And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer” (Mark 9:29).

I’ve heard prayer defined and described in many ways. Here are several:

• A dinner conversation with a good friend.
• A commitment of reliance and a cry for help.
• Fellowship with our Creator.
• Listening and responding to God.
• Adoring, confessing, thanking, and requesting.

You’ve probably heard several as well. In each of those definitions or descriptions, there’s an understanding that we need God, that He’s powerful, that He cares, that He wants to hear from us, that He wants to grant our requests, and on and on. Prayer is such a wonderful gift God has given us.

I wonder if Jesus’ response in Mark 9:29 to the disciples’ inability to cast out the unclean spirit was highlighting a wrong posture that had taken up “residence” in their heart? I wonder if His words were attributed to their lack of reliance upon Him for help. In other words, they failed to realize that apart from Jesus they have no power to bring about change in someone’s life, let alone a child possessed by a demon.

Here’s one thought I’ll leave you with: in what areas are you reliant upon your ability, competency, or wisdom to bring about change, rather than the person and power of Jesus?

Jesus, please remind me that I need you in every area of my life.