What Jesus Did! 'Only By Prayer' — Mark 9:28-29

Monday, June 17, 2024

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"

Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer."

— Mark 9:28-29 NLT

Key Thought

Often, I fear, the reason God's people don't do what they are capable of doing for the Kingdom of God is that they don't pray expecting God to answer. We must rededicate ourselves to "prayer offered in faith." [1] We must return to prayer to ask for God's help, power, mercy, grace, and might. We must also return to prayer to humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God so that he will lift us up. We must return to prayer to re-awaken us to the mighty acts that God has already done for us and to give him the thanks and praise due his name. Great things can be done for God consistently and effectively only when God's people pray.

[1] James 1:5-8, 5:15.

Today's Prayer

Forgive my silence and my sense of self-sufficiency, O God. I know that without your mercy, power, and grace I will fail. Please accept my humble cries for your forgiveness and my passionate pleas for your mercy, your grace, your strength, and your direction. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 14:12-14
  • James 5:13-16
  • Acts 4:31

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:28-29 NLT — Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?" Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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