Bartimaeus: a Model for Fervent and Persistent Prayer

A Bible study

Bartimaeus is a Good Example of How To Pray. A reading from the gospel, according to Saint Mark. Learn from Mark 10:46-52

And they went to Jericho. And as he was setting out from Jericho with his disciples at a vast multitude Bartimaeus, the son of Tamias, a blind man, sat begging beside the way.

And when Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth visiting, Bartimaeus began to cry, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me”. And many around him told him to be quiet.

But then Bartimaeus cried out even more, saying, “Son of David, take pity on me”.

Hearing the cries, Jesus stood still and instructed that Bartimaeus may come to him. So the disciples called the blind man, saying Jesus is calling you. Bartimaeus casting aside his garment, leapt up and went to him.

In response, Jesus asked him, “What do you want that I should do for you?”

Bartimaeus, the blind man, said, “Master that I may see”.

Bartimaeus’s faith must have pleased Jesus, for he said, “Go; your faith has made you whole”. Then Bartimaeus’s eyes were opened, and he began to see. Bartimaeus was so grateful that he followed him wherever Jesus went.’

Let’s Reflect on this Story!

Ask yourself-

How can I emulate Bartimaeus’s fervent and persistent prayer in my own life?
In what way can I seek the presence of the Lord from day to day?
How can I better listen to his voice?
How can I cry to God deeply, sincerely, and intensely?

These are great questions; answering them will help bring you closer to God in your understanding and relationship with Him.

Bartimaeus is a Good Example of How we should Pray

In Mark 10, verses 46 to 47, we read that Jesus was setting out from Jericho with his disciples, and many people followed him. Then Jesus came across Bartimaeus, a blind man who stood begging beside the road.

This blind man cried out to Jesus with deep conviction and intensity. Bartimaeus sets an excellent example of how we should pray to our Lord.

First, the blind man was in a state of need. His blindness symbolises every weakness and needs you, and I have in life. So, ask yourself, what genuine do you have right now?

What is your greatest habitual sin? Well, what do you do that causes you the most grief?

Needs Not Wants

Seeing our weaknesses is the first step to profound prayer. Be aware of our greatest needs, not your wants- but your needs.

Don’t devise something willy-nilly; explore your deepest needs and present them to the Lord. When you understand your need, you then cry out to our Lord with all your heart, just as Bartimaeus did.

Listen to the Voice of God Within Your Soul.

Upon hearing that it was Jesus, Bartimaeus somehow sensed within his soul that Jesus wanted to cure him. How did he sense this? He listened to the voice of God within.

Yes, he heard the commotion of many speaking about Jesus as he walked by.

Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was the source of the mercy he needed.

This knowing was made clear to him through the voice of God and prompting from the Holy Spirit within his soul, revealing to him that he needed Jesus. And that Jesus wanted to cure him.

Others Sometimes do not Understand the Need for the Saviour

At first, those around him rebuked Bartimaeus and told him to be quiet. Bartimaeus might have listened to the crowd if he had weakened his faith.

If your faith is weak, you can be easily swayed by the opinion of others. The opposition may come in gaslighting, peer pressure or outright ridicule.

However, the opposition may come; you must be strong in your convictions to stand against any pressure that may come your way – or in despair, remain silent – the choice is yours.

But it is clear that Bartimaeus ignored the rebukes of others and kept calling out all the more. Bartimaeus witnesses how we must turn to our Lord in our time of need.

Sense the Presence of Jesus With and In You

Sense the gentle but unmistakable presence of Jesus within your soul. Recognise his voice and his promptings of Grace. He wants to heal you, and his presence must be sensed within.

Become intensely fixed upon that voice within. The crowd who rebuked Bartimaeus symbolises the many voices and temptations we experience.

That tries to keep us from faithfully and fervently crying out to the God who speaks to us. Nothing should deter us from our wholehearted determination to call to Jesus with our needs.

Put Yourself in Bartimaeus Place

See Bartimaeus being an image of yourself. See yourself in desperate need of our Lord, and TAKE TIME to listen for his unmistakable voice.

Do you hear him? Do you sense him walking by?

As you do, cry out to him enthusiastically, intensely, and passionately. And if you find temptations that try to silence your prayer and faith, increase your intensity and cry out all the more to our Lord.

He will hear you call you to Himself and give you the Grace he desires to bestow.

Let’s Pray.

My merciful Jesus, you are constantly passing by, drawing me to yourself by your divine presence.

Give me the Grace I need to see my need and call out to you with all my heart. May I never be deterred from this fervent prayer, dear Lord? When temptation sets in, may I call out even more?

Jesus, I trust in you, Amen.

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In the comments section, I would love for you to share your stories and comments about your prayer strategies with this community.

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