Pray With Belief

“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” ~ Mark 9:24

A father, burdened by his son’s affliction, cries out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This seemingly contradictory statement encapsulates the struggle many face when praying for the salvation of others. It acknowledges a flicker of faith while simultaneously admitting doubt and the need for divine intervention. This verse should empower our prayers for the unsaved in several ways.

Firstly, it reminds us that authenticity is crucial in prayer. We need not pretend to possess unwavering faith when interceding for loved ones trapped in spiritual darkness. It’s okay to admit our own doubts and anxieties regarding their salvation. God honors honest, heartfelt pleas, even those laced with uncertainty.

Secondly, it highlights the necessity of God’s grace in salvation. The father’s cry for help recognizes his inability to change his son’s heart. Similarly, we must acknowledge that salvation is ultimately a work of God. Our prayers are not magic formulas; they are expressions of dependence on the One who can transform lives. This realization should fuel our persistence and fervency in prayer, knowing that God is the ultimate author of salvation.

Finally, Mark 9:24 reminds us that prayer is a journey, not a destination. The father’s plea is not a passive resignation but an active pursuit of deeper faith. Similarly, our prayers for the unsaved should be marked by perseverance and a willingness to grow in our own faith. As we intercede for others, God works in us, deepening our compassion, strengthening our trust, and empowering us to be agents of His love and grace.

The father’s cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” serves as a powerful model for praying for the unsaved. It encourages authenticity, highlights our dependence on God’s grace, urges us to cling to hope, and reminds us that prayer is a transformative journey. As we intercede for those lost in spiritual darkness, may this father’s example empower us to pray with honesty, persistence, and unwavering faith in the God who can save.

Clay Gentry