Reflect on the power of persistent prayer and faith in Jesus' healing through the story of a woman interceding for her daughter in the Gospel of Mark.
Today's Gospel: Mark 7:24-30
Who among us, if we have ever loved anyone who is not well, has not begged for help from Jesus? We want our loved one to be healed of a physical illness or set free from mental pain or an addiction. Or maybe we beg for our own healing or for the strength we need to care for others.
I have fallen, both literally and figuratively, at the feet of Jesus to beg for many things. This nameless woman comes to Jesus for help not for herself, but for her daughter. We could say she is interceding or standing in for her daughter, but the word "beg" gives more weight and maybe adds a small bit of desperation to the request. She is not holding back anything for the child she loves.
Jesus’ reply seems harsh, yet it simply pushes her further to show her faith in Jesus as a healer. Jesus realizes she is not asking because she had nothing better to do; she deliberately seeks Him. And she receives the healing her daughter needs.
Sometimes when we read the healing miracles of Jesus, we may wonder why our prayers for healing of those we love are not answered. Are we praying wrong? Is our faith lacking? Is no one listening?
In hundreds of ways, persistent prayer and then surrendering the outcome changes us. It heals us, smooths our rough edges, draws us closer to Christ. We learn to rely on Him, no matter the outcome, trusting that His plan is perfect.
We keep praying, asking, and begging while Jesus keeps loving, listening, and caring for us.
Ponder:
Am I able to be persistent in prayer while surrendering the outcome to God’s will for the person or situation?
Pray:
Dear Jesus, give me deep faith and holy boldness like this woman in the Gospel.
Pray Together:
Make a list of people who need healing and pray for them today.
Copyright 2026 Deanna Bartalini
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