Mark 9:28
After having front row seats to Jesus' life-changing work in a young boy and his father, the disciples could only think of themselves. I never cease to be amazed at our capacity to make everything about us. We're so good at turning God moments into "us" moments. I often wonder if the core of our sinful nature is simply good ole fashion selfishness? We say that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, but we actually live loving ourselves with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
So how did Jesus respond? First, Jesus did not rebuke the disciples. Are you not so grateful for the grace of Jesus as He grows us? He mostly teaches. Rebukes are reserved for only the occasional necessity. Jesus matures us through new revelations of Spirit and Truth rather than through fear or condemnation.
Secondly, Jesus elevated the importance of prayer over ability. Prayer connects us to the One who prepares and empowers us to flow in Kingdom authority and discernment. Ability implies human effort and skill. In short, Jesus was saying to His disciples and to us: "You" will never drive it out. It's not about you; it's about the power of God flowing through you.
There is a subtle yet significant difference between those statements. The former turns the attention to us. The latter turns the attention to the Great I Am - in whom all power, authority, life, and love exist eternally. You and I exhibit these qualities not from anything we have done but entirely from what He has done for us.
And thirdly, Jesus' response implied that the kind of prayer He is referring to is a lifestyle of "pre-prayered-ness." I'm not sure if anyone else has already laid claim to that phrase? If not, I claim it now!! Interestingly, Jesus never prayed right before He healed the boy. So He is not referring to a special crafted prayer in the moment. Rather, He is implying and teaching: Pray without ceasing. Be prayed up daily so you are ready when called upon. These kind come out only when your life is in continual alignment with the Father.
There is a special kind of power that flows through us when we are called upon to minister or pray or encourage or help or heal, and the will of the Father has already been stirring in us from prior times of prayer. That, my friends, is pre-prayered-ness. It is what Jesus modeled for us and is that which we are to strive for daily.
I conclude with a question directed to myself first and you second: How many remain lost, broken and/or wounded as Believers remain selfish and powerless from refusing to cultivate a life of prayer without ceasing?
Ex nihilo,
R.J. Rhoden
