The Gospel of Mark chapters 10 and 11 contain two narratives and a teaching moment by Jesus, the master teacher. And a focused and meditative reflection upon these narratives, whilst seeking the help of the Holy Spirit, yields wonderful truths about prayer.

In chapter 10, verses 46 to 52, we have the story of Blind Bartimeaus, or of the son of Timeaus, and Jesus. The chapter refers to him as a “blind beggar”, the one type of societal character deemed worthy of attention by anyone. Bartimeaus hears that Jesus is in the house! Actually here, in Jericho. Remember that chapters 1, right on to chapter 10 of Mark’s gospel constantly refers to the crowds and multitudes who were awed and astonished at the teachings, and healings of Jesus, especially His power over demonic spirits (which seemed to happen fairly regularly among God’s people!). So blind Bartimeaus upon hearing that Jesus was within shouting distance, begins to shout out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The people around him tells him to pipe down, shut up, stop making a scene. He shouts even louder to get Jesus’ attention. And he does! Jesus tells the people to bring Bartimaeus to Him. And here’s where it gets a bit strange. Jesus asks Bartimaeus a “no-brainer”; “What do you want Me to do for you?” Huh? Wasn’t it obvious? Yet, Jesus the Master Teacher, always has a reason for the unpredictable. With the Lord, there’s always a teaching moment. And as I meditated upon this story in Mark chapter 10, it suddenly hit me! Especially in light of Mark chapter 11 and the cursing of the fig tree by the Lord.

You see, in chapter 10, as Bartimeaus hears that Jesus is in the house (in Jericho really :)), he starts to shout out to get Jesus’ attention. But what does Bartimaeus want? In verse 47, blind Bartimeaus shouts out to Jesus, the Son of David, and asks for mercy. And that’s a really good place to begin with God, His mercy. And the Lord goes one step more for blind Bartimeaus. Jesus would respond to Bartimeaus cry for mercy, and draw near to him. And from mercy, Jesus gives Bartimeaus grace! Jesus gives Bartimeaus more than mercy. Jesus gives him undeserved love and favor. Jesus asks him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus is going to give Bartimeaus an opportunity to receive more than mercy. Mercy draws us near to God’s grace, His unmerited love and favor. And here, Jesus will demonstrate that. 

Bartimeaus jumps at the opportunity. He spells it out as clearly as he can; “Rabbi, I want to see again”. Bartimeaus is super clear about his prayer outcome; he wants Jesus to give him sight. No ambiguity here. No hiding behind spiritual words. Plain and simple, “I want to see again”. And the result? Jesus says, “Go, your faith has made you well”.

Lessons & Application

1. Everyone of us have needs. And more than anything else, we need God’s mercy. And that’s where we ought to begin when we come to God. We can ask for His mercy.

2. As God draws us to Him with mercy, God, who is full of grace and truth in Christ, goes one step further. He can give us grace; His favor. And so, we need to know what we want God to do for us.

3. Our petitions should be specific, and direct. We can be confident coming to His throne of grace (Heb 4:16). And our prayers need to be articulated in terms of its outcome, “I want to see”. That was Bartimaeaus’ outcome. What’s your prayer outcome?

So what are some examples of praying the outcome? 

1. “Father, please give us a just government. Please raise up a cadre of leaders who are full of wisdom and integrity. Leaders who serve. Leaders who are selfless. Leaders who are guided by timeless principles and values. Righteous, wise and full of integrity.”

2. “Father, let me counseling class be filled with insights. Let the students be fully stimulated to learn. Let them show interest and curiosity of the subject matter. Let Your favor be upon my classes. That the classes will be so positive, and so full of positive energy. That these classes will afford plenty of opportunity for the students to learn timeless principles and values. That the students will be impacted and influenced by truth and grace. Fill me as their facilitator and educator with truth and grace. Fill me with such wisdom and creativity to help them engage powerfully with the body of knowledge. Help me to demonstrate the knowledge and skills and values of counseling which really helps. And may Your Name be glorified through me in these classes”.

(In Mark chapter 11, Jesus will proceed to teach more about faith and prayer.)