Lent Pause: “What do you want me to do for you?”
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our Lenten Pause. During our time today, there will be periods of silence. This might feel awkward - we are used to filling silence with noise. But today, receive these silent times as a gift - creating space to meet with God.
Take a deep breath. Let yourself arrive in this space. There is nothing to achieve, nothing to do….just be. Be present with God, as He is present with you.”
Close your eyes if you feel comfortable. Notice the rhythm of your breath.
With each inhale, receive God’s peace.
With each exhale, release to God the burdens you carry today.”
Now, gently become aware of the space around you—the sounds, the stillness. Let this time be a gift. Let your heart settle. Open yourself to encounter Jesus.”
First Reading: Listen in Rest
Read our passage: Luke 18:35-43 (The Living Bible). We’ll read this passage three times.
This first time, as you Read, simply receive the words. Notice if any word, phrase, or image catches your attention. Don’t analyze… just listen.”
Luke 18:35-43 (The Living Bible)
As they approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging from travelers. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. He was told that Jesus of Nazareth was going by.
So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only yelled the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus arrived at the spot, he stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. Then Jesus asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he pleaded, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said, “All right, begin seeing! Your faith has healed you.”
Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And everyone who saw it happen praised God too.
Let the words settle in your heart. No need to rush. Simply notice—did anything stand out?
Second Reading: Imaginative Reflection
This time, I invite you to step into the story - not just as a listener, but as a witness. Use your imagination. Let yourself be there. Picture yourself sitting by the roadside outside Jericho. The heat of the sun presses down. Dust sticks to your skin as travelers pass. You hear voices: merchants haggling, animals braying, the shuffle of feet on dry ground.
Now, notice the blind man sitting nearby. His world is darkness. He has never seen a sunrise, never seen a loved one’s face. His hands stretch out, hoping for a coin. Some ignore him. Others look through him.
What does it feel like to be unseen?
But today, something is different. The energy in the street is shifting. The noise is growing. He tugs on someone’s sleeve, ‘What’s happening?’
‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ comes the reply
Feel hope rising in you as you hear this news too…
Bartimeus has heard of Jesus, the healer, the teacher, the one who sees the unseen. Could this be his chance? He shouts: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ But the crowd tries to silence him. They push him back. They tell him to stop.
Have you ever felt silenced? Overlooked? Dismissed?
But he refuses to be quiet. He cries out even louder: ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’
And then….everything stops. Jesus stops. The crowd stills. The noise fades. Someone whispers to him, ‘Take heart! Get up. He is calling you.’
What does it feel like to know Jesus hears you?”
He stumbles forward, breathless. Then—Jesus speaks.
‘What do you want me to do for you?’
Hear those words. Jesus is speaking to you now too.
‘What do you want me to do for you?’
How would you answer Him?”
As we read the passage again, listen as though Jesus is speaking these words directly to you.”
Luke 18:35-43 (TLB)
As they approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging from travelers. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. He was told that Jesus of Nazareth was going by.So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only yelled the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus arrived at the spot, he stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. Then Jesus asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he pleaded, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, begin seeing! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And everyone who saw it happen praised God too.
What does it feel like to hear Jesus stop for you? To hear Him say, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
How would you answer Him? Right now, in this moment… tell Him your deepest longing
Third Reading: Rest in God’s Presence
Mark: “Now, I will read the passage one last time. This time, let the words wash over you. No need to think or respond. Just rest in them.”
Luke 18:35-43 (TLB)
As they approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging from travelers. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. He was told that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only yelled the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus arrived at the spot, he stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. Then Jesus asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he pleaded, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, begin seeing! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And everyone who saw it happen praised God too.
Final Reflection and Blessing
As we prepare to leave this time of prayer, let’s sit with a final reflection.
What is God saying to you today?
What is He inviting you into?
What is He asking you to let go of?
If you feel comfortable, place your hand over your heart. Feel its beat. You are alive. You are seen. You are loved by the God who made you. Now, take a moment to bring your closing prayer before God…
To close, let’s say the Lord’s Prayer together:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us close with a blessing.
May you go in peace, knowing that Jesus sees you, hears you, and invites you to bring your heart’s longings to Him. Amen.
