praying like my toddler
We just drove in from Florida, and the house certainly shows it! It was an unexpected trip, but we had some WONDERFUL full days. I’m so thankful for our kiddos and how they just love spending time with us. Maggie has started reaching for my hands sometimes and saying, “Come on, Mommy,” if I’m on my phone or doing some work. And while there are moments I do have to finish a task, more often than not, it’s something I can pause. What a sweet reminder of our Father who just desires time with us—whether it’s BIG or SMALL—just sweet time.
We’ve got a beach retreat this weekend with my MOMCO (formerly MOPS) group, and I just finished typing up the devotionals for Saturday morning! It’ll be a simple weekend—dinner, games, and relaxing together Friday night; breakfast on Saturday thanks to a friend who loves cooking for everyone; and then all our families are coming on Saturday for a BIG FAMILY beach day! The passage this morning was an amazing reminder of God’s love for me in all my forms and how easy it is to feel guilty over persistent prayers or looking “needy.” I’m just going to copy it below—I hope it encourages you!
Prayer. Take a moment and ask God to help you focus on Him. Write down your worries and tasks, knowing He cares about every detail. Now, imagine handing each of these over to God. Visualize placing them into His capable hands. Trust that He can take care of these concerns while you are here, allowing you to be present with Him.
One of our passages for next year is Mark 10:51 from the story of Jesus and Bartimaeus. Let’s read the whole story below. Read it a few times, aloud if possible.
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52, ESV
Today we’re going to use the HEAR method (Highlight, Examine, Apply, Respond) in our devotional to reflect on the passage above. On the following pages, read through the questions and just enjoy time with Jesus.
Highlight
What stood out to you while you were reading? Why do you think you noticed this?
What does he call Jesus in vs. 47? Why is this significant?
Examine
It’s easy to see Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus but don’t miss his response to the crowd too.
In vs. 48, how does the crowd REACT to Bartimaeus?
In vs. 49, how does Jesus RESPOND to the crowd?
How does this change their approach to Bartimaeus?
What does Bartimaeus immediately do next?
Apply
Right from the start, we see Bartimaeus’ persistence. He KNOWS who Jesus is (vs. 47) and he doesn’t care about those around him - he isn’t talking to them. He’s talking to Jesus.
Do his words mirror your prayer life? Or are you like the crowd (and me if I’m honest) and connect more to the push back against “neediness” or vulnerability? Not wanting to bother others with the “same” prayer request over and over again. I mean, how many times had Bartimaeus stood at that same busy street and asked for help? Let’s examine one more text as we reflect on Jesus’ response to the crowd and to Bartimaeus.
“Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
Take a moment and think about your children and their relentless questions. How they cling to you without any pretense. Now think about the verse above and Jesus’ response in Mark 10. What does this communicate about what Jesus wants from YOU when you come to him?
Respond
Is there a specific prayer or concern you’ve hesitated to keep bringing to God or to others? How does it touch your heart to realize that God loves your persistent prayers, not because they are perfect, but because He loves you, just as you are? He delights in you and is eager to hear from you and respond because you are His beloved child.
Reflect on Bartimaeus's bold approach to Jesus & use the prayer guide below:
Express Your Needs:
Identify where you need God’s touch in this season. Ask Him for help with these specific needs, just as Bartimaeus asked for his sight.
Seek Courage and Persistence:
Pray for courage to bring all your concerns to God with the boldness of a child, even when you feel discouraged or silenced by others’ expectations or your own doubts.
Rest in God’s Love:
Remember that God loves you unconditionally. Pray for peace and comfort in His presence as His beloved child.
Commit to Following Jesus:
Consider how you can follow Jesus more closely in your daily routines.
Pray for guidance and strength to live out His love with your family.
Finally, thank God for listening and for the promise to be with you, ready to move in your life as He did for Bartimaeus.
