The Gospels give us an account of the disciples of Jesus having difficulty driving out a demon. It was causing extreme physical symptoms in a young man. This should not have been a problem as their Master had delegated authority to them to do this kind of ministry, and they had done so effectively before. But on this occasion they seemed to be having extra difficulty. Jesus arrived, banished the evil spirit and the boy was healed.
What is intriguing is Jesus’ answer when the disciples asked Him about their failure. He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’ (Mark 9 v 29)
So there are some things that are simply beyond us to do on our own, even with delegated authority. Some situations in life where we are basically helpless without higher power from beyond ourselves. Circumstances beyond our control. Family members causing anxiety. Addictions too strong to break. Poverty. Terrorism. War.
There are occasions, perhaps far more than we would realise or admit, when we need to earnestly cry out for help to Almighty God for His grace and help. There’s no shame in this. The Bible calls it praying. The disciples noticed Jesus doing it. A lot.
We may feel powerless to change the world, but we make a significant contribution to it all when we pray, and surrender our hearts, minds, lives to God to heal and change us.
I’ve found it helpful recently to write some prayers down. Feel free to use the one below and share with friends and family. Evil can try and make harmful, binding inroads in our lives through very natural human feelings like bitterness and anger but thanks be to God – He gives us freedom and victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Freedom Prayer
Lord, there are many things that seek to keep me bound -
People and devils, systems, rules and restrictions,
With their money, barbed wire, promises and threats.
But mainly it’s my own cowardly fear that is the jailor,
With my addiction to guilty thoughts, prejudice, phobias,
And simple bad habits.
So Lord, make me free inside,
In my heart and soul and mind and strength,
Free to think clearly, trust wholeheartedly and choose wisely,
Free to love deeply and faithfully,
Free to live simply and positively with gratitude.
With your powerful name break every curse, every bad word,
Every darkness that is set to hinder, harm or confuse me.
With your strong forgiveness raise my heart to live anew,
And deliver me from bitterness and resentment.
With your living Spirit dwell in me and liberate me
To love enemies and overcome evil with good.
Show me the opportunities today, right here in this small corner
To walk in the freedom of your obedience and goodness,
For your sake, and everyone else’s too.
Amen
What is intriguing is Jesus’ answer when the disciples asked Him about their failure. He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’ (Mark 9 v 29)
So there are some things that are simply beyond us to do on our own, even with delegated authority. Some situations in life where we are basically helpless without higher power from beyond ourselves. Circumstances beyond our control. Family members causing anxiety. Addictions too strong to break. Poverty. Terrorism. War.
There are occasions, perhaps far more than we would realise or admit, when we need to earnestly cry out for help to Almighty God for His grace and help. There’s no shame in this. The Bible calls it praying. The disciples noticed Jesus doing it. A lot.
We may feel powerless to change the world, but we make a significant contribution to it all when we pray, and surrender our hearts, minds, lives to God to heal and change us.
I’ve found it helpful recently to write some prayers down. Feel free to use the one below and share with friends and family. Evil can try and make harmful, binding inroads in our lives through very natural human feelings like bitterness and anger but thanks be to God – He gives us freedom and victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Freedom Prayer
Lord, there are many things that seek to keep me bound -
People and devils, systems, rules and restrictions,
With their money, barbed wire, promises and threats.
But mainly it’s my own cowardly fear that is the jailor,
With my addiction to guilty thoughts, prejudice, phobias,
And simple bad habits.
So Lord, make me free inside,
In my heart and soul and mind and strength,
Free to think clearly, trust wholeheartedly and choose wisely,
Free to love deeply and faithfully,
Free to live simply and positively with gratitude.
With your powerful name break every curse, every bad word,
Every darkness that is set to hinder, harm or confuse me.
With your strong forgiveness raise my heart to live anew,
And deliver me from bitterness and resentment.
With your living Spirit dwell in me and liberate me
To love enemies and overcome evil with good.
Show me the opportunities today, right here in this small corner
To walk in the freedom of your obedience and goodness,
For your sake, and everyone else’s too.
Amen
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