Pray Hard

Have you ever wanted to develop a deeper faith? We all do…but sometimes it seems so hard. We all know that faith requires many hours of study to gain a complete knowledge of what God wants us to do, right? After all, Paul confirms in Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV) And on top of that, we need to be sure that we are at church every time the doors open so we can show others what we have learned and to answer all of their questions by using the knowledge we have gained. And we have to be able to quote at least one verse for every trial and tribulation we face. Paul also commands us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) Isn't that how we often think about our faith?

And because so many of us are not the “studious”, “book-learn’n” types, we ask, “is there another way to deepen our faith?” We all struggle with our faith and sometimes wonder how we can possibly muddle through our circumstances. I am reminded of the story of the possessed boy in Mark 9 and Matthew 17.

You remember the story…as Jesus and three of his disciples descended from the event we know as the “transfiguration”, they approached a crowd. One man stepped forth, fell to his knees and pleaded with Jesus to heal his son who had been possessed by a demon since childhood. Even Jesus’ disciples – the very disciples who have spent the last three years walking with God on earth – could not drive out the demon. Jesus became frustrated with them and chewed them out, calling them “faithless” (KJV) or “unbelieving” (NIV). He then quickly dispenses with the demon and returns the healed boy to his father.

The disciples are now confounded and wonder what they did wrong. What I find interesting is Jesus’ response. Matthew records that Jesus tells them it was because of their lack of faith (vs. 20), but we read the rest of the story in Mark 9:29, “…This kind can come out only by prayer.” (NIV) How was Jesus able to drive out the demon? Through the power of prayer! How did the boy's father increase his faith? Through the power of prayer! “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” (NKJV)

Isn’t it good to know that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) When was the last time we “cried out with tears” to our Lord and Protector? When was the last time we saw our prayers fulfilled through the power of God? And how much did our faith increase when we realized that Jesus really will take care of us just as He promised?

Pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

PRAY HARD!