The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. —James 5:15,16
The prayer of faith involves our confidencein the authority and blood of Jesus.
…come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
“As you have believed, so let it be done for you.” —Matthew 8:13
“If you have faith as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.” —Matthew 17:20
We cultivate faith by hearing the Word of God and by speaking it.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. —Romans 10:17
Faith is the substance of things hoped for… —Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the title deed to promises God says we already possess in the spirit.
…upholding all things by the word of His power… —Hebrews 1:3
Now this is the confidence (faith) that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will (His Word), He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. —1 John 5:14,15
“God hears when we pray” means He approves our request.
“Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.” —Mark 11:23,24
Whatever he says and keeps on saying, if he’s prayed according to God’s will, will show up…in God’s timing.
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith… —Romans 4:20
In order that you may not grow disinterested and become spiritual sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those (like Abraham) who through faith (by leaning their entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are now inheriting the promises. —Hebrews 6:12
Praying in Faith
1. Say it out loud.
2. Receive it in the spirit.
3. Persist.
You do not have because you do not ask God. —James 4:2
The Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you…He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. —Isaiah 30:18,19
God…has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. —Ephesians 1:3
…the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. —Hebrews 11:3
Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. —Luke 18:1
…the gospel of Christ…is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… —Romans 1:16
Discussion Questions
1. How does knowing God’s character affect your prayers? How does it affect His answers? Describe His character.
2. Some people believe if you “name it and claim it” you can have just about anything. What’s wrong with this view?
3. Is there anything you’ve been wanting but neglecting to ask for in prayer? Why is a single prayer often insufficient?
4. Read James 4:1-5. When do prayers become idolatrous? How do such prayers conflict with God’s purpose for prayer?