I am part of a group of pastors who gather each year for a retreat. Our routine is always the same: we grab breakfast in a local diner, play some pick-up hockey at the local rink, and then spend the rest of the day sharing stories and praying for each other.

This year, when we had eaten our breakfast and were preparing to leave, it was clear that our waitress had figured out from our conversation that we are Christians. She stopped us at our table and said, "Before you go, I need you to pray for me. Tomorrow, I am quitting smoking once and for all, and I know I can't do it by myself. Please ask God to help me."

So, we gathered around her and prayed fervently for her freedom. I don't know the rest of the story, but I do know that Jesus was present with her and that he longs to set his children free.

This kind of thing was common in the ministry of Jesus. People sensed that he could help them with their day-to-day struggles. Like the woman in our Scripture passage for today, they were willing to do whatever it took to grab hold of Jesus and be healed.

May the people around us sense that same power and love of Jesus. And may we have the courage to pray for healing.