ARE YOUR PRAYERS LIFE-DESTROYING OR LIFE-GIVING?

 

People are always crying out to Jesus, always praying. Some prayers are tragic and destructive. Some people are asking things of God of which they are not even aware. But others are begging God in prayer in ways that bring healing and life. Many have no idea how to pray, but they know enough to come to the right Source to find life.

How are you praying today?

Notice the six prayers found in one chapter, Mark 5. See if you find yourself, or those you love, in any of these moments.

PRAYER #1: THE PRAYER OF A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN

One man was so full of demons that he was banned to live in the tombs outside the city. He was constantly “cutting himself” (which helps us understand where the age-old and tragic practice of “cutting” comes from). Listen to his prayer.

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and knelt down before him. And he cried out with a loud voice, “What do you have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you before God, don’t torment me!” For he had told him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”

“What is your name?” he asked him.

“My name is Legion,” he answered him, “because we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the region.  (Mk 5:6–10)

His prayer was coming from a darker source, the demons who inhabited him. Notice that he “begged” Christ not to send “them” away. Why would you make such a foolish request unless it was driven by the demons who inhabited you?

PRAYER #2: THE PRAYER OF DEMONS

When the host of demons realized who they were dealing with, THEY began to pray. They were fearful (perhaps) that they would be sent to a worse place, perhaps back to the hell they came from. They cried out for a little reprieve from the One they knew had absolute authority over them.

A large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him, “Send us to the pigs, so that we may enter them.” So he gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned there. (Mk 5:11–13)

PRAYER #3: THE PRAYER OF FEARFUL, SELF-FOCUSED UNBELIEVERS

Next, Jesus is met with the townspeople who were fearful of all that had happened. Instead of rejoicing over a man who had been gloriously delivered, they were more worried about their pigs. They were afraid that Jesus’ presence would upset the status quo, maybe even cost them money. They prayed the most tragic prayer.

The men who tended them ran off and reported it in the town and the countryside, and people went to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and told about the pigs. Then they began to beg him to leave their region. (Mk 5:14–17)

Jesus answered their prayers, got into a boat and left. Are you asking God to just leave you alone, perhaps without even realizing the tragedy of your request?

PRAYER #4: THE PRAYER OF A GRATEFUL, DELIVERED MAN

The next prayer comes from the depths of the soul of the delivered man. He is overwhelmingly grateful and asks Jesus if he can just come with him, wherever He goes. But Jesus answered that prayer by sending him on a mission for the kingdom. He had a greater purpose for him.

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed. (Mk 5:18–20)

Are you asking God where you are to go next, who you are to speak to about what God has done for you, so that they may see His great works and be amazed?

PRAYER #5: THE PRAYER OF A DESPERATE FATHER

Jairus had a 12-year-old daughter who was near death. He was a synagogue leader who, normally, would have been skeptical and questioning about Jesus. But when a father’s heart is challenged, he runs without question or hesitation to where he can find help. His prayer was a bold, begging prayer for help for one he loved.

When Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the sea. One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she can get well and live.” So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against him. (Mk 5:21–24)

Are you running to Jesus, kneeling before Him and praying for those you love, believing that Christ can help them? Or are you simply worrying? Adopting merely humanistic answers and beliefs? Ignoring Jesus because you don’t believe?

PRAYER #6: THE SILENT CRY OF A HOPELESS WOMAN

And finally, a woman who had lost all hope because of years of sickness. She had tried every doctor to no avail. Now, without even speaking, her prayer is an outstretched hand to simply touch the hem of Christ’s clothing—a silent prayer that was more effective than anything she had done for years, for the direction of her humble prayer was right … she came to Jesus.

Now a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothing. For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction. (Mk 5:25–29)

Are you looking to everyone and everything else, ignoring the only One who can heal and deliver you?

How are you praying today?