Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
Mark 1:21-28

Dear God, I had two thoughts while reading this passage. First, I’d love to have heard Jesus teach “with authority.” I’ve taught before. I’ve preached sermons. I don’t think I’ve ever done it with authority. I’ve had more of a messenger’s tone. I e taken the words you divinely inspired and tried to deliver them. But apparently Jesus delivered the words that he (and you and the Holy Spirit) divinely inspired and shared them directly. It must have sounded very different.

Second, how much do I still overlook the idea of evil spirits (demons?) being at play in others or even with me? Do I chalk it up to psychological disorders or something like that and forget to pray in that way?

Father, if I need to remember this more, remind me in the moment. Teach me to pray, Lord. I don’t want to miss opportunities to call on your name with your authority and address the real source of a problem.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen