There is a marvelous prayer that a Centurion prays after coming to Jesus and requesting that he heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus tells the man that he will go to his home and heal him. The Centurion responds with this remarkable prayer of faith: “8 Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed”
Matthew 8:8. Years ago when I was a member of the Roman Catholic Church we had a custom just before receiving communion to pray this little prayer.
I still pray it silently every time I receive communion. Its is a prayer of humble faith. The words, “I am not worthy”, are words I have prayed every day of my life because these words are so true for me. The apostle Paul says this too: “5 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” Romans 7:7. He prays, in other words, that he is so unfaithful and in need of the grace of God. He acknowledges his constant unworthiness. That too is my estate.
I felt this in particular this past Sunday, May 5, when I celebrated my 40th year as a Pastor. “I am not worthy” is what I spoke to God all day. I still pray it every day begging God for His mercy.
How about you?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.” — Psalm 25:6
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” — Psalm 51:1
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” — Lamentations 3:22
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
“[Jesus said,] ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.’” — Matthew 5:7
“He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy.” — Luke 1:53-54
“[Jesus said,) ‘Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” — Luke 10:37
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” — James 3:17
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