The week of the long walk to the cross is underway. The text slows down remarkably, and we are given glimpses into the last intimate moments of instruction and wisdom mingled with love and compassion that our Rabbi Jesus offers to his disciples.
This text may invoke a longing to be in agreement with God through prayer: that place where our innermost desires become unified and we long for the same thing. As we become more like Jesus, these desires increasing shift from being externally imposed on us to springing up from a well within.
As we enter into prayer, we may ask ourselves, “am I having faith in God or the outcome of my prayer?”
Mark 11:20-25 (NIV)
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
What word(s) or phrase(s) in the passage call out to you?
What prayers has God placed in your heart? What doubts do you have about these prayers? Bring these into conversation with God.
Where are you noticing that your desires are aligning with God’s desires? Journal what you notice.
Is anything (or anyone) blocking your freedom to come to God in prayer? Invite God to show you – offering and receiving forgiveness as the Holy Spirit prompts.