Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Ask in Faith

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The concept of receiving answers to prayer through faith is a central theme in the Christian doctrine of prayer. The Bible emphasizes that faith is a crucial element in the believer's prayer life, and numerous passages highlight the importance of asking in faith to receive God's promises.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides several key passages that underscore the necessity of faith in prayer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches His disciples about the power of faith in prayer: "And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22). This verse illustrates the direct correlation between belief and the fulfillment of prayer requests.

Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). Here, Jesus assures His followers that faith is the conduit through which prayers are answered.

The Epistle of James further elaborates on this principle, warning against doubt: "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6). James highlights that doubt undermines the effectiveness of prayer, likening it to instability and inconsistency.

Examples of Faith in Prayer

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who received answers to their prayers through faith. One notable example is the Canaanite woman who approached Jesus, seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith led Jesus to commend her: "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire" (Matthew 15:28). Her daughter's healing was a direct result of her unwavering faith.

Another example is found in the account of the centurion who sought healing for his servant. Recognizing Jesus' authority, the centurion expressed his faith, saying, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled at his faith and granted his request, demonstrating the power of faith in prayer.

The Role of Faith in the Believer's Life

Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active trust in God's character and promises. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse underscores that faith is foundational to a relationship with God and is essential for receiving answers to prayer.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, encourages believers to approach God with confidence: "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God's presence with boldness and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12). This boldness is rooted in the assurance that God hears and responds to the prayers of those who trust in Him.

Practical Implications

For believers, asking in faith involves aligning one's will with God's will, trusting in His timing, and maintaining a posture of humility and dependence. It requires a heart that is open to God's leading and a willingness to accept His answers, whether they come in the form of a "yes," "no," or "wait."

In summary, the Bible teaches that faith is a vital component of effective prayer. Through faith, believers can confidently approach God, assured that He hears and answers their prayers according to His perfect will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:15
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... up so many prayers without receiving answers?" The apostle ... of those persons whose
prayers have received the seal ... to live in the exercise of prevailing prayer. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... so, kneel still in faith, believing in God who answers. ... even though it be feeble,
a new prayer-life, with ... its strength: "You have asked and received grace in ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... in the spring of 1899, when eighteen hundred and thirty-five men and several hundred
women were received by us in ... Some of those answers to prayer were of ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iv a god-given field 1894-1900.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... try to embody answers to the letters I have received on this ... "The effectual fervent
prayer of a ... great mass of professing Christians do not get answers to their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... He received the very thing for which he asked, as ... Why, that God will grant answers
to prayer when it ... Neither will Christians offer the prayer of faith for all ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... The following Incidents of Prayer and the remarkable Answers, have been ... from the
letters of those who have solicited Prayer and received the Answer to ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

Ninteenth Lesson. I Go unto the Father!'
... with the small measure of grace already received, give ourselves ... to pray so as to
obtain wonderful answers to prayer ... faith in Himself, and bold in prayer to ask ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/ninteenth lesson i go unto.htm

Answers to Prayer
... by precept and example taught those daughters that ... Mrs. Furlong received no assurance
whatever in her ... repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
... time, using the same words.' As long as we have not consciously received the blessing ...
The final lesson is, Leave God to settle how He answers your prayer. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a sheaf of prayer arrows.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... whose memorial is that he hears and answers prayers. ... but who neglect him when they
have received a mercy ... He has said, "whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believe that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm