First Responders
Mark 9:29
And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can lose sight of what matters most when caring for our patients. For example , a number of months ago we had a lady who was distraught with multiple complicated issues. I was treating her in a village clinic, and I thought the best option was to give her a cortisone shot.
Looking back, I realize I was so focused on addressing her immediate medical needs that I did not take enough time to sit down, listen, and fully understand her concerns. Despite my intention to help, I could sense that she remained distressed, and I realized that I had not fully addressed what she was experiencing. I then consulted with a colleague, and together we continued supporting her.
We also invited our pastor to join us, and with her agreement, we gathered around her in prayer. In that moment, I believe she experienced God’s love and care, and I was reminded of the importance of caring for the whole person, including their emotional and spiritual needs. That experience reinforced that prayer, compassion, and attentive listening should be central to how we care for every patient, alongside the medical expertise we bring.
In Mark 9, we read about the disciples’ unsuccessful attempt to heal a boy who was suffering greatly. When Jesus arrived, the boy’s father pleaded with Him to help his son. Perhaps the disciples had begun relying on their own abilities rather than recognizing their dependence on God through prayer. They were about to learn an important lesson from the Great Physician. Jesus responded, “Anything is possible if you believe.” The boy’s father responded with humility, “I believe; help my unbelief!” The father’s response revealed both his faith and humility, and Jesus healed his son. Later, when the disciples asked why they had been unable to help him, Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer.
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus regularly withdrawing to pray, demonstrating the importance of seeking the Father amid the demands of ministry. What a powerful reminder of the relationship between humility, faith, and prayer.
In Guatemala, Faith In Practice teams begin each morning with prayer and a devotional. We are reminded of the extraordinary privilege we have to approach God directly through prayer, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.
When Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). Through Christ, we now have direct access to God in prayer, no matter how big or small our requests or concerns may be. He loves to hear from His children. And even when we struggle to find the right words, Scripture reminds us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness (Romans 8:26–27). May we never underestimate the importance, privilege, and priority of prayer as we care for our patients and serve God through this mission. We invite our entire Faith In Practice family to join us in prayer for our patients, volunteers, staff, and the communities we serve.
Dr. Mark Woolf
