Prayer And Faith; Best Way To Make Things Happen

Prayer and faith are a dynamic combination. That is because faith shows God that you trust him to do whatever you ask of him. So when you merge prayer with faith, it is the best way to make good things happen.

Created: Sunday, November 6, 2022

Once again, before we get into the lesson, I need to plant a seed of wisdom and faith in your mind. It can keep you from worry and anxiety in this stressful world. Jesus said (in simple terms):

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but

your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33 Seek [be concerned with] the Kingdom of God [give him first place in your life] above all else, and live righteously [his way of doing and being right], and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

STM Bible Lesson

Lesson focus: James 5:13-18 (14-16). Bible lesson background: Knowing the power of prayer is key. It can restore the sick and diseased to good health as we would hope it will. However, sometimes it is God’s will to heal by way of transition, in other words leaving this life for the next. Think about it, when one dies, they no longer suffer. We must accept the fact that prayer is a request and not a command. After all, prayer is a request for God’s perfect will.

Consider what happened to Paul and Jesus for example:

Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take the problem away (vs. 8), but God said to Paul, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In like manner, Jesus prayed three times, “My Father, if it is possible, don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want” [Matthew 26:36-46 ((Mark 14.32-42 and Luke 22.39-46)]. Even Jesus, who is God in the flesh, had to accept a different response. In short, had to die at the set time, that was why he came in the flesh, to die for us [Romans 5:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:10].
For there is a time to heal [Ecclesiastes 3:3], i.e., make healthful; restore to physical wellness, and there is also a time to die [Ecclesiastes 3:2], i.e., expire by divine appointment. As a result, even if it may be very difficult to live with, we must always be ready to accept God’s planned times.

Prayer and faith

Is anyone among you sick? Then that person should send for the elders of the church to pray over them. They should ask the elders to anoint them with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered by those who have faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will heal them. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 So confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another, so that you might be healed. The prayer of a godly person is powerful. [Good] Things happen because of it. James 5:14-16 (NIRV)

In times of trouble; turn to prayer and faith, because James 5:13 (BBE) says: Is anyone among you in trouble? let him say prayers. Is anyone glad? let him make a song of praise.

Be happy, because you can trust [you have faith in] God to do what he says. Be patient when you have troubles. Always continue to pray. Romans 12:12 (EASY)

The Facts

When you need to make a decision and you are anxious because you cannot decide what to do; lean on prayer and faith! Your Bible misquoting ☺(jk) friends might tell you, “the Bible says ‘be anxious for nothing”. When in fact the KJV reads “Be careful for nothing”, and goes on to say “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God“.

So, now is the time to remember, God knows what you need (I said this in the beginning), you show that you respect God when you ask for what you need. And that is one of the reasons Paul told the Philippians, (in simpler words):

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

The fact is, as we journey through the Scriptures the prayer of faith is a constant message to the children of God. Jesus encouraged the prayer and faith (belief; trust) concept.

Have faith that it will happen

If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. 24 Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours if you only have faith. Mark 11:23-24 (CEV)
Jesus went inside, and the blind men went with him. He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to make you see again?” They answered, “Yes, Lord, we believe.” 29 Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “You believe that I can make you see again, so it will happen.” Matthew 9:28-29 (ERV)
The Canaanite woman [Matthew 15:21-28] asked in faith and received what she needed. In fact, Jesus was impressed by her faith: “Lady, your faith is great! What you want is granted” (ISV).

Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success and gives a victory when nothing else would. – from Barnes’ Notes

Pray without stopping

The Apostles were mindful of their calling and did not want to neglect their purpose; Acts 6:2 … It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve tables (RKJNT). Later in Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (KJV).
“Devote yourselves to prayer…” – Colossians 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and be watchful in it with thanksgiving;” (RKJNT).
Pray regularly – “pray constantly (without ceasing; continually; at all times)”; “never stop praying“; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (RKJNT)

Best Way To Make Things Happen – wrap-up

He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him. 23 God wants us to have faith in his Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. This is also what Jesus taught us to do. 24 If we obey God’s commandments, we will stay one in our hearts with him, and he will stay one with us. The Spirit he has given us is proof that we are one with him. 1 John 3:22-24 (CEV)

Prayer should be the first thing we do in any situation. If you have developed the practice of constant prayer—you are a “pray first” Christian—and you know that prayer is very helpful to the child of God. Try praying and believing before you make your next decision or when trouble. In fact, praying and trusting God to come through for you at all times is advised. Try it!

Final Word – Matthew 21:22 (GWT)

Have faith that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Please receive this final word, if you believe [have faith], then you will receive whatever you pray [ask] for. So, merging prayer and faith is the best way to make good things happen. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible lesson. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

♥ Question for ‘daily Bible study – pray first’: Prayer works if you believe [have faith]; do you believe prayer works?

Scriptures to read/study

Matthew 6:25-34 (31-33) and 21:20-22 (22); James 5:13-18 (13-16); 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Matthew 26:36-46 ((Mark 14.32-42 and Luke 22.39-46). Romans 5:6-11 (8); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-22 (10 and 17-18); and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (2-3). Romans 12:9-21 (12); Philippians 4:2-7 (6); Mark 11:20-24 (23-24); Matthew 9:27-31 (28-29) and 15:21-28. Acts 6:1-7 (2 and 4); Colossians 4:2-6 (2); 1 John 3:16-24 (22-24).