Sometimes we see a problem in our life and it can simply be solved by applying God’s wisdom. Other times, the problem is much greater than us and requires deep prayer. I would say that in ALL cases, prayer is a good thing. It’s never a bad thing. The key is, are we relying on God in all things or are we relying on ourselves and our own abilities?
Mark 9:25-29 (TNIV)
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
If we look close at these Scriptures, the error of the disciples in healing the boy is revealed. Indeed, Jesus had given them the power to heal (Mark 6:7) and they had healed others in the past (Mark 6:13). The key here lies, I believe in their question of Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”….put some emphasis on the “WE” and you can see the answer, in fact Jesus gives them the answer, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” In other words, don’t rely on YOU, rely on the Father!
Possibly, as revealed in their question, they had tried to heal this child by their own ability rather than God’s. Their focus was “we” centered rather than “Christ” centered. Perhaps they had not depended on God’s power and simply took for granted that they could do this. As I mentioned before, they had healed others in the past (Mark 6:13).
I believe that we should live at all times and moments in our lives in submission, in awe of and in dependence on God, indeed Jesus. There should always be an attitude of asking in our heart and of reliance on His wisdom in our actions
Prayer is the key, whether it be on our knees, or simply in our thoughts as we go about our day. here are some good things to pray for that you may find unusual, as we so often want to pray for “things”, “actions” and the outcomes WE want to see:
1. Pray that doubts about the power of Jesus in our lives be wiped away. That Jesus will put down all the demons we face and raise us to true life!
2. Pray that our fears evaporate and disappear because we know that in all things, God has the final word!
3. Pray for a greater reliance on Jesus so that we can serve others around us more effectively.
4. Pray that God CLOSE THE DOORS that are not good for us. These very doors may be the ones that we seek to open. What I mean here is….pray for and accept God’s perfect will rather than relying on our own fallible will. Even though we may not understand it, remember that there is always a bigger picture, sometimes beyond our limited understanding.
Prayer, indeed, conversation with God, which includes listening and obeying, is the key that unlocks and reveals true faith. Remember what faith is, “pisteuo” [pist-yoo-o], “believing to the extent of complete trust”. Trust God with the outcome.
Let your prayers demonstrate a complete trust and reliance on God, indeed a complete trust and reliance on Jesus. Prayer is YOUR source of power through Jesus. Never stop asking, never stop trusting and never stop seeking God’s presence in all things.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TNIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.