I Believe, Help My Unbelief Give Me A Word

    • Christianity

The prayer of the father of the demon-possessed boy, “I believe, help my unbelief,” (Mk 9.24) is an example for us of how we ought to prayer, says Fr Vincent Temirov. It is the humility and faith in our words, not the “multiplicity” or complexity of our words in prayer, that are most pleasing to God. St John of the Ladder, commemorated on this fourth Sunday of Lent, instructed us not to use “falsely wise words” in prayer, as “it is often the simple and uncomplicated whispering of children that rejoices our Heavenly Father.” Fr Vincent also emphasizes the gospel lesson about prayer and fasting–not only does it benefit our own souls, but it is also an act of love for others.

The prayer of the father of the demon-possessed boy, “I believe, help my unbelief,” (Mk 9.24) is an example for us of how we ought to prayer, says Fr Vincent Temirov. It is the humility and faith in our words, not the “multiplicity” or complexity of our words in prayer, that are most pleasing to God. St John of the Ladder, commemorated on this fourth Sunday of Lent, instructed us not to use “falsely wise words” in prayer, as “it is often the simple and uncomplicated whispering of children that rejoices our Heavenly Father.” Fr Vincent also emphasizes the gospel lesson about prayer and fasting–not only does it benefit our own souls, but it is also an act of love for others.