October 25, 2024 Daily Devotion

With Authority and Compassion

The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

James 5:16

Before a recent daily mass, I was visiting with Father and my friend Dave. We walked over to meet a new couple that entered the St. Joseph Chapel. Patrick and Wanda arrived a month ago and Patrick shared that he was diagnosed with a serious health condition. As we were ending our conversation, I asked Patrick if we could pray over him after mass and he said, “yes.”

After mass, a few parishioners gathered around Patrick and Wanda. I asked Patrick if he believed that Jesus could heal him. He emphatically responded, “yes.” I then asked is it healing that you desire of Jesus. Again, without hesitation, he answered, “yes.” We all prayed the Lord’s prayer together and then I reminded the gathered that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. I also shared that Jesus’ words from John 14:12: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Jesus knew his authority rested with His Father and He was always moved with compassion. Modeling after Jesus, with compassion I prayed, “Patrick, by your faith you are healed.”