Day 26: Help my unbelief

Mark 9:14-29 (OTB)

¹⁴When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, with scribes arguing with them. ¹⁵As soon as the crowd saw Jesus, they were filled with wonder and ran to greet him. ¹⁶He inquired of them, “What is the dispute you are having with them?” ¹⁷One man from the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that renders him mute. ¹⁸Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” ¹⁹Jesus responded, “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I remain with you? How long shall I endure you? Bring the boy to me.” ²⁰They brought the boy to Jesus. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground, rolling and foaming at the mouth. ²¹Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” He replied, “From childhood. ²²It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” ²³Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.” ²⁴Immediately, the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” ²⁵When Jesus saw a crowd rapidly gathering, he rebuked the impure spirit, saying, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” ²⁶The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and departed. The boy appeared so much like a corpse that many said, “He is dead.” ²⁷But Jesus, taking him by the hand, helped him to his feet, and he stood up. ²⁸After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why were we unable to drive it out?” ²⁹He replied, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”