Part Four: "The Powerful Potential of Our Prayers" (Mark 11:20-24)

In part three, we looked at the importance of being sure that our faith is in God and in Him ALONE! This helps to guide us in our prayers so that we pray in accordance to His will, not ours! Apostle John tells us, "This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1 John 5:14-15). Please note that in context, these verses come immediately after a verse that sums up John's purpose in writing this letter. John says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). In other words, John wrote to help Christ followers know for certain that they do walk in fellowship with Christ, and truly do have eternal life in Him! John is showing us that, among the benefits of that certainty and assurance is confidence in prayer! Praise God forevermore!! According to John, in order for our prayers to be effective in bringing forth results, we must ask, "according to His will!" Asking "according to His will" is also emphasized in Mark 11:20-24! It's found in the words, "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). This is a faith that has God for its object and seeks to do His will. Our asking "according to His will" is the condition that must be met because it points to the heart of praying to God. One of the most basic errors we can make is in not understanding the main purpose of prayer. Let me say that whenever the purpose for anything or anyone is not known or ignored, abnormal use (abuse) is inevitable! God doesn't want us abusing prayer!! God's ultimate purpose in prayer is to change us and get us to where He wants us to be. God tells us to pray "according to His will" because doing so has a way of helping to conform us to Him! How awesome is that? Many are praying to God, but they're not seeking to know His will in prayer. Because of this, they're trying to use God to get what they want. Actually, it's the epitome of insanity to pray for your will to be done as opposed to the Lord's will. Why is that so? For one thing, it would mean that you know better than the Lord what's best for your life! Good luck with that! Also, praying your will against His will is asking God to give up being sovereign! In order for that to occur, God would have to stop being God, and that's not possible! Do you want your prayers to be effective? Then, learn to pray "according to His will!" Your move. Be encouraged!