Young Adults' Group

Praying With Faith

by Pastor Mark
June 11, 2020

The need for faith in prayer

As we seek the Lord in prayer, one vital factor is our faith. The Apostle James encouraged his brethren, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” (James 1:6) The brethren were going through various trials, and they were challenged to seek the Lord for wisdom. (James 1:5) But they were struggling with doubts which affected their prayers. Doubts may have also prevented them from praying effectively. James sought to encourage them to pray with faith instead.

The danger of having doubts

The problem of doubts can affect our prayer life adversely. We doubt whether God would hear us. We are unsure whether God would give to us what we have asked for.

1. Doubts cause a person to waver in prayer
   “for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)
2. There is double-mindedness as he vacillates between faith and doubt.
   “he is a double-minded man,” (James 1:8)
3. He is “unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

Let us be aware of the dangers of doubts that can be detrimental to our prayer life.

The challenge to pray with faith

1. Exercising faith in prayer

Faith is to believe in God. It is based on our knowledge of God as our Father. It is with faith that we can firmly believe in God who is willing to give liberally to all who ask of Him. (James 1:5) James would have learnt about this challenge to ask from the teachings of the Lord Jesus. (Matt 7:7) As our heavenly Father, He would lovingly give to His children what they would ask. (Matt 7:11)

As we pray to the Lord, it is crucial that we actively practise using our faith in Him. When we ask with complete trust in our mind and heart, the Lord would certainly hear our prayers.

2. Eradicate all doubts

Faith must be vigorously exercised to counter all doubts. Whatever doubts we may have, we should seek the knowledge of God to resolve our doubts.

The Word of God can help us eradicate this problem. We should cease having all doubts. Let us be challenged to fully replace our doubts with faith in God as we pray to Him.

Praying for wisdom with faith

Personally, I too recognise my need to pray with faith especially for God’s wisdom for my life and ministry. Let us ask for the Lord’s wisdom as we make vital decisions in these difficult times. Let us be challenged not to allow doubts to affect our prayer for wisdom. Let us be challenged to pray with full faith in the Lord.

Back to Article Listing