Believing Prayer

The big challenge in our spiritual lives is not just to pray, but to believe when we pray.  The Scriptures tell us that belief is the most important part of effective prayer:

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Matthew 21:22

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24

Often we get frustrated and quit praying because we lose our faith.   Below, we will focus on prayer.  But not just prayer, believing prayer.

What does it take to have believing prayers?

A Clear mind and Self-Control

 The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

1 Peter 4:7

Are you preparing yourself to have believing prayers by calming down, clearing your mind and handling your reactions?

How does anger inhibit your prayers?

How does anxiety inhibit your prayers?

How can you handle your anger and anxiety more spiritually?

A Good Marriage

 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, are you engaging your wife on a spiritual level in conversation?

Do you and your spouse spend time in the Bible?

Are you “considering” how to build your wife’s faith?

Spiritual Energy and Investment

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:11-13

How can you invest more energy and zeal into your spiritual life?

Awareness of need

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

He will answer the prayers of the needy; he will not reject their prayers.

Psalm 102:17 (NCV)

What are the needs in your life, your family, and your friend’s lives that require prayer?

Openness

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James 5:16

What sins do you need to confess to clear the way to have believing prayers?

Is there anything going on in your life that you are not open about?

What happens when you pray believing prayers?

Grow in Strength

As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.

Psalm 138:3 (NLT)

Change People’s Lives

Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored:  If you remove wickedness far from your tent and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines, then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you. Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’  then he will save the downcast. He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.

Job 22:22-30