Take Up Your Bed

And after getting into a boat Jesus crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8 

Take Up Your Bed

Dear tender God of all grieving hearts
we have surpassed more than 100,000
lost to a disease we cannot control
and we see no sure and real end in sight.

In your hometown you healed one
told him to take up his bed and walk
reach out to broken and discouraged
lift us all us and help us go forward.

We are weary of confinement and fear
weary from the dread and restrictions
empower us with new patience and hope
clear our eyes to see the mountain tops.

Lord, help us to take heart in forgiveness
help us to live as those healed and free
discarding judgement and lending aide
may we be your love in this world today. Amen