Mark 11:24 (NASB)
24 Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

The New Testament contains amazing promises we will receive when we pray with faith. But, how do we reconcile the observed facts? Do we then say that the promise is not true? Or do we, as some have suggested, regrettably understand that our faith is weak and that is why we don’t receive our petition as requested?

In either case, it might cause us to give up on petitions. Or simply use the reservation of “if it be Thy will”. As C.S. Lewis said, “Every war, every famine or plague, almost every deathbed, is the monument to a petition that was not granted.”

How is it possible to have a perfect faith in prayer and yet also prepare yourself in advance for possible refusal?

Lewis also said, “It seems to me we must conclude that such promises about prayer with faith refer to a degree or kind of faith which most believers never experience.”

So, what do we do? I believe Jesus was telling us that there is a level of faith that exists where the promise is indeed true. God is the author and perfecter of our faith. So, we should pray for faith, that our faith would be perfected through Him, that we need help with our unbelief. And we shouldn’t give up on our petitions. He is a God of miracles. He can perform them even if our faith is not perfect. What an amazing God we worship! What an amazing promise that is possible through our sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, You have given me faith to believe in You. It is a faith that is not possible without You. It is a faith that can be increased when I pray for it. God, increase my faith! Increase it as You have promised, in order that You, and only You will be glorified. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,