Matthew 21:21-22 NKJV
21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Just as with other spiritual matters, prayer has principles we have to abide in if we will see our prayers answered. Faith is a key ingredient in prayer. A prayer made is doubt will not be answered. As Jesus says, we must have faith and not doubt that God can do the things we are praying for. Our prayer has to be anchored in our faith in God, and we must not waver like the waves if the sea.
The parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee also teaches us that we must approach prayer in humility, recognizing that without God then nothing is impossible. To pray in humility is to recognize and acknowledge our helplessness and recognition of God as the all mighty one.
Jesus told us that whatever we ask the father in his name, we will receive. That right there is another key principle in prayer. We go to God in the name of Jesus. When we pray in the name of Jesus it is as though Jesus himself is making the prayer. We do not ask on our merit or goodness.
1 John 5:14 NKJV
Confidence and Compassion in Prayer
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Praying in Gods will is another key principle of prayer, meaning we have to read his word to know his will. You cannot separate the study of the word with prayer. The two must go together.
Philippians 4:6 NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Let’s not forget thanksgiving. We are to ask with thanksgiving, showing appreciation for all that God does for us.
Reflections.
What do you think is the most important thing for a believer when they pray?
How often do you take the time to give God thanks for all he has done for you?
Each time you say a prayer, do you actually believe that God will answer, or do you just pray as a formality?
