Meeting other brothers and sisters in Christ on WordPress is a great blessing. As I read various other authors’ posts, I have been enlightened, encouraged, challenged, convicted, gained wisdom, and learned more about life and Jesus.
The inspiration for my post today comes from Devotional Treasures authored by Alan Kearns. Though Alan and I have only met virtually, we have a common love for Christ and we both write devotionals. I’m often impressed by what he extracts from a single verse or two. Alan humbly credits the Holy Spirit for whatever another reader gains.
He recently wrote a three-part series about Bartimaeus, a blind man Jesus healed. The entire six-verse story can be read in Mark 10:46-52. Alan shared some wonderful truths in this series. I’ve linked each part below, by title, and in sequential order.
Casting Hindrances Aside
Simple Prayers
The Faithful Follower
Alan’s devotional Simple Prayers sparked my thoughts on what I’m about to share.
Specific Desire = Specific Prayer
Early in my Christian walk, I was taught to be specific when I pray. Let me expound, when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed a simple but specific request, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36, CSB). I’ve italicized his request for emphasis.
Likewise, Bartimaeus expressed a specific desire to the Lord when Jesus questioned what he wanted. Bartimaeus responded, “I want to regain my sight” (Mark 10:51b, NASB). Jesus nor Bartimaeus prayed a vague generalized request such as, “bless me.”
Blessing and Favor
I’m not suggesting that one should never pray for blessing or favor of the Lord for themselves or others, rather I’m proposing that when possible be explicit in your petitions to the Lord. When we are precise and clear in our request, the Lord’s answer is precise and clear.
Reverse Illustration
Let’s imagine blind Bartimaeus had said, “Rabboni, bless me!” and the Lord doled out something different, a “blessing” he wasn’t expecting, anticipating, or hoping for. Then Bartimaeus may not have noticed the Lord’s blessing. He may have been confused by it or might have felt that the Lord was not answering him.
Or imagine wanting to bless a child or grandchild with their desired meal. So, you ask, “what would you like to eat?” and the child says, “Food.” You prepare and serve chicken, mashed potatoes, and carrots. The child was actually hoping for a hot dog but had not clearly expressed the desire. Your “blessing” is received as a disappointment.
A non-specific general response is vague. The dinner served was food, much fits in the category. Similarly, much fits under the general heading of blessing and favor.
Un-counted Blessings
General ambiguous prayers, though not wrong, leave us prone to unnoticed blessings, potentially producing ingratitude and discontentment.
Dear Reader, I encourage you to be explicit in your petitions to the Lord. Take note of Jesus’ prayer though, his flesh desired for the Father to take away the cup of suffering. Yet, Jesus surrendered to the sovereignty of God the Father. In faith and humble confidence, we can present our requests to the Lord. But we should never approach the throne of grace with arrogance.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for being good, loving, and merciful. You give good gifts to Your children. Teach us to pray and communicate effectively with You. Open our eyes to see every blessing and answered prayer. Fill us with a willingness to surrender, an acceptance of Your sovereignty, and joy in obedience when our desire differs from Your plans and purpose.
May we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Yahweh, maker of Heaven and Earth. Amen.
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
Hot dogs photo by Ball Park Brand on Unsplash.
Roasted chicken photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash.
musingsofmanettekay.com 
You’ve built upon a sound theological principle, Manette. As the book of James says, “We do not have because we do not ask.” And, many times when we do ask, we ask amiss.
You inspired me to be more specific in my prayers this morning. Thank you, and God Bless.
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David, thanks for sharing the passage from James. May we all pray with hearts aligned with the will of the Father yet, not afraid of condemnation for asking out of passion and emotions of the moment, like Jesus and many in Psalms.
May the LORD bless you and make His face shine upon you today.
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Manette my dear sister, I am both humbled and overwhelmed by your kindness to me in this post. Occasionally as I write I have a surge of ideas and speed, which is unlike my usual style – this in my view is His Holy hand guiding me. That is what happened in the Bartimaeus series in the space of a few minutes, which is why I credit Him foremost. My reward is in seeing other brethren blessed by the end result.
Your writing here on the need for specific prayers is an urgent and valuable wisdom. How often in the business of life we forget to ask Father for our desires, and leave it with Him. The example that comes to mind is Hannah – she was specific in her prayer, believed God and mourned no more. That is the prayer our Father delights in receiving and answering!
May you know His guidance today, and be blessed in His presence Manette.
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Alan, I love this, you’ve shared another great example of specific prayer. May others see the facet of beauty shining from this gem of truth. Hannah left the temple in the knowledge and confidence of the Lord’s reply to her request.
May the redeemed of the LORD be spurred on in fervent prayer with laser-sharp focus. So that the name of our God be magnified. Grace and peace to you my brother.
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