy, not out of entitlement but trust.
Be specific—make clear, faith-filled requests.
Be ready to follow—let answered prayer draw you closer to Jesus.

As you pray today, picture Jesus asking you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” How will you answer? Let your prayer be persistent, humble, and specific—just like Bartimaeus’. And when Jesus answers, let your response be to follow Him wholeheartedly.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Like Bartimaeus, I come before You in need—not because I deserve anything, but because You are full of grace and compassion. Strengthen my faith to pray with persistence, not giving up when answers seem delayed. Teach me to come humbly, knowing that every good thing comes from Your hand. Help me to pray with boldness and clarity, trusting that You hear my specific requests. And when You answer, Lord, let my heart be quick to follow You wherever You lead. May my prayers draw me closer to You, so that Your way becomes my way. In Your mighty name, Amen

February 7 2025.