After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately. “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” ~ Mark 9:28, 29
READING: Mark 9:14-29
This is an encouraging passage for church planters. Read the entire story.“Everything is possible for him who believes,” Jesus says in verse 23. Then there is the honesty of the father in verse 24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”We can all identify with those words.
In the process of facing this big challenge, the disciples made some false assumptions. We’re not sure if they underestimated the power of evil, overestimated their own authority, presumed God would do their bidding or were overconfident they had the faith formula down. In any case their assumption and presumption were wrong.
Jesus said “this kind can come out only by prayer.” Prayer is communion with God. It is communication, conversation and hanging out with God. As such, Jesus’ statement would be about our seeking, petitioning, depending and aligning ourselves with God’s will and power. There is no room for presuming upon God.
Church planting is the cutting edge of the kingdom. The full force of the worldly culture, human nature and spiritual forces are united against us. Truly, “this kind can come out only by prayer.” God’s servants plant great churches on their knees.
Today, where can you carve out more time for prayer? While taking a walk? Driving? Before you turn on your computer? Where can you find five or ten additional minutes – or an hour or two – to align your will with God’s to tap into the power of the kingdom?
Lord, Like the disciples, I need to learn and relearn the power of prayer. Help me to hear Your voice and experience Your presence working through me. Amen.
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