Jim's prayer

Recently I was reminded of a story I heard about a man named Jim.

Everyday this man would go to his church for about 3 minutes and kneel before the altar.The young priest caught up with him one day and asked, “ Since I arrived some 7 years ago, I have noticed that you come here every afternoon and leave almost straight away. I am curious about what you do?”

“I pray replied the old man.”

The priest asked earnestly; “What do you pray in just a few minutes?”

“I say; here I am Jesus. It is Jim, I love you”

Several years later Jim was moved into a nursing home. Days after his arrival the staff noticed a significant change in all the other residents. A month after staying at the home, everyone there seemed a lot happier. Jim would walk around the home each morning and visit every single person. He would smile at them, chat for a while and dramatically lift their spirits, including the staff.

The same priest who knew him at his church came to give communion at the home one day and spoke about the change in everyone, with Jim.

“Jim, the staf have told me how you visit everyone here each day and cheer them all up. That everybody seems a lot happier since you arrived. What do you say to everyone?”

Jim replied; “I just chat with them and say something nice about their hair, the watch they are wearing or talk about the football. Often I just give them a smile and ask if I can do anything for them.”

“I’m always happy after Jesus comes to see me each day.” Jim responded.

“Jesus comes to see you each day?” exclaimed the priest.

“Yes” Jim beamed, “he comes first thing in the morning and stands exactly where you are”.

“What does he say?” asked the priest.

“Here I am Jim. It is me Jesus, I love you”

Hear this.

Take comfort in the story when Jesus was told about Lazarus; "that the one you love is ill" (John 11). Jesus was not reminded that the one who loves you is ill. Instead, Jesus was addressed in terms of his relationship with Lazarus. This distinction is important because it reveals the fact that God does not answer prayers based on how we have felt and acted towards him. Our Fathers love is perfect and unconditional. Our faith and love toward God may wax and wain but his love and commitment to us is always the same.

The power of prayer is from the one who hears it, not the one who asks.


Father the one you love needs some help.

The one You love is afraid.

The one You love is sick.

The one You love is sad.

The one You love is worried.

The one You love needs you.

May your love of God grow each and every day. Amen.