Day 13 | January 19, 2024

Mark 5:1-10, 18-19

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area…

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

1. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Take a deep breath calming your heart and mind in the presence of Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your soul to hear what Jesus wants to tell you.  

2. Read the above Scripture slowly.  Listen for God’s voice to you in the text.  Read it again and try to identify one word or phrase that stood out to you or caught your attention. 

3. Ponder/meditate on what God is saying to you. What is going on in the passage? What is God wanting you to know? What is the good news He wants for you?

4. Begin to pray from this Scripture passage.  Pray in response to what God is saying to you.   What is the Holy Spirit laying on your heart out of this passage?  Do you need to pray for a confession? Do you need to pray for action? Do you need to pray for a conviction or an affirmation? 

5. Share with your family or friends.  What is your key takeaway from this passage?  What will you put into practice?  Who do you want to pray for to come to know Jesus?

6. Pay special attention to today’s Prayer Focus below and intentionally pray for this need.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray for those who suffer from depression and mental health issues.