The Power of Prayer
Luke’s account of the man whose son was tormented by demons relays all the important information but leaves off the details of the conversation between the father and Jesus. Mark goes into a bit more detail and tells us the father’s response to Jesus’ declaration that they all lack faith. He responds with one of the greatest lines of all time: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) This father was desperate to see his only son healed. Yet, the disciples were powerless to grant his request. It is interesting to me that this incident occurred shortly after these twelve men returned from a missionary expedition where they preached the gospel and healed “everywhere” (Luke 9:1-6). Now, as they stood on their home turf (and possibly attempting in their own power), they were at a loss as to why they could not cast out the demon which was terrorizing this young boy. Mark tells us the answer from Jesus, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
The power of prayer cannot be denied. It shatters chains and pours our hearts to our God. James speaks of the power of prayer at the end of his book. James 5:15-16 says, “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” This should not be twisted to express that prayer contains some magical quality. It isn’t the movement of our lips but the movement of our God on our behalf. Prayer connects us to our Heavenly Father. That is why prayer is the most powerful weapon. The disciples could not cast the demon out because they were not powerful enough, and neither are we. Alone, we are doomed to failure. But rejoice because we are not alone! Our prayers rise from our lips to our God’s ears. Our power is so small, but our God’s cannot be measured.
Whatever we face, we do not face it alone. Even if it feels like the struggles in our lives are beyond all hope, let us not become dismayed. Our hope is not in the power of our own hands. Our hope is in the power of our God. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:13-18).
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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