Lent Devotional: Restorationနမူနာ

When I come to God in prayer, sometimes I feel a bit like the woman in today’s reading as she looks and reaches through the crowd. Weary. Desperate. Tired of waiting for an answer. Maybe even ashamed. Have you ever felt that way? Noise and busyness all around you. You worry your voice will be drowned out. Can God even hear you?

But look at Jesus’ response. He notices the woman immediately. He turns towards her and speaks to her directly. Try to imagine the kindness and attentiveness on his face as the crowd hushes, shocked by the intimacy in the moment. Jesus didn’t just heal her physical body. He healed her from shame as he publicly recognised her dignity and worth.

Jesus sees you just as he saw this woman. He’s paying careful attention and wants to restore you - body, mind, and soul.

Are you waiting for healing? Perhaps for you or someone close to you?

Lent is a season of waiting, of feeling the tension between darkness and light. We know God’s kingdom has come in part, but we long to see it fully and long for the day Jesus returns when we receive healing - body, mind, and soul.

But as we wait, we can receive Jesus’ comfort right here and now. Just like the woman in this passage, you can come to him confidently, just as you are. Why not picture someone in your mind who needs healing? And as you pray for them, imagine Jesus’ kindness and attentiveness as he turns towards them.

Reflect

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• Have you ever been in a season of ‘waiting’? What gives you comfort in those times?
• How do you feel about praying for healing for yourself or others?
• Are there any stories of healing from the Bible or from people you know that have encouraged you?

Pray

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Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you see me, and you’re never too busy to hear me.

I picture you now, turning towards me with love and kindness.

I ask for your healing for [pray for someone by name, or yourself], in body, mind, and soul.

And as I wait, help me to know the comfort of your presence.

Thank you for your promise to one day make all things new.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

With every blessing,

Lydia Lewis

Editor