Seventh Sunday of Luke
Luke 8:41-56
By St. Theophan the Recluse
Luke 8:41-56
By St. Theophan the Recluse
Jairus openly, in front of everyone, fell to the Savior’s feet beseeching the Lord to heal his daughter, and was heard. The Lord, saying nothing, immediately arose and went to his house. On the way to Jairus’ house a woman with an issue of blood was healed, of course also not without prayer on her part, although she did not appeal in word and did not fall down at the Lord’s feet—she had a heartfelt prayer of faith. The Lord heard her and gave her healing. It all occurred secretly. The woman with the issue of blood turned to the Lord in her heart; the Lord heard this wail of the heart and granted her petition. Both this woman and Jairus had essentially the same prayer, although we can discern certain degrees in them. Such prayers full of faith, hope and devotion never go unheard.
People sometimes say, “I pray and pray, but my prayer still is not heard.” Labor to ascend to a measure of prayer that cannot be refused, and you will see why it was not heard. Whether you are in a prayerful situation like Jairus, or in a simple, ordinary one, like everyone around him, such as the woman with the issue of blood, when true prayer arises in your heart it will undoubtedly reach the Lord and incline Him towards mercy. The question is how to attain such prayer. Labor, and you will attain it. All prayer rules have as their object to lift up those who pray to such a measure of prayer, and all who sensibly follow this course of prayer reach their goal.