This day with God will be amazing because we will gain momentum today from reading Mark 9:14-29. Like a small seed growing into a huge tree or a tiny spark growing into a raging fire, it only takes a trace of faith to enter the mind and grow in our hearts. Eventually this small trace of faith will multiply to crowd out the negatives so that there is only the overwhelming power of faith.

In today’s reading, Jesus returns from the mountaintop and the disciples are involved in trying to cast out a demon from a boy who had been stricken for a long time. The boy was having convulsions but the disciples were helpless and ineffective. Once Jesus takes over, the demons inside the boy were driven out.

So we learn that in order to receive the power, we must first believe. As Jesus explains in verse 23, all things are possible for one who believes. After this miracle, they go indoors and the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we drive out the demon from the boy?” Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

What specific steps can we take to grow our faith and improve our prayer life? One idea I had recently was to pray while taking walks in my neighborhood. The photo above was taken on one of those early morning walks as the sun rises.

This day with You Lord, we now turn on the power of prayer. We have confidence that You are big enough to meet all our needs; to satisfy our souls. BIGGER than we could have ever imagined. Like the doubting disciples who could not heal the boy, we sometimes have doubts but You give us confidence. You are with us and prepare us for each day with just a trace of faith. Amen.