Today’s post is written by friend and author, Chris Baxter.
“And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once, the woman was made well. Matthew 9:20-22
On my prayer list, I have some prayers I would label “daily prayers” and others that I would label “desperate prayers.” For example, I consider my prayer concerning my daughter Emmy and her first nursing job a daily prayer. I’ve been specifically praying for these things: her entry into this new position, her interactions with doctors and other nurses on the hospital floor, and for peace in her heart in a new place. I can take confidence in the fact that by the time Emmy starts her job, she will be walking into “answered prayers.”
On the other hand, I have prayers on my list that are more desperate in nature. I lift up a handful of prodigals and lost loved ones to the Lord. The pleas I have for each of them sound more like this: Please Lord, chase her down… Please God, touch his heart…Please Jesus, wake her up, and Please God, save him now. These are short prayers, but by no means are they shallow prayers.
I imagine your list also has a mixture of daily prayers and desperate prayers. Concerning the latter, be encouraged by the story of the hemorrhaging woman who reached out to touch Jesus’ cloak. In your mind’s eye, become this woman. See yourself, in desperate faith, pushing through the crowds to get to Jesus. As Scripture implies, not only touch His coat, but hold onto it tightly, believing in Christ Jesus as the Healer of mind, body, and soul.
In this place, pray your desperate prayers. Pleadingly lift up your personal need or the needs of your loved ones. Both believe and receive His power, meaning, allow Him to fill you with a blessing of peace because you know Jesus has stopped, turned, and compassionately looked at you. He commends your faith.
I cannot say that your desperate prayer will be answered instantly like the woman in this story; but I can say, just as in this woman’s case, the Lord Jesus works wonders through your fervent faith. Keep reaching out to Him; keep holding onto Him. Only He can do the impossible. Do not let go.
For further reading and journaling, write down phrases that speak to you: Matthew 14:34-36; Isaiah 66:2
Dear Lord,
In faith, we are reaching out and touching the fringe of your cloak. We are clinging to You as the One, the only One, who can do the impossible. Please Lord, turn Your head our way and see us. Lovingly bless us with Your grace. Give us hope in our desperate places today. We plead for You to do Your mighty work. Amen.
Chris Baxter is a wife, mother, women’s Bible study teacher, writer, and speaker. She and her husband Mac reside in Nolensville, Tennessee. Together, they have four adult children: Maggie (married to AJ Gilmer), Brent, Davis, and Emmy. You can read more from Chris at www.respitefortheweary.com.