Today I prayed Mark 9:24 "I believe, help my unbelief." years ago I preached a message calling this prayer "the five most powerful words in the Bible." Today as I walked and prayed I became very aware of the context of the verse. You see, prior to verse 24, Peter responded to the transfiguration by spouting off something religious (the Bible says he didn't know what to say) and later the apostles are shown as not knowing what to pray. Suddenly in stark contrast to the behavior of Jesus' closest followers we see a man approach Jesus and utter the words recorded in verse 24. This man is forever identified by his words as no other description is given (he is simply called "one of the crowd"). Oh Lord, that I may have such faith in You. Faith that prompts me to want your help (not my own experience or education) to eradicate my unbelief!
I believe help my unbelief! It is interesting to note that this phrase is the antithesis of most people's mantra, which would be something like. "I don't believe, help my belief." Peter and the apostles certainly can learn something from this simple prayer... so can we.
