The week we consider prayer, with a foundation in the Lords’ Prayer.
We have become quite familiar with many of the records of Jesus healing sick and possessed people. One that always struck me was the account of Jesus healing a man’s son of demon possession. What strikes me every time I read or listen to this account is the man’s plea, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (You can read the entire account in Mark 9:14–26.)
In a very real sense, that man’s statement could easily be ours, too. We know the Lord’s Prayer, but how often do we really think about it?
This is a difficult question for many people, because they may go through the motions, but that’s it. Our faith is much more than simply knowing some words or thinking that everything is now OK with God and man. Knowledge is just one step in the process of saving faith.
Remember that saving faith is truly a gift of God the Holy Spirit. It shapes and guides a person through difficult (and often tempting) situations as well as the hum-drum monotony of everyday life. It is the ability to take any (and every) matters to God in prayer, and to expect and trust that God will answer in His time and way!
That man whose son was demon possessed learned this. We may have trouble understanding or accepting God’s answer, but this is Satan whispering in our ears “Did God really say that?” It is also the weakness of our human flesh; but God still says to us: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)
So, we, with that father, also pray, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Amen.