Learning to pray
Do you know the right way to pray?
Jesus says:
Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:21-22
So does this mean that if we believe and have faith, God will answer our prayers exactly in the manner we petition Him?
Does this also mean if our prayer is not answered as presented to God that our faith is not strong enough? Did God judge that we did not believe or we doubted?
Many years ago, a faithful woman in our church became ill with Parkinson’s Disease. This wonderful lady had been my friend, mentor, and my example of how, in faith, we serve our Lord and His people. Our prayers for healing went unanswered and she died a slow and painful death.
Was she not healed because there was something wrong with our prayers? Were we not faithful enough? Did we doubt?
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. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:6
A loved one in my family is sick. His condition continues to decline. Are my prayers for his healing going unanswered because of my lack of faith? Do my doubts and fears close the ear of God to my pleas?
Am I praying wrong?
In Feed Your Soul with the Word of God*, my friend J.D. Wininger** shares a lesson on “Effective and Fervent” prayer.
I define “effective prayer” as ones presented in heaven in which the focus is on the power of God and what He can do. Effective prayers move God to take action. They focus on what He can do and not on what we may want or need.”
J.D. Wininger
J.D. points to Elijah as a role model for fervent prayer (James 5:17-18). Elijah’s prayers are persistent, heartfelt, impassioned, and intense. He glorified God and did not focus on his own selfish desires.
How do my prayers compare with Elijah’s? Do my prayers resemble J.D.’s model?
I believe my prayers are heartfelt, impassioned, and intense, but perhaps not to the extent of Elijah’s. I need to be more persistent.
I confess to being selfish and placing more emphasis on what I want (healing for my loved one) rather than trusting God. I know that God’s plan may not be the same as mine.
I am afraid.
J.D. reminds me to focus on what God can do and not on what I may want or need.
I know God can heal my loved one. The question is–will it be here on Earth in answer to my prayers or will the healing come in heaven?
What are your thoughts, my friends? In times of challenge and trial, how do you overcome doubt and fear when praying?
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?
“From childhood,” he answered. It has often thrown him into the fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“‘If you can’,” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-23
My prayers also include the request for forgiveness for my fears and doubts. I know my God is with me. His Word tells me so.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1,4,5-6
*Feed Your Soul with the Word of God: A Banquet of Thirty Short Bible Studies. (2019). Compiled by Beebe and Katy Kauffman. Available on Amazon or from Lighthouse Bible Studies.
**Glean more wisdom from J.D. Wininger on his website https://jdwininger.com/
The Lord is our Shepherd and we lack nothing. That is our prayer every day because we know He provides and He is always with us. Thank you, Katherine.
I keep saying that verse over and over. It brings peace when fear encroaches. Thank you, Barbara.
Love this, Katherine. We don’t understand all things. But to understand that God’s character is good helps me to understand when I don’t understand.
You said that so well, Jeanne. It’s true–we understand God’s love, grace, and steadfastness, even when we don’t understand why certain circumstances occur. God is good–all the time!
Katherine, I’m right there with you – I often feel this way: “I confess to being selfish and placing more emphasis on what I want (healing for my loved one) rather than trusting God. I know that God’s plan may not be the same as mine.” I absolutely believe God can do anything – but my human nature too often wants it to be “my way.” And yet, my head knows that his ways are higher, but that often reminds me that I can’t always understand his ways, either. I am praying often for your loved one. May God bless all those involved and bring complete healing. Love you!
Sometimes I think I’m the only one that struggles with this, Julie. Thanks so much for letting me know I’m not alone. I’m thankful for your prayers and the blessing you have given me today.
I type this response with tears flowing. Not tears of sadness for the trial my dear friend and her family is facing, but tears of humble adoration for the words of a friend that believes something I wrote that God placed on my heart found a home. So often we write posts, studies, articles, books, etc. without ever seeing the fruit of the seeds our words may plant. Your post is a precious gift Ms. Katherine. Thank you for sharing it with me ma’am. I don’t know what tomorrow brings for the Pasour or Wininger families my friend, but I cling to God’s promise of what eternity brings us Ms. Katherine. I can’t wait to see you and “Farmer Bob” there ma’am. God’s blessings.
My friend, you don’t just plant seeds, but a beautiful garden. Like you, I’m clinging to God’s promise. Thank you for your prayers and the gift of hope.
I enjoyed this tremendously! The more I read about, study about, and think about prayer, the more I discover there is to learn. Beautifully written.
You are right, there is so much more to learn about prayer. Maybe we’ll understand how to do it right when we get to Heaven! Thank you for your kindness and encouragement.
It can be so difficult to move the focus of our prayer life from what we want to what God knows is best. I think it’s something we all struggle with, but we can encourage one another as we grow in our prayer life. I’m always moved by J.D. Wininger’s writing and i appreciate you featuring his words. They’re especially great nestled in your wisdom. Thank you.
Without the love, prayers, and encouragement of so many, including my extended family of authors, I could not survive this journey. Thank you, Joshua, for blessing me today.
Katherine, your words and J.D.’s sharpen our focus on prayer. Faith in prayer to me means trusting God regardless of results.
You are right, Jeannie. Faith means trusting throughout the trials–even more so during those challenges that test us the most. You are such a good role model, my friend. Thank you for your faith and mentorship.