Daily Word Of God
Mark 9:17-24
A man from the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to drive it out and they were unable to.’
In reply he said to them, ‘Faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.’ They brought the boy to him, and at once the spirit of dumbness threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ ‘From childhood,’ he said, ‘and it has often thrown him into fire and into water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.’
‘If you can?’ retorted Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who has faith.’ At once the father of the boy cried out, ‘I have faith. Help my lack of faith!’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Jesus emphasized that prayer is essential for anyone who wishes to follow Him. What role does prayer play in my own life?
- Prayer is personal conversation with Jesus. How is Jesus present in my own prayer life? Do I pray to Him or pray with Him?
- Prayer helps to drive away obstacles that prevent us from following Jesus. What is leading me away from Jesus now? How can I converse with Jesus more intimately?