God’s Power Works Through Prayer

Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus Heals the Demon Possessed Boy)

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”  Mark 9:28, 29

Props: large (but light) box, large rock, simple items that can act as a fulcrum and lever

Preparation: Label the box “enemy’s power;” the rock, “God’s power;” the fulcrum, “you;” and the lever, “prayer.”  

 In today’s Bible Lesson, you heard about how our enemy, satan, had control over a boy.  The disciples tried to get rid of the evil spirit inside of him, but they couldn’t.  Satan has power and he was using that power to control the boy and make him do things to hurt himself.  Jesus said that  “The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) In other words, the devil is only out to hurt you, me and everyone else.  But Jesus came to bring us life.

Like I said, the devil does have some power.  But God’s power is greater.  Look at this box.  It’s like the enemy’s power that controlled that little boy.  The disciples tried to move the enemy out of the way. (Pretend to struggle moving box and be unable to do so).  Then Jesus came along.  He explained why they couldn’t do it. 

(Show rock).  God has amazing and incredible power.  He could zap the devil anytime He wants to.  You have problems with the devil?  God can take care of it!  Do you know someone who is miserable because the enemy is constantly bothering them?  God can bring peace to that person and drive out the enemy.  But remember what Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29)

(Display fulcrum and lever).  God doesn’t just usually barrel over satan.  God chooses to work through the prayers of His saints.  Who are His saints?  You are!  As you go to God in prayer and lift people and problems up in prayer, God’s power begins to work and push the enemy out. 

(Operate fulcrum and lever, lifting box).  Do you see how God’s power is working through the prayer?  You don’t have the power in and of yourself, but God does.  And you can pray and let God’s power work.  What a miracle!