I can’t even begin to fathom this father’s suffering watching his son’s anguish and suffering since he was a young child. While other parents watch their children grow up and play with other children, this desperate father was trying to keep his son alive.
According to Mark 9, this boy had been subjected to this evil spirit attempts to kill him by throwing him into fires and water since he was a young child. The father was likely exhausted and desperate for help. And what did he do? He cried out to Jesus in desperation. “If you can do something for him, please have pity on us and help us.”
What a simple yet powerful prayer. This prayer didn’t begin with “Since…” but rather “If” (a tense that implies doubt).
Perhaps this poor father thought his son’s situation was beyond Jesus’ reach. But, if Jesus could do something, his son would get better.
But noticed how Jesus responded, “If I can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark tells us that upon hearing Jesus’ words, the father replied, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)
Have you ever prayed such a desperate prayer like this? I have many times. But I have learned that God listens to all our prayers, especially those borne from our deepest sorrows.
C.S. Lewis once said, “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what out to be in us.” Beloved, God doesn’t judge our prayers or expect us to have fancy and eloquent prayers. All He wants is for us to unveil our hearts to Him.
The power is not in the prayer but in the One who listens.
Beloved, God does not judge our prayers or demand that they be elaborate or eloquent. He only asks that we reveal our hearts to him. It’s not about our accomplishments or how many verses we memorize. It’s about the One spoken of in the Scriptures.
The power is not in the prayer but in the One who hears it.
Heavenly Father, you know my heart, pain, and sorrows before I speak to you. Thank you for your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. When my heart is drowning with doubts and fear, help me remember that you are with me, carrying me through my storms. And help me overcome any doubts I may have. In Jesus’ name, amen!
