In Mark 1:40, a leper comes to Jesus wanting to be “clean” or healed of his leprosy.

Isn’t it easy to barge into the throne room; burdens packed tightly under our arms, worry stacked evenly upon our shoulders, pencil behind our ear, wants and needs scribbled on long receipt tape clenched in our hands?  We boldly go before God with our lists, asking for this and that, spending precious time face to face with our Creator but filling it like a reporter; with idle chatter, empty questions and check marks in each box.

We can learn from the leper.  He doesn’t just ask Jesus to heal him…

“And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.'”   Mark 1:40

He desperately wants to be healed (of course he would, leprosy is a terrible disease!) but it’s how he approaches Jesus while burdened with this agonizing and lonely disease.  He approaches Jesus and says one important phrase…

“If You are willing,”

The leper knows full well that Jesus can do anything.  That Jesus absolutely could heal him but he also knows that he will be healed ONLY if it is part of Jesus’ plan.  If it aligns with His will.

When we approach God in prayer, we must come before Him not only with our list; for God wants to know what burdens us,

“casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”   1 Peter 5:7

but first with a humble heart willing to accept whatever His answer may be.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,”   1 Peter 5:6

Lord, thank you for your goodness and control of my life.  Please help me be open with you, offering my cares and burdens knowing that you love me and want to know my heart, but also remind me that whatever You allow in my life is best for me.  All things happen for Your glory.

Romans 8:28