There’s a verse in the Bible from the book of Mark when Jesus encounters Bartimaeus, the blind man. I remember it clearly because when my mom rediscovered it, she was very excited. Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus’ response was, “What do you want me to do for you?” My mom was excited because Bartimaeus was obviously blind, but Jesus still asked what he wanted Jesus to do.  So, from time to time, I pretend that Jesus is asking me that question.  Maybe He really is!

Mark 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

From the journal . . . . July 1987

I’ll write out the current two main desires of my heart, as honestly as I can:

~I ask that Mark’s relationship with You would be strengthened to the point that he won’t need to drink.  That he would truly know and accept that all answers are found in You.

~I ask that our business would succeed financially, being run according to Your principles and laws.  Even to the point that we could bear credible witness to Your Glory.

~And obviously and always, I want all our children to serve You with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength.

And I Believe God Said:

Your desires are all within My will and My ability.  I will do it.  Your job is to believe Me, trust Me, and wait on Me.  I won’t delay.  It will not take one second longer than necessary.  And My work is thorough and 100% guaranteed.  Always walk in My ways.  Always acknowledge Me, and you will never fall nor fail Me.  I can, will, and do use you for My purposes and glory.  Trust Me.  If you make Me your highest goal and desire, all else and more will be yours.

1 John 4:14-15 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. ¹⁵ And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.
James 1:6  ⁶ But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
James 4:2b. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 
John 14:13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
    so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.

The Lord has been so, so good to us!  Mark’s relationship with the Lord has definitely been strengthened and he hasn’t had a drink in a very long time.    The Lord used the business solely to provide for our family of seven for the first twenty-five years until I was able to help Mark!  Now we are retired and doing fine!

As for my most important prayers, it’s a work in process but I am 80% confident, 100% grateful, and continuing to pray daily!