Topical Bible: Unbelief: Pray for Help Against

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Unbelief, a state of doubt or lack of faith in God and His promises, is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is often portrayed as a spiritual struggle that believers must confront and overcome through prayer and reliance on God's strength. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to seek divine assistance in overcoming unbelief.

One of the most poignant examples of praying for help against unbelief is found in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 9:24, a father seeking healing for his demon-possessed son cries out to Jesus, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" . This heartfelt plea encapsulates the tension between faith and doubt, acknowledging the presence of belief while simultaneously seeking divine aid to overcome lingering skepticism.

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of faith and the dangers of unbelief. Hebrews 3:12 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God" . This admonition highlights the potential for unbelief to lead one away from a relationship with God, underscoring the necessity of vigilance and prayer in maintaining faith.

Prayer is a powerful tool in combating unbelief. James 1:5-6 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, stating, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" . This passage underscores the importance of approaching God with a sincere heart, trusting in His ability to provide guidance and strength.

The Psalms also offer numerous examples of prayers for help against unbelief. In Psalm 86:11, the psalmist petitions, "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name" . This prayer reflects a desire for a steadfast heart, free from the distractions and doubts that can lead to unbelief.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses the issue of unbelief among His disciples and followers. In Matthew 17:20, He explains, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" . This teaching emphasizes the power of even the smallest amount of faith and encourages believers to pray for an increase in faith to overcome unbelief.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often prays for the faith of the early Christian communities. In Ephesians 3:16-17, he writes, "I pray that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" . Paul's prayers serve as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of interceding for oneself and others to combat unbelief and strengthen faith.

In summary, the Bible provides a wealth of guidance for those struggling with unbelief. Through prayer, believers are encouraged to seek God's help in overcoming doubt, drawing on the examples and teachings found throughout Scripture. By relying on God's strength and wisdom, believers can cultivate a robust and enduring faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 9:24
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
... the belief that we are pardoned, there may also arise the unbelief against which
we need the Lord to help us ... I try to pray, but it is not worth calling prayer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/faiths dawn and its clouds.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... Now he that prayeth for this, must pray for abundance of grace for the church, for
help against all its temptations; that God would let nothing be too hard for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

The Holiness of God
... is stained with pride; he that has most faith needs pray, Lord, help my unbelief:'
but the ... it does all it can to spite God; if sin could help it, God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 the holiness of god.htm

Temptations.
... subject of our discourse, yields plenty of help for the ... Now, if ignorance and unbelief
prevail, he concludeth that he ... him up; now he can neither pray, nor read ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xv temptations.htm

Believe Just Now
... up your drunken habits, but you can go and pray to God ... might just as well say, I
can't help stealing and ... How much more in the continuous unbelief of twenty or ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter ix believe just now.htm

Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief.
... religious matters, an evil heart of unbelief, both they ... we have not enough light,
enough help, enough inducements ... and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vi miracles no remedy.htm

And Lead us not into Temptation.
... and faint and to relapse into sin, shame, and unbelief. ... Accordingly, there is no
help or comfort except to run ... Dear Father, Thou hast bidden me pray; let me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/and lead us not into.htm

The Withered Fig Tree
... barren, that you cannot serve God as you would, nor even pray for more ... is sweetness
in that fig as this, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief." Here is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the withered fig tree.htm

The Power of God
... though a holy man, limited God's power through unbelief. ... I pray, but I cannot send
out strong cries. ... All the church's pangs shall help forward her deliverance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

Human Inability
... Have you not sometimes been obliged to say that you have wished to believe. but
you have had to pray, Lord, help mine unbelief?" Because, although ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human inability.htm