Mark 9:14-29
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
When people hear of some sad or difficult news from another person, it is common to say “you’re in my prayers” or something like that. If we are sincere in our intention to pray, we do pray, believing that God hears our prayers and that prayer matters. We pray believing that God will act in accordance to His Will.
Sometimes, however, people are not so sure about prayer, or are concerned about the other person’s feelings about prayer. Then you will hear something like “you are in my thoughts.” A “thinking of your” statement is meant to help a person not feel alone, but also not suggest anything more.
In our day, prayer is being attacked. Those who pray are being attacked for not actually doing something. Talking to God is rejected as just a weak “thinking of you” statement that actually does nothing. The clear belief expressed is that God does not exist.
It is interesting that in the case of a particularly destructive and persistent case of demon possession, Jesus says, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Clearly, Jesus didn’t consider prayer just words or happy thoughts. And clearly, also, the evil one present and active in our world today agrees. This is evident I the fact that prayer is assailed in our culture. Prayer is assailed because prayer can remove the most destructive and persistent efforts of evil. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus prayed. In times of opposition, Jesus prayed. To heal the sick and cast out demons, Jesus prayed. As He was crucified, Jesus prayed. As He suffered, Jesus prayed. As He died, Jesus prayed. The result of all this prayer? Satan was bound. The sick were healed. Demons were cast out. Sin was destroyed by Jesus death for us on the cross. And on the third day, Jesus rose in glory from the dead. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters.
Remember what Jesus has done for you. If you believe in Him, confessing your sins, you are forgiven and you will have the gift of eternal life from God. Remember that Jesus prayed. Remember that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. And then, consider the power and importance of prayer. Pray for yourself. Freely offer to pray for others. This is God’s Will.
And remember this. Whatever the evil one hates, he mocks. Mocking and ridicule are the hallmarks of Satan. So, if you are ridiculed by others for praying, or offering prayer, know that the devil is terrified of your prayers. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters. God will act.
Let us pray,
Lord I praise you for your mercy in hearing my prayers. I believe in you and your power to save. Strengthen my faith and teach me to pray at all times. In your name I pray. Amen
The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue and preserve Your Church is safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.