Bible passage:
Luke 7: 1-10 - After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
A typical Roman Centurion possibly had (i) servants/ soldiers under him to help him carry out his work, (ii) friends who were beneath his designation that would assist him, and (iii) the people over whom he and his soldiers exercised power -here, the Jewish elders. Look at the story of how all three groups of people are valued by him or seem to value him highly.
A servant or a slave in those days was probably much more easily replaceable than today, especially when they fall sick. Yet, the Centurion values his servant. Do we highly value those working under our care? As a Roman, the Centurion could easily belittle the Jews who were under their rule. But he chose to 'love the nation' instead. Would those working under your care say that you love them even if they were considered as inferior by many? For if we truly love and care for them, we will surely intercede for them.
Prayer points:
Pray that those under your care feel comfortable, respected, and accepted to share with you their needs, desires, and emotions pertaining to their work life.
Pray that they get the training, resources, and time to do their best and enjoy job satisfaction.
Pray that they are able to have a healthy work-life - homelife balance, such that they have loving families.
Pray that they don't lack any good thing and that they would seek the Truth and find it.
If you can, try memorizing Proverbs 3:27.
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