Lord, teach us to pray (Part III)
Posted By admin1 on October 26, 2008
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is one of the requirements we need to have for our prayers to be heard. We need to believe that the things which are not possible with us, are possible with God (St. Luke 1: 37; St. Matthew 19:26). It is this faith, which Jesus said will enable us to move mountains, and often rebuked the disciples for lack of it.
Lack of faith can make us forfeit blessings and to witness the power of God. Esau sold his birth right because of unbelief. Doubt made Peter to sink when he was already walking on the water. The bible tells us that the children of Israel entered not in the promised land because of unbelief (Hebrews 4:6). Yet, we find that Rahab was saved because of her faith. Likewise, Jesus disciples, followed Jesus on the evidence of faith alone, and many were healed by Jesus because of their faith in him. But without faith, the scripture cautions us, it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:6).
It is essential to have faith and to believe when praying. Paul taught the church to pray without “wrath and doubting.” (I Timothy 2:8). Doubt is the result of lack of faith. Doubt will make us to have two or many opinions, that is lack of stability and conviction, and not have a fixed mind. Therefore, a double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
Lack of faith, can therefore pose as one of the infirmities that is, some spiritual weakness as described in Parts I and II of this series. These infirmities, if left unchecked, can pose as hinderence to our prayers being heard. “But without faith, it is impossible to please him:for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that deligently seek God (Hebrews 11:6).
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (St. Mark 11:24).
COGSOC Copy Right © October/Ethanim 2008
All Hail to all. Praying and trusting all is well. I pray God’s blessings upon us all as we look towards the Holy Convocation.