NOTE: Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God's will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is sure. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christ-like temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received.
We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess, will be realized when we need it most.
Q17 What confidence can we have that God has the power to keep His promises?
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth … For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:6-9
There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken. Joshua 21:45
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed ... And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. Matthew 8:5-13
NOTE: The word of God has power. It is a creative word, and a healing word an unfailing word.
Q18 The Bible has promises of healing. Was Paul healed when he asked for healing?
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Q19 In prayers for healing, what phrase should our prayers always contain?
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42 (God knows what is best for us or other people.)
Q20 Why does God sometimes allow trials to come to us?
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10
NOTE: In matters connected with sickness, trials, persecution or matters concerning other people we should always pray—If it be thy will. We often have strong ideas about what we want from God but He can always see what is best in all things
Q21 Does the Bible promise prosperity? What is the life principle given in God’s Word?
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 |
