Here is today’s Bible reading:  Leviticus 20:22-22:16; Mark 9:2-29; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 10:18.

Mark 9:28-29 (NIV)
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
[29] He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Some manuscripts read “prayer and fasting.”  This reading seems to make the most sense.  Wouldn’t the disciples have prayed in the original efforts to drive out this demon? Jesus seems to be indicating that there is a special outpouring of His presence and power that accompanies biblical fasting.  Some things will only happen in response to God’s people obediently practicing this spiritual discipline.  Is fasting a vital part of your relationship with Jesus?