“15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” — James 5:15 (ESV)
And there it is, James writes and we should all read and remember. With prayer of faith, we will be forgiven. Just my prayer is not going to get it done. I have to pray with faith that it will be done.
I have written in my bible the following; “Pray for God’s will with faith. Not our request for action we want, but action for and about God’s will.” I recently had the opportunity to witness to a friend going through a hard time. There was open admittance to not believing in God and yet there was an openness to listening to my witness. I did not take a hard line pushing salvation, I only pushed the love of God and as a result this person was grateful and accepting of what they stated as “you and Lori are a great example of what true believer should be”. Whereas I know that there is more work for God to do in this person’s life, I fulfilled my duty by praying with faith for God’s will and His love on this person.
Too often my motives may not be wholesome and in line with God’s plan for my life or the lives of those around me. I have to remember to pray with faith that God’s will be done and not my selfish requests. My wants are not the priority. God may grant them, but I have to take the approach that when He does so, it is and/or will have some part in the fulfillment of His plan for me in the future that I cannot see.
It is my sincere prayer of faith that God hears and takes action on. God has already granted my forgiveness, and now He only wants that I continue my deep relationship with Him. When I do, He will grant those requests that are in line with His plan.
What things have you asked for from God? Are you asking for them on the surface with just your words and are the more for you and your wants? What if you were to pray with faith and for those things that are in line with His will?
Trevor's Thoughts 