Matthew 11:22-24 – So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Just as oxygen is essential to sustain physical life, prayer is essential to sustain a sound spiritual life. A solidly grounded prayer life is essential to our victory over any situation we face. Prayer in its simplest form is communication with God. It is us talking to God and God talking to us. Sometimes we don’t know what to pray for. In those moments, the Holy Spirit speaks on our behalf.
E. M. Bounds in “The Necessity of Prayer” notes: “Whenever a study of the principles of prayer is made, lessons concerning faith must accompany it.” Prayer is actually faith claiming and taking hold of its natural, immeasurable inheritance. Prayer throws faith on God and God on the world. Only God can move mountains. But faith and prayer move God.
Mark 11:22-24 emphasizes some words of Jesus that are the very keystone of the arch of faith and prayer. A faith that realizes, appropriates, and takes is described here. It’s not a passive faith. It’s an aggressive faith that realizes the awesomeness of God.
So how does one make sure their faith is growing and not declining as the years go by? How do we keep our faith strong as sin abounds and the love of many grows cold? What will assure that our faith keep its hold as religion becomes a mere formality and worldliness becomes victorious?
First, we must guard our faith. Luke 22:31-32 states: “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…” Satan attacks our prayer life through our faith. This is why Jesus prays for Peter’s faith to remain strong. If Satan can break our faith, he can break our prayer life. If he breaks our prayer life, he breaks our connection with God. And if he breaks our connection with God, he breaks our access to the only One that can move mountains.
Secondly, we must grow our faith. 2 Peter 1:5 says: “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith…” Peter’s encouragement is that we add to our faith. How? Through consistent and intentional prayer, and by standing firm on the promises of God through every trial and hardship we face.
Finally, we must ground our faith. In Matthew 8, a leper comes to Jesus for healing from his disease. This leper grounded his faith in the One who could make him whole again. According to Bounds, “faith that creates powerful praying is faith that centers itself on a powerful Person.” That Person is Jesus Christ!
Prayers That Move God is prayer that moves mountains. Speak to every mountain in your life. Speak to every evil mountain, every financial mountain, every debt mountain, every health mountain, and/or every relationship mountain. Whatever the mountain, speak to it, have faith in God, and watch God move the mountain and cast it into the sea.
Dr. Preston T. Adams, III
Senior Pastor, Amazing Grace Christian Church (Indianapolis)
www.comemeetgrace.org
Email: docpta3@comemeetgrace.org / Twitter: @DrPrestonTAdams
