only prayer

I want to look at Jesus healing the boy this morning. I have a lot of questions. Is Jesus rebuking the faith of the disciples along with everyone else? Is he emphasizing that people don't believe Jesus is the Messiah who is God's saving force in the world? Is he simply making the point that the practice of prayer is necessary for this kind of power?

The only thing I can think of without looking into it further is that Jesus is condemning the lack of faith of the Jews who fail to see Jesus as the Messiah. They see the signs of miracles and healings, yet still act confused as to what God is up to among them. They always need more signs and more assurance. Then Jesus is teaching the disciples that prayer, which cultivates dependence and close relationship with God, is necessary to expanding this saving force to others.

I would love to know others' thoughts on this. My take away is the prayer aspect. I don't pray enough. It shows the bigger problem of how I really don't believe that Jesus has the power to do much in my life. I take it on myself. Just like the father of the possessed son, I say I believe, but I need to overcome my unbelief. There is some connection, based on this story, between prayer and being apart of God's saving force on earth.

Lord, help me to pray and recognize you as one who is able to accomplish everything. Help me to be dependent on you.