Mark 11:20-25

“Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.^[a]‘” v. 22-25

I have learned so much about prayer this year.  It ironic that this is what I read today.  Just last week I was talking about how all this stuff with Jackson has grown and stretched my faith.  I know that God has big plans for Jackson and believe he will advance the Kingdom in a mighty way.  I believe that for Josiah also, but he has just been a much different kid and experience.  God is still teaching me through him also.  But here is the learning.  Jesus is not teaching a name it claim it theology.  He is saying that when we pray in faith God hears those prayers.  But there are some things that we have to own also.  I loved what the notes say today for verses 22-23,

The kind of prayer that moves mountains is prayer for the fruitfulness of God’s Kingdom.  God will answer your prayers but not as a result of your positive mental attitude.  Other conditions must be met:

1.)  You must be a believer.

2.) You must not hold a grudge against another person.

3.) You must not pray with selfish motives

4.) Your request must be for the good of God’s Kingdom.

To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request.  If you focus only on your request, you will be left with nothing if your request is refused.

I have a lot of room to grow in my prayers.  But I am praying now, more than ever.