Faith is a potent force as we approach God in prayer. It is an indispensable ingredient that fuels our petitions and unlocks the supernatural realm. Yet, the significance of faith transcends mere belief; it requires a boldness that dares to step out and ask God to move, even in the face of skepticism or offense. Matthew 17:20 illuminates this truth, where Jesus tells his disciples that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains and for them nothing will be impossible. Let us delve into the importance of faith with regards to prayer, drawing insights from Scripture to understand its transformative power and bold demands.
1. The Nature of Faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1 offers a foundational understanding of faith—it is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. Faith goes beyond mere belief; it is a steadfast trust in the promises of God, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It was present when Peter stepped out of the boat to join Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:29). It is also present when Peter told the lame man to walk (Acts 3:1-10). There is confidence in what God is doing in the moment to be willing to look foolish and trusting it is better to follow by faith than walk in the sin of omission. In the context of prayer, faith becomes the bedrock upon which we stand, anchoring our petitions in the unwavering character of God.
2. The Boldness of Faith in Prayer
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
Mark 11:24 underscores the boldness of faith in prayer—believing that what we ask for, we will receive. This verse challenges us to approach God with audacious faith, trusting in His ability to answer our prayers according to His will. It requires a knowledge of the heart of God and a boldness that is unshaken by doubt or fear. We are called to believe that God wants to connect with mankind more than we have been asking. He faithful to these prayers because He loves those He has made.
3. The Power of Mustard Seed Faith
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’ – Matthew 17:20
Matthew 17:20 unveils the transformative power of mustard seed faith—a faith so small yet potent enough to move mountains. This passage challenges our perception of faith, reminding us that even the smallest measure of faith can unleash supernatural possibilities in prayer. The dependency is not on the amount of faith we possess, but on Him whom we put our faith. But at the same time, when we expect God not to move, it shows that are faith is not on God. Instead our faith is more inclined on His reluctance, the strength of our problem, our undeservedness, etc.
4. Overcoming Doubt Through Faith
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6
James 1:6 warns against the debilitating effects of doubt in prayer—like a wave of the sea, tossed by the wind. Doubt undermines the boldness of faith, causing us to waver in our petitions before God. The is often evident when we tack on “if it’s Your will” to the end of our requests. We want to give an out. This verse underscores the importance of unwavering belief in prayer, trusting in God’s willingness to act on behalf of His children.
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5. Faith as the Gateway to Miracles
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6
Hebrews 11:6 highlights faith as the gateway to pleasing God—an essential component of our relationship with Him. This chapter is full of examples of people who have gone before living the life of faith. Abraham was willing kill His son. Noah spent 100 years building an ark. The Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days. Faith emphasizes the necessity of believing in God above what the circumstances around us may be trying to say. In the realm of prayer, faith becomes the catalyst for miracles, ushering in His miracles and being willing to take on ridicule until God moves.
6. Cultivating Bold Faith in Prayer
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7
Matthew 7:7 echoes the invitation to boldness in prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking with unwavering faith. This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a gracious Father who delights in answering the prayers of His children. It is an invitation to cultivate bold faith, not relying on a one-time petition. But, being so confident in the heartbeat of God that you will continue to come before Him asking until your petition has been answered. Faith hangs on when others give up.
In conclusion, faith stands as the cornerstone of effective prayer—a boldness that dares to believe in the supernatural power of God to move mountains and bring about miraculous interventions. As we embrace the importance of faith in prayer, may we cultivate mustard seed faith and speak to our mountains unleashing the transformative power of God in our lives and the world around us.