The Prayer of Faith (Matt. 4:13-21)

by Derald Skinner, 3/5/06

 

The prayer of faith is answered because God has promised to answer our requests when we start:

 

(1)   helping the hungry and afflicted (Isa. 58:9-10)

 

(2)   believing that we will receive what we ask (Mark 11:22- 24)

 

(3)   forgiving others ~ark 11:25-26)

 

(4)   asking in Christ's name (John 14:13-14)

 

(5)   abiding in Christ and His words (John 15:7)

 

(6)   praying in the Spirit (Eph 6:8)

 

(7)   obeying the Lord's commandments (1 John 3:22)

 

(8)   asking according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).

 

Until we have properly responded to God and His Word, He cannot entrust us with His powerful resources.

 

Why are our prayers not answered? Several hindrances to answered prayer are mentioned in the Bible:

 

(1)   iniquity in the heart (Ps 66:18)

 

(2) refusal to hear God's law (Prov 28:9)

 

(3) an estranged heart (isa 29:13)

 

(4) sinful separation from God (Isa 59:2)

 

(5) waywardness (Jer 14:10-12)

 

(6) offering unworthy sacrifices (Mall :7-9)

 

(7) praying to be seen of men (Matt 6:5-6)

 

(8) pride in fasting and tithing (Luke 18:11-14)

 

(9) lack of faith (Heb 11:6)

 

(10) doubting or double-mindedness (James 4:3).