A Little Louder ...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 47 / NT + Matthew 20

"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

When I was a little guy, the Ice Cream truck would come around our neighborhood every day during the summer. I would be given money to buy something, but I was told not to yell for the truck; I was to be polite and call out in a normal tone of voice. Needless to say, I missed out on ice cream more often than not. 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 without ceasing and give it all they have. Sometimes you just have to speak a little louder.

Has the ice cream truck passed you by 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.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 48  / NT + Matthew 21