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Rev. E. Anderson
THE DIVINE PREREQUISITES TO ANSWERED PRAYER
God does answer prayer but stipulates that certain factors must be existent in the Christian believer for this to continually occur. It is imperative to know what they are and see that they are present and so meet divine approval.
THE VITAL DIVINE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH
If prayer is to be effectual and influential then divine faith must be present and active.
It is noticeable that faith is an all important factor in the experience of salvation and conversion that brings into a state of perfect justification before God – Romans 10: 8-10. God’s Word makes it perfectly apparent that “without faith it is impossible to please God” – Hebrews 11: 6
1/. CHRIST TAUGHT THAT FAITH IS A MUST IF PRAYER IS TO BRING GREAT RESULTS – Mark 11: 19-24
There is a no point in praying over anything unless there is a real faith in God as to His being and His extraordinary and miraculous power. This must be really considered before prayer is resorted to. Do I believe God is interested and willing to act in relation to what is to be prayed over?
2/.CHRIST SOUGHT TO CREATE AND CULTIVATE FAITH IN HIS DISCIPLES
The Christian master and teacher was forever seeking to nurture divine confidence in those whom He called into special relationship with himself. He knew that if they were going to make a valid contribution n to His cause and kingdom and if prayer was to become meaningful and powerful then this must be in place. Unbelief gets nothing whatsoever so it is imperative that faith be present and active.
3/. CHRIST EXEMPLIFIED FAITH HIMSELF AND SET THE EXAMPLE IN PRAYER
He never taught that which He did not put into practice and operation himself ina perfect and absolute manner. It is possible to gain a great deal of inspiration and encouragement from Him alone in relation to prayer and the things that came through this ministry. He could testify: “Father, I thank You because that You have heard Me. And I know that You hear Me always” – John 11: 41, 42. It is important to be in the spirit of faith where we know we always have the ear and hand of God on all matters at all times.
4/. CHRIST GIVES THE FAITH TO THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED TO LET HIM LIVE WITHIN LIFE AND CONTROL
One of the main reasons why he comes to take up residence within those who believe in Him and receive Him is that faith may be a dynamic factor and force within them. Paul could say: “the life I now live I live by the faith of the Son of God” – Galatians 2: 20. Inspired by this divine principle, it governed him in all matters, especially prayer. The same kind of faith that Christ had is yours because He lives and works in you.
5/. CHRIST SHOWS THAT FAITH IN PRAYER IS CAPABLE OF EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENTS
He sought to show that if real believing prayer was existent and exercised then it was capable of producing incredible results. There is the illustration of moving a mountain from its secure place and being transported into the sea just to illustrate the potency of believing prayer. Elijah unquestionably proved the power of believing prayer in his ability to control nature. Prayer is linked with the bring to pass of the miraculous. God just loves to prove His authority and ability through the believing prayers of His people and servants.
CONCLUSION
Before prayer is engaged in it is essential to know whether there is any genuine, divine believing over the things to prayed over and brought to God.
