A Good Prayer

Mark 9:21-25 Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” the boy’s father answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 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.” 
 
OUR Lord is frustrated with his people. These are mainly the Jews, who had been given God’s promises beginning with their father Abraham. For about 2,000 years the LORD had worked mighty miracles to form, favor and protect Israel. Even in his judgments on their idolatry, the merciful God offered his gracious forgiveness. Even the generation who witnessed Jesus’ power did not believe he is God’s Son. Perhaps the possessed boy’s father summed up Israel’s blind eyes with, “If you can.”  
   Yet in truth, too often we cannot see God’s mercy. When your prayers produce no visible results, you may want to tell Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on me and help me.” The boy’s father had few, if any expectation Jesus would respond because his son had suffered for so long.
   It’s true, isn’t it, that these words may echo in your heart? You experience many broken circumstances that appear beyond repair. And you wonder if God cares. What do you do with your doubt or even with unbelief?
    The father’s prayer, “Help me overcome my unbelief.” is a prayer that is essential to open our heart to hear God’s answer. It reveals an attitude and a passion you want to know God is hearing your prayers. With humility and submission, you realize you must talk to God often and honestly to begin to build your faith. He knows what you are thinking and feeling. Your Lord can handle your honesty. That’s how Jesus prayed in Gethsemane: Mark 14:36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Jesus’ combination of intimacy and honesty tells you God will indeed help you with your unbelief when you earnestly seek his favor.
          Remember, God is One who Speaks. He has granted his creation very personal access to himself. The Bible records the LORD gave many unbelieving generations the opportunity to know him. That opportunity is before you each moment of each day. Jesus will help your unbelief when you speak to the God who speaks to you. The Helper will help you grasp the depth and breadth of his power that extends through you to know and to submit to his will on earth.