“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently
seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
There are many promises in Scripture regarding answers to prayer. But what is the very first requirement? It is FAITH. Even unbelievers pray when there is trouble or a need, but is that faith? We must first believe in God before faith is established and takes root within our heart. There are many requirements in praying and expecting answers.
Where do we begin? Our first question would be, is my heart right with God? Is my life representing my faith in God? What is the example I am portraying to the world around me? This is a very serious subject that we would do well to meditate upon before we go before God with our petitions. Do I truly have faith to believe what I ask of my heavenly Father?
Many times when we pray, our thoughts might be, will God really hear my prayer? When this question comes forth there is doubt, but why is that? We must stop and search our heart to see if there is anything in our life that would displease God. After these questions have been answered and our conscience is clean, then we can proceed with our prayer.
We first must believe God’s promises. To believe a promise depends entirely on our faith in the One who promises. When we have a very personal relationship with Jesus, our whole being is opened up to His presence, and the capacity for believing will open our heart to believe whatever we ask will be given. Our Father is a God of LOVE; when we accept and believe this, our prayers will come forth with faith.
This faith does not happen overnight; it comes as we mature in our walk with Jesus, one day at a time. Faith is the eye to which God reveals Himself. DO WE BELIEVE THIS? Faith is a miracle that overcomes the world.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6