7th Week in Ordinary Time
This kind can only come out through prayer. (Mark 9:29)
Like noisy gulls screeching and squawking over picnic remains, the disciples and the scribes argued. Possibly the contention centered on the disciples’ inability to drive out demons or whether they even had the right to try. Either way, the scene was messy. Try to picture grown men disputing with one another, while a crowd forms and a father pleads frantically for help as an evil spirit tosses his son about. It’s ugly and noisy—definitely not peaceable or inspiring!
Then Jesus wades in. The mess doesn’t get in his way. He remains focused on the one who is suffering, not the diversion caused by crowds and controversies.
And that, in part, is why Jesus said prayer is necessary. Through prayer, we put aside the noise of the world so that we can see more clearly what needs to be done. When we come into contact with the Lord, we allow him to influence us and guide us. We don’t get bogged down in distractions or needless controversies.
Do you believe that this is possible for you? It is! You have the Spirit in you, ready to give you his wisdom. You even have Jesus’ promise that everyone who comes to him finds rest (Matthew 11:28). God has poured his love into your heart through the Spirit, and he longs for you to encounter that love in prayer.
It all begins in prayer, but it certainly doesn’t end there! Prayer is not a moment of time with Jesus, followed by many more moments of thinking and acting the same old way. Prayer is meant to change us so that we think and act like Jesus. Prayer opens our eyes and makes us aware of things that we used to overlook, like the suffering of the poor or the marginalizing of those who don’t measure up to society’s standards. Prayer makes us more loving and considerate.
In prayer, the Lord shows us how to live and how to love. So let him quiet the noise around you. Come away with him, and listen. He has something he wants to say to you today.
“Holy Spirit, fill me with your peace and gentleness. Help me bear good fruit wherever I go today.”
James 3:13-18; Psalm 19:8-10, 15
Daily Marriage Tip for February 24, 2014:
Lent is approaching. Is there a bad habit that you would like to eliminate? Anything you wouldn’t want to teach your children to do? Lent and your children can give you the motivation to let go of it. Ask your spouse for help.