121 Days of Prayer

But Jesus Knew What They Were Thinking

The purposes of this prayer are: Mercy, Healing and Holiness/Righteousness.

Omnipotent Lord, the scribes and Pharisees hated and plotted against Jesus because he threatened their positions and their stature. Luke wrote that, “On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, ‘Get up and stand in front of everyone.’ So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?’ He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so and his hand was completely restored. But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6:6–11 (NIV). Lord, the scribes and Pharisees were extremely concerned about correct observance of rules and statutes but had no concern for the welfare of those suffering in their congregations. They did not recall your admonition through your prophet Hosea regarding sacrificial law: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NIV). Jesus showed that mercy is more important that adherence to ceremonial law. May we likewise. Amen.