An Honest Prayer

Scripture Reading: Numbers 10-11; Mark 9; Psalm 54

I used to have a book in my library that was part of a series. It was called All the Prayers in the Bible. It was a big book—because there are a lot of prayers in the Bible. Out of all the great prayers recorded in Scripture, one of my favorites is the prayer of the father who had a demon-possessed son. It’s an honest prayer, one that I often find myself praying alongside this man:

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."

At first, it sounds like a contradiction. How can you believe and not believe at the same time? But this verse reminds us that faith, like so many things in life, isn’t all or nothing. As J.C. Ryle said:

"The poor man’s prayer is one which ought to be the prayer of all Christians. Our faith is at best very weak; our love is but cold; our zeal is but languid; our patience but short-lived. We are apt to doubt both the power and the will of Christ to save us. We are apt to doubt whether we have the Spirit and whether we shall ever be saved. Let us always remember this: If we desire to be eminent Christians, let us constantly pray, ‘Lord, increase our faith.’"

It’s understandable that this man struggled with faith. His son had suffered in this condition for years. The disciples had tried and failed to help. Nothing was working, and no one had been able to make a difference. Why should he believe? And yet, somehow, there was still a glimmer of hope in his heart. It might have been easier for him to simply say, “I can’t believe.” But he did believe—even if his faith was weak and imperfect.

This morning, we can be encouraged. Even when, like this man, our faith is frail and full of doubts, Jesus still responds. He didn’t use this man’s honest confession against him. He answered his prayer and healed his son.

You don’t have to hide what’s true in you from Jesus. Pray honestly. When you have to say, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” He hears you—with mercy, not condemnation.