And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Mt. 21:22
Believing prayer is the secret to a fruitful adventure with Jesus. His disciples connected His message and miracles with His prayer life, saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.” His disciples today are asking the same question.
Pray To The Father
A significant area of your spiritual training will involve your prayer life. Have you listened to people praying lately? Some pray to God, some to Jesus, and some of your Catholic friends appeal to Mother Mary or Saint Jerome. So, who do we pray to? Jesus’ teaching and example make it very clear.
In this manner, therefore pray, “Our Father in heaven…” Mt. 6:9
There it is, my friend. Pray to your Father.
What’s The Password?
You’ll find another clue to believing prayer in John’s gospel when Jesus was preparing His disciples to go solo after His death, burial, and resurrection.
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. Jn. 14:14
When God hears prayer in the name of Jesus, He always answers it, because He gave us that power of attorney. A power of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on behalf of private affairs, business, or some other legal matters. Father God loves the name of Jesus so deeply, that He considers that name a signed check on the resources of heaven!
God’s will is His Word.
Pastor TomMy Burchfield
Pray The Will Of God
Let’s think about the ramifications of a legal will for a moment. Many people create a written will, so after their death, their loved ones can know exactly what was in their heart towards each of the family members. There is no wonder who will receive Grandpa’s farm or Mother’s jewelry because it’s in the will. Likewise, the Father has left a written will behind, too. God’s Word is the written, legal will of God.
Now, this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, 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. I Jn. 5:14
Pray The Word Of God
Now that you know God’s will is His Word, you can pray “Thy will be done” with believing prayer. You can trust that your prayer life is being guided by the Holy Spirit. When He brings scripture to your mind, it is His intention for you to pray that Word in order to bring heaven to earth. Prayer is cooperating with the Holy Spirit so that His will is done on earth.
Study Jesus, the Word
Another way to pray the Word is to look at His Son’s example while on earth. Jesus came to show people what God’s will was. He represented God and “went about doing good, healing all who were oppressed of the devil” because that was His Father’s desire. Jesus is the Word. Do what the Word did when He was on earth.
Pray in Faith
Once you know the will of God on a matter, pray boldly and pray in faith. As James 1:6 states, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” If it takes a day, a year, or a lifetime to see it fulfilled; stand your ground. Believing prayer is a faith-filled request made to the Father in the name of Jesus, and it will always bring glory to the Lord.
