While the sentiment for loved ones is good and true, and prayer important, that is not what Jesus' teaching here is referring to. Cross reference Mark 11:20 where Jesus teaches the same thing when cursing that fig tree representing the spiritual situation of Israel. Jesus was training his disciples (who will later become apostles the foundation of the church), who at this time are discouraged and distressed as they begin to understand that the old order is about to end. Their entire identity was connected to the religious life of Israel, centered in Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus was predicting that's all going away. And also predictions of his death. Jesus was encouraging them, that their faith will be used to extend the kingdom of God through the good news, and that insofar as the Spirit was working in them and through them to establish Christ's church, the principalities of the visible and invisible realms (metaphorical mountains) would not be able to stop it.
We know by experience that we do not possess a "power of faith" to have anything happen we pray for, and this is not what is being promised.
But still we ought to pray for the well being of our loved ones, and our enemies.
While the sentiment for loved ones is good and true, and prayer important, that is not what Jesus' teaching here is referring to. Cross reference Mark 11:20 where Jesus teaches the same thing when cursing that fig tree representing the spiritual situation of Israel. Jesus was training his disciples who will become apostles, who are discouraged and distressed as they begin to understand that the old order is about to end. Their entire identity was connected to the religious life of Israel, centered in Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus was predicting that's all going away. He is encouraging them that their faith will be used to bring about the kingdom of God through the good news they will spread far and wide.
We know by experience that we do not possess a "power of faith" to have anything happen we pray for, and this is not what is being promised.
But still we ought to pray for the well being of our loved ones, and our enemies.