Recipe for Growth  (Mark 9:14-29) PRAYER

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

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Jesus often looked for a quiet place away from all distractions so He could pray to His Heavenly Father. There are times that He prayed all night. And here, He is telling His disciples that some works of God could be achieved by concentrated periods of prayer. 

Remarkable things happened when Jesus’ early disciples prayed. Prison doors were miraculously opened. Many people became believers because of their preaching. Many were healed because of their prayer. 

Prayer helps us grow in our relationship with God. Prayer is the way to keep in touch with God and His purposes. When we neglect prayer, it is easy to stray away from His plan. Every decision we take, every situation we are in, gives us reason to pray. We are also called to pray for others, that they might know God’s power too. 

There is much truth in the statement ‘a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.’ God often chooses to channel His power to us and others when we pray. But it is human nature and often the devil’s tempting that we find all kinds of excuses for avoiding prayer. 

It is a good practice to set aside a fixed time to pray every day, just as we set aside time to eat or sleep. Have a list of things to pray for. Mark the date you start praying for each request. And when God does answer that request, put that date down again. To look back and see the numerous prayers God has answered, strengthens our faith. 

How will you strengthen your prayer time?

Lord, help me spend much in secret with you, I pray.

Extended Reading – Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

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