God Who Saves
Johanna (Finland)

TODAY’S READING
Luke 19:1-10

KEY VERSE: The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – Luke 19:10 (NIV)

The Upper Room Daily Devotional 18th March 2023 MESSAGE

In my work as a nurse, I was caring for an elderly, dying patient. He was a grumpy man who would curse those caring for him. One day we were by his bedside as his doctor came in. I had told the doctor about our patient’s unhappiness, so he offered the man some medication to improve his mood. But he angrily refused to take it.

At mealtime I went back to feed him and said to him, “Something is bothering you. Would you like to talk about it?” He replied, “No! No use!” Then I found the courage to ask, “May I pray for you?” His reply was even angrier: “No!” I continued feeding him in silence. However, in my spirit I felt that the man regretted his abrupt reply.

The next morning, I returned to work and had to medicate him right away. He was deteriorating quickly, and he cried out, “Help me.” I asked him, “How can I help you?” He replied, “Pray for me!”

I don’t remember what I prayed. It felt a bit clumsy, but I trust God worked through that prayer. I never had another opportunity to pray with the man again. Later he slipped into unconsciousness and died.

I have continued to pray for my patients and to trust God to care for them too.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your amazing love and your gift of grace for us all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Opportunities to pray for a child of God come to us every day.

PRAYER FOCUS
Nurses

The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More