Ask and Believe

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14

The primary requirement of prayer is faith. Without faith any request made of God will wane helplessly. James tells us that we always should “ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). The book of Hebrews says: “...he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). In order for us to make big requests of God, we must first believe that God is who He says He is.

The people of Jesus’ day wanted to believe that He healed people simply to end their suffering. Their focus was not on Christ as the Messiah but, instead, on the miracles He preformed. Everything Christ did was done for one purpose, and that was to glorify the heavenly Father. That is the motivation of God’s heart in answering your requests. He always seeks ways to glorify Himself while building a closer relationship with you.

How do we make big requests of God? First, by checking the motivation of our hearts. Are we focused on Jesus Christ or our own desires? Second, by separating ourselves from any known sin. And finally, we must commit ourselves to seeking His will, not ours, through prayer. Remember - “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

“...He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6