In one of the most striking moments in the New Testament, Jesus made a statement that has echoed through centuries of Christian practice and theology:
“This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
— Mark 9:29 (NKJV, some manuscripts)
It’s a phrase that has sparked questions, study, and spiritual reflection:
Why would certain demonic forces resist the authority of Jesus’ disciples? And why are prayer and fasting essential in those moments?
The Context: A Failed Attempt at Deliverance
The event occurs shortly after Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain. While He was away with Peter, James, and John, a father brought his demon-possessed son to the other disciples for healing.
Despite previously casting out demons successfully (see Mark 6:7,13), this time the disciples failed. The boy remained tormented. When Jesus returned, He rebuked the crowd for their lack of faith and commanded the demon to leave. The child was instantly delivered.
Later, the disciples asked Jesus privately:
“Why couldn’t we drive it out?” — Mark 9:28
And Jesus responded:
“This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” — Mark 9:29 (some manuscripts)
A Question of Spiritual Authority
Jesus wasn’t implying that demons are more powerful than God, or that prayer and fasting “earn” more power. Instead, He was pointing to a spiritual principle:
Deliverance flows from deep connection with God, not from routine or formula.
The disciples likely approached the situation with confidence in past success, rather than current dependence on the Father. But some battles—especially those involving deeper spiritual oppression—require a higher level of spiritual sensitivity, authority, and alignment.
Prayer and fasting do not make us stronger in ourselves. They make us more surrendered, more aware, and more attuned to the Holy Spirit.
Why Prayer?
1. Prayer Connects Us to Divine Power
Prayer is not a ritual—it’s a channel of communication with God. In spiritual warfare, it’s the difference between acting in human effort versus moving in the authority of heaven.
“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
In moments of deliverance, prayer invites:
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Discernment — recognizing what’s really happening
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Authority — speaking not in our name, but in Christ’s
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Compassion — aligning with the heart of God toward the oppressed
Why Fasting?
Fasting may be less understood, but throughout Scripture it is connected with humility, breakthrough, and spiritual clarity.
1. Fasting Weakens the Flesh to Strengthen the Spirit
When we fast, we deny ourselves physical comfort or distraction in order to focus fully on God. It sharpens our awareness of His presence, and weakens the grip of pride, distraction, or self-reliance.
“I humbled my soul with fasting.” — Psalm 35:13
Fasting also prepares the believer to face heavier spiritual burdens with clarity and strength that do not come from the flesh.
What Did Jesus Mean by “This Kind”?
Scholars and pastors have long debated: What did Jesus mean by “this kind”?
Some possible interpretations include:
1. A Stronger Demonic Entity
Some demons may possess greater stubbornness, deeper attachment, or more destructive influence. The boy in Mark 9 had been afflicted since childhood, and the spirit caused seizures, deafness, and suicidal tendencies. This was not a mild case.
Prayer and fasting were not required because of God’s limitations—but because of the spiritual resistance that required deeper preparation.
2. A Spiritual Condition in the Disciples
Others suggest Jesus was referring not to the demon, but to the faith condition of the disciples. They had grown confident in themselves, and no longer relied fully on God’s presence.
This is supported by Matthew’s account:
“Because you have so little faith.” — Matthew 17:20
Prayer and fasting realign our hearts with God’s power and authority, especially when our natural faith begins to waver.
Jesus’ Own Example
It’s important to remember: Jesus Himself fasted and prayed.
Before beginning His public ministry, He spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray. He lived in a rhythm of spiritual preparation and dependence on the Father.
When He cast out demons, it wasn’t in a rush of emotion or display of power. It was with calm authority rooted in His ongoing connection to the Father.
“The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing.” — John 5:19
What This Means for Us Today
You may never encounter a dramatic exorcism, but spiritual warfare is real and daily:
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Emotional battles that drain your strength
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Patterns of temptation that feel overwhelming
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Darkness pressing in on your mind or family
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A sense of heaviness you can’t explain
In those moments, you may feel like the disciples—unsure why your prayers seem powerless.
That’s when Jesus’ words echo clearly:
“This kind only comes out by prayer and fasting.”
It means:
Return to the source.
Press in.
Surrender.
Pray with humility.
Fast with purpose.
And let the Spirit equip you for the battle.
Practical Ways to Apply Prayer and Fasting
1. Set Aside Time for Focused Prayer
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Start with 15–30 minutes of undistracted prayer daily
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Include worship, Scripture reading, and silence
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Ask God for discernment and strength in specific battles
2. Incorporate Regular Fasting
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Fast from food for a meal, a day, or longer (as health allows)
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Or fast from distractions (media, entertainment, etc.)
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Use that time to seek God, confess, and listen
3. Pray with Others
The disciples weren’t alone, and neither should you be. Join a trusted believer or small group for intercessory prayer, especially in ongoing spiritual battles.
“Where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20
Final Thoughts: The Power Is in the Presence
So why do some demons only come out by prayer and fasting?
Because some battles require more than words—they require surrender. Jesus was teaching His disciples, and all of us, that spiritual authority flows not from status, but from connection.
Prayer invites the power of God.
Fasting silences the flesh.
Together, they prepare the soul to stand with boldness in any storm.
Jesus wasn’t giving us a formula. He was pointing us to a lifestyle.
A life where prayer is the breath of your faith,
and fasting is the hunger for God that nothing else satisfies.
Let His words not only guide you—but transform how you approach the unseen battles in your own life.