Speak up for the people who have no voice,
for the rights of all the misfits.
Speak out for justice!
Stand up for the poor and destitute!
MARK 2:3-4 (TCEB)
Some people came to the house with a paralyzed man, carried by four men. They couldn’t work their way through the crowd, so they broke through the roof. They tore open a hole above where Jesus was standing. Then they lowered the paralyzed man, who was laying on a mat.
THE ESSENCE
God expects us to advocate for the vulnerable.
DAILY FODDER
I'm thinking of the four men who advocated for the paralyzed man by trying to get him to Jesus. But the crowd of people listening to Jesus wouldn't make way.
It makes me wonder if those in the crowd were really listening to Jesus or if they were just there because of the excitement.
PRAYER
Jesus, you care for every person and do not discriminate between who deserves your love and healing. I regret I do not speak up for the compromised. Open my heart to be sensitive to those who are repressed and in need of your healing. May I be a friend that helps those in need and connects them with you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
