My bible study group has been meeting virtually for the past few weeks because of the Coronavirus, and last night we prayed for twenty-five people from a list (see below) that has been circulating on social media. We incorporated it into our meeting, and it was powerful.
It is a tough time for all, but praying for others gave our group peace and comfort. I’m praying it will do the same for you as well.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this, and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
~ Luke 10:25-37
Who is your neighbor?
If you’re not sure who your neighbor is, here is the list of twenty-five people to pray for (Note: I don’t know where the list originated, and it has been sorted randomly).
- Delivery Drivers
- Pastors and Church Leaders
- Singles
- Teachers
- First Responders and Police Officers
- Couples with wedding plans
- Grocery Store Workers
- Medical Support Teams
- Foster Care Families
- Those who cannot work from home
- Those in abusive situations
- Those displaced from their homes
- Employees deemed essential who work among the public
- Internet-Support Personnel
- Government Officials
- COVID-19 Cleaning Workers
- High School and College Students
- Small business owners and employees
- People struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses
- Counselors and Therapists
- Those facing job layoffs
- Developing Nations
- Military Personnel and Their Families
- Expectant Parents
- The homeless and those in deep poverty
Who needs prayer? Everybody. Be safe and keep the faith.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
April 28, 2020
Bill Parrott, CFP®, is the President and CEO of Parrott Wealth Management located in Austin, Texas. Parrott Wealth Management is a fee-only, fiduciary, registered investment advisor firm. Our goal is to remove complexity, confusion, and worry from the investment and financial planning process so our clients can pursue a life of purpose. Our firm does not have an asset or fee minimum, and we work with anybody who needs financial help regardless of age, income, or asset level. PWM’s custodian is TD Ameritrade, and our annual fee starts at .5% of your assets and drops depending on the level of your assets.
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