Do you know the story of blind Bartimeus? It’s in Mark 10…

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you,” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

This story of Jesus healing Bartimeus has become a call to prayer for me.

Weird connection? Stay with me.

My perspective on prayer has changed drastically in the past few years. I used to live in the camp that my prayers had to be well-put-together, with the right words, quoting scripture, asking for the best things, etc.

Now, through grace and Spirit-led discoveries, prayer is ongoing interaction with Father God. I invite Him to join me in my breakfast or morning jog. I ask His opinion before I speak or enter a meeting. I share frustrations, fears, and disappointment with Him on the spot, whether I’m driving, talking, or washing dishes.

The gift of praying, Holy Spirit inside us as a constant Companion, is so beautiful, so profound, so revolutionary.

When Satan tries to discourage me from conversing with God, when he tries to tell me my thoughts or desires or words are wrong, when the world clamors for my attention, when my self tries to bear a weight alone…. Be quiet, Chelsea. He doesn’t want to hear. 

But I say, Jesus, have mercy on me.

Jesus hears me, stops, and beckons me to His side.

Bartimeus threw aside his jacket, jumps up, and runs to Jesus.

Cheer up! Come on, He’s calling you.

I hear these words in my soul when I am tempted to not pray or open up to God.

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see — how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.” Psalm 34:8 MSG

Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:4-7

To Whom are we looking to when we need peace, help, guidance, comfort, joy, energy, or compassion? It needs to be Jesus!

Get up, friend. Take heart. He’s calling you!

PS – I like to create iPhone wallpapers to remind myself. DESIGN ONE | DESIGN TWO