A Lifestyle of Prayer and Fasting

So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29

Jesus was responding to the disciples question of why they were not able to cast the death in dumb spirit out of the boy. The boy’s father had brought the boy for healing. He explained that his son was mute. His son was often seized, thrown down, foaming at the mouth, gnashing his teeth, and becoming rigid, He shared from childhood the spirit would throw his son in the fire and into the water to destroy him. Jesus’s response was prayer and fasting.

It’s interesting to me that this is not something Jesus warned the disciples of when he sent them out in March 6. Jesus gave the discipled the power over unclean spirits. Not being successful in casting out this spirit must have felt like a defeat to the disciples. However, they did not ask Jesus about it before the boy was brought to Jesus. Or if they did have the conversation, it is not a recorded conversation.

What can I learn from this passage on fasting?

• It is okay to ask Jesus about our failures.
• There are demonic spirits operating in the lives of people on earth.
• Some demons can only be removed through the power of prayer coupled with fasting.
• Jesus lived a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, as He was able to deliver the boy immediately. So prayer and fasting should be a lifestyle, not a response to a problem.
• Jesus didn’t condemn the disciples when they asked by they couldn’t but He was able to deliver the boy.
• The healing was a source of contention in the crowd.

Lord, I want to see the miracles that You said would follow those who believe. I want to see the enemy cast down when I live a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. Let me bring my failures to You Lord without condemnation, knowing You won’t condemn me. Amen.