Parent Prayers
When a spirit-possessed boy saw Jesus, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood … if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:17-24
Some parental decisions are straightforward, simple, easy. Others are agonizing. All are important. Some decisions might seem trivial, but every decision a parent makes has an impact on his child. God Himself tells parents, “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) and nurture him “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Parenting is a gospel ministry to redeemed souls that includes providing earthly support. When we consider this, we may well say with the apostle Paul, “who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16)
The father with the spirit-infested boy desperately wanted his son to be healed for both their sakes—have compassion on us and help us, was the father’s plea. When Jesus told the man, “all things are possible to him who believes” the man instantly knew his insufficiency and offered the parent prayer: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Parents are flawed, broken, and weak sinners just like their children. Yet they have been given a tremendous responsibility. They are called to lead, make decisions, nurture, and show the Savior to their children. There is just so much! The wise parent diligently goes to the Word of God to gain a heart of wisdom and to pray, “Lord I have foolishness, give me wisdom. Lord, I’m scared, give me courage. Lord, I am confused, give me clarity. Lord, have compassion and help us. I believe, help my unbelief.”
Christ Jesus, teacher sent from God, through whom all blessings flow,
You are the wisdom that we seek, to whom else shall we go?
You have the word that sets us free to give us life eternally.
Christian Worship 755:1-2 (adapted)