Pray, Church, Pray!

In Mark 9.14-32, there is a story about Jesus’ healing a boy with an evil spirit. Jesus and three of his disciples were just coming down from a great experience on the top of a mountain. The rest of the disciples had been asked to help the boy, but they were unable to do so. Jesus, of course, was able to deliver the boy. The disciples asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we?” Jesus replied “This kind can come out only by prayer” (v. 29).

As I meditated on this incident, I realized that God has work for us to do. While he gives us much to do on the level of human endeavor, some of his work can only be done by prayer:

• We can organize and manage churches and ministries…
• We can build buildings for functional ministry…
• We can invite people to fill those buildings…
• We can plan and conduct inspiring worship services…
• We can lead people in the promises of God…
• We can feed and clothe and house the poor…
• We can visit and encourage the afflicted…
• We can teach and equip the saints…

But only God can dispel the darkness and drive away the demons, and only he can bring new life to a sin-imprisoned soul.

Never think that our work alone will bring about the kingdom of God. We must do our work, and he must do his work. Do the other, for we must, we ought, we can. But cry out to God to deliver the sin-trapped soul.

So, pray, Church, pray!