At his gate

“There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury.   AT HIS GATE lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores.  As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table…” (for the whole story read   Luke 16:19-31

I was so struck by these three little words this morning as I spent time with Jesus.  I began to think about who is laying just outside my gate covered in sores.  Now I don’t mean, literally, laying outside, or even literal sores; but rather who is near to me, around me who is hurting?  Who is longing for scraps to fall from from my table?    I was just so struck by so many things in this familiar story from Jesus.  I just had to pen a few lines, a prayer even.

Precious Lord Jesus,

make me, and anyone who reads this little blog, aware of the hurts of others around us.  In America, we do live in luxury each day compared to so many in the rest of the world.  yet I know that You, Jesus, love each person in the world as much as any other.  There is no partiality with you, no favoritism.  you once said that to who much is given, much will be expected.  Lord, you have given me so much, us so much in this great country.  Help us to be generous to those outside our gate.  You told us in the story of the good Samaritan that whoever is in need, he is our neighbor.  So all who have needs that we can meet are our Lazarus.  guide us to see as you see, hear as you hear and be your hands, your mouth, your feet, and your provision for others.  Forgive me for how much I keep back for myself.    Give me a generous heart, a heart like yours, a heart of compassion and mercy.  give me a generous spirit and the means to help others.

In Jesus name

Amen

***Just an FYI, a great ministry to support for helping the poor in the World is Life Outreach   and    Compassion International***