The centurion seemed to be out of options. His servant, “who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die (Luke 7:2, NASB).” Yet perhaps there was one option left. So he sent some Jewish elders to urge Jesus to save his servants life. The elders tell Jesus, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue (7:4-5).”
Isn’t that like us sometimes? We rationalize before God in prayer as to why he should grant our request. We plead with him to stop something awful that is about to happen, reminding him we are deserving because of the great things we have done for Him. “Look what I’ve done, Lord, for you,” we plead our case. “Shouldn’t I be healed because of my deeds?”
Perhaps the centurion thought the elders had more influence, but it is his friends who express his heart. “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed (7:6-7).” This is a man who humbly lays his request before the Lord.
When we humbly approach the Lord in prayer, we bare our heart and acknowledge we are helpless without Him. We show our faith in the Lord to accomplish our request, to “just say the word.” Submitting to God’s will shows we trust his wisdom, even if he chooses not to grant our request.
© 2020 CGThelen
“I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith (Luke 7:9).”
140 Character Christian 
Reblogged this on emotionalpeace.
Yes…. so much like us, or at least me. He should be the first line of defense in trial!
Like that line: “first line of defense in trial.” So true. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Scariest scenario ever (Mt 7.22, 23): Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
But all praise to God (Heb 4.12): For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Two good companion verses to this post. A sobering reminder of God’s truth. Thanks for sharing them with us. Blessings.
People need to realize that prayer is a two way conversation, not that we just do all the talking, God has a lot to say to His children we need to sit and simply listen to the voice of God.
Blessings
Great point. Listening to God is an essential part of the conversation. He desires what is best for us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
Amen! We are utterly dependent upon Him – but He is utterly dependable.
I was struggling to forgive some people once, and it was hindering my prayers. I kept trying to come up with reasons to forgive – “They didn’t mean it” (but they did) “They’ve been nice to me” (They hadn’t) Finally I sensed the Lord saying “How about forgiving them because I’ve asked you to?” I pictured His hanging on the Cross for me, and knew that I would do anything for Him.
Great example of lifting it up to the Lord. Prayers of forgiveness can be humbling. Thanks for sharing your experience. Blessings.
It is hard for us, in this world of proving ourselves, to understand the freely given love of Christ and the value, strength and trust of a few words of prayer. We are blessed than He understands.
Well said. Prayer is our way to connect with God, to express ourselves and our feelings to Him. A way to experience that freely given love of Christ. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Amen 🙏🏻
Blessings.
And to you!