Why Pray?

Prayer is one of the most important life activities you can perform as a person. It is a way to connect with God Almighty and is simply talking and listening to Him. If you pray regularly alongside with devotion in God’s word, it will help you develop and grow your relationship with the Father God. In the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ showed us how to relate with God through prayers.

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We learned from the Lord Jesus that Prayer should be a continual journey of communion with the Father through the help of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it should not be an occasional event in the life of a believer, but a joyous act of a child communicating in love with his or her dear father.

What is Faith?

Faith is trusting, relying, and acting on the word of God, which you cannot explicitly prove. It is to believe and act on what God has said, sometimes in the face of contrary physical evidence. A person who walks in faith demonstrates total confidence in God. He or she affirms the integrity of God and His word.

Therefore, faith means putting your trust in God and having total confidence that he will fulfill His promises even before seeing any physical evidence or indication of it. For a person acting in faith, if the Word of God declares it, he believes it, and that settles it.

Faith is Born in the Heart Not in the Head

The Bible tells us that “It is with the heart a man believes“. Faith is not an intellectual exercise but a substance that originates from the inner man.

However, faith comes through hearing the word of God, and a lot of time, the word will pass through the eye and ear gates while making its way to the inner man. In this case, the intellect may be involved. But what produces faith is not intellectual but the spiritual understanding. Therefore, mental assent or agreement with what the Bible says will not produce faith, but totally trusting and relying on God’s promises and acting like God told you the truth, will.

To Trust and Agree with God’s Word in Your Heart is Faith

Many people agree with what the Bible says about Jesus as Savior on an intellectual level, but agreement with those facts is not equivalent to faith as defined by the Bible. We must fully trust and rely on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, this is the only way to receive salvation, according to the word of God.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “and without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him”

To receive answers to our prayers, we need faith. That’s what the verse of scripture from Hebrews above says. In fact, it is impossible to please God without faith. (Read more on Faith at: WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

What is the Prayer of Faith?

Apostle James, in his Epistle, writes: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; And the Prayer of Faith shall save the sick, the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

This type of prayer is one that asks for divine intervention in difficult times and believes that according to the word of God, the answer is granted while doing the praying whether there is any outward sign or not. In the passage quoted above, Apostle James was specifically referring to healing of physical sickness. The type of prayer that receives healing from God is one that believes the healing requested has been performed and was complete at the time of praying, even if the physical evidence hasn’t shown up yet. What God’s word says is sufficient for one who is walking in faith to stand on.

With that word, he trusts no matter what the circumstance is. This kind of prayer is based solely on God’s word. Jesus said, “whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him”

Why is it important to pray at all?

If you’re looking for a way to connect with your purpose in life, look no further. Cultivate a fervent prayer life. It is the most powerful tool for connecting with your purpose through the help of the Holy Spirit. And it can also help you find clarity, direction, and strength in tough times. Prayer also helps you build a strong relationship with God – something that is sorely lacking nowadays in many people’s lives.

Promotes tranquility in times of stress

We are living in difficult times. Prayer is a great privilege given to believers to access the power and the grace of God in such a time as this. And specifically, prayer of faith will help believers to cast their burden on Christ and is a proven means of peace and tranquility in times of stress. However, Christians must learn to unleash the great power of God made available in prayer whether in good times or difficult ones.

The benefits of praying the Prayer of Faith

God does not expect perfection from you. But He expects you to know and recognize Him as God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Owner of All things. And He wants you to believe, trust, and rely on His word. When you do that, He will be pleased with you and He will reward you as you diligently seek Him.

Prayer of Faith Enables You to Please God

First, the most important benefit of the Prayer of Faith is that it will help you please God every day. The prayers you pray in faith are the only kind that pleases God as quoted from Hebrews 11:6 above. Prayer of Faith is the only type of “asking prayer” that’s guaranteed to produce the expected result. Requests made to God from a doubting heart does not receive the desired answers.

Epistle of James chapter 1 verse 6 reads: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord”

When you pray in faith you become more sensitive to guidance from God. And He will also be responsive to your prayers and answer them accordingly because faith pleases Him

Strengthens Relationship with God

Second, Because Faith pleases God. Prayer of Faith will make a friend of God, like Abraham, out of you. This is one of the most powerful ways to connect with God, become intimate with Him and continually receive His blessings. It will help you focus on God, achieve good success, strengthen your relationship with Him, and change your life for the better.

Enhances Spiritual Growth

Third, as you pray the Prayer of Faith often, you grow in your experience of answered prayers and the power of God will be released in your life both on your behalf and in helping others around you. You will begin to experience His healing power over sickness, in restoration, in releasing prosperity, and the power of Holy Spirit to pour out showers of blessings on the hearts of all who seek Him.

The more you pray the Prayer of Faith the more you’ll see the glory of God. And the more you’ll grow from Faith to Faith. This will have a positive impact on your life in many ways. Your fellowship with God will be deeper. and your confidence in His word and what He can do through you will grow also.

Releases Revelation Knowledge

In addition, praying the prayer of faith can lead to deeper spiritual insights in the things of God. It is a great way to experience a continuous flow of the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.

We read from the word of God written in the Book of Daniel that “the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits”(Dan 11:32b). The faith produced from the word of God revealed to our inner man will help us overcome fear, doubt, and uncertainty; and help find strength in stressful times. This will help us connect with God in a deeper way.

7 Steps to pray the Prayer of faith?

The prerequisite for praying a Prayer of Faith is to have a family relationship with God. This begins with the New Birth. God becomes your Father, which entitles you to pray “the Lord’s Prayer”: “Our Father who is in heaven”.

Secondly. Faith is the cornerstone of this type of prayer, without it, you will not be able to receive what you desire from God. The Lord Jesus Christ in Mark Chapter 11 verse 24 said: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (ESV).

What did Jesus say you will receive when you pray in the statement above?

What you ask for? What you believe for? What you desire? NO. None of these.

He said, what will be yours when you pray is what you believe you have received while praying; That is what will be yours. Meditate on this.

Before praying the prayer of faith, find a quiet place to yourself. Choose a time outside your busy schedule so you can concentrate on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God undistracted.

Meditate on the word of God regarding the prayer you are about to pray, because “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 11:17). Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Confess the word of God with your mouth

Say out the word of God to help boost your faith. Declare His promises over yourself. Speak to the mountain (Mark 11:23)

Step 2: Enter God’s Presence with Thanksgiving and Praise

“Hallowed be thy name.” In praying Prayer of Faith, you start with Thanksgiving. Psalm 100 verse 4 reads “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise”.

Step 3: Spend some time to worship Him from your heart

Cultivate the art of worshipping God during your private time of prayer. This creates a spiritual atmosphere of faith. Sing the word of God in songs. Recite His promises for your inspiration in His Presence.

Speak it, say it, and believe it. Let faith arise in your heart.

Step 4: Pray for His will to be done in your life and sphere of influence

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven“

To pray prayer of Faith, you must submit to the will of God. If it’s not according to His will, there is no basis for faith.

Step 5: Present your specific request

The Bible says: “You have not, because you ask not.” So, ask now and be specific. Prayer of Faith requires your being specific with your request.

Believe He has heard and answered you according to God’s word.

Step 6: Receive It, It is yours

Remember what Jesus said: If you would believe, you will see the glory of God. “Believing is Seeing”.

It doesn’t matter whether you can see, touch, feel, or smell the physical manifestation yet; By faith see yourself using what you’ve asked for from God.

If it’s healing you’ve asked for, then see yourself, with your inner eyes, totally healed and made whole.

Step 7: Worship and thank Him for everything and for completing your request

Thank and worship Him, for “His is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever..

Practice Praying the Prayer of Faith for Yourself

Apostle James specifically wrote about the Prayer of Faith when referring to praying for healing. He admonishes that the elders of the church to anoint the sick brother or sister with oil and pray over the believer. And that their prayer, as long as they pray “the Prayer of Faith” will heal the sick.

You need to know, however, that you don’t need to gather the elders of your congregation to do this for you to get healed. God made the provision for you to pray the “Prayer of Faith” for yourself. Pray in faith, and you will be healed.

And if you build up your faith as discussed above, you can pray the “Prayer of Faith” for your sick relatives, or fellow believer, or even coworker; and they will be healed as well.

How to remove the hinderances to prayer of Faith

First step is to identify the hinderances to prayer of faith. The usual hinderances are: ignorance of God’s word, doubt, carnality, fear, worry, anger, and laziness. The next step is to work on removing these obstacles by the the help of the Holy Spirit.

Pray without ceasing, even during difficult times

Second, it is important to keep the fire on the altar of prayer burning continually. Prayer should be a regular part of our lives, whether things are going well or not. Consistent prayer life is a sure way to maintain prayers that full of faith and power.

Eliminate distractions from your environment or daily schedule

Third, it is essential to eliminate distractions from your prayer closet. There are a multitude of things today that can easily distract a believer from focusing on God in prayer. Choose a proper time and place where you can shut yourself in with God.

Clear obstructions to a heartfelt conversation with God

Fourth, obstacles could originate from doubting God’s word, or from a sense of not deserving God’s help, or an inability to let go of worries and concerns. These could prevent a believer from exercising faith during prayers.

Therefore, meditate on the scripture that tells us that we do not stand before God on the basis of our righteousness that, but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The Prayer of Faith will work for you because of the power of God in the Name of Jesus not based on your merit.

Remove hindrances to faith with these 5 steps

First, Keep hearing the word so your faith can keep growing. Faith comes by continually hearing the word of God.
Second, Find out who you are in Christ Jesus (Col 1:9-13, 1 Joh 4:4)
Third, Study and meditate on the Epistle to the Romans and Corinthians so you understand your righteousness in Christ (2 Cor 5:21, Romans 1)
Next, Find out your right to use the Name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names (Mark 16:15-18; Phi 2:5-11)
Finally, Hold fast to your confession of faith. Keep on believing what God has said in the face of any contrary evidence. Do not doubt (Mark 11:23).

Conclusion

You have prayed, asking God specifically concerning your need and have made your petition in faith based on God’s word and according to His will. He has answered you, and your request has been granted. What you need to do after the Amen is to keep praising Him and keep expecting the manifestation of His response in the physical, if it wasn’t instantaneous. It is heading your way currently and will soon manifest in the physical before you know it. Don’t change your confession because of contrary physical evidence around you. Put God’s word first, He cannot lie.

This is the fight that comes with the Prayer of Faith. Don’t give up on your expectation of faith, Keep holding on to faith. Remember Paul’s admonition in Galatians 6 verse 9 “in due season you will reap, if you do not give up”

So, what are you waiting for? Start praying the Prayer of Faith today and experience the amazing power of prayer for yourself!

Additional reading: How to fight the good fight of faith and overcome

How to pray the Prayer of Faith