From the Gospel · Mark 2:1 to 12
Four friends made a way.
Bring the person on your heart into this moment of prayer.
Read the film transcript
The doorway is full. Four people have brought a man who cannot walk, and they cannot get him through.
In Mark’s Gospel, they open the roof and lower his mat into the house. Jesus sees their faith. He first forgives the man’s sins.
Some scribes question his authority in their hearts. Jesus answers them, then tells the man to rise, take his mat, and go home. The man stands and leaves carrying what had carried him.
The healing reveals Christ’s authority to forgive. It does not mean that illness is proof of personal sin, or that enough effort from a friend guarantees a cure.
Who is on your heart today? You can pray without taking control of their life. Ask what would help. Offer one thing you can actually do, and leave them free to answer in their own time.
Jesus, I bring you the person I am worried about. You know their needs. Give them help and hope. Show me how to love them patiently, with respect, courage and kindness. Amen.
01Stay with the story
Four people bring a paralysed man to Jesus. The crowded house leaves them no way through. They open the roof and lower their friend into the room.
Jesus sees their faith. He forgives the man’s sins and heals him. The man walks out carrying the mat on which he had been carried.
You can pray for someone and offer real help without being able to solve everything. Hold their name before God. Consider what care would look like from their point of view.
Read the Gospel · RSV-CE02Make this your prayer
Jesus, I bring you the person I am worried about. You know their needs. Give them help and hope. Show me how to love them patiently, with respect, courage and kindness. Amen.
03One step into your day
Make one caring contact today. Ask what would help, then offer something specific you can do. If you share this prayer, leave them free to receive it in their own time.
A story and prayer you can offer to one person.
Send this to someone
You are on my heart. I wanted to share this story and a prayer with you. No need to reply.
Scripture and sources
The reflections and prayers are written for this encounter. They are not quotations from Scripture.
Mark 2:1 to 12 · RSV-CE