A Worried Father Prays

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Scripture: Mark 9:24-25
"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'”

Meditation
There are many wonderful prayers in the Bible. Even if you look no further than the Psalms, there you can find a prayer for every human emotion possible, and yes, I often do turn to them. However, this prayer I turn to even more. I find it compelling. I also find it easy to remember, which is a plus.

This is a prayer of a father who wants only that his child be healed. He is responding to Jesus' statement that "All things can be done for the one who believes." This worried father desperately wants to be counted in that camp. Yet, he knows that at times his faith wavers. He recognizes that his faith is not perfect. He is afraid and pleads for help. And yes, Jesus heals his son. I think in this process the father's unbelief is healed as well.

Here we are reassured that our faith does not have to be perfect. Jesus does not ask perfection from us. However, he does ask that we reach out, and that we are honest. 

This week I have been in a panic. I am in the transition of moving from being the associate pastor of the San Lorenzo Church to the pastor. Although I know the congregation well, there are new tasks to take on. While I believe I am truly called to this position, there are times when I worry. 

​It is then that I can remember this simple, but profound prayer, "Help my unbelief." In all honesty, I feel comforted.

 Yes, my worries eventually return. So, I pray again. The good news is that we cannot pray too much, and we are never turned away. This is how Jesus helps our unbelief. He helps us to hold it, and to let it go.

Prayer
Lord, help our unbelief. Help us when we despair of what is happening in our hearts, in our families and communities, and in our world. We confess our fears. We then turn to you and find the comfort of being reminded that with you all things are possible. We can then believe and have courage once more.In gratitude for this moment, and in all our moments of believing and unbelieving, we give you thanks and pray, 
Amen
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com