Scripture Reading
Exodus 15:26
"If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer."
Reflection
The name given here — the LORD your healer, Yahweh Rapha — is not merely a title but a promise sealed to those who listen and follow. Healing in Scripture encompasses far more than physical cure: it includes restoration of relationship, soundness of soul, and wholeness of community. Bring every broken place to the God who has named himself your healer.
Prayer for Today
Lord, you said, I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
We pray for the gift of abundant life for all who are living
with autism spectrum disorders.
We pray for the children and adults on the spectrum who struggle to
understand how the social world operates, and therefore have difficulties
fitting in. Please allow them to experience dignity and the joy in life that
their natural anxieties at times prohibit them from.
We pray for their parents and other family members, whose challenge is to
never lose hope as they work hard with love to guide and discipline.
Keep us mindful of the strength with which you grant to anyone who asks
for it and help us to share our faith in you with individuals in all
developmental stages.
We pray for catechists and teachers, especially when they don't understand
that the persistent talking out or unusual behaviors that a person on the
spectrum may demonstrate are not meant to undermine their authority.
Help them to see the gifts of these individuals through your eyes
and those of the people who love them most.
We pray for members of our faith communities, that they replace
their stares and looks of disapproval with understanding and compassion
for people on the spectrum, who daily face great challenges,
yet are trying to live the abundant life you have called them to.
Give them the grace to include your most vulnerable
people in the full life of the Church.
We ask this in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
We pray for the gift of abundant life for all who are living
with autism spectrum disorders.
We pray for the children and adults on the spectrum who struggle to
understand how the social world operates, and therefore have difficulties
fitting in. Please allow them to experience dignity and the joy in life that
their natural anxieties at times prohibit them from.
We pray for their parents and other family members, whose challenge is to
never lose hope as they work hard with love to guide and discipline.
Keep us mindful of the strength with which you grant to anyone who asks
for it and help us to share our faith in you with individuals in all
developmental stages.
We pray for catechists and teachers, especially when they don't understand
that the persistent talking out or unusual behaviors that a person on the
spectrum may demonstrate are not meant to undermine their authority.
Help them to see the gifts of these individuals through your eyes
and those of the people who love them most.
We pray for members of our faith communities, that they replace
their stares and looks of disapproval with understanding and compassion
for people on the spectrum, who daily face great challenges,
yet are trying to live the abundant life you have called them to.
Give them the grace to include your most vulnerable
people in the full life of the Church.
We ask this in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Amen.