Five Marks of Effective Prayer

"And a leper came to Jesus, imploring him, and kneeling to him said, “If you will, you can make me clean."– Mark 1:40

The last passage of chapter 1 (verses 40-45), records the miracle of Jesus cleansing a leper. It is also recorded in Matthew 8:1-4 and Luke 5:12-15.

Leprosy was the most dreaded disease in the Bible. The term “leprosy” was used to describe anything from a skin rash to Hansen’s Disease (the modern name for leprosy). Luke 5:12 says this man who came to Jesus was “full of leprosy.” This was no skin rash. It was full-blown leprosy in its advanced stages. In his desperation, he came to Jesus for help. And Jesus made him clean (Mark 1:41-42).

This story is about the miracle-working and divine authority of Jesus. This leper is only a trophy of amazing grace. The priority of this passage it what it teaches us about Jesus. But there is a lesson about prayer in the actions and words of the leper. The way he came to Jesus shows us how to go to God in prayer.

Mark 1:40 teaches us five marks of effective prayer.... Read More