A little louder

"As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." -- Matthew 20:29-34

I grew up in a world where you could find a local Deli on just about every corner.  As the years passed I could be found in one of these fine eateries almost every morning ordering up a large cup of black coffee. The only trouble I ever had was occasionally getting a "regular" cup of coffee contaminated with milk and sugar. The clerk just didn't hear my order for "black, no sugar" coffee. Sometimes you just have to speak a little louder.

Along with all the teachings our Lord gave about prayer, we find a perfect example on this occasion. Two blind men would not give up, nor would they tone it down. They wanted to see, and Jesus was able to do the job. They shouted and the crowd was irritated, but the Lord had compassion. He honors those who pray clearly, without ceasing, and give it all they have. Sometimes you just have to speak a little louder.

Have you gotten the wrong kind of coffee too many times? Do you wonder if your prayer life is what is should be? Pray, and don't give up. Pray, and open you your heart to the full. Keep on asking, seeking and knocking; for the Lord will have compassion when the world would have you give up. Sometimes you just have to speak a little louder.